DoubleTree by Hilton Opens First Hotel in South Africa

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Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the official opening of the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in South Africa – the 183-room DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside. Owned and operated by Upper Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd under a franchise license agreement, the newly renovated, upscale full-service property is located in Cape Town’s upcoming district of Woodstock, a dynamic area which is home to an abundance of fashionable art galleries, boutiques, music bars and trendy restaurants. The hotel becomes the fifth Hilton Worldwide property in South Africa and the third DoubleTree by Hilton in Africa.Accommodation ranges from executive rooms and suites to luxury, two-storey duplex loft rooms located on the penthouse floor with panoramic views of the city’s best known landmarks. With both business and leisure guests in mind, DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside offers a wide range of amenities, including nine meeting rooms, a 350 -capacity function room and 24-hour fitness and business centres. Discerning guests can also enjoy Liberty’s Restaurant with its seasonal á la carte fusion-style menu created by executive chef Simon Kemp. Kemp is renowned for his professional creativity and attention to detail. Guests and locals who wish to unwind can visit the eStreet Bar and Lounge, which is open for cocktails and drinks every evening until 1am, with live entertainment on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mike Flax, chairman of Upper Eastside Hotel (Pty) Ltd, owners and operators of the converted hotel said: “The city’s status as an attractive tourism and events hub is becoming globally recognised and the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside will help meet the growing demand for first class, branded accommodation.”

Positioned at the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers to the Continent. Known as the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is a celebrated wine-making region and boasts world famous landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. The city is also a primary MICE destination playing host to numerous festivals and events including high profile conventions such as the World Economic Forum in May 2013 and the Design Capital Exhibition in 2014. Leisure travellers will note the prestigious 2012 World Travel honour awarded to the city as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination.

Daniel Fountain / 18.04.2013

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

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Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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