Venues & Facilities
The Rotunda | Conference Room | Boardroom | Cocktail parties in Sandy B | Tides Private LunchThe Rotunda
The Rotunda is one of the most historical building in Camps Bay. The history of the Rotunda dates back to 1901 when Camps Bay's unofficial mayor, James Riddell Farquhar, had a vision to turn Camps Bay from a mere residential area into a holiday resort. It was Farquhar who planted the row of palm trees along the beachfront in order to make Camps Bay look like a "Little Brighton". His Camps Bay makeover gave birth to The Rotunda. It was established as a concert hall with a pavilion that served as a ballroom, a theatre, a roller-skating rink, an exhibition hall and a venue for church services.
By the 1950's, the Satz Brothers owned the Rotunda, but planned to demolish it in order to build a 7-storey block of flats on the beachfront. Residents were up in arms and protested that this development would not only mean that magnificent Florentine architecture would be destroyed but that the view over the bay would be completely blocked. As a result, a 3-storey height restriction for all buildings was enforced in the area. The older part of the Rotunda Hotel was declared a national monument in 1974.
Subsequently, at the residents' request, the site was rezoned and expropriated by the Cape Town City Council so that the original building could be saved from demolition. The newer section of the Rotunda (built in the 1950's by S.A. Breweries) was torn down and the older section became part of The Bay Hotel.
The Rotunda is the largest venue, and has been built in a dome shape. As a result the interior of the dome feels comes across as exceptionally spacious. It is ideal for large weddings and can be creatively decorated in many ways.
Due to the size and capacity of the venue, a minimum of 120 guests will be charged for.
Seating Configurations are as follows:
| Cocktail party | 500 pax |
| Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner | 350 pax |
| Dinner & Dance | 300 pax |
Floorplan (PDF | 680 KB)
Conference Room
The conference room is a smaller venue and is ideal for more intimate weddings, and for breakfasts, brunches, lunches and ceremonies.
A minimum of 20 guests will be charged for due to size and capacity of the venue. Due to the Conference Room's proximity to hotel bedrooms, it is not suited to events that require dancing, loud music or noise. Only set menus will be served in the Conference Room - no buffet menus.
Seating configurations are as follow:
| Cocktail party | 60 pax |
| Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner | 60 pax (a maximum of 6 round tables with 10 guests at each) |
Boardroom
The Boardroom is adjacent to the Rotunda, and is perfect for small functions, meetings and celebrations. It has a beautiful view of Lion's Head. A minimum of 10 guests will be charged for due to size and capacity of the venue. There are also tea and coffee making facilities.
Floorplan (PDF | 152 KB)
Cocktail parties in Sandy B
Sandy B is a casual, but chic and trendy cocktail bar with direct access from Camps Bay beach. The relaxed ambience invites visitors to enjoy light snacks or sundowners on the wooden deck with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lions Head. In winter Sandy B is kept cosy by a roaring log fire and hot drinks while the crashing of wild seas provides a soothing background.
The venue is extremely weather dependant. A group of 60 guests would be perfect on the lower sections of the outside deck, but should the weather be inclement on the day, 60 guests would be extremely congested on the inside section of the venue (maximum of 30 guests). The alternative would be hiring a Bedouin Tent (95 % rain proof) from the hotel (R1 000.00) to avoid any disappointment on the day.
We cannot guarantee the venue to be private due to the fact that the bar is open to public as well as in-house guests. Should you wish to have the venue for your exclusive use only, an exclusivity fee would be applicable - the venue would be available to you from 15h00 to 23h00.
Entertainment may be organized, a DJ or band will be allowed to entertain you until 22h00.
Should you require any additional service / equipment, we will gladly source and secure the most reliable and experienced service providers at an additional charge.
Should the group exceed 30 guests - a pre-selected arrival (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) drink is strongly recommended. The Bay Hotel is fully licensed and charge on consumption to either an account or cash bar. In the event of an account bar, please advise the bar limit amount and the bar items that will go onto this account.
Platters of snacks are ideal for nibbling while sipping sundowners. The platters are charged per platter as opposed to per guest - a way more viable and cost-effective option. The platters are designed to cater for about 3 - 4 guests (for a group of 60 guests a selection of 8 - 9 platters would be sufficient).
The banqueting cocktail menu (comprising of your choice of 6 hot and 6 cold items on a buffet) is a more substantial option @ R145.00 per person.
Tides Private Lunch
The Bay Hotel's Tides Restaurant is the perfect setting for a private celebration whilst enjoying an unforgettable lunch occasion.
Tides invites you to savour our celebration lunch menu, simply prepared to emphasize the flavors of fresh seafood, allowing them to speak for themselves.
The Tides Private Lunch could include the following:
-Chauffeur services for your office to The Bay Hotel and home again.
-Welcome cocktails to be served at Sandy B.
-A set three course lunch menu of your choice with choices ranging from the finest, ocean fresh seafood, carvery and vegetarian dishes.
-Skin & Body Centre Massages.
The venue can be booked for Private Lunch between 12h30 and 16h00 and caters for between 12 and 70 guests.