A new R15-million hotel, The Kelway, is under construction on the beachfront near the former dolphinarium at Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape.

MD of development group T & B Log Homes, Gareth Tanner, said that, unlike its predecessor, The Caboose, the new hotel will not rely entirely on solid log walls but will instead be a combination of log and brick.

It will, he said, have an attractive ‘industrial chic’ look and will be more upmarket and luxurious than its predecessor.

His team, he said, is aiming for a four star rating.

“The design will be similar to that of the Knysna Log Inn,” said Tanner.

“This has several times won the award for the best luxury hotel in South Africa. As in the Knysna Log Inn, the suites will be larger than usual. The big advantage here is that all rooms will have sea views”.

The ground floor will have a 150 seater restaurant with a very large breakaway room suitable for conferencing.

An open-air swimming pool will be built in a private garden area to one side of the complex and secure parking for up to 200 motorcars will be provided.

The contract time is fast: opening date is scheduled for May 1.

The manager will be Rickey Mitchell, who has had seven years with the group.
Engineering News 2004/03/18