GLITZ and glamour was the order of the day on Thursday evening as the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek was officially opened, bringing together the who’s who of Namibia’s political leadership and celebrities.
Officially opened by President Hifikepunye Pohamba, the ceremony included a recorded congratulatory message of from American Congressman Joseph Kennedy as well as a musical performance by Lady May.Situated on the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza in the heart of Windhoek, the Hilton is Namibia’s first 5-star hotel. It offers a capacity of 150 rooms, five catering/dining options, a gym, wellness spa and a number of conference facilities.Employing more than 200 people locally, the Hilton Hotel underlined the President’s words when he said that the tourism sector has the potential to create new jobs and generate wealth for communities.Amongst those present at the opening were political heavyweights such as Hage Geingob, Minister of Trader and Industry, and Alpheus !Naruseb, Minister of Lands, as well as Windhoek Mayor, Alderwoman Elaine Trepper.Other high profile guests included Founding President, Sam Nujoma, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, and Judge President, Petrus Damaseb.On the local celebrity front, Miss Namibia 2010, Odile Gertse, and Marelize Roberts, Miss Namibia 2008 as well as The Dogg, were also at the event.Coming at a price tag of more than N$300 million, the Hilton Windhoek has taken roughly 3 years to progress from the design phase to the end product.With regard to pricing, standard rooms will cost you no less than N$1 500 per night.Although pricing differs based on seasonal rates for the Presidential suite, guests will not fork out under N$4 000 per night at its cheapest, and about N$8 000 per night at its most expensive. The room apparently had a guest on Thursday night.Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, Haddis Tilahun, Executive Director of the United Africa Group (UAG), said that the Hotel is the first phase of development to take place on the old parking area which stretches from Sam Nujoma Avenue to Fidel Castro Street in Windhoek. Tilahun said that the next phases would include office blocks, shops, apartment buildings and parking, totalling 5 blocks of buildings to come.
