ANEW’s impactful investments drive 4-star upgrades across key properties

Throughout 2024, the group made substantial upgrades to several key facilities, resulting in five hotels moving from 3-star to 4-star status. This intentional and strategic move has embedded the ANEW group’s desire to be the preferred brand of choice in the upscale 4-star market in South Africa.

The new status for these properties were recognised by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and shows ANEW’s continued investment and commitment to understanding and delivering on what today’s travellers value most. Quality, comfort, good food and thoughtful details in their rooms and public areas.

The properties that recently upgraded to 4-star status include: ANEW Hotel Capital Pretoria, ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe, ANEW Hotel Highveld eMalahleni, ANEW Hotel Hatfield, and ANEW Hotel OR Tambo Johannesburg.

While many in the hospitality industry slowed investments following the challenges of COVID-19, almost five years ago, ANEW Hotels & Resorts chose to look ahead from the onset, investing in its facilities and properties to align with modern guest needs.

“Our vision has always been to create spaces that reflect our guests’ expectations while maintaining accessibility for South Africans,” said CEO Clinton Armour, who is personally involved in every design detail at all ANEW properties.

“The 4-star upgrades are a reflection of our belief in the resilience of South Africa’s hospitality industry and our dedication to delivering on the small details that truly matter to our guests the most”, he says.

Clinton’s hands-on approach extends to every aspect of the entire guest experience across the group’s current 19 properties. From the strategic placement of plug points to the selection of pillows in the rooms, to the placement of plants in public areas. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that upgrades are not just cosmetic but enhance comfort and convenience for every traveller and remains visually pleasing to the eye, and to the standard of the 2025 traveller.

Mentioning the current challenges in refurbishing a space he adds: “Upgrading a room today involves far more than aesthetic improvements. Refurbishments these days have become much more complex and now require a comprehensive approach of integrating sustainability with contemporary luxury. Each project addresses practical considerations from, for instance, improved cabling, to optimised room layouts, and upgraded public spaces to meet the changing needs of both South African and international guests.”

Refurbishments remain an ongoing priority into 2025 for the group, with some properties still undergoing transformations to achieve the group’s goal of an entirely 4-star portfolio.

As ANEW Hotels & Resorts sets its sights on the year ahead, the group remains focused on continuously redefining the hospitality journey for its valued guests. These upgrades mark just the beginning of a larger journey to balance quality, accessibility, and innovation across all properties in the group. Watch this space for further updates, as ANEW Hotels & Resorts prepares to announce more exciting expansion plans soon.