The Orion Group was founded by the CEO, Franz Gmeiner in 1991, with the purchase of an 11 storey office tower in downtown Johannesburg. A steady flow of acquisitions resulted in the 1996 purchase of the Devonshire office tower and hotel complex, in the Braamfontein precinct of Johannesburg. In March 1999, the hotel operations of Hotel Devonshire were taken over from the tenant, and this was the beginning of the current Orion Hotels portfolio of 15 hotels, resorts and lodges.

Hotels and lodges were acquired by through purchase, lease or management contracts. From the small beginnings in 1999, with the acquisition of the 63 room three star Hotel Devonshire, the hotel division now boasts hotels and lodges in the three, four and five star categories.

Our hotels are a fine selection of heritage hotels, luxury estates, city hotels, country retreats and private game lodges making Orion the only sizable boutique hotel group in southern Africa. This unique hand-picked selection of individual properties offer diversity and an exciting array of experiences to cater to our rainbow nation.

Our Brand Promise: Loving to Serve Our Guests Better Every Day

Other differentiating factors of Orion Hotels are a strong service culture, quality food, Rolls Royce VIP fleet and the boutique nature of each unique hotel, resort or lodge.