The New National Hotel and Conference Centre stands proudly on Voortrekker Road and faces an ever-changing city scape with the same innovative outlook it has had since its establishment in 1950.
The land was purchased from Captain Parow himself, by a gentleman named Jimmy Taylor. Parow divided up the land into commercial plots and when a few of the businesses built on these plots became more prominent, the community started to gain traction. Taylor had a keen eye for business and saw the need for a hotel midway between Cape Town and the rural areas of Paarl & Stellenbosch.
In the 1970’s and 80’s, the hotel became well known for hosting weddings, dances and events. Due to new legislation in the hotel industry, Taylor sold the hotel to SA Breweries (SAB) which was purchasing many hotels at the time to secure the sale of beer through the establishment.
The duration of their ownership was cut short by the realization that running a small establishment using a management team would not work. Ever transforming and adapting itself, the hotel was sold to the Marcows brothers of Marcows Liquors, one of the most well-known liquor store chains in the country.
When the hypermarkets were given liquor licenses across the country, the use of the hotel in the Marcows’ business declined and they sold it to a Swiss hotelier in 1987 who added 10 extra rooms above the liquor store.
Finally, the hotel was purchased by Carl Burger, director of Young and Vibrant SA property in 2015. Burger immediately set about renovating the hotel and turned it into the trendy establishment it is today. The first phase of renovations include:
- 17 new executive rooms with luxury bathrooms and amenities
- New conference venue with a deck available for sundowners or a braai
- Addition of the Stray Dog coffee bar and The Eatery
- Addition of the Iconic Hair salon
It is the only surviving fully fledged hotel along Voortrekker Road, where once many others existed. The décor and amenities attest to an owner that is not afraid of keeping with the times and almost make one feel as though you have been transported out of the dreariness of the everyday to a foreign location.
Being on the brink of the mad rush that is Voortrekker Road is a challenge that is well met by the peace which is present upon entering the hotel. Thankfully, the main road also has an upside as it positions the lodge only nine minutes’ drive from Cape Town International Airport.
Another draw card is the relationship that The New National has established with the wine farms in the nearby Durbanville Wine Valley (15 mins drive away). And just to show how much they enjoy wine, The New National will be launching its very own tasting room in May which will serve as a boutique wine outlet featuring only wines from the local wine valley.
Burger says that the hotel is sourcing local products to reduce their carbon footprint as well as “showcasing what is an often neglected, yet world class wine route.” Tasting sessions will commence on the first and last Thursdays of the month and wine tours be will also be coordinated from the hotel.
And for those who prefer a caffeine injection, the Stray Dog Coffee shop offers an espresso-based menu of coffee treats. The in-house restaurant, The Eatery offers breakfast and lunch to hungry visitors.
Burger says that his favourite thing about the hotel is that it “breaks down stereotypes of the Parow area.” When looking to the developments in the pipeline, it is easy to see that they will not be slowing down in that area or any other. When next you find yourself in the Northern suburbs, make a point of visiting one of the areas richest landmarks and maybe stay a while.
