Sun City Hotel to Undergo Major Transformation
SUN CITY HOTEL IS UNDERGOING A COMPLETE RENOVATION, BLENDING TRADITIONAL AFRICAN DESIGN WITH MODERN LUXURY TO ENHANCE GUEST EXPERIENCES.
The iconic Sun City Hotel, known for its luxury and entertainment, is undergoing a massive renovation. This transformation marks a new chapter for the hotel, blending its rich history with modern elegance. Sun International, the company behind the resort, aims to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the hotel’s timeless appeal.
A Legendary Beginning
Sun City Hotel opened its doors on December 19, 1979, after just 16 months of construction. The R30 million project quickly became a success, attracting over 300,000 visitors within its first year. This surge in popularity highlighted the need for expansion, leading to the addition of The Cascades, The Cabanas, and The Palace hotels. However, the original Sun City Hotel has always held a special place in people’s hearts.
In 2016, the hotel received a R1 billion upgrade and was rebranded as Soho. Despite this, many guests continued to refer to it as the Sun City Hotel. According to Brett Hoppé, Sun City’s General Manager, the name Soho never fully resonated with the public. Realizing the strong emotional connection guests had with the original name, Sun City decided to restore it.
A Comprehensive Facelift
From August 2024 to November 2026, the Sun City Hotel will undergo a full renovation. This project includes upgrades to all 340 rooms, bedroom corridors, and terraces. The famous Sun Terrace will also receive a makeover. Sun City plans to complete the first phase, with 56 rooms ready by November 2024, just in time for the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
The refurbished hotel will offer a variety of room types, including 74 family rooms, 50 interleading rooms, and two luxurious presidential suites. Each room will feature African-inspired designs, blending traditional elements with modern comfort.
Interior Design with African Inspiration
The redesign of the Sun City Hotel interiors has been entrusted to Blacksmith Interior Inspiration, a firm known for its exceptional work in hospitality. Ryan Ilgner, the firm’s director, explained that the new design pays tribute to Tswana culture, which is deeply rooted in the region.
Guests will notice intricate details like bespoke carpet designs inspired by Tswana weaving. The hotel’s decor combines warm savannah tones with rich leathers and cool teal accents in the bathrooms. This color palette reflects the surrounding natural beauty, particularly the panoramic views of the Pilanesberg mountains.
Blacksmith Interior Inspiration has previously worked with Sun International on other projects, such as The Maslow at Time Square and the Sun Vacation Club. Their expertise will ensure that the Sun City Hotel remains a standout destination for luxury and comfort.
A New Era for Sun City
As the first hotel built at Sun City, this iconic venue has been the heart of the resort for over four decades. With its upcoming transformation, the Sun City Hotel is set to continue its legacy of hospitality excellence. The upgrades will not only modernize the hotel but also honor its long-standing tradition of providing unforgettable experiences.
