The new additions will be primed to host both local and international guests in a secure and energetic environment during the World Cup hospitality boom and beyond. 

The Docklands Hotel and The Anchorage Hotel simultaneously began construction last year, with The Docklands Hotel opening in May 2010. The new additions are set to enhance one of Durban’s most iconic locations, which is currently undergoing the transformation from a previously dilapidated precinct into a multi-billion rand investment gem. 

“It was a natural progression to have hospitality developments in this re-generation precinct, as a number of nearby attractions and the beaches lend themselves to attracting both leisure and business tourists,” says Alan Vels, Managing Director of Signature Life Hotels.

“The entire node has developed to include a grand mix of business and residential in the area, which offers the further creation of entertainment areas within hotels.” observes Vels.  “Also, with some inner city hotels downsizing and downgrading, there was a need for new business hotels on the Durban beachfront area.”

A major draw card of the Durban Point Waterfront is its proximity to places of interest and its prime location, says Mr. Logi Naidoo, Acting Chairman of the DPDC and Deputy Mayor of Ethekwini Municipality.

“Durban Point Waterfront is adjacent the R735 million U’Shaka Marine Theme Park, which is a major tourist attraction. With easy access to the beachfront and Indian Ocean, as well as being within a 10km radius of the Moses Mabhida stadium, the Durban Point Waterfront is a leading location for the influx of visitors expected over the next few months.” notes Naidoo.

The area is also accessible via a range of transportation modes, which include pedestrian, road, rail and sea.  This allows for more accessible local, national and international connections.

The Docklands Hotel is a four-star hotel, with 81 designer decorated rooms, a restaurant and four conference rooms, seating a total of 400 people.  The hotel, with its estimated value of R110 million, is urban, trendy and modern and boasts stunning views over the Indian Ocean and harbour.

The R60 million Anchorage Hotel, which is part of the Life Hotels brand, has 63 rooms, a restaurant and a conference room, which seats 400 people. The Anchorage Hotel is set to open in the latter part of 2010.  The hotels are expected to draw guests from afar, and collectively can accommodate 304 guests sleeping over and 600 in the conference and banqueting suites.

“The Durban Point Waterfront is one of South Africa's most significant and exciting property development and investment projects, and the addition of these world-class hotels is evidence of this.” says Colin Sher, Sales and Marketing Manager for Durban Point Development Company and Managing Director Broll Property Group Kwazulu Natal.

“The hotels have very interesting contemporary designs with unique dining and meeting facilities, and compare to hotels and business spaces one would find in Canary Wharf in London.” explains Vels. “Our vision for these hotels is for them to become the leading city business hotels in Durban, recognised for world class accommodation and meeting spaces”.

In excess of R1.8 billion has already been spent on development at Durban Point Waterfront, with the final investment figure estimated in the region of R6 billion.   This prime development, which will include a 44,000sqm entertainment and lifestyle shopping centre, is set to become one of Durban’s most esteemed locations.  Phase One of the development is rapidly becoming a reality with its different elements in various stages of completion, planning and construction.