Ace hoteliers working with new Silo and historic Matjiesfontein

The Royal Portfolio’s newest project and first for Cape Town, is the Silo development at the V&A Waterfront of 28 deluxe rooms over six floors in the repurposed grain silo. Liz Biden’s The Royal Portfolio properties remain the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury stays with the peerless Royal Malawane game reserve, Hermanus’ Birkenhead House and Franschhoek’s La Residence, the best of the breed, so there is every expectation that The Silo will reach equally breathless heights.

“PMR is excited to announce a short-term consulting role with The Royal Portfolio,” says Romer-Lee. “The PMR team is already assisting The Royal Portfolio in the critical pre-opening phase, helping to set-up various strategic and operational areas to ensure a smooth and seamless launch.” he says.

In a media handout, managing director of The Royal Portfolio, Matt Biden comments: “We are delighted to be working with PMR towards the opening of The Silo, which is a hugely exciting project for everyone at The Royal Portfolio. The PMR team has extensive experience operating at the highest level, both internationally and in Cape Town’s CBD, which can only add value as we get closer to opening this iconic Cape Town hotel.”

“We are honoured to be working with the Biden family and their team on such a unique, relevant, industry-leading project and look forward to helping them set a new benchmark in Cape Town,” adds Romer-Lee.

Keys to a special piece of South African history

In a surprising move, The Rawdon Family have shifted allegiances from The Collection by Liz McGrath to PMR by handing over the keys to Matjiesfontein to Romer-Lee and McGlashan.

I was very impressed with the gentle way in which The Collection was managing the upgrading of Matjiesfontein and its improved cuisine offering, so wait with excitement to see what PMR is planning.

While Tom Rawdon on behalf of The Rawdon Family, the trustees of the Matjiesfontein Village, said in the same statement: “Although sad to leave a successful relationship with The Collection by Liz McGrath, the exciting news is that we will be teaming up with PMR Hospitality to undertake overall management of the running of the hotel. Co-owner of PMR, Tony Romer-Lee is no stranger to Matjiesfontein having worked with The Collection when they became involved in 2013. Tony and his partners are passionate about The Lord Milner and we are very excited to welcome them to the Matjiesfontein team!”

“We are pleased to be working with the Rawdons in preserving and enhancing this very special piece of South African history, which has become a destination in its own right,” says Tony Romer-Lee.

PMR’s first priority is that of securing a highly skilled and motivated general manager and head chef to replace the current couple who are leaving the town to pursue other interests.