Ennismore and Kasada sign the first Mama Shelter Hotel in South Africa, marking a major milestone for Ennismore as its first hotel signing in the country.

Lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, Ennismore, and Kasada, a leading independent real estate private equity platform dedicated to the hospitality sector in Africa, have announced the signing of a hotel management contract for Mama Shelter Cape Town.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kasada on the signing of Mama Shelter Cape Town,” commented Cedric Gobilliard, Brand COO for Mama Shelter at Ennismore, “More than a hotel, more than a restaurant or a bar, Mama Shelter is a place for living – a place to meet, eat, drink, sing and dream. Cape Town is a dynamic city that offers something for everyone, so it is the perfect place to introduce our new Mama Play concept. This signing marks an important milestone for Ennismore, as it is our first signing for any of our brands in South Africa, an exciting new destination for us.”

“Kasada is excited about bringing our expertise and deep hospitality re-development and investment experience to this landmark building,” added Olivier Granet and David Damiba, Managing Partners and co-CEOs of Kasada. “We are looking forward to create with Ennismore an exceptional lifestyle property for business and leisure guests and an unmissable destination for the local community that will help to further revitalise this popular part of Cape Town’s CDB.”

Ingenuity, a prominent property and development company based in the Western Cape, and Kasada announced an agreement to jointly develop the site of the Mama Shelter Cape Town project. This new vibrant mixed-use development includes hotels, restaurants, and retail, and together with Mama Shelter, will help redefine the city’s hospitality landscape with its exuberant and flamboyant personality.

Mama Shelter Cape Town will feature 127 guestrooms across three room categories and 68 branded residences, including 36 studios, 23 one-bedroom, five two-bedroom, three three-bedroom and one four-bedroom. Housing 213 square metres of meeting rooms, 380 square metres of co-working, a gym and Mama’s classic all-day dining restaurant on the rooftop, along with a pool and pool deck.

From the property’s rooftop, Cape Town’s breathtaking landscape taking centre stage, with sweeping views across the city from Table Mountain and the Atlantic Seaboard to Foreshore and the city skyline. The hotel will also introduce a new concept for the brand, Mama Play,  742 square metre of arcade space complete with bowling, karaoke, dedicated F&B and event spaces.

In addition, Ennismore will manage a separate restaurant on the ground floor on Bree Street – one of the most vibrant streets in Cape Town – under one of its signature F&B brands.

Situated at the heart of the city, Mama Shelter Cape Town will transform the iconic City Park building, once home to the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, and provide unparalleled access to the bustling city – the flower sellers of Adderley Street; the market stalls of Greenmarket Square; and cultural and heritage institutions such as District Six Museum or the Castle of Good Hope are only a short walk away.

Mama Shelter Nice will open in June 2024, with future projects set to open in Dubai, Casablanca and Downtown LA.