Honouring 25 Years of Hotel Thule

At CiMSO, we have the privilege of partnering with establishments that stand as pillars of excellence in hospitality. This year, we are honoured to celebrate one such icon: Hotel Thule, a landmark that has embodied elegance, heritage, and Namibian warmth for 25 years.

Perched serenely atop a hill in Windhoek, Hotel Thule has long been known as a place where reality and imagination meet – living up to the ancient Norse meaning of its name, “the place where the real and the imaginary touch.” Yet before it became one of Namibia’s most beloved boutique hotels, it lived another life: a private mansion surrounded by sweeping city views, stately palm trees, and an undeniable sense of home.

A Legacy Rooted in Vision

The story begins in 1959, when construction magnate Mr Edmund Lafrenz sought a home worthy of the extraordinary landscape around him. It was fascination – perhaps even destiny – that led him to the most coveted plot in Eros. By 1960, the Lafrenz residence stood completed: a mid-century masterpiece overlooking the mountains of Windhoek, adorned with handcrafted finishes, custom wrought iron gates, lush gardens, and a unique wine-barrel cabinet that still whispers of history today.

This private paradise was more than architecture; it represented the essence of Namibia’s beauty – vast horizons, shifting dunes, and the warmth of belonging. It was a place where the Lafrenz family lived their dream, and where the foundations of Hotel Thule were quietly, unknowingly laid.

The Transformation Into a Haven

In the early 2000s, the property transitioned into the ownership of Mr Wolfgang Egerer, a renowned property developer whose vision closely mirrored that of Mr Lafrenz. Although his original intention was to convert the residence into luxury apartments, collaboration with architect Piet Odendaal revealed a higher calling: to open this extraordinary home to the world.

Their shared vision led to the creation of Hotel Thule – a transformation that honoured the original residence while shaping it into a boutique hotel filled with character and timeless charm. Much of the Lafrenz legacy was preserved, from the original timber frames to the iconic palm trees that still guard the hilltop.

Today, Hotel Thule stands proudly as a 4-star establishment, offering 25 beautifully furnished ensuite rooms, a boardroom, a pool, and two signature spaces beloved by locals and travellers alike:

• On the Edge Restaurant, known for its international cuisine with Namibian flair.
• The Sundowner Bar & Terrace, a favourite spot for unforgettable sunsets over Windhoek.

A Place to Belong

For a quarter of a century, Hotel Thule has been far more than a hotel. It has been:

• a sanctuary for travellers,
• a backdrop for celebrations,
• a home for returning guests,
• and a beacon of Namibian hospitality.

Its greatest achievement is not only in architecture or panoramic views, but in the feeling it gives – a sense of welcome, warmth, and connection. As the saying goes, “to be loved is to be known.” And through Hotel Thule, countless visitors have come to know and love Namibia.

Honouring 25 Years – And Beyond

As Hotel Thule celebrates its silver jubilee, we at CiMSO proudly honour their journey – a vision 65 years in the making, carried forward by those who saw not just a house on a hill, but a place where guests from all over the world could feel at home.

To the entire team at Hotel Thule:
Congratulations on 25 remarkable years.
Thank you for allowing CiMSO to be part of your story – a story built on vision, hospitality, and the privilege of home.

Here’s to the next chapter of excellence, innovation, and unforgettable sunsets over Windhoek.

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CiMSO supports clients transitioning from fragmented legacy software systems to fully integrated ERP solutions. We manage deployments in compliance with ISO90003 Quality Management Systems and PRINCEII Project Management methodologies.

Contact your local CiMSO Office or Value Added Reseller to learn more about our Integrated ERP Software Suites for Hotels, Resorts, Real Estate, Clubs, Timeshare, and Leasing Management.