Hilton Hotels has signed a management agreement with Durban-based UA Hotel Company to open South Africa’s very first Garden Inn property, Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch in KwaZulu Natal, set to open in 2020.
The R1,3 billion (€87 million) development will be situated in the province’s Umhlanga Ridge precinct and will feature 207 bedrooms.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton senior vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said Umhlanga was a terrific location in which to launch Hilton Garden Inn in South Africa, as it was a popular upmarket commercial and leisure destination.
“Umhlanga is one of South Africa’s fastest-growing economic areas.” He said the nearby King Shaka International Airport, which opened in 2010 and a significant boost in office space was driving considerable growth in corporate traffic, creating demand for what would be the first Hilton Garden Inn in South Africa.
UA Hotel Company’s Charles Thompson said, along with the hotel, the project would include offices, retail space and contemporary apartments across 45 000 sqm of development. “We are pleased to announce Hilton as our international hotel partner. The hotel will operate under its Hilton Garden Inn brand, a quality, upper midscale brand with a proven track record of providing exceptional service – the perfect fit for Umhlanga Arch.”
Furthermore, the hotel will offer its own fitness and business centres, outdoor pool and various food and beverage outlets, including a garden and lounge bar.
Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch will be located within easy access of Gateway Shopping Centre, Durban, La Lucia Ridge and King Shaka International Airport.
