The Ritz Hotel: Unveiling Cape Town's Abandoned Landmark with a Troubled Past

Cape Town's Iconic Ritz Hotel: From Glamour to Abandonment and a Dark Past Cape Town's prominent Ritz Hotel, located in Sea Point, has stood abandoned since 2018, a stark contrast to its once-glamorous past. The hotel, completed in 1970, was a popular destination, renowned for its luxurious amenities, including a unique revolving restaurant known as 'Top of the Ritz,' and vibrant nightclubs that attracted crowds in the 1980s. Throughout its operational years, The Ritz played host to numerous famous guests and celebrities, notably including former President Nelson Mandela. However, its history is also marked by darker events. The hotel gained an unfortunate reputation due to several suicides, with individuals reportedly leaping from its tall structure. Additionally, a shocking axe murder occurred in one of its rooms, a crime that garnered nationwide attention. Despite its current state of abandonment, the ground floor of the 23-storey, 80-meter tall building is still utilized for retail stores. Information provided by property broker Ash Muller indicates the hotel originally featured 213 rooms and two penthouses. Ownership of the property has changed hands multiple times since its abandonment, and it is currently privately owned. The future of the once-iconic Ritz Hotel remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing regarding its potential reopening or redevelopment for a new project.