The Townhouse closes after 50 years of operation

Friday, March 26, 2021

When Francois and Kitty Petousis purchased the Trocadero from South African Breweries in 1968 and demolished it to create the 107-room Townhouse Hotel, they laid the foundation upon which the portfolio of Petousis Hotels was built. The Townhouse, launched in 1971, was followed by the iconic Vineyard Hotel in Newlands in 1981.

The next generation of Petousis’ continued to build on their parents’ vision, entrepreneurial spirit, values, passion and unique approach to hospitality, launching the Oude Werf in Stellenbosch in 2007. The announcement then, that the Townhouse Hotel is to close on 31 March 2021, marks the end of an era in Cape Town hospitality history.

Lex Petousis, Director and a shareholder of the group said in a statement that four years ago it could be seen that Cape Town’s inner-city was experiencing a revival. He shared that they had a dream for the Townhouse as a mixed-use development and invested significantly in its future role in rejuvenating the city centre precinct. He mentioned that several opportunities and partnership models presented themselves but the global pandemic came along.

He shared that the impact of COVID on the global tourism industry and the extended impact it had on South Africa’s hospitality sector and the family business particularly is unimaginable and as a result, the difficult decision to close the hotel has been undertaken. George Petousis, CEO of the group added that there is a deep element of sadness. He mentioned that the Townhouse team have played such an integral part in the Petousis family story, many of whom have been there for decades and have invested years of service to delivering the vision and creating memorable experiences for guests.

He mentioned that the hospitality industry is facing another tough year with the ongoing effects of COVID and as a family business, the focus is to continue weathering the global pandemic storm whilst retaining as many jobs as possible and to always offer guests an exceptional destination experience. New owner and operator, Murray Clark of Neighbourgood, plans to transition the Townhouse property infrastructure from a traditional hotel to a modern living and workspace offering.

He mentioned that the plans for the property envisage connected communities of young working professionals and the vision aligns well with the revival plans for the precinct and the people who are making the inner city their home for both work and play. Lex Petousis concluded that they are excited to enter a different partnership which will see the group’s involvement change from being a hotel operator and owner to an arms-length property shareholder with Neighbourgood. He informed that the property is being handed over on March 31 and April Townhouse bookings will be transferred and hosted at the luxury Vineyard Hotel in Newlands.

« Back to Page

• International Passenger Numbers in Perth Airport Have Rebounded to Pre-Covid Levels

• Explore the enchantment of our sugar bush: A journey into maple syrup magic

• Siargao’s tourist arrivals surge, marks stellar growth in Philippines

• Interview with Ahmad Al-Hmoud of the Jordan Tourism Board at FITUR

• AIME 2024 marks 63 per cent increase in exhibitors from previous year