The beautiful hotel building was erected by the Delegoa Bay Land Syndicate, as part of a project by the architect Walter Reid. It took 19 months to complete, at a cost of two hundred thousand pounds sterling. The hotel was inaugurated on 1st June 1922. Since then, various refurbishments have taken place, culminating in the major renovations started in October 1990. This has resulted in the magnificent appearance that the hotel still presents today. The air-conditioned hotel comprises a total of 177 rooms and offers room service and an entrance hall with a 24-hour reception desk. Further facilities include a hotel safe, a currency exchange facility, a cloakroom, lift access, a café, a hairdressing salon, a bar, a restaurant, Internet access, room and laundry services and parking for those arriving by car. Fully equipped conference, banqueting and business facilities are available.

The hotel is situated in the heart of Maputo, on one of the city's most desirable avenues. Overlooking the Bay of Maputo, it is close to Maputo's nerve centre, the international embassies, the Presidency of the Republic, government ministries and popular restaurants, and is 10 minutes from Mavalane International Airport, the hotel is a majestic building with a history stretching as far back as 1922. The Municipality, The Iron House, The Fort, The Natural History Museum, the market and the CFM train station are all within 30 minutes away on foot or 5 minutes away by car.

The cuisine served incorporates the spices and traditions of Portugal, Mozambique and Africa. The Terrace Restaurant offers a daily à la carte menu and themed buffets on Friday and Saturday evenings with a live band. The Salão de Chá serves homemade pastries and light meals, while two bars welcome guests with cocktails, snacks, live entertainment and breathtaking views of the African coastline.