‘Illegal, noisy’ Houghton hotel angers residents
AN “illegal” five-star Houghton boutique hotel that plays host to the rich and famous has well-heeled neighbours up in arms for upsetting their peace and quiet.
The Munro Boutique Hotel, on St Patrick Road opposite King Edward VII School in Houghton, Johannesburg, was built three years ago by businessman Mark Kaplan.
With double-volume ceilings, ornate and antique furniture and en suite spa baths, the hotel has quickly become a favourite among A-listers in Jozi.
Last month, it hosted the Moët & Chandon screening of the French Open men’s final. Businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo, fashion designer David Tlale and makeup artist Nthato Mashishi attended.
But, since the hotel has opened its doors, the Upper Houghton Residents Association, the ward councillor and schools in the area have been fighting to have it closed.
They say it was constructed without a proper rezoning permit and liquor licence and that the noise coming from the hotel during functions disturbed the quiet neighbourhood.
The hotel is also used for weddings, engagements, corporate functions and for filming adverts.
David van Heerden, chairman of the residents’ association, said they were not against any business operations in the area — but that they wanted to ensure that everyone followed the bylaws. “We are avoiding a situation where anybody can do whatever they like,” he said.
Houses in the area sell for as much as R15-million.
The association, with the help of a private lawyer and a town planner, had written letters to the owner, addressing the rezoning and liquor licence issue, but said it had not had any positive feedback from the hotel.
When contacted on Friday, Kaplan refused to comment.
A resident who lives opposite the hotel and did not want to be named said some of the events were noisy, sometimes with up to 100 people who were often entertained outside.
“The functions often take place on Sundays and we are not informed. Traffic issues arise as there is very limited parking inside. We are constantly disturbed by delivery trucks and, because the hotel has no sign, people often ring our bell,” she said.
Another resident, Richard Came, who lives a few houses from the hotel, has also written a letter complaining that events often take place during the week.
Ward councillor Marcelle BloomRavid said the hotel was refused highdensity rezoning last year. BloomRavid has also written letters informing the City of Johannesburg about the problem.
Municipal spokesman Virgil James said they would investigate the matter.