Marriott International is set to introduce its luxury lifestyle EDITION brand to Africa for the first time, with a new hotel planned to open in Cape Town in 2026. The project marks a significant expansion milestone for the global hospitality group and underscores growing confidence in Cape Town as a premier destination for high-end international travel.
Developed in partnership with V&A Waterfront Holdings, The Cape Town EDITION will be located within one of the city’s most visited and recognizable precincts, combining contemporary luxury with a strong sense of place.
The hotel will feature 142 guest rooms and suites, designed to reflect EDITION’s signature blend of refined minimalism, personalized service, and culturally rooted experiences. In addition to the hotel component, the development will also include six private branded residences, offering owners access to hotel services while maintaining a residential feel aligned with the brand’s modern luxury ethos.
The project is positioned at the edge of the Granger Bay area, a growing extension of the V&A Waterfront that connects the city to the Atlantic Ocean.
A Landmark Location at the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront remains one of Africa’s most visited destinations, known for its rare mix of working harbor, retail, dining, cultural attractions, and natural scenery. From its waterfront promenade to its panoramic views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill, the area has long served as a focal point for both tourists and locals.
The Cape Town EDITION is expected to benefit from this setting, offering guests immediate access to restaurants, luxury shopping, charter cruises, and cultural venues, while also serving as a gateway to Cape Town’s broader attractions.
Architectural and interior design for the project will be led by Shanghai-based firm Neri & Hu, working in collaboration with South African studio StudioMAS. The design approach aims to balance global sophistication with local character, ensuring the hotel feels distinctly connected to Cape Town rather than transplanted from another market.
Plans for the property include a rooftop bar, spa, swimming pool, dining venues, and flexible meeting and event spaces, positioning the hotel as both a social hub and a destination in its own right.
EDITION’s Expansion and Africa’s Luxury Outlook
For Marriott International, the Cape Town opening represents a strategic step in expanding its luxury portfolio across emerging and high-growth markets. The EDITION brand, known for its focus on design-led experiences and understated elegance, has traditionally been concentrated in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Its arrival in Africa reflects a broader shift in global travel demand, with affluent travelers increasingly seeking destinations that combine authenticity, culture, and premium hospitality.
Local partners also see the project as a catalyst for strengthening Cape Town’s international profile. With tourism demand continuing to rise and large-scale mixed-use developments reshaping the city’s waterfront, The Cape Town EDITION is expected to contribute to the evolution of the destination’s luxury landscape.
When it opens in 2026, the hotel will not only mark EDITION’s African debut but also signal Cape Town’s growing role on the global luxury travel map.