If you’ve ever strolled along Cape Town’s scenic Atlantic Seaboard, you might have noticed the iconic Ritz Hotel standing tall in Sea Point.

Once a shining symbol of glamour and innovation, the hotel has unfortunately lost much of its sparkle in recent years.

Renovations and Legal Setbacks Halted the Comeback

Back in 2018, the Ritz was gearing up for a grand reopening after extensive renovations, sparking excitement across the city.

But that hopeful comeback was dashed when the Cape Town High Court ruled that the management company running the hotel had failed to pay the required fees to Ritz Plaza, the property owner.

Since then, the hotel has remained closed, much to the disappointment of locals and visitors alike.

A Hotel Famous for Its Revolving Restaurant and Cutting-Edge Design

During its heyday, the Ritz was known for packing in around 80% occupancy and stood out thanks to its unique, innovative design.

One of its most famous features was the revolving restaurant, offering diners a full 360-degree view of Cape Town — a truly unforgettable experience.

A New Owner Could Spark a Revival for the Historic Hotel

Now, after years of silence, there might finally be some good news.

Property expert Ash Müller revealed that the Ritz has been sold for approximately R240 million, signaling a potential new chapter for this beloved landmark.

A Personal Touch from Cape Town’s Mayor

The news even caught the attention of Cape Town’s mayor, Georgin Hill-Lewis, who shared a heartfelt memory: “My wife and I ate dinner at the revolving restaurant on the night we got engaged.

I really hope to see this old gem revived.” It’s clear the Ritz holds a special place in many hearts.

Why the Ritz Was Ahead of Its Time

Müller also pointed out how groundbreaking the hotel was when it first opened.

“The Ritz was built using modular construction — bathrooms and bedrooms were prebuilt off-site and then installed from the top down.

It won several awards in the early 1970s for this innovative building method,” he explained.