The hotel, which is situated in the heart of the city of Bloemfontein, has gone through various name and ownership changes over the years. According to General Manager, Pieter van Rooyen, the hotel is the oldest the city has. It became known as the Bon Hotel in 2016.

The Bon Hotel has a total of 115 rooms and various facilities at its guests’ disposal. On the left-hand side of the hotel’s foyer is a display of some of the memorabilia that gives a glimpse into the hotel’s rich history. The display consists of newspaper clippings, photographs, hotel souvenirs, and menus that show how much more affordable food items and beverages were years ago. The feature offers patrons the opportunity to see how the hotel has evolved since it was established.

“I think everybody likes a bit of history. This (the display) tells a bit of the hotel’s story. We also have a Wall of Fame on the second floor which shows all the famous people and the State Presidents of South Africa who have stayed here throughout the years,” said Van Rooyen, who told OFM News about the importance of having the display in the hotel.

Another feature worth mentioning is the wall with pictures of all the hotel’s loyal patrons. Both walls give a whole new meaning to the phrase “if walls could talk”. A guided tour by the Guest Relations Executions member, Thulane Mashiya, helped give a sense of the historical significance the hotel has. The hotel might have been modernised over the years, but it still maintains an old-world feel to it.

OFM News