Background
Acquired by the City Lodge group in the early 1990s, this property was once a building of executive suites occupied by individual owners. The property underwent major renovation in 2005 and 2006, with a full refurbishment, resulting in what is today a 4-star hotel. The whole building was repainted, a new conference room was installed, new furniture was brought in and the rooms were rebuilt for a more modern look.
Where is it?
It’s situated in the business node of Rosebank, opposite the local Gautrain station, which makes for quick and easy access to Sandton, Pretoria and O.R. Tambo International Airport. The hotel is a stone’s throw from Rosebank Mall, a shopping centre with craft markets, restaurants, bars and two cinemas with multiple screening rooms. It’s approximately 30 minutes’ drive to ORT, depending on traffic.
Room Facilities
The hotel has 83 units comprising studio, one- and two-bedroom air-conditioned rooms. There is complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access and selected DSTV (satellite) channels in every room, whilst the bath and shower facilities are clean and efficient. The studio I stayed in was cosy and the quality bed linen went a long way to providing a comfortable and enjoyable night’s sleep. The room also featured a large work desk with extra lighting. My unit had a fully-functional kitchenette, equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, microwave, fridge, and preparation area. There was also a neat table with chairs, available for sit-down meals. Additional room facilities included an electronic safe large enough to store a laptop, an ice machine and international dial direct telephone. There is also a same-day laundry and dry cleaning (weekdays) service, and a 24-hour launderette.
Restaurants & Bars
The hotel dining room is open for a Full English or Continental breakfast between 06h30 and 10h30 on weekdays, and 07h00 and 11h00 on weekends and public holidays. There’s also an in-house ‘Honesty Bar’, which serves a variety of alcoholic beverages and has a quality wine list. Free drinks are served between 17h00 and 19h00. If you fancy something different for dinner, the hotel offers in-room dining by arrangement with local restaurants, including Sophia’s, Grand Station and Primi Piatti. A personal shopping service is also provided, should you wish to have your kitchenette stocked.
Meeting & Business Facilities
There is a fully-equipped boardroom and guest offices are available on request. These facilities are ideal for business meetings and can comfortably cater for up to 35 delegates in schoolroom, cinema or other configurations. The room boasts all the necessary equipment, including flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, telephonic-communication devices and an overhead projector. Tea or coffee, one free serving of mineral water and some light meals can be arranged at the front desk via prior arrangement. Delegates are also provided with notepads and pens.
Leisure Facilities
A nice feature of the hotel is the swimming pool area, which leads on from the dining area with deck chairs, for some fun and relaxation in the sun or an early morning swim. Although there is no gym on the property, the hotel offers a R100 voucher for guests to use the Planet Fitness gym across the road.
Verdict
This 4-star establishment is perfect for the business traveller, particularly if you’re doing business in Rosebank, Sandton or the CBD. It is more than comfortable, and the studios are a great option, if you have a long stay and fancy your own kitchen. The other major plus is the great location, across the road from the Gautrain, and surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops. I also found the service very impressive.
Contact
Address: Corner of Oxford Rd & Tyrwhitt Ave, Rosebank, +27 11 8802989, citylodge.co.za
Siphilile Shelembe