SOUTHERN SUN ROSEBANK

Best for a no-frills stay that feels like home

With glittering views inside and out, Southern Sun Rosebank offers the quintessential Rosebank hotel experience – amplified. Although it’s not as flashy as some of its neighbours, its prime location (around the corner from fashion-forward Oxford Parks and The Zone @ Rosebank) makes it an ideal spot for travellers with centrality and comfort in mind. Southern Sun Rosebank welcomes a mix of corporate and leisure travellers loyal to the Southern Sun brand and the frequentGuest rewards programme. Despite its modern overhaul, the hotel remains a classic: The 318 rooms – all dark lacquered woods, chocolate brown furniture, leather accents and contemporary surrounds – are decorated in a palette of punchy colours. Ranging from Standard Rooms to Executive Suites, each of the smartly kitted out bedrooms is different in size. Common denominators, however, are king beds, black-out shades, a workspace, a good-sized bathroom with a walk-in shower, and the best night vistas of The Parks and Northcliff Hill. Guests looking to indulge can opt for the Presidential Suite with a double-volume bar opening onto a dining room and lounge. Another renovation across this year will bring new-look rooms – we can hardly wait for the big reveal. As enticing as it is to rely on 24-hour room service, it would be a shame to do so. An exciting new addition is The Grill Jichana, where the hotel’s inventive East African menu can be found.

Inspired by Africa’s epic spice route, the restaurant offers sizzling and flame-grilled meat, chicken and fish dishes. Don’t shy away from the classics, including a rump steak with café de Paris butter or slow-braised lamb shank, because The Grill Jichana does them brilliantly. For round one, beef carpaccio is served with freshly made tomato compote, cheesy prawn gratin is paired with lemon-scented cream, and black mushrooms are accompanied with hollandaise sauce, rocket, balsamic reduction and toasted brioche. The main event is the succulent pepper-crusted ostrich fillet with roasted baby onions, button mushrooms, sautéed spinach, creamed mash potatoes and red wine jus – it’s sourced and prepared with the utmost consideration. A wellstocked continental breakfast is served daily at Fresh Restaurant on the ground floor. Elsewhere, there’s a well-equipped gym, an outdoor swimming pool and a tranquil little Zen garden that will transport you to a world away from the Joburg hustle. Another compelling reason to return is the Camelot Spa, with an extensive treatment menu including the Thalgo 3 Algae Facial and Body Wrap as well as a signature CBD oil massage. Guests who can navigate the big city will find the best restaurants, wine bars and art galleries within easy reach.

Corner of Tyrwhitt & Sturdee Avenues, Rosebank

011 448 3600 ssrosebank.reservations@southernsun.com www.southernsun.com