VENUE NEWS

A Johannesburg gem celebrates its 75-year legacy

October 2024 sees one of Sandton’s longest-standing hotels, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, celebrate its 75th Anniversary. To add a touch of extra ‘shine’to the occasion, the Hotel is taking its Jubilee celebration to social media, inviting its followers to share their memories of the Balalaika, for a chance to win a Jenna Clifford diamond valued at R30,000.

Established in 1949, the Balalaika Hotel is a mainstay of Sandton’s CBD, beginning its journey as an ‘outspan stop’ on the old wagon road between Johannesburg and Pretoria, where early travellers would park their wagons and let their oxen graze.

Not much is known of the founder of the site and tearoom in 1949. It is believed to be Gerard Le Grand, a British Royal Marine Officer who established the old Good Hope Tea Garden on the site. Gerard and his wife lived on the tearoom premises while the original hotel was being built. He managed the tearoom and added a selection of rustic rondavels to accommodate country travellers coming to town.

As Sandton evolved, gradually becoming a central business centre in the heart of Northern Johannesburg, the Balalaika grew with it, becoming a landmark known for its blend of modern luxury and timeless charm.

Incidentally, the name ‘Balalaika’ is believed to have been inspired by the 1939 film of the same name, reflecting the hotel’s longstanding association with music and culture.

Recent refurbishments have ensured that the Balalaika continues to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers, all while preserving the character that has made it a beloved institution for 75 years.

The Balalaika Jubilee competition is open to followers of the Hotel’s Facebook and Instagram pages between 1 and 20 October 2024. To enter, followers are invited to share an image of a Balalaika Hotel memory with a short caption explaining the image and using the hashtag #BalalaikaJubilee. Entrants must also tag the Hotel in their posts. Terms and conditions apply. The grand prize winner will be notified via the relevant social media platform.

Andrew Visagie, chief operating officer from Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, commented: “The Balalaika’s enduring legacy is distinguished by every traveller that has spent a night in the Hotel. It has served a cross-section of guests from all over the world, including many famous – and even infamous –characters who have passed through Johannesburg over many decades.”

“It is fitting that we honour the Hotel’s history with a celebration highlighting the stories which visitors and guests have to share. We look forward to many more years of excellence to come.”

To enquire about bookings at the historic Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, visit balalaika.co.za. For news and competition updates, follow the Balalaika social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.