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The new hotels to bookmark for a Joburg weekend
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The new hotels to bookmark for a Joburg weekend
Want to go somewhere new? Like, brand-new? The most anticipated new hotel openings in Joburg are getting us seriously excited about the travel opportunities stretching ahead of us. The City of Gold is now full of lodgings so lovely that you’ll definitely want to stay for longer than a layover. Let’s appreciate what’s on our doorstep with these fresh-faced hotels to escape to this year. Now it’s up to you to decide what order in which to visit them.
EDITOR’S PICK:
VOCO JOHANNESBURG ROSEBANK
Why we love it: With so many Joburg hotels done in fiercely good taste, there’s something refreshing about Africa’s first voco hotel – with modern elements, contemporary flourishes and a colour scheme heavy on flamingo pink. Because as much as we enjoy a marvellously theatrical lobby and marble checkerboard floors, we also fancy something a little buzzy, bold and the place to be seen. Situated in The Bank on the corner of Cradock and Tyrwhitt Avenues, this scene-stealing landmark hotel is a swish experience from the outset. Inside, it’s all swirly carpets, gold-trimmed frames, tubular bronze lighting, thick curtains with tassles and covetable matte black designer tapware, with a dash of offbeat art to keep things fresh. Shades of navy blue and almond green create a stylish look, tastefully complemented by modern furniture pieces. Our Superior King Room was high-end in all the right ways (fabulous views, heaps of space, a walk-in rain shower, heated floors in the bathroom and a bed covered in cloudlike linens), but not at all over-the-top. It also provided quiet respite from the busy shopping district – so much so, you wouldn’t know The Zone @ Rosebank and Rosebank Mall are just a stroll away. Unfailingly professional staff are in the know about the latest restaurants to try, but there’s no denying that Proud Mary on the ground floor is the beating heart of the hotel. The buzzing restaurant and bar draws a high-gloss crowd starting at breakfast and continuing until the early hours with its weekend brunch, life-changing drinks and plates to share. It’s a dreamy spot for a nightcap.
At breakfast, dishes include decadent hotcakes with vanilla and lemon ricotta cream, berry compote and honeycomb crumb; eggs Benedict with sushi-grade salmon in thick slices, lemon truffle asparagus, dill oil and trout roe; and the biggest crowd-puller, the Asian omelette – a concoction of sugar-cured prawns, kimchi, feta, sprouts, coriander, spring onion and chilli oil. With so many Joburg hotels done in fiercely good taste, there’s something refreshing about Africa’s first voco hotel – with modern elements, contemporary flourishes and a colour scheme heavy on flamingo pink. Because as much as we enjoy a marvellously theatrical lobby and marble checkerboard floors, we also fancy something a little buzzy, bold and the place to be seen. Situated in The Bank on the corner of Cradock and Tyrwhitt Avenues, this scene-stealing landmark hotel is a swish experience from the outset. Inside, it’s all swirly carpets, gold-trimmed frames, tubular bronze lighting, thick curtains with tassles and covetable matte black designer tapware, with a dash of offbeat art to keep things fresh. Shades of navy blue and almond green create a stylish look, tastefully complemented by modern furniture pieces. Our Superior King Room was high-end in all the right ways (fabulous views, heaps of space, a walk-in rain shower, heated floors in the bathroom and a bed covered in cloudlike linens), but not at all over-the-top. It also provided quiet respite from the busy shopping district – so much so, you wouldn’t know The Zone @ Rosebank and Rosebank Mall are just a stroll away. Unfailingly professional staff are in the know about the latest restaurants to try, but there’s no denying that Proud Mary on the ground floor is the beating heart of the hotel. The buzzing restaurant and bar draws a high-gloss crowd starting at breakfast and continuing until the early hours with its weekend brunch, life-changing drinks and plates to share. It’s a dreamy spot for a nightcap. At breakfast, dishes include decadent hotcakes with vanilla and lemon ricotta cream, berry compote and honeycomb crumb; eggs Benedict with sushi-grade salmon in thick slices, lemon truffle asparagus, dill oil and trout roe; and the biggest crowd-puller, the Asian omelette – a concoction of sugar-cured prawns, kimchi, feta, sprouts, coriander, spring onion and chilli oil.
24 Cradock Avenue, Rosebank 010 023 2600 www.ihg.com
JOHANNESBURG MARRIOTT HOTEL MELROSE ARCH
Why we love it: This new tech-forward hotel has put a ton of thought into the first impression, and it shows. Described as a business-leisure hybrid, the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch is super-sleek from the staff to the architecture – a real design pin-up for Melrose Arch, with Archer Bar & Eatery at the heart of the local scene. The service is exemplary: You get a fantastic sense of the Marriott hospitality right away and there are almost always bespoke, attentive greeters at the door to help with any immediate request. Well-travelled guests will love the 306 impeccably designed rooms and suites, luxurious amenities, touchless tech and lightning-fast Wi-Fi. Styled in charcoal greys and striking black shades, you won’t soon forget the impressive design and small details in the bedrooms. Between the bedside USB plugs, pillow-top mattresses, plush furniture as well as electronic housekeeping and ‘do not disturb’ systems, you’ll find every comfort imaginable. Our high-design Deluxe Guest Room – with a dark and moody colour palette – had a comfortable bed, blackout curtains, 55-inch flat-screen TV, and a marble bathroom with both a shower and a tub. While room service is available 24/7, you can choose to order in from any of Melrose Arch’s phenomenal restaurants and the staff will collect the food and bring it to your room. Order the complimentary breakfast and take in the tranquil sounds of morning before a day of exploring – the breakfast buffet is incredible, with pastries that wouldn’t look out of place in France. When you fall for Melrose Arch and decide to stay forever, visit the hotel’s website for one, two and three-bedroom apartments to rent.
42 The High Street, Melrose Arch, Birnam 010 495 4200 www.marriott.com
RADISSON RED JOHANNESBURG ROSEBANK
Why we love it: Sassy and playful, Joburg’s first Radisson RED is perfect for those keen to experience the younger side of the city. Aiming to blend home comforts, design-led flair, hotel treats and office-away-from-home functionality, it’s a hybrid hub where curious locals and travellers come to eat, drink, work, relax and sleep. The staff are accommodating and rigorously polite from the moment you arrive at the check-in desk – nothing seems like too much trouble. The 222 compact but comfy rooms continue the vibrant theme with layers of colours and patterns, which will make Radisson RED loyalists feel right at home. To experience the interiors at their best, nab one of the serene and cosy yet sleek and comfortable One-Bedroom Premium Suites. Every detail is considered – the abstract wallpaper in monochromatic red, the smart TV that you can stream your devices to, the convenient plugs next to the bed and the illuminated mirror in the bathroom. However, a big part of the draw here (and what sets the trendy, affordable hotel apart from others in the area) is the rooftop bar and red mosaic-bordered pool. Diners can feast on salt and pepper fried calamari, tempura cauliflower, cheese and jalapeño balls as well as pork ribs with sour cream and crispy bacon bites from lowerground restaurant OUIBar + KTCHN before spending the evening taste-testing their way through top-notch tipples. There’s no denying that Rosebank is lively at night – the neighbourhood is ever-evolving and constantly packed with things to do. For those seeking a cool sleepover within walking distance of some of the city’s best foodie corners and bars or a fun night out, this is the place to stay.
Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Road, Dunkeld 010 023 3580 www.radissonhotels.com
AN OLDIE BUT A VERY, VERY GOODIE:
Why we love it: Don’t wrinkle your nose at the big business name. The fresh-faced Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton – a reborn, impressively crafted hit of nostalgia – is shaking up the way we experience much adored Sandton. The excellent location is ideal for zipping around the vibrant, modern neighbourhood: The hotel is connected to The MARC and neighbours the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and key offices in the financial district, so it tends to draw business people who are short on time. On weekends, you’ll likely see a few families and an influx of couples. Add to that a fitness centre, a pool, a classic and carnivorous restaurant (even the red wines are meaty), conference and meeting rooms plus comprehensive services, and you have a favourite among a truly eclectic mix from around the world. With 330 rooms, this is one of the largest hotels in the city that maintains a cosy atmosphere thanks to well-trained, attentive staff. It’s also one of the older upscale hotels – we found the colour scheme and rich draperies a bit dated, but there’s plenty to love about the sizable rooms with a somewhat business-minded feel. We stayed in a King Guest Room with views of the lush garden, which felt reasonably spacious. Marriott always seem to have great beds, and this hotel is no different: You can expect an extra-large double bed with extra support and 300-thread count cotton sheets. The bathrooms won’t let you down either – both good-looking and functional, they feature a standing shower with a powerful shower head, a separate bathtub and earthinspired Eartherapy amenities.
20 Maude Street, Sandton www.marriott.com 011 322 5000
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton has undergone a series of renovations, updating the upmarket Sandton venue’s facilities and elevating its appeal to both business and leisure travellers in the City of Gold.
Starting in September 2020, 156 of the Balalaika’s rooms were refurbished to include smart TVs and updated WiFi. This was followed by a comprehensive refurbishment of the old “Colony Restaurant”, which has been re-branded and is now known as The Conservatory. The old Crown Court Lounge received its upgrade in December 2020, and has reopened as the new airline and VIP lounge, “the Destination Lounge”.
Hotel conference room floors and the hotel gym also received upgrades, and the gym is now fully equipped with new steam rooms. The banqueting and conference facilities do not detract from the country atmosphere of the hotel and are situated out of sight on the first floor.
The Bull Run, our on-premises restaurant provides an experience that is both warm and welcoming, with a clever nod to the New York Stock Exchange and the classic NY grill house. Custom light fittings, plush furniture and handmade wall tiles contribute to the comfortable and evocative space.
Our new menu is inspired by fresh produce, succulent cuts of meat that create distinctive pairings of complimentary organic ingredients all ensuring unique signature dishes along with our staple best-sellers.
Protea Hotel by Marriott® Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton & The Bull Run Sandton reservations@balalaika.co.za | +27 11 322-5000 info@thebullrun.co.za | www.thebullrun.co.za | +27 11 884 1400 Maude Street, Sandown, Sandton 2196, South Africa
