Located in the heart of the upmarket suburb of Summerstrand in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), the No 5 Boutique Art Hotel stands as a testament to Art Deco architecture and the glorious jazz age.
The building itself is an art piece, lovingly renovated and restored by Adrian Gardiner, the founder and owner of the Mantis Collection.
The Mantis No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel represents all that is beautiful about the Art Deco style: the smooth, curved lines, the balanced designs, and straight geometric shapes, all in eye-catching blue and white.
The hotel is well located one block back from the beach within easy walking distance in a quiet street. Access is by secure gate with on site parking.
No5 is filled with gems - a privately-owned art collection and world-class facilities all hand selected for the enjoyment of both business and leisure travellers.
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I am welcomed by Xolani Ndlovu, a young man with a broad smile and great passion for people. He introduces me to both the brand and the hotel, pointing out the electric car charging station in the parking lot, and the giant praying mantis, a stainless-steel sculpture by Jacques van der Westhuizen near the entrance. ‘It represents the Mantis motto,’ he says, ‘and it means Man and Nature Together is Sustainable’. An ethos that runs deeply throughout the Mantis brand.
Xolani gives me a brief introduction to the art as we head up towards my suite. He points to the piano, and I ask him if he plays… he laughs, saying he prefers computers and watching animations - ‘there’s always something to learn from them’, he says.
We talk about his life and how he started at No.5 as a night porter, and because of his skill with people, was given the opportunity at the front desk, then reservations and now guest relations. He tells how his father made a living selling fruit, and how he used to help him, and how this taught him how to deal with people.
He proudly tells me that in 2018 he won Best Front of House in the Eastern Cape but gives much of the credit to fellow employee Veliswa Mtati who mentored him and shared the skills she had learnt in her tourism studies with him. A humble man who will no doubt go far.
We make our way up the beautiful spiral staircase to my suite. I’m in a business class suite, the open plan complete with work desk, bar area, spacious lounge opening up to a balcony, and a bedroom area complete with king-size bed and full ensuite bathroom, all appointed and with luxury amenities. But what I loved best in the bathroom was the toy boat, with the message ‘contact reception for your plug - help us save water’.
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But as much as my suite invited relaxation, there was much to explore…
Rooms are beautifully appointed and serviced twice daily.
The hotel is modern and features local artwork.
A Living Art Gallery
No.5 by Mantis is described by so many as a living art gallery.
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On Tuesday, 5th February, Mantis launched Exclusive Art Tours at No.5 by Mantis. The art at No.5 is the personal collection of owner and Chairman of Mantis.
Adrian said that “he start collecting art over 30 years ago and the early days of my art collection were relative to the history of Africa and one of the biggest collections of art about Nelson Mandela Bay.
The art at No.5 by Mantis includes these artworks as well as contemporary artists; especially those South African artists who did not receive recognition in the apartheid era.
We showcase all categories of art which depict the history and the art deco theme of No.5 by Mantis which is especially visible in the furnishing as I consider it to be part of the art experience.
A lot of the art at No.5 came from a single gallery in Cape Town. We received a truckload and discovered it was very fitting of what we were trying to accomplish and sent only one piece of art back to the gallery.
With over 200 works of art comprising of paintings, photography, sculptures, and installations.
‘Our guests often comment on how beautiful the art is, and we often see guests transfixed in our hallways, restaurant, cinema and whiskey bar; admiring the latest masterpiece to catch their eye.
The art tours were conceptualised by Tracy Dergoumois of Outside the Box Marketing, and together with the team at Mantis have opened No.5’s doors to art lovers in an intimate launch of the exclusive art tours.
It’s an Art Deco classic, lovingly renovated and restored by the founder and owner of the Mantis Collection, Adrian Gardiner, who is both an entrepreneur and a conservationist.
I’m no art aficionado or avid art enthusiast, but I certainly found myself captivated by the exquisite art pieces adorning the walls of No. 5. From contemporary masterpieces to thought-provoking sculptures and exquisite hand-blown glass, the collection offers a glimpse into the creative soul of South Africa.
I marvel at each stroke of paint and every carefully sculpted detail, loving the aesthetic of a piece, but not necessarily understanding its provenance or value. And I love that the collection serves as a testament to South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
One can’t miss the pen and ink collage ‘Wittgenstein’s Rhinoceros’ by William Kentridge, the title referring to a discussion about mathematics between philosophers Ludwig Wittgenstein and Bertrand Russel, in reception, or the giant canvas by Sam Nhlengethwa, a tribute to the great Miriam Makeba and the age of Jazz.
The simple elegance of the bronze ‘Woman seated on a stool’ by Maureen Quin catches my attention, as do the ‘Post Boxes’ in the board room - created by Jan van der Merwe, the eleven Perspex boxes each filled with rusted metal envelopes, each representing one of South Africa’s official languages, and ‘metaphors for the unheard voices of ordinary people’. A piece that speaks to the soul…
I walk past ‘The Piano Room’ with its Art Deco style furniture and beautiful piano, dating back to 1947. And the Champagne lounge with its mirrored cabinets, polished chests of drawers, smoked glass vases and deep comfy chairs, the perfect spot for a fine cup of tea or a glass of bubbles.
There’s the Mountbatten Theatre, a private cinema, modelled, with permission, after then Prince Charles’ cinema in Clarence House, perfect for popcorn and movies, or even a romantic dinner for two.
The Jazz Room goes from bright and cheerful with morning light, to relaxed and soulful in the evenings, the jazz soundtrack bringing to life Sam Nhlengethwa’s jazz greats that adorn the walls - from Lemmy Mabaso and his penny whistle to pianist and composer Thelonius Monk and sultry jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, among others.
An Andy Warhol plate and a trio of lithographs by Robert Hodgins completes the scene.
I sneak a peek into the Dining Cellar, it’s set up for a private dining function, it looks warm and inviting and the three-course menu delicious. There is art on the walls here too - from the moody, dark tones of the oil on canvas ‘The Debate’, by Aldo Balding to the sculptural element of the coat and baggage made of rusted metal, which tells a story of displacement and is part of a work by Jan van der Merwe titled ‘Nowhere to Go’.
Both adding to the cellar aesthetic.
But it’s the corridors that keep me entranced… the hotel’s dedication to promoting local artists is evident around every corner, the carefully curated pieces narrate stories of South Africa, and the Eastern Cape’s history and development.
The blend of traditional and contemporary art forms creates an immersive experience that goes beyond mere visual appreciation, from Henk Serfontein’s scenes of motels, truck stops and petrol stations to the detailed paintings of daily life and African heritage by Barbara Tyrrell amongst many more.
Across the street, the 2010 Boutique Villa offers an exclusive use luxurious home-away-from-home experience. As one would expect, the art, by local artist Duncan Stewart, has a distinctive 2010 World Cup soccer theme.
There’s the giant ref’s whistle as you enter the property and larger-than-life foosball players adding colour to the pool area, and a poignant bronze sculpture of a slumbering street-child on the floor of the lounge.
Then there’s the soccer playing ‘Boytjies from Bethalsdorp’ depicting two young boys playing football amidst a violent society, and Duncan’s ‘Mixing Faith with Work’ pieces speak of workers on the construction site of the 2010 soccer stadium, and his ‘Architecture of Play’ that questions whether our play as kids ever becomes a reality as adults.
A brief but thought provoking glimpse at another renowned local artist’s work.
Accommodation and Amenities
Accommodation at 'No 5 by Mantis' consists of spacious and elegantly appointed rooms.
The hotel features a variety of room types, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites, all designed to meet the needs of different guests.
The rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, minibar, safe, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Room Facilities:
- Air Conditioned
- Mini Bar
- Safe-Deposit Box
- Coffee / Tea Maker
- Hair Dryer
- TV
- Cable / Satellite TV
- Shower
- Bath
- Private Bathroom
- Private Toilet
- Bidet
- Bedding/Pillow Choices
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Bathrobes
- Towels
- Room Service
- Breakfast in the Room
Hotel Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Currency Exchange
- Elevator / Lift
- High-speed Internet
- 24-Hour Reception
- Concierge
- Non-Smoking Rooms
- Family Room
- Express Check-In/Check-Out
- Multilingual Staff
- Allergy-Free Room Available
- Designated Smoking Area
- Souvenirs/Gift Shop
- Banquet Facilities
- Conference Room(s)
- Meeting Rooms
- Ticket Service
- Fitness Room/Gym
- Business Center
Services:
- Airport shuttle
- Laundry service
- Dry Cleaning
- Porters
- Barber/Beauty Shop
- Tour Desk
- Valet Parking
- Self Laundry
- Photocopier
Entertainment and Relaxation:
- Bar / Lounge
- Massage
- Massage / Beauty Centre
- Body Treatments
- Golf Course
- Tennis Courts
- Garden
- Squash Courts
- Windsurfing
- Poolside Bar
- Shops
- Swimming pool
- Sauna
- Spa & Wellness Centre
- Boating
- Fishing
- Surfing
- Pool Outdoor
- Water Activities
For families with children, the hotel offers Babysitting / Child Services.
Culinary Delights
Beyond the mesmerizing art, the culinary offerings at Mantis No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel celebrate the bountiful produce of the region, with each dish thoughtfully crafted to tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
From fresh spinach, carrots and herbs grown onsite to fresh line-fish bought daily from local fishermen to local flavours with international influences beautifully presented, an artwork on a plate and a delight to the palate.
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