What’s it Like?
Nestled in the busy Sandton district lies the Town Lodge on Grayston Drive. The hotel is cemented on the busy road and is distinguished by its trade mark face-brick business park-like exterior. The three-storey lodge had 142 en suite room and mere days before the frenzy of the 2010 Fifa World Cup an additional wing of 72 rooms was opened. The service of the staff is that of a five-star hotel, with warm happy greetings from everyone, I feel like royalty. On receiving my key for my room from the very friendly yet extremely professional receptionist my suitcase is carried to my room by the security.
Where is it?
The Town Lodge is situated on the corner of Rivonia Road and Grayston Drive (500 meters from the Rock and Roll McDonalds) and it is also ideally 200 meters from the M1 highway. It is a mere 30 minute drive from OR Tambo International Airport. The lodge is cosily huddled in the hub of the busiest Joburg district and of course the most prominent shopping Mecca in Johannesburg.
Room Facilities
There are 214 rooms available, all with a very similar layout and all non-smoking. However Town Lodge Grayston goes above and beyond for its guests and ensures that each room is catered to for all its guests. There are four rooms specifically designed for those with disabilities; the en-suite bathrooms are designed for ease and simplicity and include modifications such as a wide open showers and wall-mounted grab rails alongside the toilet and bath, as well as shallow mounted wash basins and lower towel rails. The rooms are wheelchair-friendly for roll-in access to showers with a folding seat while one has a bath.
The first word to come to mind when walking into my room spacious. And by spacious I am not being polite, but there rather is a vast amount of space to move around without stubbing your big toe against the dressing table. There is a large dressing table and over head is a medium sized flat screen. Other amenities include your standard kettle and coffee nook. if you require a hair-dryer or iron just call up reception and it will be brought it straight to your room. The room also has a decent sized closet with hangers and an ironing board and just enough space to squeeze in your luggage – well, depending on how long you plan on staying- but if you have more expensive items you cannot bear to leave alone in your room, safety deposit boxes are available. With shoe polishing, baby-sitting, car hire services in addition to an early morning call to drag you out of bed, the Town Lodge Grayston has it all. The Lodge knows its clientele and realises that comfort is key for the busy businessman/traveller in and out of hotels across the country and strives to ensure that a professional yet relaxed atmosphere is created.
Restaurants & Bars
The Town Lodge Grayston’s breakfast is sure to kick start your day, with its speciality of fried bacon and eggs, grilled tomatoes, an assortment of sausages and cereals. The fresh smell of hot coffee beckons you to enjoy the fresh cool morning on the terrace, for being located in the Sandton hub, there is only the chirping of the birds and greetings of the staff to be heard. Dinner is provided by The Grillhouse Rosebank, where you could order in and a “butler” from the restaurant brings the food to your door, complete with cutlery and crockery.
Business & Other Facilities
Unfortunately there is no conferencing centre, however there is a large lounge area dedicated to the businessman to have meetings. The rooms, reception and lounge area are enabled for Wi-Fi connectivity. If you do not have your own laptop there is a PC in the corner of the lounge that has internet access.
Verdict
Town Lodge Grayston could easily be the flagship of all Town Lodges, as it continues to strive for genuine comfort and care for guests. The staff, facilities and food were faultless; my room was delightful yet functional. Town Lodge Grayston is definitely setting standards in the hospitality industry.
Melissa Bosch