4 minute read
COVER STORY: RADISSON RED ROSEBANK
First look at Radisson RED Rosebank
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The second RED on African soil gets a sophisticated glow-up.
In 2017, a new breed of hotel opened its doors on African soil. Bursting with exuberance and edgy art and boldly embracing technology with digital everything and keyless entry, Radisson RED Cape Town was as much the talk of the town as its equally new neighbour, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). Fast forward four years and the RED has grown up.
And now the brand is ready to introduce Cape Town’s equally cool sister in Rosebank. Amid the pandemic, civil unrest and the ongoing challenges facing the hospitality industry, RED Rosebank opened its doors this month. The first RED opened ahead of the cacophony of its neighbour’s grand opening and kickstarted a precinct that has seen the addition of retail, business and food offerings. By comparison, the suburb of Rosebank has always been an area kicking and screaming with life. As the home to the famous Keyes Art Mile with its myriad galleries as well as a bustling shopping district, the area has only become more – dare we say it – hip.
This makes it the ideal location for a hotel such as RED, which is not just a carbon copy of its Capetonian counterpart.
Instead, the new RED is a product of its environment. Situated in Oxford Parks, a mixed-use precinct, its trendy neighbours include Sony Music. Guests are welcomed to the hotel by a majestic pair of wings – red, of course – by South African artist Usha Seejarim. The wings’ ‘gaze’, as Seejarim floated the concept to the hoteliers, would be towards the inner city of Johannesburg, alluding to Jozi’s power-play between promise, ambition and opportunity and its realities of labour and migration. Elsewhere, atop a canopy of lights, a glossy red Marlene Steyn sculpture takes in the view of the busy street that the hotel is located on.
Seejarim and Steyn’s are not the only artworks you may expect to find at the RED, though. Its rooms, foyer and even the ablution facilities hint at a sophisticated counter-narrative of the cityscape, both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Ghanian artist Prince Gyasi’s bold prints adorn the walls of the hotel’s shared spaces, each depicting its own story of the hopeful fragility of society’s marginalised individuals. You simultaneously want to take a peek inside their world, while still enjoying the creature comforts of the world within RED’s walls.
And what a world it is. In contrast to its sister, RED Rosebank exudes modern luxury without over-grandeur. Everything seems ultra high-gloss – from its marble-covered reception desk and its lush furnishings in rich deep tones to its foyer-come-exhibition gallery where artworks will be rotated every six months. Where RED Cape Town is as fresh and bubbly as the Mother City it calls home, RED Rosebank is an avantgarde statement for the contemporary African citizen. As with all REDs, the hotel is digitised, built for the modern traveller, with a digiwall where you may take a selfie before you tap on a screen for a guide to the neighbourhood. In your room, your smartphone becomes a television remote, while the mirror in the bathroom is perfectly lit for your latest TikTok or Instagram Story.
As Curator (RED-speak for general manager) Carly de Jong puts it, “the hotel is built on culture and its spaces proffer a vibrant blend of relaxation, social interaction and work.” In fact, guests may expect more than just a trendy stay. In the RED kitchen, Chef Genghis San – referred to as Chef G in these parts – pulls together an exciting combination of flavours to keep your palate guessing, while the Rooftop Bar + Terrace will soon play host to live music sets and cocktails around a red-tiled lap pool beckoning you to take a dip. It’s no wonder insiders are tapping it to become the new playground and meeting place of Joburg’s elite and travellers looking for a one-of-a-kind stay.
“This hotel has been designed for an interactive, immersive experience, whether guests are staying overnight or popping in for a meal or drink,” adds de Jong. “It plays off the thriving energy of the city and truly is a reflection of the real urban culture of Rosebank.”
Meetings and events
Say no to RED tape. Whether you’re looking to host a professional conference, fashion show or strategy brainstorm, our flexible spaces promise to inspire you. Kitted out with modern technology, experienced event planners, and multiple fantastic food options fresh from our kitchen, you really are in the best hands. Radisson RED features six meeting studios ranging from 20 to 120 in capacity as well as a reading room workspace for remote workers. All meeting studios have natural light and street views. Our passionate, multilingual team understand the importance of delivering unique and unforgettable events.
Contact details
info.rosebank@radissonred.com
