History of the Cape Diamond Hotel

This charming Art Deco building was originally built in the 1930’s to serve as a retail outlet and administrative offices of what today is one of South Africa’s biggest jewellery retail outlets.

This was after the original Diamond House (the picture above) was demolished to make room for a new ultra modern building.

The new building not only housed one of Cape Town’s biggest jewellery retail shops where Patat Restaurant and the entrance lobby is today, but was also the home The American Swiss Watch Company’s showroom and factory on the first, second and third floors. The building was equipped with at least one walk in volt per floor. The only loose standing volt can still be viewed in the centre of the first floor with jewellery stock records that can still be seen in the inside of the doors.

Over the years the building went through many transformations. It was utilized as offices by accountants, jewellery merchants, brokers, lawyers etc… Fashion Designer companies were housed in the basement with jewellery and other clothing outlets on ground level.

Diamond House changed character again in the late 1980’s due to the shift of the commercial focus out of the Cape Town Central Business District. It did not escape the terrible fate of economic downfall and unfortunately became the home of drug dealers, prostitutes, unlicensed shebeens and street vendors utilizing the once beautiful office spaces with original Rhodesian teak floors as storage space for their goods. Many of the floor inlays became flea market “objets d ‘art” sold for far less than what the wood was worth in its original form.

The old building however, always maintained a spirit of grandeur that made you long for the elegant era of when it was built. Today that elegance is back and the grand old dame has been transformed into a 60 suite boutique style Hotel that pays homage to its gracious past.

This could only happen after 3 South African friends and businessmen “discovered” the old gem and saw potential to convert and restore the old lady to what you now see around you.

Construction took only 9 months and because none of the former office spaces looked the same after the bathrooms were added, the rooms each asked for an individual look with the décor. Each suite has been individually decorated in an inviting and contemporary style.

The renovation of Diamond House started a complete revival of not only the surrounding Cape Town Central Business District but started a process which has resulted in hundreds of people moving back into the city centre and making Cape Town their home and business address.

The Cape Diamond Hotel welcomed its first guests on the 14th of November 2005 offering them a setting where memorable moments can be created whilst living in comfort and luxury at an affordable rate in the heart of Cape Town.

The Hotel is owner managed and has created jobs for over 50 local people all of which ensures you arrive as guest and you leave as a friend.

This jewel of Cape Town has many hidden treasures to be discovered such as our Restaurant, “Patat” offering traditional South African Cuisine and our very own intimate Theatre Café, “Gatta Patat” offering regular live performances by South African Artists.

The Cape Diamond Hotel also serves as the Head office of our very own Hotel and Accommodation Group, “Comfort Stay” offering Hotels, Guesthouses, Lodges and Self Catering Units throughout our Beautiful country of South Africa.

The mission of the Cape Diamond Hotel and Comfort Stay is for their guests to experience a unique stay with a vision of ensuring that all guests leave not only as satisfied customers but also as an extension of the Hotel Family.