Cape Town’s luxury hospitality landscape is set for a significant addition following confirmation that Marriott International will introduce the first Edition Hotel on the African continent at the V&A Waterfront, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The long-anticipated announcement places the city at the centre of a major international investment in high-end travel and tourism.
According to TimeOut, the agreement, confirmed on Thursday by Marriott International, Inc. and V&A Waterfront Holdings, will see The Cape Town edition open its doors in 2026.
The development forms part of the Quay 7 precinct within the broader Granger Bay area, a section of the Waterfront earmarked for premium mixed-use projects.
The hotel is expected to be among the most expensive hospitality developments in South Africa in recent decades, with an estimated price tag of around R1 billion.
The Cape Town Edition will feature 142 hotel rooms and suites, complemented by six private serviced residences. Plans also include a rooftop bar, spa, swimming pool and destination dining spaces designed to appeal to both international visitors and local patrons.
Speaking on the announcement, Karim Cheltout, who is the Senior Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, said the setting played a decisive role in the brand’s choice.
‘The V&A Waterfront is an iconic location, and we are confident that this project will set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the market,’ Cheltout stated.
The project marks the Edition brand’s first step onto African soil, aligning with Marriott’s stated intention to expand its luxury portfolio across the continent.
Architecture and design will be led by Shanghai-based firm Neri & Hu, working alongside Cape Town-based StudioMAS. Together, the teams will shape both the hotel and its residential component, with a focus on blending international design language with local context.
The building is set to offer panoramic views of some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, including Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Table Bay, a feature expected to be central to the guest experience.
David Green, Chief Executive Officer of the V&A Waterfront, described the development as an important addition to the precinct.
‘It is an architecturally stunning new building,’ Green highlighted, adding that Cape Town’s selection as the location was significant.
‘We are witnessing growing tourism demand in the city, and The Cape Town Edition will offer guests a plethora of destination-led experiences.’
Beyond accommodation, the development is designed to connect visitors directly to the Waterfront’s luxury retail outlets, established restaurants, charter cruises and curated experiences.
With construction timelines pointing to a 2026 opening, the arrival of the Edition brand is expected to further elevate the city’s international hospitality profile, while reinforcing the V&A Waterfront’s role as a key gateway for luxury tourism in South Africa.
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