The Rise and Fall of Johannesburg’s Carlton Hotel: A Tale of Luxury and Decline

A Glorious Beginning: The Carlton Hotel’s Golden Era

The Carlton Hotel, part of the iconic Carlton Centre complex, opened its doors on 1 October 1972 as a symbol of opulence and modernity in Johannesburg. The project, initiated by South African Breweries and Anglo American, spanned five and a half city blocks, with the hotel standing tall at 30 stories.

With over 600 rooms, a rooftop pool, and the renowned Three Ships restaurant, the Carlton Hotel set a new standard of luxury. It was the destination of choice for global dignitaries, celebrities, and business moguls, including Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, and Mick Jagger.

A Hub for Business and Politics

Beyond its reputation for luxury, the Carlton Hotel played host to pivotal meetings in South Africa’s history:

• 1976: Harry Oppenheimer and Anton Rupert’s urban renewal conference.
• 1979: Prime Minister P.W. Botha’s cabinet and departmental heads meeting.
• 1993: Nelson Mandela’s 75th birthday celebration, attended by over 650 guests.

These events solidified the Carlton Hotel as more than a five-star establishment; it was a cornerstone of Johannesburg’s social, political, and economic life.

The Decline: Crime and Urban Flight

Johannesburg’s Central Business District faced growing challenges in the 1990s, including rising crime and urban decay. The emergence of business hubs like Sandton and Rosebank further exacerbated the decline.

By December 1997, the Carlton Hotel was struggling to attract guests, forcing Anglo American to close its doors after losing $4 million in a single year. The once-grand contents of the hotel were sold off, leaving the building empty.

A Dormant Giant: Efforts to Revive the Carlton

Transnet acquired the Carlton Centre, including the hotel, in 1999 for R33 million. While the shopping centre and office tower continued operations, the hotel remained dormant.

Efforts to revive the building have faced numerous setbacks:

• 2016: Former Mayor Herman Mashaba proposed restoring the hotel, but the plan did not materialize.
• 2018: Transnet moved staff to Midrand to facilitate renovations, which stalled.
• 2023: A planned R900 million sale fell through due to unverified bids.

A New Vision for the Carlton Hotel

In a recent announcement, Transnet unveiled plans to refurbish the Carlton Centre. The vision includes converting the hotel into affordable housing and leasing retail space to Shoprite. While far from its former glory, these developments could breathe new life into the iconic structure.

A Symbol of Johannesburg’s Evolution

The Carlton Hotel’s story mirrors Johannesburg’s own journey—rising from grandeur to struggle and now seeking renewal. Whether it regains its iconic status remains uncertain, but its place in the city’s history is indelible.