In town for business or leisure but aren’t so keen on the idea of cramped hotel rooms with no living space and zero appliances? Luckily, the City of Gold still knows a thing or two about dreaming big (literally and figuratively). Consider staying at an aparthotel: A hybrid accommodation that pairs the comfort of home with the luxury and amenities of a hotel. We’re talking about open and well-lit spaces, outdoor areas and full kitchens – because sometimes it’s nice to be able to prepare a meal instead of depending on room service or eating out. And the fact that they’re serviced means you won’t have to lift a finger! You’ll wish they were home.
The Catalyst Hotel
The mood: Ultra-modern and cosmopolitan
Location perks: You’ll be close to Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square and the Gautrain Sandton Station
Don’t be fooled by its businesslike location adjacent to Sandton CBD – this is no corporate cookie-cutter. Behind the silvery façade, The Catalyst Hotel knows that work and no play is just not the Joburg way. As a result, this 206-bedroom-and-suite hotel seamlessly blends both. Sleek, modern apartment-style suites? Check. Close proximity to main attractions? You know it. Facilities that you want out of everyday life such as a gym and good, clean food? Consider yourself covered. Loved by tourists and businessmen alike, The Catalyst Hotel is strategically located in Wierda Valley. Thus, the views from the rooms feature a pleasant contrast that combines both the green of the leafy suburb with the lights of the city. The whip-smart rooms are some of the largest in Sandton, all done up in smooth ivory, bronze and cognac tones with suave touchy-feely furnishings and precisely positioned art pieces. Most have a decent table that can comfortably seat up to three guests and huge TVs, as well as more than adequate bathrooms. Kitchens are well-equipped for cooking up a gourmet feast, though they’re stocked with fresh milk, tea and coffee and room service is available from 07h00 to 22h00. Views are probably the biggest plus point, with great perspective over Sandton. Elsewhere, there’s the full-service Sanctuary Spa that will transport you a world away from the Joburg hustle. The QMS Medicosmetics facials know exactly how to help you clock out, in more ways than one. Kashew Restaurant downstairs is regularly packed by just about everyone thanks to its modern European plates (so make a reservation even if you’re staying at the hotel). Gastronomes will worship the divine salmon poké bowl with crispy salmon bites, sushi rice, Asian slaw, baby spinach, fried onions, pickled ginger and Kewpie mayonnaise. The Turkish apple tea-marinated pork belly, with leafy green vegetables and cauliflower purée, is beautifully balanced and intelligently presented. Complete with a bar and an extensive wine list, Kashew Restaurant is perfect if you want to shop until you drop – and then relax with a drink on the zen terrace.
100 Pretoria Avenue, Wierda Valley, Sandton
010 110 1100
reservations@newmarkhotels.com
Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank
The mood: Cosy-chic with designer interiors
Location perks: Situated on a quiet tree-lined block for the perfect escape
Want a bit of room to breathe in the city? We’ve got just the thing. A stunning addition to the Rosebank hotel scene, Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank’s real appeal is its spoiling exclusivity. It’s the best of both worlds: The hotel is all quaint looking outside, but it’s super-cool inside (this is Rosebank, after all). The 80 bedrooms – complete with kitchens, dining and lounging areas – are generous in size, giving the feeling of being in your own apartment rather than a hotel. Most have balconies, but guests are here for Hyatt House’s flair of mixing colours and prints – like the bold shades of jade green and flame orange that contrast with the herringbone floors. Everything’s meticulously designed and totally luxurious. The bathrooms were our favourite feature – dark and moody with rain showers and snazzy accessories. Tired? Sink into the bath with bespoke products. Hungry? H-Market is open 24/7 and has tasty ready-to-eat options. You’re also smack dab in the centre of it all here. The hotel draws a swanky, fashion-conscious clientele looking for boutique residences just steps away from some of Joburg’s best shopping and top restaurants. The Zone @ Rosebank and Rosebank Mall stand out as prime destinations for those wanting to update their wardrobes. Meanwhile, The Firs boasts a variety of restaurants, with most of them set around a large and inviting open-air piazza. Breakfast at The Collective is a classy affair, with a mouth-watering change-up from your standard eggs Benedict alongside croissant French toast with cinnamon-infused mascarpone cheese, cherry compote, vanilla crumble and crème anglaise. But it’s the tapas menu that really captures the imagination, with a selection of small plates including rosemary focaccia bread, tomato gazpacho, pea and feta potato croquettes, chicken espetada with chimichurri and beef satay with a sweet chilli dip. Throw in exceptionally warm, enthusiastic and attentive service, and you’ve got the makings of a lovely stay. Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank is the place to book for its right-in-the thick-of-it convenience and particular quality of intimacy.
28 Tottenham Avenue, Melrose
010 476 1234
