Background
Radisson Blu is a leading brand in the Carlson Rezidor group of hotel properties, with about 64,000 rooms in 267 hotels spread across a variety of markets. Carlson Rezidor develops and operates Radisson Blu in the upper upscale segment and Park Inn by Radisson in the mid-market segment, whilst early 2014 saw two new brands launched, in the form of Radisson Red for the lifestyle select segment and the Quorvus Collection for the luxury market.
Where Is It?
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is located in the heart of Sandton – South Africa’s financial hub housing the headquarters of several blue chip financial institutions, as well as the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The hotel is over the road and less than a hundred metres from Sandton’s Gautrain station, making it an ideal location for those guests who want quick access to O.R. Tambo International Airport. The Gautrain connects ORTIA with Johannesburg and Pretoria, and it’s a 15-minute trip from the Sandton station to the airport. Slightly further away, but within walking distance, is the Sandton City shopping mall – home to Nelson Mandela Square and the largest shopping mall in Africa.
Rooms
The hotel offers 216 rooms – 112 Standard rooms with two specifically reserved for the physically challenged; 86 Business Class rooms; 18 Junior Suites and two one-bedroom suites. All the rooms, excellently laid out, are spread over seven floors offering a wonderful view of the Sandton skyline. I was accommodated in one of the Junior Suites which had an adjoining lounge and dining area in addition to its comfy king-size bed. There was a 42-inch TV offering a variety of channels including pay per view, a work station and an individual climate control panel. My room’s floor-to-ceiling window offered a tantalising view of the Sandton landscape, and besides the obvious comfort, this is what struck me about my accommodation. The suite also presented me with the option of soaking in a bathtub or having a shower in the bathroom. I was also particularly impressed with the efficient high-speed Wi-Fi in the room, a service that apparently also extends to all areas in the hotel.
Restaurants & Bars
The hotel has one main restaurant that offers both local and continental cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the Central One Bar and Restaurant located on the first floor, guests can enjoy up to 120 buffet breakfast specialties on offer, along with the availability of 24-hour room service. I chose the full English breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, sausage, bacon, baked beans and mushrooms, which I washed down with a delicious cappuccino. I thoroughly enjoyed the food, and the service was impressive.
Meeting & Conference Facilities
Radisson Blu Gautrain has a host of modern meeting rooms that can cater for various types of events – both formal and informal. The Gautrain meeting room can accommodate 250 guests seated banquet style and is also ideal for cocktail events of up to 600 people. There are seven meeting rooms that can host from 24 to 160 people and two purposefully-built boardrooms that can cater for about 12 people. The flexibility of the meeting facilities makes it ideal for corporate events, product launches, exhibitions and private social gatherings. All the meeting rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art technology, natural daylight (most of them), and there’s also a dedicated meetings & events team.
Leisure Facilities
There is a fully-equipped fitness centre with a weight-lifting area and heart-pumping cardiovascular machines to keep guests fit. You can also relax on the pool deck and enjoy drinks and light snacks. There is a collection of retail shops on two levels of the hotel, which is convenient for those needing to return home with a gift or two!
Verdict
A great location and all you need for an efficient and comfortable business travel stay.
Tope Ogbeni-Awe
Contact
Address: Corner Rivonia Road & West Street, Sandton
Tel: +27 11 286 1000
Email: reservations.gautrain@radissonblu.com
Web: radissonblu.com