New R270 million hotel opening in major coastal shopping mall and casino precinct in South Africa

 ·20 Apr 2026

The R270 million Capital Boardwalk Hotel, featuring 145 hotel rooms and apartments, will open in Gqeberha this month, with bookings starting from May.

The Capital Boardwalk Hotel is the first “aparthotel” in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), with an in-house restaurant and conference venue, close to the Boardwalk Casino.

The Capital Boardwalk said its new opening in Gqeberha, which is the brand’s first presence in the coastal city, marks a big step in its national expansion strategy.

The group said the hotel is designed to strengthen the city’s tourism appeal, create jobs and give travellers the freedom to stay longer and live better.

“By blending world-class hospitality with the vibrancy of the Boardwalk precinct, the arrival of this landmark property marks a defining moment for tourism in the Eastern Cape,” said the hotel group.

The new hotel is designed to attract expats, corporate travellers and contractors working in the city, by offering an “unmatched alternative.”

“With The Capital Boardwalk now open, we’re delivering on our promise to create a space that supports business, empowers local talent, and adds new energy to one of South Africa’s most storied coastal cities,” said Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts CEO, Marc Wachsberger.

The apartments are “fully serviced”, with kitchens, laundry facilities and housekeeping. The aim of the “aparthotel” style was to provide a hotel experience for guests staying for longer periods.

The Capital Boardwalk gets its name from its central location within the Boardwalk precinct, which, the group said, puts guests in the midst of shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure activities.

“With direct access to Checkers, Woolworths and Pick n Pay, the hotel gives visitors the flexibility to self-cater or dine out, making it ideal for business, leisure, or extended stays,” said the group.

The precinct leads directly to Gqeberha’s beachfront. On-site entertainment includes the Magic Company, cinemas, a casino, padel courts, and numerous restaurants and bars.

The Boardwalk

The Capital Boardwalk Hotel is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs during construction and establish 170 to 200 permanent roles once operational.

The hotel offers standard rooms, studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and penthouses.

Each penthouse is said to provide ample space and functional finishes. Guests will have access to a co-working hub with Zoom rooms and a conference centre.

Amenities will include a restaurant and bar, a gym, and family-friendly leisure spaces. Guests will have access to high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception and security, and secure parking connected to the mall.

A Paraplegic Executive Room will be available to enhance accessibility.

“Gqeberha has all the ingredients of a rising coastal hub. We see enormous potential in the region not just as a tourism destination, but as a community ready to thrive,” said Wachsberger.

The Boardwalk in Summerstrand is popular for its close proximity to the Blue-Flag Hobie Beach, as well as being the only licensed casino in Gqeberha.

The Boardwalk Hotel, run by gaming, hospitality, and entertainment group Sun International, is a casino, hotel, dining and conference venue.

The Boardwalk Hotel by Sun International sits on the “Golden Mile” in Summerstrand, with 140 rooms. 120 of the rooms face the sea, offering views of the Indian Ocean.

“Corporate travellers looking for convenient Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) accommodation have access to a full range of business amenities at Boardwalk, including free WiFi and a business centre,” said the Boardwalk Hotel.

The Boardwalk Mall is in the Summerstrand precinct, and is co-owned by Flanagan & Gerard Group and Emfuleni Resorts, a subsidiary of Sun International.

The mall, in close proximity to the Boardwalk Hotel, is a R500 million development which reopened to the public in 2022.

Photos of the new Capital Boardwalk Hotel




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