Christmas lunch deserves a setting that matches the occasion. Between the cooking, the cleaning, and the seating arrangements, hosting the festivities at home can turn a joyful holiday into a stressful one. That’s why more families across KwaZulu-Natal are choosing to celebrate somewhere else this year, somewhere the only thing they need to do is arrive.
ANEW Hotel Hilton, located in the heart of Pietermaritzburg’s Midlands, offers exactly that. This four-star hotel pairs Tudor-style architecture with warm, attentive service, making it a fitting venue for a family gathering that feels both elegant and relaxed. Whether you’re planning an intimate lunch for close family or a larger celebration with extended relatives, ANEW Hotel Hilton has the space, the setting, and the culinary expertise to make it memorable.
Why Choose ANEW Hotel Hilton for Christmas Lunch?
Originally established in 1936, ANEW Hotel Hilton has long been a fixture of the Midlands. Its Tudor lines and old-world charm give the hotel a distinct character that’s hard to replicate, while recent renovations across its 100 rooms mean guests never have to sacrifice modern comfort for historic appeal.
The hotel sits right on the doorstep of the Midlands Meander, surrounded by the kind of scenery that makes a Christmas visit worthwhile in its own right. Guests consistently highlight the friendly, efficient service they receive, a detail that matters when you’re hosting a special family occasion and want everything to run smoothly.
Beyond the setting, ANEW Hotel Hilton is well-equipped for hosting: seven conference rooms, an elegant ballroom that seats up to 200 guests, and additional amenities like an on-site gym and an electric vehicle charging station. It’s a hotel built to accommodate everything from small family lunches to larger celebrations.
Dining Excellence at Ellingtons Restaurant & Café
At the centre of the Christmas experience is Ellingtons Restaurant & Café, ANEW Hotel Hilton’s contemporary restaurant. Ellingtons has introduced a new à la carte menu showcasing local cuisine, alongside its long-standing buffet dining options that have made it a favourite among locals and travellers passing through the Hilton Village area.
For a festive touch, guests can enjoy fireside dining in the restaurant’s bar and lounge area, paired with one of Ellingtons’ signature drinks. Those wanting something more private can enquire about the Private Dining Room, a tudor-style space complete with its own entrance and fireplace. It’s well suited to intimate family gatherings, milestone celebrations, or smaller group lunches away from the main dining area.
For families who’d rather celebrate from the comfort of their room, ANEW Hotel Hilton also offers room service, so a home-style Christmas meal can be enjoyed without ever leaving your suite.
Accommodation Options for Your Family
Christmas lunch often comes with an overnight stay attached, and ANEW Hotel Hilton’s 100 recently renovated rooms cater to a wide range of family needs.
Families travelling with children may prefer the Standard Family Room (35m²), which features two queen-sized beds, or the more spacious Deluxe Family Room (43m²) with two king-sized beds and a freestanding clawfoot bathtub. Every room includes air-conditioning, satellite TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities as standard.
For those wanting extra space or a touch of luxury, the Deluxe Suite (29m²) and Executive Suite (48m²) both include small lounge areas, ideal for unwinding after a big lunch. Guests celebrating something particularly special might consider the Presidential Suite (45m²), which offers a separate lounge, two satellite TVs, and a rainfall shower alongside a clawfoot bathtub.
The hotel also offers a Universally Accessible Room, designed with a paraplegic-equipped bathroom and a large floor shower fitted with a chair and handlebars, ensuring guests with mobility needs are well catered for.
For larger families or groups wanting more independence, Hilton Homestead by ANEW, located on the hotel grounds, provides a self-catering option with three deluxe suite rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and access to all hotel facilities. It’s worth noting a minimum two-night stay applies here.
Activities and Attractions Near Hilton
Christmas lunch is only part of the appeal. ANEW Hotel Hilton’s location places guests within easy reach of some of the Midlands’ best-loved attractions, making it worth extending your stay beyond the meal itself.
The Midlands Meander, right on the hotel’s doorstep, is dotted with artisan shops, galleries, and craft producers. Nearby, you’ll find Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, both popular stops for visitors exploring the region’s history and natural beauty. For those wanting to stay active, Karkloof Canopy Tours offers an adventurous outdoor outing, while the hotel’s on-site gym is available for guests who prefer to keep up their routine during the stay.
Other nearby spots worth a visit include Florentine’s Luxury Belgian Chocolates, Terbodore Coffee Roasters, and Swissland Cheese, all good options for picking up something special to take home.
Planning Your Christmas Lunch Experience
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for hospitality venues, so booking early is worthwhile if you want a specific room type or dining arrangement. Contact the hotel directly to discuss your requirements, particularly if you’re interested in the Private Dining Room or a larger group booking, as these spaces tend to fill up quickly in the lead-up to the holidays.
When planning your visit, think beyond the lunch itself. With the Midlands Meander and several attractions within easy driving distance, extending your stay by a night or two can turn a single meal into a proper festive getaway. Families travelling with children may want to book a Standard or Deluxe Family Room in advance, while larger gatherings might consider combining Ellingtons’ group dining options with a stay at the self-catering Hilton Homestead.
Make This Christmas One to Remember
ANEW Hotel Hilton brings together elegant surroundings, warm hospitality, and a dining experience that reflects the best of local cuisine, making it a fitting choice for Christmas lunch in Pietermaritzburg. Between the newly renovated rooms, the historic charm of the hotel itself, and the scenic Midlands setting, it’s a venue designed to take the pressure off hosting so your family can simply enjoy the day.
Contact ANEW Hotel Hilton today to reserve your Christmas lunch and accommodation, and give your family a celebration to remember.
