News

City Lodge Hotels has completed a full refurbishment of Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha, marking the latest in a series of property upgrades as the group continues to reinvest in its portfolio of 56 hotels.
The refurbishment marks the next chapter for the four-star seafront hotel, introducing a design-led aesthetic that strengthens its appeal to business, leisure and bleisure travellers. Work began in July 2025 and was completed in April 2026, followed by several months of snagging, with the project overseen by the hotel’s General Manager, Erich Oberhauser.

Set along the Gqeberha coastline with spectacular views across Algoa Bay, and with Shark Rock Pier forming part of its distinctive seaside outlook, the hotel's new design takes its cues from the surrounding landscape. In particular, it draws inspiration from the dramatic colours of sunset, when the horizon shifts through shades of pink and coral against a deep blue sky.

The redesign encompasses the hotel’s restaurant, 91 rooms — comprising 80 studios and 11 one-bedroom suites, with interleading rooms available — conferencing facilities, boardroom and public spaces. Throughout, the coastal setting is reflected through coral accents, deep blue and sandy-toned custom rugs, and rich timber finishes that create interiors that feel calm, warm and cocooning.

“Today's guest seeks an experience that feels individual, immersive and connected to its surroundings,” explains Louise Nogueira Dracopoulos of Oniro Studios, the group’s interior designer. “Rather than interpreting the ocean literally, these colours and contrasts became the foundation of the interior palette.”

“The intention was to create rooms that transition effortlessly between retreat and functionality,” she adds. “A guest should be able to wake to the salty ocean air and feel connected to the destination, while still enjoying the comfort and familiarity associated with the Courtyard brand.”

A new coastal welcome

Guests entering the hotel are welcomed beneath stylised, marine-inspired ceiling murals, with the eye drawn through the lobby towards a large arched window framing the ocean beyond.
The reception area has been redesigned to feel welcoming rather than formal, while a new co-working lounge, anchored by a fireplace and lined with timber shelving, provides a quieter alternative to a conventional business centre.

Longstanding ship models that have been part of the hotel for many years have been retained and given a new home within the shelving, connecting the property's history with its new maritime-inspired interior.

“Rather than discarding these pieces in pursuit of something entirely new, they became part of the next chapter of the hotel's story, connecting its history to the new maritime-inspired interior,” says Louise.

The sunken lounge and newly created bar form the social heart of the ground floor, positioned to take full advantage of the ocean outlook. Custom hand-painted murals by artist Nikhil Tricam, created on tiled panels and inspired by maritime history, old ships and nautical elements, further connect the interiors to the ship models displayed in the co-working lounge.

25° East restaurant

The hotel's restaurant has also been completely redesigned and renamed 25° East.
A new double banquette creates a central feature while introducing more intimate seating, while the cold buffet and cookout areas have been incorporated into the guest experience.

Heading up the kitchen is Sous Chef Khanya Mshweshwe, who says the new offering has been designed to provide variety while retaining some of the hotel's popular favourites.

“What excites me most is the variety of menu options. We have a broad menu, with something for everyone and new options for returning guests to always try. Our menu also offers authentic South African meals, which have stayed due to their popularity,” says Khanya.

Conferencing with an ocean view

The hotel's conferencing and meeting facilities have also been upgraded, with three dedicated spaces: Anchor, accommodating up to 10 guests; Compass, accommodating up to 50; and Latitude, accommodating up to 80. The combined commercial area can accommodate up to 120 delegates in a cocktail-style setting.

The meeting spaces carry the same palette of ocean blues, ochre accents and warm timber finishes seen throughout the hotel, creating a cohesive environment for business events, meetings and conferences.

A new chapter for Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha

“We are delighted that the big day has finally arrived when we can reveal all the work that’s been going on behind the scenes to the residents of Gqeberha, our valued guests, and the tourism industry,” says Erich Oberhauser. “This has been a long process but worth it for the elegant and contemporary look and feel that the hotel is now taking into the future.”

At the heart of the refurbishment is one of City Lodge Hotels' enduring principles: creating a home away from home for guests.

“Our objective was to preserve that familiarity while transforming Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha into a distinctive coastal destination,” says Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, Chief Operating Officer at City Lodge Hotels. “It brings business, conferencing and leisure together in one exceptional setting, offering an elevated lifestyle experience, sublime comfort and a sense of luxury, while remaining warmly connected to its destination.”

The Gqeberha refurbishment forms part of a broader programme of investment across the City Lodge Hotels portfolio. Other properties to have undergone major upgrades include City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, with its new Umoya Restaurant, and City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront, home to Atlantic Social restaurant and Atlantic Lounge bar.

Courtyard Hotel Sandton and Courtyard Hotel Rosebank, which has undergone a partial refurbishment, have also benefited from upgrades, alongside City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood, Town Lodge George, Town Lodge Bellville, Road Lodge Durban and Road Lodge N1 City, which have received full refurbishments.
Further upgrades are currently underway at Road Lodge Gqeberha and City Lodge Hotel Sandton, Morningside, while Road Lodge Johannesburg International Airport is scheduled to begin its upgrade later this year. These will be followed in 2027 by refurbishments at City Lodge Hotel Fourways, Town Lodge Gqeberha and Town Lodge Roodepoort.

Announced in the group's latest annual results on 10 September 2026, City Lodge Hotels is also actively pursuing expansion opportunities, particularly in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Construction of a 53-room expansion at City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City is scheduled to commence in September 2026, with completion expected in June 2027.

With its refreshed interiors, new restaurant concept and strengthened conferencing offering, Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha enters its next chapter with a design firmly rooted in its coastal setting — bringing the landscape of Algoa Bay inside while retaining the sense of familiarity that has long defined the Courtyard brand.