WHAT’S IT LIKE:
As you enter The Nicol, you are aware of welcoming spaciousness. There is a wide and airy openness to the building and plenty of light, contributing to the modern, uncluttered ambience. The hotel’s signature colours of red, grey and white create a stylish appeal, while the lobby and surrounding space overlook manicured gardens and a beautiful, heated pool. The area is temptingly set with bright umbrellas and loungers creating an unexpected oasis in the midst of busy suburbia. The overall effect is dramatic and elegant, while maintaining an air of welcome.
The Nicol – and the other hotels within the Urban Hip Hotel stable – are somewhat different from the typical hotel offering. The apartment-type suites are furnished in a fresh, modern style, and with the exception of the studios, the apartments are self-catering and more spacious than the usual hotel room, ideal for longer term stays or sharing. Conference facilities, a fully equipped gym and secure underground parking add to the sheer convenience of The Nicol.
WHERE IS IT?
The Nicol’s central location is perfect for the business traveller. The hotel is in Bedfordview, on Gauteng’s East Rand, which is conveniently close to the airport as well as both the Sandton and Johannesburg CBDs.
HOW MANY ROOMS?
The Nicol has 180 rooms and apartments. There are 20 three-bedroomed apartments, situated on the upper floors. There are also 80 one-bedroomed apartments and 80 studio apartments.
ROOM FACILITIES
The apartments are beautifully decorated in keeping with the clean lines of the building and, with all the modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi Internet Access and Plasma screen televisions, you could easily imagine that you were visiting a stylish home and not a hotel apartment.
Both the one- and three-bedroomed apartments have fully fitted kitchens with dishwashers, so self-catering is an easy and pleasurable option. Guests in the three-bedroomed apartments have the convenience of a washing machine and tumble dryer. The studio apartments provide a tea and coffee station, as well as a mini refrigerator. Bathrooms are en suite, comfortable and modern, with large feature baths in the one- and three-bedroomed apartments. Balconies have views of the surrounding neighbourhood. The one-bedroomed units on the ground floor open on to their own private gardens. Other amenities include air-conditioning, work stations and a safe that is large enough to accommodate a laptop. The cupboard space is really impressive.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
A central premise of the Urban Hip Hotel Group is that the properties do not include in-house restaurants, a factor which contributes to the cost-effective value proposition of the chain. Restaurants are thus outsourced and The Nicol offers a Lulu, a franchised deli that provides an excellent selection of coffees and freshly prepared light meals, such as scrumptious wraps, sandwiches and salads, and is open 24 hours a day. A cooked breakfast is provided daily at the very reasonable cost of R55 per person. There are loads of restaurants in the surrounding areas for those who wish for something a little more substantial. Look out for Tashas, Pigalle, Medium Rare and Primi Piatti. News Cafe and Rhapsody’s serve excellent food, as well as cocktails and drinks for a taste of the nightlife the area has to offer. For those who have chosen the self-catering route, stock up on groceries at the Spar across the road. There is also a Woolworths within walking distance.
LEISURE AND FITNESS
The Nicol’s fully equipped gym is open 24 hours. The gym offers weights, cardio and circuit equipment.
MEETING AND BUSINESS FACILITIES
The Nicol offers one large conference room which can seat up to 150 people. Two smaller boardrooms seat up to 12 and 10 people. All business facilities include a large Plasma screen for presentations. As the hotel does not have a restaurant facility, outside catering will be organised by the hotel staff.
Rates per apartment per night: Three-bedroomed: R2 440, one-bedroomed: R1 680, studio: R1 340
Rates valid until May 2010
THE VERDICT
A stunning, modern property, that offers all the comfort and convenience of home.
CONTACT
Reservations: 087 808 6166 or urbanhiphotels.com