Background
Rosebank has integrated itself into the well-established market in the hospitality industry with a vast number of five-star hotels in the area. The Courtyard Rosebank is no wilting flower and has become a business hotel of choice.
What’s it Like?
There are 83 units: eight two-bedroom suites, 35 one-bedroom suites and 40 studios. The exterior is sensational. The Rosebank district offers African culture with a market filled with an assortment of souvenirs located at the Rosebank Zone, literally a stone’s throw away across the road. Although quiet during the December period, the hotel has a ‘homey’ feel but maintains its presence as more business oriented hotel.
Where is it?
The Courtyard Rosebank is in the heart of Rosebank, one of Joburg’s historic and prestigious suburbs, set on the corner of Oxford Road and Tyrwhitt Avenue. It is two kilometres from the main M1 highway and 30 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.
Room Facilities
I stayed in a luxurious, air-conditioned one-bedroom suite. At the entrance there is a dark mahogany table with a telephone and a plug point for my laptop, and Wi-Fi is accessible in the room. On the opposite side is the ‘TV room’ with large plush couches and a medium-sized flat-screen TV with M-Net plus a variety of satellite and radio channels. There is an in-room safe and a hair dryer.
The comfortable bed with linen in shades of gold and brown complements the dark mahogany headboard and dressing table. Bathrooms are standard in all suites and studios, containing a bath with a shower head, and a toilet. The two-bedroom suites have a double bed in one room and two single beds in the other. All two-bedroom suites have a balcony that overlooks the neatly trimmed gardens. Each room comes standard with a kitchenette inside a ‘cupboard’. Open the doors and there is a small sink with a cupboard below, microwave, fridge, kettle, cutlery, crockery and glassware, which is excellent if you plan on staying at the Courtyard for a couple of nights.
One suite has been converted for wheelchair guests, the difference being that there is a roll-in shower, twin beds only, and no lounge area. Plastic bags and dry-cleaning slips are provided and get collected each morning at 09h00 as well as a personal shopping list from Woolworth’s food store. Other amenities include baby-sitting, and a laundrette with washing machines and a tumble dryer.
Restaurants & Bars
My friendly waiter said that because the breakfast area was not full they would not be serving the ‘hot’ breakfast (bacon, eggs, potatoes, fried mushrooms and tomatoes, sausages, toast, etc.) in the usual buffet style, but that I could simply order what I wanted. And if a full English breakfast is not your cup of tea, there is an assortment of yoghurts, croissants and fruit.
Business & Meeting Facilities
The boardroom is adjacent to the pool area for a maximum of 10 people. Reception needs to be notified 24 hours prior to set up the room as well as arrange catering if required. All the standard facilities are provided including projectors and whiteboards. The conference centre, a state-of-the art venue, can seat up to 40 people, and is ideal for training sessions, lectures, cocktail parties, lunches and dinners.
Leisure Facilities
Walking to one’s room and around the sizable pool area decked with lounging chairs and pretty greenery, is probably the only leisure facility, but who would complain about relaxing at a beautiful pool?
Verdict
Gorgeous hotel in a gorgeous setting! The service is lovely and the hotel is professional without being uptight or recreation oriented. However, it is not a hotel to laze around in as check-out time is at 11h00.
Contact
Tel: +27 (0) 11 880 2989, citylodge.co.za
Melissa Bosch