Pullman Cape Town City Centre adapts to modern travel demands

Brian Berkman visited the Accor Hotel Group’s first Pullman-branded hotel in South Africa, formerly a Radisson Blu, and found that subtle changes enhanced the guest experience.

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The 214-key Pullman Cape Town City Centre hotel sits at the edge of the CBD in a tower block once occupied by the now defunct shipping line Safmarine.

Prior to Pullman, an Accor-brand incarnation, the hotel was operated by Radisson under its Blu label.

This is a hybrid property where the lines between hotel and apartment, and business and leisure, are blurred.

FRESH TOUCHES

Many of the wonderful features that existed when it was Radisson Blu remain, such as the Ghibli Bar and the raised terrace pool deck.

The lobby feels quite different, with single check-in desks and a fun market-style cart offering flavoured waters and fresh fruit as a welcome refreshment. To the left of reception, the Sea Street coffee shop and Konnichiwa, a new sushi bar at street level, are impressive.

The in-house guest experience happens behind an access-controlled lift lobby, with stunning floral arrangements.

BUSINESS MEETS LEISURE

Part of the hotel's positioning is in welcoming all travellers with the understanding that most people today, even those on holiday, want to keep tabs on business and other activities.