What’s it Like?
The Nicol is the flagship property of the Urban Hip Hotel management group, which is one of the first hotel groups to offer the concept of multi-use apartment hotels to South Africa. Guests are presented with hotel ‘rooms’ that are modern, fully-furnished, self-catering apartments. They provide ideal accommodation for the travelling professional who does not necessarily want to stay in a conventional hotel room, but rather somewhere that offers a ‘home away from home’, whilst still in relative luxury, with high-end finishings and comfort. Online reservations are a breeze – a lot simpler than a conventional hotel – almnnd there is the added bonus of a mobi site that busy travellers can access, to reserve rooms.
Where is it?
The Nicol is located in Bedfordview, in the east of Johannesburg. It’s in a convenient location to access the business hubs of Isando, Kempton Park, Sandton, the Johannesburg CBD and OR Tambo International Airport. Sandton and ORT are approximately 20 minutes drive away. The Nicol is visible from the N3 highway and is accessed via the Van Buuren off-ramp. The surrounding area is home to an impressive variety of up-market restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment.
Apartment Facilities
The Nicol has 59 apartments and they are a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom penthouse loft apartments. As they are self-catering, apartment sizes are generous, with the added bonus that room nights are sold by apartment and not by per person sharing. All the apartments are very well equipped with a fully-fitted kitchen (with the exception of the studio apartments, which have a coffee station and mini-bar instead), a separate work area with workstation and Wi-Fi Internet access, and a designer lounge (with plasma TV and satellite channels) and bedroom, with en-suite bathroom. A clean, simple and modern design and apartment layout ensured that we felt as much at home as possible. Kitchen equipment was state-of-the-art and of high quality, including a large double-door fridge/freezer combination, stove, dining room table and brand-name appliances. The bathroom had a large, generous bath, as well as his and hers wash basins. Secure undercover parking provided peace of mind, with regards our vehicle.
Restaurants & Bars
The hotel does have a coffee and snack bar leading from the reception area, which serves hot breakfasts, coffee and light snacks. Otherwise, the majority of the dining options are to be found in the surrounding areas. They include Tashas (boutique café), Pigalle (fine dining), Medium Rare (steak/chicken) and Primi Piatti (Italian). Further to that, Rhapsody’s and Newscafe are popular bar options that also serve good food. If you choose to go the self-catering route, there is a Super Spar supermarket across the road and a Woolworths within walking distance.
Additional Facilities
For those who need to work up a sweat, there is a modern fitness centre at The Nicol, equipped with treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bicycles and free weights. There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool near the reception area.
Meeting & Business Facilities
There is a 140-seater auditorium, which is best suited to larger conferences and functions, and two smaller boardrooms, with Wi-Fi Internet access available in all public areas. The two boardrooms are ideal for smaller conferences or meetings, and all the venues are well equipped with the requisite audio-visual equipment.
Verdict
A refreshing alternative to a conventional hotel, and one that is ideal for business travellers who have to base themselves in Johannesburg over a long period of time. The booking procedure is simple and the accommodation stylish, modern, comfortable and convenient.
Contact
Address: Corner of Nicol Road and Skeen Boulevard, Bedfordview , +27 11 455 0549/2641, urbanhiphotels.com
Andre Schild