01 October 2009 - Riviera on Vaal Hotel’s management and marketing contracted to Legacy Hotels and Resorts

The Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club is a landmark in the Vaal Triangle. It was built in 1929 by Mr. Schlesinger, a Hollywood filmmaker who fell in love with the spot on the Vaal River where it proudly stands today. It was opened for business in 1936 amid great fanfare. Each room on the then two levels, boasting an en suite bathroom - a luxury unheard of at the time.

Through the decades the Hotel changed hands until it was bought on auction by entrepreneur Mac van der Merwe for the Zorgvliet Portfolio in 2003. The Portfolio which promises all their guests "special experiences for special people" is a family business which boasts properties such as Ka'Ingo Private Reserve & Spa in the Vaalwater area and Zorgvliet Vineyard Lodge & Spa.

Refurbishment of the Hotel commenced under the watchful eye of Managing Director, daughter Melanie van der Merwe and the Hotel reopened the first 30 rooms for business after 3 months. The very next year the Riviera on Vaal Hotel achieved five star status for the first time and maintains this accolade to this day. In August 2008 Trilok Bhunjun was appointed the first General Manager at the Riviera on Vaal Hotel.

Says MD of the Riviera Melanie van der Merwe: "We are pleased to be associated with Legacy Hotels. As business owners we feel comfortable and positive that we have very similar priorities with regards to service delivery to our guests, commitment to the advancement of the business and skills development of our staff. The Legacy Management team boasts countless years of combined experience, a strong understanding of and access to the international and local corporate markets. We are very excited at the anticipation of optimal financial returns."

Legacy Hotels and Resorts owns and manages a collection of four and five star hotels, bush lodges, leisure resorts and casino resorts in key tourism and business locations throughout Africa.
MD of Legacy Paddy Brearley says "I believe that the unique Riviera on Vaal hotel will offer another exciting option for both our leisure and corporate markets and will complement our existing properties."

"I believe that there are a lot of synergies between our current marketing service provider, MV Communications and the Legacy Hotels and Resorts marketing division," Ms. Van der Merwe commented when asked about the role of their current marketing company. "With combined effort Riviera on Vaal Hotel's vision of becoming a sought after destination for leisure and corporate travellers will be realized much sooner."

She reveals that there certainly was an emotional side to be dealt with in making this huge decision: "The Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club is our pride and passion. I am however convinced that we have made a sound business decision and that our hotel is in excellent hands."