Background
The City Lodge Hotel Group caters for all markets, through its offering of Road Lodges, Town Lodges, City Lodges and Courtyard Hotels. Road Lodge is the 1-star offering and most affordable – better suited to those with a tight budget.
Where is it?
This hotel has an excellent, central location, situated in the suburb of Rivonia, walking distance away from Rivonia Boulevard, which has a host of shops, restaurants and bars. O.R. Tambo International is approximately 30 kilometres away and the hotel has convenient access to the N1 highway, which is just two kilometres away, down Rivonia Road. Sandton City is located in the opposite direction to the highway, and is approximately 15 minutes’ drive away from the hotel. So, if you have business in Rivonia or Sandton, this hotel would be convenient.
What’s it Like?
It’s quite imposing from the outside, but inside the decor is clean, neat and modern. It’s all fairly basic and small – which is what you would expect from a 1-star property – but it does provide just about all you need for a quick and easy stay. My only criticism is the slow service I received from the reception staff, with the phone going unanswered for some time, when I called from my room.
Room Facilities
The hotel has 92 air-conditioned rooms and one in every 50 rooms is designed to meet the special needs of the physically disabled. The rooms offer double or twin beds and a single sleeper-chair is available in selected rooms. The cupboard space is limited and not designed for a long stay – but it does the job. The bathrooms provide only the necessary ablution facilities – toilet, hand basin and shower. A bar of soap is offered in the rooms, but if you are looking for any other toiletries, they can be purchased at the front desk. A work desk is available, with a 10-inch colour TV located in an elevated position above the work desk, with terrestrial channels (SABC 1, 2,3, e.tv) and limited satellite channels (one SuperSport channel and MNet). Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in the rooms, but for an extra charge.
Business & Conference Facilities
The hotel does not offer any conference or business facilities, but is close to other conference venues and business hubs in the area, such as The Conference Park in Rivonia. Wi-Fi vouchers can be purchased at the hotel reception.
Restaurants & Bars
There is no on-site restaurant at the hotel, except a canteen that serves breakfast between 06h00 and 10h00 daily. So, definitely more suited to the business traveller on the move. A modest continental-style breakfast is served, offering a variety of muffins, cereals, scrambled eggs, cheese, polony and toast. Flavoured juice, water and machine coffee is also available. There are also menus available in the rooms from different restaurants prepared to deliver food to the hotel. There’s also an on-site vending machine, offering drinks and snacks.
Verdict
Certainly not much in the way of frills, but, as mentioned earlier, a lot of the basics needed for an overnight stay are in place. Definitely more suited to an ‘in-and-out’ stay. The service was a little disappointing, but overall it was a satisfactory stay and the hotel ticks a number of boxes, in terms of functionality. It’s a place to rest your head and grab a quick shower and bite before moving on, and for this reason it is attractively affordable and functional.
Fact File
Address: Corner 10th Avenue & Rivonia Road, Rivonia, +27 11 803-5220, citylodge.co.za
Siphilile Shelembe