Background
The City Lodge Hotel Group runs a chain of separately branded hotels throughout South Africa, made up of 1-star Road Lodges, 2-star Town Lodges, 3-star City Lodges and 4-star Courtyard Hotels. The group has 52 properties across South Africa and is shortly expected to open a new Town Lodge in Gaborone, Botswana.
Where is it?
This hotel is just off the R24 airport freeway at the Barbara Road exit, and is only four kilometres from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Access to all the main feeder motorways is convenient, whilst there are nearby restaurants and shops. Eastgate shopping centre is eight kilometres away, and offers plenty of restaurants and shops. The hotel provides a shuttle bus service to and from the airport at 30-minute intervals, for a nominal fee.
Room Facilities
The hotel has 219 air-conditioned rooms, featuring either a queen or twin beds. Sleeper couches are available on request. What struck me about my room was the space, as it appeared larger than some of the other City Lodge rooms I’ve tried at different properties. Perhaps contributing to this was the remote-operated sliding window between the bathroom and bedroom, which serves as a privacy partition and creates the illusion of space when opened. I also liked the complimentary toiletries. Otherwise, there were standard features in the form of flat-screen TV with selected satellite channels, tea/coffee-making facilities, electronic safe large enough to accommodate a laptop, and a work station with good lighting and plug points. The spacious bathroom featured separate bath and shower, whilst I also liked the room’s designer couch and table – I found myself using this space, whereas I hadn’t in the past, with a lot of hotels getting this space wrong. The hotel also offers a same-day laundry service, a shoe-cleaning service and vending machines. With regards Wi-Fi access – it’s only complimentary for the first 15 minutes, and thereafter, you need to purchase vouchers.
Restaurant & Bar
The hotel has a restaurant that serves a full breakfast from 06h30-09h00 and 07h30-10h00 on weekends. In between, guests can refresh with beverages or enjoy light snacks at the coffee shop which is open daily from 11h00-22h00. The lounge area with a flat-screen TV is a great place to sit and relax, and the same Wi-Fi access rules apply. The hotel bar is open from 16h00-23h00, whilst there are also in-room menus from local restaurants, with delivery options.
Meeting & Business Facilities
As with many City Lodges, the hotel has a boardroom that can accommodate up to 10 delegates. The room is a modest one, but has all the modern equipment you might need. Sandwiches or a light lunch and tea/coffee can be arranged at the front desk. There is also a six-seater meeting room, whilst the hotel’s business centre provides the opportunity to check email and access the Internet. There is also free and secure parking on the premises.
Leisure Facilities
There is a modest fitness centre open daily from 06h00-21h00. It is fitted with three treadmills, weights and a fitness ball. A nice feature of the hotel is the swimming pool area with deck chairs, which is perfect, should have some relaxation time available.
Verdict
Certainly, one of the nicer City Lodges I’ve stayed at, with good use of space and quality finishings. If you’re looking for an affordable hotel close to O.R. Tambo International Airport, then this is a good option worth considering.
Contact
Address: 4 Sandvale Road, Edenvale, +27 11 392 1750, citylodge.co.za
Siphilile Shelembe