The MW Property group acquired the hotel towards the end of 2019. The entire hotel was revamped and is currently providing accommodation to contract workers on a short and long-term basis.
A small piece of history
What is known is that the original hotel was established in 1848 as the Commercial Hotel and records showed that a J Dinwall, M Currie (1908) & Mrs. AM Roberts (1919) were the proprietors. Since the name changed to the Oceanic Hotel owners include J Abel (1924), Ruban & Sylvia Budlender (Dec 1953 – Dec 1967), Mr. & Mrs. Lombard and family (1980’s) until the late 2000s. The RENT Trust owned the hotel until 2019. The oceanic Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in East London and the surrounding area.
Historical Info
If hotels could speak, the Oceanic Hotel would not be short on stories. The Oceanic Hotel has seen a frequent change of ownership with each owner leaving their unique imprint on the hotel. The history of the hotel is closely linked to that of East London as it was due to Sir Henry Smith’s decision to proclaim the annexure of the port.
John Bailie, one of the 1820 Settlers, surveyed the Buffalo River mouth and founded the town in 1836. There is a memorial on Signal Hill commemorating the event.
The existing port, in the mouth of the Buffalo River, adjoining the Indian Ocean, began operating in 1870.
The three neighbouring settlements of East London, East London East and Panmure were merged in 1873, forming the core of the current municipality. In 1876 it began construction on the region’s railway lines commencing on the river’s east bank. At the same time, it began construction of the East London harbour. This new infrastructure rapidly accelerated development of the area into today’s thriving city of East London.
The city formed around the only river port in South Africa and was originally known as Port Rex. Later it was renamed London in honor of the capital city in the United Kingdom, hence the name East London. This settlement on the West Bank was the nucleus of the town of East London, which was elevated to city status in 1914.
The unusual double-decker bridge over the Buffalo River was completed in 1935, and to this day is the only bridge of its type in South Africa.
The Oceanic Hotel was established in 1848 as the Commercial Hotel and is the oldest operating hotel in East London and the surrounding area.
Facilities
The Oceanic has 16 single/double rooms. 9 have their own bathrooms and there are 7 that have communal bathrooms and toilets. The establishment also offers 7 fully equipped self-catering flats. Our self-catering units are ideal for one or two guests each equipped with a television set, a kitchenette, a shower and bathroom facilities. The establishment offers braai facilities, a swimming pool, games room with big screen OVHD, 3 TV lounges with OVHD and a large fully equipped communal kitchen. The Oceanic has daily housekeeping and all basic bedding is supplied.
