Preserving a rich history
The new owner of Durban’s Royal Hotel wants to restore the iconic building to its former glory, writes Clinton Moodley
PROPERTY mogul and hotelier Saantha Naidu is not the kind of businessman who would let the opportunity to buy one of Durban’s landmark buildings slip through his fingers. So when news broke that Swaziland businessman Moses Motsa was selling the iconic Royal Hotel, he and his executive team started planning the purchase.
Having been in the hospitality industry for the past 20 years, Naidu knew that forking out R78 million is a small price to pay when it comes to preserving history.
The 63-year-old father of four, who lives in Morningside in Durban, is excited about the challenges this new project will bring, and his team is already working on an assessment of the property – conducting a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat (Swot) analysis.
It is only after the assess- ment is done that decisions about the future of the hotel can be made.
“Owning the property is something we are quite excited about, especially because of its rich 170-year history. It is a place of historical value that everyone can relate to,” said Naidu.
“Being a hotelier and the owner of the Coastlands brand, I knew this was something I wanted. When it comes to mak- ing purchases, I never make spur of the moment decisions.”
Since making the purchase during an auction at the hotel on Tuesday, he has been inundated with congratulatory messages and calls from businessmen, politicians and the general public.
The former five-star establishment has boasted many famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Alfred, Mark Twain, Cecil Rhodes, Sir Henry Rider Haggard, Margaret Thatcher and Stevie Wonder. While the hotel has lost its shine in the last couple of years, Naidu is confident he can restore it to its original glory.
“The architecture is beautiful and we want to reflect the old ambience, while incorporating modern elements. This is why the assessment process is so important.
“With hard work, perseverance and a great team behind me, we will be able to achieve this,” said Naidu.
He is optimistic that when the new and improved Royal Hotel opens its doors, it will revive the hotel’s image, as well as create several economic development opportunities.
Naidu says the hotel holds a special place in his heart: he fondly recalls meeting Nelson Mandela there in 1993.
“The hotel has become part of many of our lives over the years. I remember attending a number of functions at the venue,” he said.
Head of group risk management for the Coastlands Group, Perun Naidoo, says he has faith that Naidu has what it takes to take the Royal Hotel to greater heights. “He is passionate, hardworking and an overachiever,’ Naidoo said.