Hilton Debuts Canopy Cape Town Longkloof, Igniting a New Era in South African Hospitality
Cape Town, South Africa – The Longkloof district in Cape Town is now home to South Africa’s first Canopy by Hilton, marking a transformative moment in the city’s tourism narrative. Officially open, Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof seamlessly blends modern design with local culture and heritage—positioning itself as the anchor in a newly revitalized, historic neighborhood that’s fast becoming Cape Town’s premier tourism and culinary destination.
Nestled in the heart of the City Bowl, the new hotel is part of Hilton’s broader strategy to expand its lifestyle brand presence across Africa. It also serves as a key piece in Cape Town’s urban development puzzle, reactivating a once-silent industrial quarter into a hub of innovation, art, and gastronomy.
Longkloof Reimagined: From Industrial Past to Cultural Future
The Longkloof area, previously characterized by its red-brick warehouses and aging infrastructure, has undergone a remarkable urban transformation led by Growthpoint Properties. With the arrival of Hilton’s lifestyle brand, the district now bridges the city’s architectural past with a dynamic future fueled by tech startups, co-working spaces, and creative studios.
What was once a footnote in Cape Town’s industrial history has become a cultural stage for local artists, entrepreneurs, and now global travelers. Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof acts as the centerpiece of this renewal.
Local Design, Global Appeal
With 154 guestrooms, the hotel celebrates the rich textures, colors, and stories of Cape Town. The building’s façade respects the heritage of the 112-year-old Longkloof Studios, while interiors capture the spirit of Cape Malay aesthetics, fynbos landscapes, and Atlantic blues—a nod to the region’s natural beauty and vibrant communities.
Guests are greeted with handcrafted furnishings, bold South African textiles, and ceiling canopies above the beds inspired by indigenous patterns. Every detail—down to the curated artwork sourced from Cape Town artisans—evokes a deep sense of place and belonging.
Ongetem: A Culinary Experience with South African Soul
At the core of the hotel’s experience is Ongetem, a culinary destination led by renowned South African chef Bertus Basson. Translating to “untamed” in Afrikaans, Ongetem embraces South Africa’s culinary diversity with a bold, fire-driven menu that highlights indigenous ingredients and local heritage techniques.
The restaurant not only welcomes hotel guests but serves as a neighborhood gathering space, reflecting Hilton’s goal to integrate its properties with the fabric of local communities. With dishes like flame-grilled Karoo lamb and cocktails infused with Cape botanicals, Ongetem is poised to become a favorite on Cape Town’s gourmet map.
A Gateway to Iconic Cape Town Attractions
Strategically located, the hotel offers effortless access to the best of Cape Town. It is:
- 10 minutes from Table Mountain National Park
- Under 15 minutes to Camps Bay Beach and Clifton
- Minutes from the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, and Zeitz MOCAA
- 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport
- A short ride from the Cape Town International Convention Centre
The central position makes it ideal for both leisure and business travelers, especially as Cape Town continues to rebound strongly in the post-pandemic travel landscape.
Hilton’s Strategic Growth in Africa
The launch of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof underscores Hilton’s continued investment in South Africa’s hospitality sector. According to the South African Tourism Department, the country welcomed nearly 9 million visitors in 2024, with Cape Town drawing the lion’s share due to its unique combination of natural and cultural attractions.
The new property joins Hilton’s growing portfolio across South Africa, which includes Hilton Durban, Hilton Sandton, and Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch, with several more projects under development. Hilton aims to align with the evolving expectations of global travelers—particularly younger demographics seeking immersive, locally rooted experiences.
Enhancing Cape Town’s Tourism Vision
Cape Town has long positioned itself as a destination that offers more than postcard beauty. Its official tourism agency, Cape Town Tourism, has emphasized community-led tourism, sustainability, and creative entrepreneurship in recent strategic plans.
Canopy by Hilton fits squarely into this vision. The hotel promotes local sourcing, champions community partnerships, and aims to uplift the creative economy through collaborations with artists, chefs, and cultural organizations.
This synergy between urban development and authentic hospitality is crucial as the city continues to diversify its tourism offering beyond its traditional coastal allure.
A Symbol of Cape Town’s Resilience and Innovation
More than just a stylish hotel, Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof represents a broader shift in how the Mother City presents itself to the world. It’s a bold, forward-thinking property that captures both the resilience of Cape Town’s people and the energy of its future.
As Longkloof grows into a magnet for digital nomads, urban explorers, and cultural tourists, the hotel is likely to become both a symbol of Cape Town’s renaissance and a benchmark for how global hospitality brands can respectfully and meaningfully engage with local heritage.
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