The Catalyst Hotel celebrates five years of resilience, growth and authentic hospitality

Johannesburg, August 2026 – This August, The Catalyst Hotel celebrates five years since opening its doors in the heart of Sandton, marking a journey defined by resilience, growth and the people who have shaped the hotel along the way.

Officially opened on 1 August 2021, during one of the most challenging periods the hospitality industry has faced, The Catalyst Hotel has since grown into an established destination for business and leisure travellers, earning a reputation for personalised service, strong corporate partnerships and authentic hospitality.

Over the past five years, the hotel has welcomed more than 35,400 guests and hosted 1,182 conferences and events, attended by more than 26,790 delegates and guests.

The hotel's growth is also reflected in its team. The Catalyst Hotel opened with 29 permanent employees and 10 outsourced team members. Today, it employs 89 permanent staff members alongside 40 outsourced employees. Importantly, 27 team members have been with the hotel since its formative years, including 16 who joined in 2021 and a further 11 who joined during its first full year of operation in 2022.

For General Manager Robert Chifunyise, the milestone is about far more than the anniversary itself.

"Five years is an achievement we're incredibly proud of, but it wouldn't have been possible without the people who have supported us along the way. Our team's commitment to genuine hospitality, together with the trust of our guests, travel partners and corporate clients, has shaped The Catalyst Hotel into what it is today. This anniversary is our opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of our journey."

Five years of growth

Opening a new hotel in 2021 came with considerable challenges, but The Catalyst Hotel quickly began building momentum. Just eight months after opening, in March 2022, the hotel recorded its first month of net profit.

By May 2022, it had achieved its monthly revenue budget for the first time, while its signature dining destination, Kashew Restaurant, recorded its first net profit during the same month. Two months later, in July 2022, Kashew achieved its monthly revenue budget for the first time.

The restaurant reached another milestone in March 2023 when it was awarded Silver in the Star Wine List of the Year Awards, recognising the quality of its wine programme.

Guest satisfaction has remained equally important to the hotel's growth. Since 2024, The Catalyst Hotel has consistently maintained an average guest review score of 8.6/10 across major booking platforms, reflecting the service and hospitality delivered by its team.

Throughout August, the hotel will mark its fifth anniversary with a month-long campaign celebrating the people behind its success. The campaign will shine a spotlight on long-serving employees, loyal guests and valued travel partners, while sharing memorable moments and milestones from The Catalyst Hotel's first five years.

The anniversary will also include thought leadership content, media engagement and a series of initiatives recognising the relationships that have contributed to the hotel's continued growth.

Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, says the milestone reflects the strength of the people behind the hotel.

"The Catalyst Hotel represents everything we value at Newmark - authentic hospitality, strong leadership and lasting relationships. Reaching this five-year milestone is a testament to the dedication of the team, the loyalty of our guests and the trust of our travel partners. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and look forward to building on this success in the years ahead."

Located in Johannesburg's premier business district, The Catalyst Hotel continues to welcome business and leisure travellers with contemporary accommodation, conferencing facilities and personalised service synonymous with the Newmark portfolio.

While the anniversary celebrates the hotel's first five years, it also looks firmly to the future, building on the relationships, team culture and guest experiences that have defined its journey since 2021.