ABOUT US

We are delighted to share a piece of the history of Klawer Hotel & Margo’s Restaurant with you.

According to historical records, there once stood a hotel on the southern bank of the Doorn River, owned by a certain Mr. Jan Kotze. It is believed that the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1909.

Shortly thereafter, a gentleman named Mr. Press acquired the liquor license and purchased a piece of land then known as Hertzhof. There, he built a new hotel, which still stands today on what is now known as Plot 120 — and thus, Klawer Hotel was born.

In 1924, Mr. Press sold the hotel to Levitte and Riedeman, and in the years that followed, the property saw a succession of different owners. The title deed was officially registered on 15 October 1932, and the first structural expansion was undertaken — the now well-known “long hallway.”

In 1965, the double-story front section of the hotel was added by owners Moorrees. Rom and Katz, elevating the establishment to a 3-star hotel.

In 1984, Gys and Bettie Goosen purchased the hotel, and by 1988, the outside sales section had been significantly expanded.

In 2003, Mr. Moorrees Smit — who also founded the Saratoga Spur in Parow, Cape Town, in 1979 — took over ownership of the hotel.

With his wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Smit established Margo’s Restaurant, named after his daughter.

Under his leadership, the hotel was extensively upgraded and expanded to 22 rooms with the addition of 9 new units. A portion of the hotel was also converted into a four-bedroom owner’s residence. Additionally, he renovated the 14 chalets into fully equipped self-catering units.

Today, Mr. Smit remains the proud owner of Klawer Hotel & Margo’s Restaurant. He is a pillar of the local community and a dedicated advocate for the continued growth and development of the town.