Canopy by Hilton Launches in Cape Town, Enhancing City’s Luxury Hotel Appeal
Hilton has unveiled its latest venture in Africa with the grand opening of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof. This marks the brand's debut in South Africa, strategically positioned within the revitalized Longkloof district, a hub of innovation and culture in the heart of Cape Town.
This launch comes at an opportune time for Cape Town's thriving luxury hotel market. The city boasts impressive occupancy rates, averaging 72.5% in April 2025, with luxury hotels reaching 66.2% occupancy. The average daily rate (ADR) also saw a significant year-on-year increase of 17.7%, reaching ZAR 3,145.96. This positive trend aligns with the city's overall tourism growth, with Cape Town International Airport recording over half a million arrivals in December 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
The Longkloof district itself has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a vibrant mixed-use precinct. The area now features a newly opened shopping center, modern office spaces, and a burgeoning tech start-up hub, anchored by Workshop17 and Innovation City. This dynamic environment makes the Canopy by Hilton an ideal choice for business travelers seeking connection to the city's innovative pulse, as well as leisure travelers looking for an immersive local experience.
Culinary tourism is a key focus of the new hotel, featuring Ongetem, the latest restaurant by acclaimed South African chef Bertus Basson. Known for his modern interpretations of traditional South African cuisine, Basson brings his "Butcher, Baker, Cocktail Maker" philosophy to Ongetem, offering a vibrant dining experience centered around flame-grilled meats, fresh pastries, and handcrafted cocktails. This culinary destination is poised to become a draw for both hotel guests and local residents, further enhancing the Longkloof district's appeal.
The hotel's design seamlessly blends the historical charm of the 112-year-old neighborhood with modern aesthetics. The preserved red brick façade pays homage to Longkloof's heritage, while the interiors feature abundant natural light, inspiring design, and locally sourced artwork. Each of the 154 guest rooms is spacious and modern, featuring a signature canopy bed adorned with colorful South African prints. This thoughtful design creates a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the vibrant energy of the surrounding district.
For travel agents, the Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof offers a unique selling proposition. Its location in the heart of the revitalized Longkloof district, combined with its focus on local culture, art, and cuisine, provides a distinctive experience for travelers seeking more than just accommodation. The hotel's partnership with a renowned chef like Bertus Basson adds another layer of appeal, particularly for discerning culinary tourists. Furthermore, the hotel's integration into the Hilton Honors program provides added value and convenience for loyal Hilton customers.
This opening is part of Hilton's broader expansion strategy in Africa, which includes tripling its presence across the continent with over 100 new properties planned. The Canopy by Hilton brand is also expanding globally, with recent openings in the Seychelles, Japan, and Canada, and upcoming projects in Italy, Portugal, and the United States. This global growth reflects the increasing demand for lifestyle-focused hotels that offer authentic local experiences.
The Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof presents a compelling opportunity for African travel agents to capitalize on the growing luxury tourism market in Cape Town. By showcasing this unique property to their clients, agents can offer a differentiated travel experience that combines the best of local culture, culinary innovation, and modern design within a vibrant and historically rich district.
