Background
Part of the Carlson Rezidor Group, the Park Inn Sandton opened two years ago and is one of five Park Inn by Radisson properties in Africa – the others are in Cape Town, Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), Djerba (Tunisia) and Tete (Mozambique). Two more are expected to open in 2013 in Abeokuta (Nigeria) and Libreville (Gabon). Rezidor also has two Radisson Blu properties in Sandton, a short drive away and within a couple of hundred metres of each other, with one of them directly opposite the local Gautrain station.
What’s it Like?
Positioned as a more affordable alternative to luxury hotels, the Park Inn’s quirky and fresh design language is consistently applied throughout all aspects of the hotel. High-quality furnishings are supported by splashes of bright colour and funky touches, such as the triangular leather chairs and unisex bathrooms with colour-coded basins. Security is good, with 24-hour guards and access-card controlled elevators. Personalised touches range from welcoming snack platters in hotel rooms upon arrival, to the ‘Park Inn choice’ between a gift, dessert or Carlson Group club points. Importantly, there’s complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel.
Where is it?
Situated in Sandton, the hotel is easily accessible, just a few hundred metres from the M1 highway, where the Grayston off-ramp is the nearest access point. O.R. Tambo International Airport is 15 minutes away by the Gautrain rail service, and a hotel shuttle stops at the station, nearby Sandton City shopping centre and the Radisson sister properties on an hourly basis.
Room Facilities
A total of 273 rooms are split between 201 Standard, 66 Superior and six exclusive Junior Suites (one on each floor). While Superior rooms benefit from waterfall showerheads, black-out curtains and bathrobes, Junior Suites add luxurious baths, coffee machines, stunning panoramic views of Sandton’s skyline and the option to be blocked off with an adjacent room from the main corridor (ideal for parents travelling with children). While the hotel’s television bouquet lacks any children’s channels, this is off-set by a wide selection of on-demand movies.
Restaurants & Bars
The Red Bar & Grill offers an attractive on-site alternative to restaurants at a nearby shopping centre. A cosy full-service bar serves a wide range of international and local drinks, while the RBG restaurant’s concise menu – updated every quarter – focuses on hearty classics. For dinner, I opted for a T-bone steak and Greek side salad, followed by decadent white chocolate mousse pudding. The meal was delicious, but also artfully presented and featured unique elements, indicating a chef who takes pride in his work. Breakfast takes the form of a comprehensive buffet – ranging from the classic hot English breakfast to cold salmon or fresh scones and cubes of honeycomb – with the dining room having been transformed overnight through the addition of colourful coffee cups.
Business & Meeting Facilities
Four boardrooms and a 154m2 conference room are able to host from two to 160 delegates. Conveniently situated alongside the main hotel building, guests can enter the conference facilities directly from the underground parking without having to pass through the hotel reception. Wi-Fi Internet access, air-conditioning and independent wall panels controlling lighting and audio visual equipment are present throughout.
Leisure Facilities
A small gym offers all the basic equipment, from weights to cardio, and the outside terrace boasts a swimming pool. Live entertainment is occasionally offered in the evenings.
Verdict
The Park Inn experience is a polished one, and with attentive staff leaving you wanting for nothing, all is in place for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Overall, ideal for the business traveller looking for a livelier alternative to reserved opulence.
Contact
Address: 118 Katherine Street, Sandton
Tel: +27 11 303 1000
Email: info.sandton@rezidorparkinn.com
Web: www.parkinn.com/hotel-sandton
Leon Schnell