Way-above-par hotel for Houghton
AN R870 million luxury hotel is under construction in Houghton. Besides the hotel rooms, suites will be on sale from R3.9m.
The Houghton Hotel, which will overlook a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, will be operated by The Leading Hotels of the World.
“We are excited to welcome The Houghton to our portfolio,” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, vice-president of group membership.
“The project truly is unique, with its comprehensive array of facilities, its park-like setting in Joburg’s affluent green belt and its proximity to upscale shopping and prime business,” he said.
Heleen Grimsehl, partner at Boogertman & Partners, the architects, said the hotel was located on the apex of the affluent residential suburb.
“We’ve made use of refined precision design elements and materials to reflect this affluence.
“At the same time, we’ve introduced the location’s highveld heritage by using natural elements and soft, sweeping lines in the aesthetic,” she said.
There will be a “living art” exhibition throughout the hotel. Guests and residents will be able to enjoy artworks and sculptures, all produced by upcoming artists.
Andrew Morris, project manager, said the hotel’s most striking feature would be a cascading, terraced landscape that culminates in a waterfall, plunging several metres into the hotel’s large circular swimming pool.
A separate tidal pool will be created for children.
The hotel will have a deli, a 90-seater restaurant developed with input from chef Billy Gallagher, a bar overlooking the golf course, a hair and nail bar, a spa, dry cleaner and gym. And jogging paths traverse the hotel’s 7.2km of parkland.
Completion is scheduled for the end of 2017.