Cavaleros Group Unveils Phase 1 of R500 Million Refurbishment of Former Hilton Sandton into NH Sandton
Image caption: NH Sandton, formerly the Hilton Sandton, now trading under the NH brand.
The Cavaleros Group, a catalyst in Real Estate and Hospitality, today announces a landmark R500 million transformation of NH Sandton.
Formerly operated as the Hilton Sandton, the hotel now trades under the NH brand, marking a new chapter in its evolution.
This comprehensive redevelopment will encompass both the interior and exterior of the property, signalling a significant repositioning of one of Sandton’s most established hospitality destinations, with the Group acknowledging the support of Nedbank in financing the refurbishment.
Owned by the Cavaleros Group and managed by Minor Hotels under the NH brand, the redevelopment reflects a long term strategic vision to elevate the guest experience across every touchpoint, from arrival through to accommodation, conferencing, and key guest environments.
The transformation is being delivered in carefully structured phases, with Phase 1 launched in April 2026.
This initial stage focuses on the complete reconfiguration and enhancement of the hotel’s 800-seater ballroom, along with ten dedicated meeting and event spaces, introducing a refined design direction, improved spatial flexibility, and upgraded technological capability.
This first phase establishes the foundation for the broader redevelopment, creating a more contemporary and cohesive environment across the property.
The upgraded facilities are designed to support business conferences, corporate gatherings, and large-scale events, reinforcing NH Sandton’s position within Johannesburg’s commercial hub.
The redevelopment reflects the Cavaleros Group’s commitment to quality, experience, and long-term relevance in a changing hospitality landscape.
The Ballroom, Reimagined for Banqueting
The centrepiece of Phase 1 is the fully reconfigured 800-seater ballroom, now able to accommodate elegant banqueting and gala-style events with a warm, contemporary aesthetic.
The reconfigured space comprises:
- Seating for up to 800 guests, with a flexible floor plan suited to large-scale conferences, banquets, and formal, sit-down occasions alike.
- A fully adaptable layout, able to be reconfigured for banqueting, theatre, classroom, or exhibition-style setups depending on the event.
- Upgraded technological capability throughout, supporting AV, lighting, and staging requirements for conferences, galas, and awards evenings alike.
- Customisable table styling and décor, allowing every event to be tailored to the client’s own theme and requirements.
A Refined Arrival Experience
Beyond the ballroom itself, the redevelopment extends to the spaces guests pass through on their way to and from events.
The conferencing corridor has been finished with bold geometric flooring, curated artwork, and a considered material palette, setting a sophisticated tone from the moment guests step off the lift.
It’s a small but deliberate detail, the kind of thoughtful transition space that shapes a guest’s impression of an event long before they take their seat.
Ten Reimagined Meeting and Breakout Spaces
At the heart of Phase 1 are ten individually reimagined meeting and breakout spaces, each designed to serve a different format and mood:
- Classroom and boardroom-style meeting rooms, fitted with modern AV screens, updated furnishings, and abundant natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Sandton.
- Lounge-style breakout areas, featuring plush seating in soft, contemporary tones designed for informal discussions, workshops, and networking.
- Refreshed guest amenities, including newly finished restrooms in the conferencing wing.
Together, the ten spaces give organisers the flexibility to run anything from an intimate boardroom session to a full-scale multi-room conference, without leaving the building.
The upgrade also extends to catering. Tea breaks are now presented as an elevated spread, with dedicated lounge furniture set up for networking between sessions
A Vision for the Future of Hospitality
Alexi Cavaleros, Head of International Acquisitions at The Cavaleros Group, commented:
“This R500 million investment represents far more than a refurbishment. It is a complete reimagining of NH Minor Sandton, one that reflects our commitment to shaping the future of hospitality in Africa.“
“We are creating spaces that are thoughtfully designed, purpose-driven, and globally competitive.“
“At the core of this project is filotimo, a philosophy grounded in pride, integrity, and a deep responsibility to deliver excellence in everything we do.” A New Chapter for NH Sandton
Phase 1 offers an early glimpse of what’s to come as the redevelopment continues across the property, with each subsequent phase building on the design language and standard established here.
Beyond the initial phase, the redevelopment will continue across the property, introducing a cohesive and elevated design language throughout.
The focus remains on creating a seamless guest journey supported by modern infrastructure, refined aesthetics, and a consistent standard of quality across all areas of the hotel.
Early design elements reflect a more unified and contemporary identity, positioning NH Sandton to meet the expectations of both local and international travellers while strengthening its presence within Sandton’s hospitality landscape.
Click here to learn more about the Cavaleros Group.
About the Cavaleros Group
Founded in 1926, the Cavaleros Group has evolved from its origins as a retail trading business into one of South Africa’s foremost privately held property investment and development groups.
Today, the Group’s diversified portfolio spans commercial, retail, industrial, and hospitality assets across South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Building on this legacy, the Cavaleros Group is actively advancing large-scale AI and Data Centre campuses, positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation digital infrastructure.
Through a strategic focus on power, land, and connectivity at scale, the Group continues to drive future-focused developments that support the evolving demands of global technology and enterprise.
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