Early in 2004, Riviera on Vaal was repositioned as one of the most attractive boutique hotels in the country, and graded as a five star facility. A huge revamp has seen the re-establishment of the charm of old.
With the acquisition of the adjacent golf course and clubhouse, the Riviera on Vaal has evolved as a prime inland resort.
An American from
New York, Schlesinger,
landed in Cape
Town in 1894,
aged 23. Initially
an insurance salesman,
he founded African
Consolidated Theatres,
which Africa and
was responsible
for 43 movies
made between 1916
and 1922.
Schlesinger moved into the fifth floor of the old Carlton Hotel (1906, corner Eloff and Market Streets Johannesburg) and consolidated his business interests. He actively promoted Americanization and modernisation in Johannesburg – importing American ideas and artefacts – and once he had acquired the Carlton Hotel, proceeded to add three storeys and modernise the building. He also built the gracious Polana Hotel in Maputo, the elegant Edward in Durban and the luxurious Riviera on Vaal in Vereeniging.
After seventy years of splendour the Riviera on Vaal resort is established as an internationally renowned destination. The Riviera hotel was first opened to the public in 1936, and in a newspaper article published 28 August 1936, the absolute luxury of the hotel was highlighted. “Each and every room has a splendid river view; all rooms have hot and cold water laid on! The dining room is big enough to serve hundreds of diners.”
Later in 1985 the hotel was redeveloped by Sun International. The number of rooms was increased to 100 and a more modern design was assumed – once again the Riviera became a noteworthy icon. The Riviera turned out to be the darling of visitors from Johannesburg and even regular overseas visitors.
Early in 2004 Riviera on Vaal was repositioned as one of the most attractive boutique hotels in the country, and also graded as a five star facility. A huge revamp has seen the re-establishment of the charm of old. All 89 rooms were re-appointed fitting into the Zorgvliet Group branding. The focus is on luxury, comfort and special experiences. The three function rooms are equipped to facilitate a wide range of occasions from weddings and formal business meetings to group conference meetings. A new appeal to the hotel offering is the introduction of an exclusive health spa. The new Riviera on Vaal resort boasts two independent restaurants and a cocktail lounge overlooking the river. The Petit Verdot, a five star star floating restaurant, is very popular and a cruise is a must-do experience. Another unique attraction is the Zorgvliet Wine Shop where wine lovers can buy an exclusive bottle of wine not normally so readily available. Regular wine tastings are conducted.
With the acquisition of the adjacent golf course and club house the Riviera on Vaal has evolved as a prime inland resort. The Riviera on Vaal resort is a boutique hotel that also offers a wide range of sporting facilities. The country club offers the 5 star Riviera on Vaal hotel tenants, as well as day visitors, a holistic resort experience. The Riviera on Vaal golf course is situated on 125 hectares flanked by the Vaal River. The 18th fairway integrates the 9 hole par three pitch and putt course and the hotel gardens with the country club, and in addition to the golf facilities tennis, squash and snooker are on offer. The club house dates back to the beginning of the previous millennium and was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Photographs of Bobby Locke playing a challenge match is evidence of a rich and colourful hotel history.
The Riviera on Vaal golf course boasts one of the most beautiful par three holes in the country – the 14th, which has two rivers in play. Teeing off over a bend in the Klip River, and if you over club the Vaal River will come into play. The course is a challenge for low handicap players without being too tough for the weekend golfer.
The Riviera on Vaal resort is a spectacular inland resort just 50 kilometres from the Johannesburg metropolis. Management couple Melanie and David Smith oversee the comfort of all their visitors – Melanie is the MD of the Riviera on Vaal Hotel and her management philosophy is based on team work and striving for excellence, while David caters for the sport enthusiast and manages the Riviera on Vaal Country club. |
