Hotels around the world: where to stay when travelling for work

Hotels around the world: where to stay when travelling for work

INTRODUCTION Flight Centre Business Travel is part of the Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies. This means we have global negotiation strength larger than many other travel management companies (TMCs).

With this negotiation strength, we can access special corporate rates at a vast range of hotel options in all corners of the globe. And the long-standing relationships we’ve built with airlines and hotels means we have the ability to include extras in our rates, such as free wi-fi and free breakfast. These add-ons enhance business travel experience, improving comfort and increasing productivity while travelling for work, as well as passing savings to your company. This is all part of our global smartSTAY corporate benefits programme, and is offered as standard to all Flight Centre Business Travel customers.

So, no matter what your business travel destination, we’ll be able to offer you and your travellers a wide selection of competitively priced accommodation options to fit all of your travel needs. We have over 3,000 hotels in our smartSTAY programme so please ask your Travel Expert at Flight Centre Business Travel for recommendations or contact us to find out more.

Shanghai Shanghai is China’s largest and richest city – a thriving port metropolis fusing East and West, ancient and modern. Situated on the Huangpu River, where the Yangtze meets the East China Sea, its Pudong district is a globally important commercial and financial hub. But it’s also developing a worldwide reputation for fashion, design, film and the arts.

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS Being unprepared or arriving late is frowned upon.

Calm, composed and organised is the key.

Handshakes are accepted business practice. Address business contacts by their title followed by their last name.

Receive and offer business cards with both hands. Take time to read the one you’ve been given.

Small talk before getting down to business is commonplace – as are long silences in the meeting. Don’t expect business to be concluded swiftly – one or more meetings may be necessary before the deal’s sealed.

The gesture of accepting gifts is frowned upon in business. However, if you are invited to someone’s house, it’s seen as polite to accept.

At a business lunch, wait to be seated; sample each dish but take it easy as there may well be many different courses.

Before the trip, it’s a good idea to learn to use chopsticks properly.

FYI Time zone: GMT + 7 Flight time: Approx 11.5 hours Currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1=8.8CNY approx Arriving: Pudong International Airport is the main international gateway; Shanghai Hongqiao Airport serves mostly domestic flights.

Climate: Shanghai is humid and subtropical, with midday temperatures in the height of summer reaching 35–36°C (95–97°F); it’s chilly in the winter. Springtime can be cloudy and rainy; autumn is mild to warm and sunny.

Getting around: Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so get the destination written down in Chinese so they know where you want to go. There should also be a phone number in the back of the taxi so travellers can contact an English-speaking agent for help.

The Shanghai Metro has signs and station arrival announcements in English and a ferry operates every 10 minutes between the Bund and the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong.

A Shanghai Jiaotong Card can be pre-loaded and used for transport, including taxis.

Tipping: Not expected

THINGS TO DO Can’t sleep?

Book a private tour of night-time Shanghai, which includes a boat trip on the Huangpu River to see the illuminated skyscrapers, a guided walk along the Bund promenade, famous for its 1920s architecture and awesome views across the river and the lively Nanjing Road.

Time to spare?

Wander the Bund and the old town or go to the top of the World Financial Centre for a bird’s eye view of the city.The Jade Buddha Temple and its Chinese garden provide some calm amid the chaos.

Hungry?

Book a Shanghai street-food night tour, taking in a classic Shanghainese neighbourhood, sampling dishes such as stewed crawfish, grilled lamb, wontons, fresh fish, shrimps and eel.

Retail therapy?

Nanjing Road, almost 3.5 miles long, is a busy shopping avenue.

The Yuyuan Bazaar, near the Bund, is good for Chinese crafts and jewellery; or bargain for jade and memorabilia at Dongtai Road Antiques Market.

Day to spare?

Take a day trip out of the city and wander back in time where life has remained relatively unchanged at the gardens of Suzhou and the ancient Zhouzhuang water village. Or visit Shanghai Disneyland Park.

WHERE TO STAY? Park Hyatt Shanghai Park Hyatt Shanghai is a five-star luxury hotel located on the 79th to 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, known as the “Vertical Comprehensive City”.

Shanghai World Financial Center is located in the centre of Lujiazui Commercial District, Pudong, Shanghai.

Ramada Shanghai East Savour a fabulous location within reach of notable corporations and incredible local sights when you stay at our fullservice Ramada Shanghai East hotel.

Our hotel is well-situated for both business and leisure pursuits - perfect for conferences and social gatherings.

D i d yo u kn ow …

8 i s t h e l u c k i e st numbe r a s it so und s s i mil a r t o t h e wo rd fo r ‘pro spe ri ty’.

6 i s c o n si de red l uck y i n busine ss.

4 on t h e o t h e r ha nd, i s co nsi de re d u n l u c k y.

Hotel Indigo Shanghai On the Bund Right on the Huangpu river front.

Breakfast and wifi included, plus complimentary checkout, if available.

To find out more about our hotels programme or more information get in touch here

Boston Boston is a key business destination among Corporate Traveller’s clients. It’s a fun, interesting and welcoming city. And, with our insider tips from Corporate Traveller’s regional sales director east, Jillian Jenkins, there’s no excuse to hang out in the hotel lobby or order room service – get out and about and explore!

FYI Time difference: Boston is on Eastern Standard Time, 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight savings starts the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday of November.

Flight time: About 6.5 hours from the UK. Tipping: Taxis expect a 10-15% tip; restaurants expect 15-20% on the total BEFORE local tax (6.25%). A few restaurants build in a 20% gratuity; always check your bill.

Getting around: Buy a Boston CityPASS which gives savings on regular admission prices to various attractions, including the Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center and a choice of a Boston Harbor Cruise or the Harvard Museum of Natural History. citypass.com/boston ‘Build Your Own’ itinerary and get discount on entry fees with a GO Boston card. smartdestinations.com Download a ValuePASS for discounts at bostonusa.com

THINGS TO DO The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile-long path that takes you through several of Boston’s greatest neighbourhoods, specifically Faneuil Hall, the heart of Boston’s history. Visit the Boston Tea Party museum and learn about all the key players and Boston’s importance in the American Revolution. Some of the original cobblestone still exists in the streets (ladies, leave your stilettos at home!). The Freedom Trail ends at Charlestown where visitors can round off the tour at the Warren Tavern and sit at the bar where documents were drafted and carried off by Paul Revere in 1775. Hungry? Try Pier 6, a casual seafood eatery on the waterfront.

Quincy Market

Pick up a few souvenirs in this historic building and sample a bite to eat. Several vendors offer lunch and dinner in a countertop environment. A great experience for solo travellers and fun for groups, too.

Dining alone?

Neptune Oyster is hands down the best seafood restaurant in Boston. The owners do not take reservations and only have about 10 tables so one of the best ways to visit is to dine as a single at the bar. It’s located in the North End, Boston’s Little Italy, where you can stop by Café Vittoria for an after-dinner drink or espresso. And, of course, a cannoli (crisp Italian shells filled with spiced cream).

Shopping

Newbury Street, located in Boston’s Backbay, is known for its boutiques and highend fashion. Stop off at Stephanie’s for a cocktail. It’s a great spot for lunch and dinner with colleagues.

What’s hot

The Seaport District is the new hot new place to be with several bars, restaurants and clubs. It’s a great neighbourhood, whether traveling alone or with colleagues.

Dining options range from super-casual to five-star fine dining and everything in between.

Eating out with colleagues

Legal Harborside is Legal Seafood’s three-story flagship restaurant in the Seaport District overlooking the Boston Harbour. The first floor is more casual classic New England fare. The second floor is a fine-dining setting and the third is a rooftop bar (open in winter) offering sushi and a raw bar menu. Great for lunch or dinner.

Grab a snack

Yankee Lobster, a little shack in the Seaport District is great for a ‘grab and go’ lobster roll.

Fenway Park, or – as you might hear t he loc als call it , t he C at hedral of Bost on – is our beloved baseball st adium.

O pened on April 20, 1912, it ’s not only t he oldest ballpark in t he U S , it ’s also known as Americ a’s Most B eloved Ballpark. Take a t our or c at ch a game in t he bleac her seat s for cheap if you’re v isit ing in t he spring. www.mlb.c om/redsox

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

JFK’s Boston Take a walking tour of JFK’s Boston, including 83 Beals Street, where he grew up, which is now the JFK National Historic Site; Harvard University, where he studied and the JFK Library, where inspiring words from his inauguration speech are etched in the walls.

Cheers bar Fans of the long-running show can pull up a stool at the bar ‘where every body knows your name’, at 84 Beacon Street in the Beacon Hill area. It also sells officially licensed Cheers merchandise.

Boston’s black history Also in Beacon Hill, at 46 Joy Street, is the fascinating Museum of African American History. It’s part of Boston’s 1.6-mile long Black Heritage Trail, which includes the African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School.

WHERE TO STAY? Boston Park Plaza One of Boston’s best-loved hotels.

When it opened in 1927, it redefined a standard of hospitality that guests came to expect. Part of the Preferred Hotel & Resorts brand.

Fairmont Copley Plaza This luxury downtown Boston landmark hotel has been a symbol of the city’s rich history and elegance since its opening in 1912. Centrally located in Boston’s historic Back Bay, Fairmont Copley Plaza sits steps away from the Boston Public Library, historic Beacon Hill, and the Freedom Trail. enVision Hotel Boston A good-value, boutique hotel experience in the charming neighbourhood of Jamaica Plain, close to major attractions such as Fenway Park.

To find out more about our hotels programme or more information get in touch here

Frankfurt Germany’s fifth-biggest city, officially called Frankfurt am Main after the river that runs through it, is shrugging off its ‘dull’ reputation and has earned a new nickname of Mainhatten, thanks to its fast-changing skyline and growing importance as a financial hub. It’s already the headquarters of the European Central Bank and is set to become an even bigger business and finance destination after Brexit. Franziskus Bumm, country manager Germany for Corporate Traveller’s sister company FCM Travel Solutions, gives us an insider’s view.

FYI Time difference: : GMT + 1hr Flight time from UK: 90 mins Tipping: Tipping is appreciated: 5-10% at a restaurant; round up to the nearest euro or so at cafes and in taxes.

Don’t eat meat?

There’s plenty to eat for vegetarians. The best-known dish is gruene soße, made with potatoes and herbs, which was an essential food during the war. It’s a delicacy nowadays and is copied in many countries, but it originally comes from Frankfurt.

Where the locals go

Getting around: U-Bahn (subways) Strassenbahn (trams) and buses can be used interchangeably at a single price based on fare zones.

Tickets are valid for one hour on routes in the same direction.

My tip is Fichtekränzi (Wallstraße 5). It opened in 1894 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Frankfurt, with long tables and benches.

It’s off the tourist route and a lot of locals go there in the evenings.

Save money on a day ticket (Tageskarte) for unlimited travel inside Frankfurt’s central zone or the Frankfurt Card, available at tourist offices, which covers the greater Frankfurt area, including airport shuttle bus, plus reduction on tours and admission into museums.

Night on the town

Taxis can be hailed in the street or picked up at a taxi stand.

Frankfurt Main Train Station is Germany’s most important train hub.

THINGS TO DO Eating and drinking

Frankfurt is a very international place and a commuting city.

Everyday 300,000 people commute into the city, which makes it very quiet in the evenings. But there are many good restaurants in all price categories – you just have to know where to find them.

Apfelwein

Apple wine is served in many pubs and restaurants. Drink it neat, sour (with sparkling water) or sweet (with orange juice).

Frankfurter sausages

Frankfurt is famous for its Frankfurter sausages and can be eaten in apfelwein bars and restaurants. This service comes with a special charm – the food is great and plates can often be shared.

Old Sachsenhausen has long been a touristy place, since Frankfurt was the Allied headquarters and staff from across the Atlantic populated this area. Today you can wonder around the streets of this part of the town and find plenty of pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. I’d also strongly recommend the Nordend area and the streets around Bergerstraße. This is where a lot of students live and there are good restaurants at great prices.

Music and dancing

The Jazzkeller (Kleine Bockenheimer Straße) remains a hidden gem as it’s bit tricky to find but it is really worth it. Since 1952, again as a result of Frankfurt’s position after the war, a lot jazz stars have come through this cellar club, which turns into a disco with turntables on a little desk. The club usually does not close before 9am the next day.

Quick snack

Along the River Main, at 35 Schaumainkai, is Dönerboot, a red and white boat where chef Meral serves Turkish kebabs, fish and homemade lemonade to passing trade who either pass by on foot or pull up alongside by boat.

Frankfur t is far from being boring, I lived t here for 19 years and even now I st ill manage t o st umble ac ross ext raordinar y new places. The c it y has an unusual mix of ver y modern and medieval herit age . Frankfur t has a ‘New York feel’ since many people who live in t he cit y don’t st ay t here for a ver y lon g t ime , so you oft en hear t hat t ourist s don’t feel like t ourist s. You c ould be someone who is par t of t he communi t y even if you are only t here for a day.

Sightseeing

Do not miss the Old Opera House (Alte Oper); and Goethe Street (Goethestraße) the luxury shopping street in the city centre, situated within the Opera Quarter. It’s named after writer and stateman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was born in Frankfurt.

The Schirn is a very modern art museum; right next to it is the Romer (City Hall): an old part of the city that has been carefully reconstructed to show how Frankfurt looked before the war.

Walking

On sunny days I would recommend a walk along the Main River, which flows right through the middle of the city. If you have a bit more time the outskirts of Frankfurt are really beautiful and in 20 minutes you are surrounded by fabulous nature.

Frankfurt is a banking town and, wandering around the many skyscrapers can easily feel like a little tour through ‘Mainhatten’.

Further afield

Take a trip to the Feldberg for views over the metropolitan area. From there you can see the next bigger towns of Wiesbaden, Mainz and Darmstadtm which are also great to explore if you have an extra day.

WHERE TO STAY? NH Collection Frankfurt City Previously the NH Frankfurt City Center, this recently renovated hotel is within walking distance of exclusive shops, historic downtown, financial district, exhibition centre and two Michelin-starred restaurants: Seven Swans and the Lafleur. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi plus 10% discount on food and beverages.

Intercontinental Frankfurt Overlooking the River Main in the city centre, with the Old Town’s central Römerberg square 15 minutes’ walk away. Enjoy a drink in the stylish DAXx Mainhattan’s Bar or work out in the airy, 24-hour gym. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi plus 400 bonus IHG Rewards Club points.

Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt – Messe A modern and newly renovated hotel, close to the Congress Center Messe Frankfurt. It’s a 30-minute stroll to the Museumsufer river embankment and seven minutes by no 37 bus to Frankfurt Central Station. There’s a pillow menu and 24-hour business centre. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi, plus 400 bonus IHG Rewards Club points.

To find out more about our hotels programme or more information get in touch here

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi may be the largest – and the capital – of the United Arab Emirates’ seven emirates, but for a long time its smaller, more populated, neighbour Dubai was the one getting all the attention. Not anymore, as the ‘authentic Arabia’ as Abu Dhabi likes to be known, is coming out of the shadows as a cultural and commercial centre in its own right. Matt Lane, key account manager – TMC at Abu Dhabi’s national airline Etihad Airways, knows the emirate well and shares his insider’s view on where to go and what to see.

FYI Time difference: GMT+4 Flight time from UK: 7 hours approximately Tipping: Similar to the UK, around 10-15% for meals; round up taxi fares Getting around: Taxis are everywhere.They’re clearly marked, metered, safe and very good value. For those looking to explore further, car hire is inexpensive.

THINGS TO DO Eating and drinking

Cuisine from all over the world is widely available thanks to a diverse expat population. If you’re in the UAE on a Friday (the first day of the local weekend), the tradition is to enjoy a huge brunch with most hotel restaurants offering packages including drinks and spectacular buffets.

Regional specialities

Look out for dates, fish (particular the local hammour fish) and – for the more adventurous – dishes with camel’s milk! The food truck and street food culture has also caught on so ask around to locate the latest pop-up dining experiences.

Bloody Mary fans should head over to The St Regis bar, as it’s their signature drink served with zaatar, a local herb that gives it a unique twist.

Quick snack or low-key lunch

Jones the Grocer is a reliable local chain offering great deli-style snacks and fresh produce.

Eating alone

Most restaurants now deliver to hotel rooms (or poolside!) if you’re exhausted after a long day. The Corniche is great for a stroll and has plenty of small cafes, which are popular with families. Another great evening spot is the collection of restaurants at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri, next to the Shangri-La hotel, with spectacular views across the Grand Canal of the Grand Mosque.

Wow-factor business lunch or dinner

Hakkasan, in the ultra-luxurious Emirates Palace hotel, combines impressive dining in a stunning location. Diners can walk off their gourmet experience in the extensive grounds and opulent interior of the hotel.

Sightseeing

Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened last year and which is linked to the famous Louvre in Paris, is an amazing space and worth a visit just to admire the architecture. It’s in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District and shows artwork from around the world.

Another iconic building is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is free to visit and rated as one of the top attractions of the world on TripAdvisor.

Bird’s eye view

The Observation Deck at Jumeirah Etihad Towers is a great spot for visitors to get their bearings.

Work it off

For those wanting a unique way to work out, it’s possible to walk, run or cycle around the Yas Marina circuit F1 track on Tuesday and Sunday evenings (pre-registration is necessary). Golfers can choose from three courses, one of which is championship level.

Abu Dhabi has a diverse int ernat ional communit y, which makes for a ver y ric h c orporat e env ironment . O u t of respec t for t he loc al c ultu re , dress codes are a bit more c onser v at ive wit h t radit ional business at t ire being t he nor m wit h skir t s below t he knee an d shoulders covered for wom en .

B usiness c ards are st ill usef u l and, when meet ing Emirat is , it ’s adv isable and respec t ful not t o shake hands wit h loc al women unless t hey offer t h eir hand first .

WHERE TO STAY? InterContinental Abu Dhabi With its private beach and marina, the InterContinental Abu Dhabi hotel is an oasis of luxury near the Corniche and world-class shopping malls. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary wifi and breakfast, 400 bonus IHG Rewards Club points per stay.

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl Blurb: Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl offers a 5 star luxury hotel and events venue of awe-inspiring design and extraordinary architecture, located in the iconic West Corniche district of Abu Dhabi.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi On Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, at the centre of Abu Dhabi’s thriving commerce and culture, just 15 minutes from ADNEC and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary wifi and breakfast; 400 bonus IHG Rewards Club points per stay.

To find out more about our hotels programme or more information get in touch here

Melbourne Melbourne, Australia’s most cultural city, is fast becoming the nation’s business hub and Australian Bureau of Statistics data suggests it’s set to overtake Sydney as the country’s most populated city by 2030. Its forward-thinking business culture attracts many innovative start-ups and welcomes business travellers from around the globe. The Central Business District (CBD) is fairly simple to navigate, thanks to its logical grid layout, and the city has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Melbourne resident Carolyn Cruickshank – or CC as she’s known – works for CT’s sister company, Flight Centre Management, and shares her tips on where to go and what to do.

FYI

EATING AND DRINKING

Time difference: GMT+11

Dining to impress

Arriving: Visitors will more than likely fly into Tullamarine (40mins by cab; $60-$80 out of peak time to the city centre). Skybus services run direct to Melbourne CBD, St Kilda and other areas every 10 minutes.Tickets can be bought at the airport or pre-purchased online and cost $20 one-way.

The French Brasserie on Malthouse Lane is said to be the best French cuisine in the city, serving express lunches and decadent five-course meals, with delicacies such as escargot and fresh-caught mussels. With open spaces and intimate seating, it’s the perfect place to chat business. After the meal, head out to the terrace for a glass of wine.

Anyone travelling by Jetstar or Tiger Airways might pass through Avalon airport, a little further away. Skybus departs for the city every 30 minutes. Cabs costs $120-$150; an Uber costs $90-120.

Getting around: Melbourne has a well-connected transport system.

A free tram zone covers Docklands in the west, Flinders Street station to the south, Queen Victoria Markets in the north and Parliament House to the east. Anyone planning to cross the designated free-zone borders will need to tap their Myki smartcard, which can be purchased at the airport or participating retailers.

Tipping: No set rule in Melbourne. Suggest 10% in restaurants.

Working: There are plenty of shared office spaces for longer-term business travellers. Missing your pooch? Exchange in Richmond is a dog-friendly, medium-size office with flexible membership starting from 12 days.

More laid back

Rosa’s Canteen, on the corner of Little Bourke St and Thomson St, is a friendly Italian offering authentic food, served by Nonna Rosa, that is perfect for a business lunch.

True-blue Aussie option

For fine dining and cooked-to-perfection Australian beef, try one of the three Rare Steakhouse restaurants in the CBD. More casual

Try Crafty Squire, on Russell St, for casual lunch or a beer. It’s in the heart of the CBD and a short walk from the Yarra River.

Late-night option

Cookie, on Swanston St, is a beer hall, eating house and disco in Melbourne’s CBD, serving Asian cuisine and cocktails in a large open space.

Cool and classy

Bar 1806, on Exhibition St, serves cocktails in a vintage setting, while Beneath Driver Lane in Postal Lane, CBD, has a cool atmosphere.

“Melbourne is such a vibrant hub of cultures and colour. Discover its famous laneways decorated in street art, intersecting high-end avenues lined with boutiques and buzzing bar scene offering an array of nightcaps to finish off a hard day’s work.”

SIGHTSEEING

WHERE TO STAY?

The laneways: Melbourne has an interesting network of cool laneways (narrow streets), including Hosier Lane, which is home to some of Melbourne’s greatest street art; Somerset Place, behind the busy Elizabeth Street, which has an eclectic mix of shops; and Market Lane, near Chinatown, a multicultural area that’s great for dumplings, Cantonese food or Bavarian beer.

Victoria Market: Open Friday-Sunday and TuesdayThursday, it’s a lively food hub.

Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders Conveniently located in the CBD, within the free tram zone, on the corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street. Holiday Inn has newly renovated rooms and is a short walk from Southern Cross Station and some of the best dining options and attractions that Melbourne has to offer. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi, plus 400 IGH rewards points per stay.

Aerial view

On the city outskirts, the Eureka Tower’s Skydeck is open every day with 360-degree views of Melbourne from 88 floors up. Wow friends with a picture from inside the Vertigo green screen installation, which gives the illusion of holding on for dear life 285 metres above the ground.

Work it off

Melbourne has one of the most picturesque 3.8km running tracks around the Botanical Gardens, called the Tan. Other attractions

Take a day or night tour of the Yarra River.

Ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel at Docklands.

Visit the Arts Centre for shows and recitals.

Stop off at National Gallery of Victoria on the beautiful St Kilda Rd Boulevard for fine art exhibitions.

Park Hyatt Melbourne Overlooking St Patrick’s Cathedral, Fitzroy Gardens and the cosmopolitan mix of Victorian and modern architecture, Park Hyatt Melbourne offers exclusive, luxury accommodation in the heart of the city. The five-star hotel is centrally located in Melbourne’s CBD, offering the city’s largest 240 guest rooms and suites. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi, plus room upgrade, if available.

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins This five-star hotel is in the heart of the shopping dining and theatre district of Melbourne city centre on the Paris-end of Collins Street, named for the area’s old-world European character and cosmopolitan cultural attractions.

SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi, 20% food and beverage discount, plus room upgrade, if available.

To find out more about our hotels programme or more information get in touch here

Johannesburg Johannesburg, also known as Joburg or Jozi, is a vibrant, rapidly changing city and important business hub with year-round good weather. Yet, despite the changes, there is still a great wealth divide and the city’s reputation for being ‘unsafe’ often puts people off. There are plenty of safe areas, including shopping malls and the business district, but visitors do need to have their wits about them.

Michelle Jolley, corporate marketing leader at CT’s sister company Flight Centre Travel Group, knows the city well and shares her tips for business travellers planning a trip.

FYI Time difference: GMT+2 Getting around: The Gautrain easily takes visitors from the airport to Sandton or Rosebank.The Gautrain buses are also recommended and the city has a good Uber network, which provides a lot of flexibility.

Tipping: 10% in restaurants for lunches and dinners.Taxis are not recommended, but visitors can tip their Uber driver via the app.

EATING AND DRINKING What to expect

The city has a multitude of restaurants offering all kinds of food, from Asian and Thai to Indian, Portuguese and Italian.

Dining at Moyo, on Melrose Arch, is an enjoyable African experience. Misty Hills Country Hotel does a weekend carvery that includes a range of traditional dishes and game meat such as warthog, crocodile and kudu.

Quick snack or a low-key lunch

Tasha’s is a trendy restaurant/coffee shop chain and located in many business districts.

Eating alone

For anyone travelling alone, it is a good idea to stay in an area such as the Monte Casino complex as it has a number of hotels, restaurants and bars in the complex.

Visitors can then walk around and have plenty of variety.

The complex also has a cinema, theatre and casino to keep guests entertained.

Wow-factor business lunch or dinner

The Parkhurst area has a number of trendy places to eat such as La Boqueria and Cafe Del Sol. Alternatively, Wombles in Bryanston is great for a wow dinner or DW Eleven 13 in Dunkeld is quite an experience.

Night on the town

For something cheerful and vibey, try the Baron. For a more trendy night out, try the rooftop bars around Sandton. Or do what the locals do and try the new hot spots in Maboneng, such as Shakers or Love Revo.

Gin bars are very popular in Johannesburg: Try 011, an exclusive gin bar in Dainfern Square.

Music and dancing

Check out Sumo Night Club in Rosebank, or Rockets in Bryanston for live music.

SIGHTSEEING Soweto

The world-famous tour takes in the district with the largest population of the city. The area includes the Apartheid Museum and Soccer City, the biggest stadium in Africa which has been home to many World Cup games over the years as well.

Lion Park

The Lion Park is an eco-tourism destination, breeding ground and sanctuary that focuses on the well-being and regeneration of the endangered wild dog, the rare white lion and cheetah.

Nelson Mandela Bridge

Connects the Central Business District to the Newtown Cultural Precinct, where the museums and art galleries are.

Bus tour

There is a city hop-on-off bus tour that stops at all the top attractions.

Walking

It’s not particularly advisable to walk around, unless within one of the parks, malls or complexes.

Further afield

Anyone with a few days to spare should head out to the Pilanesberg (about 2.5 hours’ drive) for some game viewing.

WHERE TO STAY? Radisson Blu Gautrain, Sandton A Corporate Traveller preferred partner, this modern and stylish hotel is within walking distance of the Sandton business district, public transport and the famous Nelson Mandela Square.There’s a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as the nearby Sandton City shopping mall and other points within a 5km radius.

The nearest station is Sandton Gautrain for easy connection to Pretoria and the airport.

Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank This business hotel is in a commercial and business hub just north of the city centre, near the Rosebank Mall and Rosebank Gautrain station, with easy access to the banking district of Sandton. It’s 30 minutes by car or train from the airport. A free shuttle service runs to the nearby Sandton Convention Centre. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi, plus 400 IGH rewards points per stay.

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Rosebank Among the business hotels in Johannesburg close to the city’s corporate area, Holiday Inn Johannesburg Rosebank is next to Rosebank Gautrain station, has direct access to The Zone shopping centre and operates a free corporate shuttle within a 5km radius. The upmarket suburb of Sandton is 4km from the hotel, while Johannesburg CBD is 10km away. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi, plus 400 IGH rewards points per stay.

To find out more about our hotels programme or more information get in touch here

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