A five-star Cape Town hotel has been blacklisted by the United States consulate in the city after what it claims are "multiple theft reports" from US officials staying there.
The hotel is the Westin Grand, a five-star establishment next door to the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
In a message e-mailed to US citizens in South Africa and posted on the US embassy's website, the consulate said US government employees and contractors had been "directed" not to stay at the Westin until further notice.
"This directive was issued because of multiple theft reports from US government employees visiting the hotel," it said in the e-mail.
It said none of the thefts was violent.
Matter was immediately investigated
"The US mission in South Africa is investigating the situation in co-ordination with hotel administration and will advise all US citizens of any change in this policy," it said.
The hotel's chief operating officer, Friedrich Schaefer, said US government employees staying at the Westin Grand had alleged incidents of theft on 11 August.
The matter was immediately investigated by hotel security and management.
As a matter of policy, the South African police were also informed.
However, the investigation was "inconclusive", and a meeting with the US embassy was arranged by hotel management for Tuesday.
Incident been given full attention
"We take all allegations of theft extremely seriously and this incident has been given full attention by hotel management," Schaefer said.
"Rigorous security procedures are in place.
"We greatly value our relationship with the US embassy and hope to resolve this as a matter of urgency."
The Westin Grand, formerly known as the Arabella Sheraton, says on its web page that it offers "customised renewal experiences" that will "energise your mind, body, and spirit, making your stay especially memorable".
"Our aim is for you to feel not only rested, but also renewed and enriched when you check out."
Rates for a single room plus breakfast range from R1900 to R4900 a night.
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