How The Capital Boardwalk is Redefining Coastal Luxury in Gqeberha

Gqeberha’s skyline is set for a landmark addition. Come April 2026, The Capital Boardwalk will open its doors as the city’s first true apartment hotel: a R270 million investment designed to transform the coastal destination into one of South Africa’s most vibrant hospitality hubs.

Developed by The Capital Hotel Group, the project marks the brand’s debut in Gqeberha and a significant stride in its national expansion. But it’s more than a new address, it’s a lifestyle concept that blends world-class service, flexible living, and a deep connection to the city’s pulse.

“With The Capital Boardwalk, we’re creating a space that supports business, empowers local talent, and adds new energy to one of South Africa’s most storied coastal cities,” says Marc Wachsberger, CEO of The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts.

Positioned within the lively Boardwalk precinct, The Capital Boardwalk offers a fresh alternative for business travellers, expats, and long-stay guests. Each fully serviced apartment features a kitchen, laundry facilities, and flexible housekeeping; the comforts of home paired with hotel-level convenience. Direct mall access and proximity to Gqeberha’s business and industrial districts add to its appeal for professionals seeking extended stays.

The property will feature 145 modern units, from studios and one-bedroom suites to spacious penthouses overlooking the bay. For those who mix work and play, the hotel offers co-working spaces with Zoom rooms, a fully equipped conference centre, and leisure amenities that bring balance to every stay.

Being part of the Boardwalk precinct gives the hotel a front-row seat to Gqeberha’s entertainment and retail heart. Guests can move seamlessly between the hotel, Checkers, Woolworths, and Pick n Pay, or step outside to enjoy cinemas, family attractions, and the famed Boardwalk Casino. Just beyond lies Gqeberha’s beachfront; perfect for early jogs, seaside walks, and unforgettable sunsets.

The Capital Boardwalk also promises to become a social hub in its own right. A pool deck and garden area will host DJ sessions and live events, designed to foster connection between travellers and locals. “We want this space to reflect the city’s character: lively, welcoming, and full of rhythm,” says Wachsberger.

Beyond the architecture and design, The Capital Boardwalk represents meaningful economic impact. The project is set to generate over 500 direct and indirect jobs during construction and create up to 200 permanent positions once operational. From local supply partnerships to long-term hospitality careers, the development underscores the group’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth in the Eastern Cape.

“Gqeberha has all the ingredients of a rising coastal hub,” says Wachsberger. “We see enormous potential in the region, not just as a tourism destination, but as a community ready to thrive.”

When it opens next April, The Capital Boardwalk will mark a new chapter for Gqeberha’s hospitality landscape, one that celebrates flexibility, local energy, and the freedom to live, work, and connect differently.