Rising high in the heart of Rosebank, arguably Johannesburg’s most popular suburb, the 16-storey The Bank is one of South Africa’s smartest new hotels. For two years, voco Johannesburg Rosebank has really made a name for itself in the city and in the last work trip I will have the opportunity to experience the magic voco recognized for me.
Welcome
If you drive to the hotel, the charming people of the concierge team are waiting to welcome you, and after unloading your luggage, park your car safely. You are automatically added to the WhatsApp group, so if you need a car at any time, you only have to notify the team and in a few minutes it will be waiting for you at the door. If you arrive via the Gautrain which connects Rosebank with the airport, the hotel sends a golf cart to collect you at the station – a great addition.
Room
After being thoroughly impressed with the interior of the hotel, it was with a bit of anticipation that I was escorted to the room; Will it live up to the rest of the hotel experience? Within minutes I was at ease – with subtle design elements reminiscent of the 1920s Art Deco style, the bedroom is a beautiful urban sanctuary spread across six floors of the building. Soft touches, fine white linens, and Antipodes plant-based bath products complete the experience. Of course, I couldn’t help but smile to find the latest edition of YOURLUXURY Africa magazine next to my bed, featuring one of my international travels.
While Johannesburg is known as the City of Gold after its origins as a gold mining settlement, it is also the sun that almost daily makes the sky painted in various variations of red, yellow and gold. From the position of voco, the sunsets are good to enjoy. In the evening, the sun streams into the room until the sun finally sets at night beyond the horizon.
Facilities
Occupying three floors of the building is the Workshop17 shared workspace solution. With 8 co-working locations in South Africa and 4 in Mauritius, Workshop17 offers the perfect addition to your voco mixed use facility. Workshop17 Bank offers flexible and seamless work, meeting and event solutions and everything from; 62 offices, 8 meeting rooms, 7 conference rooms, function rooms, hot desks, concentration rooms, video conference rooms and coffee shops. Hotel guests have access to the cafe and hot desks on offer, and can easily rent a meeting room if needed.
Amazingly, voco is home to over 700 original South African artworks. They created walls and common spaces on each floor, giving a gallery-esque experience during your stay. Furthermore, the public space featured two sculptures by Eduardo Villa, and then world-renowned artist Cameron Platter was commissioned to design a large mural in the courtyard of The Bank. Platter’s work is interdisciplinary, and uses drawing, sculpture, painting and video. In addition, the Art Butler offers guided tours to showcase the hotel’s hidden artistic gems, enhancing the guest experience.
location
There is no denying that Rosebank is one of the most attractive locations in Johannesburg. Extensive development over the last decade has created a vibrant multi-purpose district. Steps from the hotel are Rosebank Arts and Crafts market, The Zone @ Rosebank, Mall of Rosebank & The Firs all offering endless shopping options.
Eat at voco
voco has the right to be proud of its in-house eatery – Proud Mary is an exemplary restaurant that sprawls across the ground level of the hotel – and then out onto the pedestrian walkway. Each space is beautifully curated and with so many dining enclaves, you have plenty of dining options. Mixology is world class (onsite mixologist can offer more than 100 exclusive cocktails), along with sommelier Katlego’s stellar wine selection. Try the Pork Belly – honestly, the best I’ve ever had.
Cost
Rates depend on room type and season, starting at R3,5550 or R3,750 including breakfast for two. Do not forget that voco is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, so points can be redeemed and earned during hotel stays.
The best
During these three days, I got to know many of the staff personally, and I have rarely met a team so energetic and fun. I remember leaving and thinking that this is the reception and perception that foreign visitors from my country will receive, so I know that they will leave already planning their next visit. After all, at the end of the day, all luxury hotels have comfortable beds and very nice-smelling facilities, but most times, it’s the staff that makes all the difference.
The final verdict
voco offers a very charming Johannesburg stay by virtue of its world-class design, convenient location and sumptuous dining options at the doorstep. After profiling several hotels in the city, I now have a firm favorite for future visits to Johannesburg.
Disclosure: We remain sponsored by voco Johannesburg Rosebank.
Jared Ruttenberg
Jared Ruttenberg is a freelance travel journalist who loves connecting people and experiences through words, pictures and social media. Read more at www.jaredincpt.com
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