The Fern Villa Hotel, a majestic beachfront hotel in Durban, South Africa, was a standout in its time. Built by Mrs. J.C. Young, a pioneer of Durban's beachfront, the hotel opened its doors in 1912. It was constructed on what was then the newly developed Oceans Beach, offering guests a unique and luxurious experience. The hotel featured hot and cold baths, a lift, electric lights, and a bus service that fetched guests from all trains and steamers.
Mrs. Young, who already owned and managed the 62-bedroom Fern Villa Hotel on the corner of Smith and Aliwal Streets, was keen to invest in the newly opened beachfront. She purchased the plot next door to the Edward Hotel and built a new Fern Villa, which opened a year after the Edward Hotel. The hotel's prime location and luxurious amenities made it an instant hit with guests.
In 1921, the Fern Villa was sold to Mr. E.T. Church, who renamed it the Majestic Hotel. Under his ownership, the hotel underwent significant renovations, including the addition of a new wing and a covered parking area in 1928. The hotel now boasted 112 bedrooms and 20 luxurious suites, cementing its position as one of Durban's leading hotels.
The Majestic Hotel continued to thrive after the Second World War, with the 1945 Lawries Directory listing it as one of Durban's top hotels, alongside the Marine, Edward, and Royal Hotels. However, by the early 1960s, the hotel's prestige began to fade, as guests began to expect private bathrooms in every room, not just the suites.
Despite its efforts to adapt, the hotel's owners announced in 1968 that it would close, with demolition set to begin in March 1969. The site where the hotel once stood is now part of the larger Marine Parade Garden Court, which was designed by architect Dexter Moren and built in 1985 at a cost of 45 million rand.
The Marine Parade Garden Court has undergone significant changes over the years, including a modern restoration in the mid-2010s. Today, it remains a popular destination in Durban, offering stunning views of the ocean and a glimpse into the city's rich history.
The story of the Fern Villa Hotel is a testament to the vision and determination of its founder, Mrs. J.C. Young. Her legacy lives on in the many hotels and developments that have followed in her footsteps, shaping the face of Durban's beachfront into what it is today.
Key points
- The Fern Villa Hotel was a luxurious beachfront hotel that opened in Durban, South Africa, in 1912.
- The hotel was renamed the Majestic Hotel in 1921 and underwent significant renovations under its new ownership.
- The hotel's legacy lives on in the Marine Parade Garden Court, which was built on the site where the hotel once stood.
