Gulf hotel brand, Coral Hotels & Resorts, has its eyes firmly set on African expansion following the open of Coral International Cape Town.

The group, which has over 30 properties across the Middle East and North Africa, has plans to develop properties in Durban and Johannesburg, while a Coral hotel is also scheduled for opening soon in Dar es Salaam. Some 20 new properties should come on stream by the end of 2010, says pr and communications manager, Gina Meintjies. “The group has already signed 55 hotels and has an imposing target of 100 hotels by 2012.” The Cape-based property, built at a cost of US$40m and the first of Coral Hotels & Resorts in South Africa, is a five-star boutique hotel with 137 rooms, including 15 suites. The property also has a business centre with eight flexible meeting rooms and an executive boardroom with business services available both in the rooms and at the business centre. Mediterranean, North Indian, Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine is served at the Mezbaan signature restaurant, while Al Nafoora offers all-day dining with an outdoor area. Al Zaeem Shisha Lounge and Restaurant meanwhile creates the tradition of Middle Eastern Mezzeh and Shisha. Although the property was initially marketed as Cape Town’s first ‘dry’ hotel, this is not what defines it, says Meintjies. “The hotel does not serve alcohol but guests are welcome to bring their own for in-room consumption.” Facilities include a fitness centre and salon, while child minding and butler services are available on request. Coral International Cape Town gm, Jacqui Booyzen, says the hotel differentiates itself from other five-star hotels in terms of “personalised service”. “We see ourselves more as a five-star boutique hotel, focused on ensuring that our guests receive superior, personal service with a strong focus on attention to detail. “We are also very proud to be situated in the city at the foot of Table Mountain and on the edge of the historic Bo Kaap. We are very much a part of the local community, many of whom are employed by us and we are therefore very proud to have contributed not only the regeneration of the inner city, but also to creating skills and jobs for the community.”