Cape Town will welcome Design Hotel’s Gorgeous George this year complete with a buzzing bar, restaurant and rooftop pool.

Set across two heritage buildings – one art deco, one Edwardian – the 32-room hotel is steering clear of any African design clichés; there’s not a zebra print or totem motif in sight.

Gorgeous George’s downtown location on tree-lined St. George’s Mall (its namesake) might not be close to Cape Town’s dramatic, tourist-pulling coastline, but it’s geared at those who are keen to experience the city’s booming food and creative scene.

Design Hotels hired local firm Urban Citizen Architecture for the modern makeover of the two landmark buildings, who set about preserving original features such as the grand architraves, oak floors and brass doors while introducing steel beams and sculptural concrete to pay homage to the surrounding cityscape.

The hotel hopes to support the local creative community by featuring furniture, fixtures and pieces from African artists such as David Krynauw and Egg Designs throughout it.

Spanning 20 rooms and 12 suites, some of its luxury amenities include standalone baths, handmade furniture and velvet upholstery. Plus, each room features a bespoke, inner city-inspired mural by acclaimed Cape Town-based artist David Brits.

But Gorgeous George’s crowning glory is, arguably, its Gigi Rooftop. Here, the hotel’s restaurant, led by South African chef Guy Bennett, wraps around a stunning pool with views overlooking the city. You’ll be hard-pressed finding a better spot in town for a couple of sundowners than on Gigi’s sun-soaked terrace.

The hotel is 3.5 kilometers from Table Mountain and a 10-minute drive to the Clifton and Camps Bay beaches.