History
It is believed that the original Beach Hotel and surrounding area belonged to Piet Retief and his family. His stately family house, a tennis court and servants quarters were all originally home to this ground.
Tenders for the proposed Beach Hotel were called on 22 June 1893. This beautiful original wood and iron framed and reinforced structure, some of which can still be see inside The Crest Restaurant today, was designed by architect George William Smith. Construction progressed rapidly and on 16 February 1894, the hotel was officially opened with a grand luncheon party. The first Manager was Mr Edward Steinmann.
Sadly at 5 o’ clock on 1 December 1915, the hotel went up in flames. Townsfolk rushed to witness firemen desperately fighting the fire which destroyed the entire building within an hour.
In 1922 Humewood was ripe for development after the Marine Drive was completed. Mr Bill Poole immediately took the option on the first hotel site and built the second Beach Hotel. The building was completed in 1924.
The hotel changed hands several times and was later bought by a Mrs Lupping at an auction for £46 000. Mrs Lolly Shtein, daughter of the Luppings, lives in Bandle which is the block of flats next to The Beach Hotel. Wilfred Guscott bought the hotel from the Luppings, and his nephew, Roy Lombard, bought it in 1958.
Mr Lombard brought about the first alterations to The Beach Hotel when he elevated it to the first three star hotel in the country.
From a humble 20 serviceable bedrooms The Beach Hotel now boasts a 4 star grading and 58 bedrooms, tastefully furnished to ensure stylish comfort.
Area Info
Location
Marine Drive, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa offers pristine beaches and is known as the watersport capital of South Africa. Situated only a short drive from a number of well known game and nature reserves, stunning shopping centres, art galleries, historical places and much much more..... Port Elizabeth offers you everything you would need to enjoy a visit should it be for business or pleasure.
