BON Hotels, a Cape Town-based company that owns, manages and markets hotels, took on ownership and management of Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club, in Gauteng. BON Hotels’ CEO, Guy Stehlik says he is excited at the prospect of extending the company’s footprint into the area as part of their expansion plan, and this is merely the beginning of their journey into other regions.  

The hotel will be re-named, BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal, and it will be “business-as-usual” but with some minor refurbishments to the facilities. Comments Stehlik, “We look forward to waking her up to her former glory, with a more modern look and feel and a particular focus on providing excellent service to clients, suppliers and most of all, the guests!” 

Having committed to a long-term lease, Guy Stehlik has assigned his task team to immediately implement the BON Hotels’ operating systems and processes. A dedicated sales team will be assigned to promote the property to the various markets working closely with the marketing team. 

For many, Riviera on Vaal brings back wonderful memories and is surrounded by great sentiment.  The 91-room, 5-floor hotel is a converted farmhouse from the 1800’s situated on a bend of the scenic Vaal River. Location is a key decisive factor in the BON evaluation process - Riviera on Vaal is a 45 minute drive from Johannesburg and is well suited to corporate and conference markets, as well as families and leisure travellers, who are looking for a venue that has extensive facilities.  

The BON Hotels team will assess and evaluate immediate refurbishment needs, with a focus on upgrading conference facilities and technology. Currently, three restaurants and a floating restaurant give guests the opportunity to choose from a range of menus, also catering to the four conference venues that accommodate up to 200 people.  

The Riviera on Vaal Country Club is an 18-hole golf course, with a clubhouse steeped in history. The course has been highly recommended by golfers as a fulfilling challenge to play. There is a variety of water sports available, a gym, a spa, picnics, team building and entertainment for the kids, a heli-pad and shuttle service.  

With the financial muscle to take on properties where they can add value, BON Hotels is looking for similar opportunities countrywide. They are currently performing due diligence on properties in Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town, Umhlanga Rocks and the new “green-shoot” area of Illovo.