James and Vicky Peech are the husband-and-wife duo behind one of Joburg's most beloved boutique stays, The Peech Hotel in Melrose. This elegant, eco-conscious hideaway reflects their passion for travel, design, hospitality, and keen eye for detail. The Peeches have come a long way to make this dream a reality, neither of them born in Joburg – but each having chosen to call the city home.
James, a London-born adventurer, fell for Africa in his teens and eventually put down roots in Johannesburg with a vision of opening a boutique hotel. Vicky, a marketing and tourism pro from New Zealand with South African roots, met James at a wedding (sounds like a storybook romance, right?) and joined him here in 2008.
With a knack for making people feel at home, personalised hospitality meets stylish, award-winning design at The Peech Hotel, which celebrated its 20th year running in 2024. It's beautifully luxurious, but the visitor experience is paramount – informed by the Peeches' own travels around the globe, and the kinds of spaces they found most appealing. As of February 2025, they’ve added another feather to their cap: welcoming The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg to its new home at the hotel. A perfect match.
We caught up with the dynamic couple to talk about their favourite parts of working in hospitality, the wildest story from their 20 years in the business, and how their passion for travel and design shaped The Peech Hotel into a Joburg institution.
"Our vision was to be the most inspiring place to stay in Joburg while retaining our down-to-earth brand (accessible luxury) and commitment to sustainable travel."
The Peech Hotel celebrated its 20th birthday in 2024. What are some reflections on the journey?
We've grown up alongside the hotel over the past 20 years. The key thing we've learnt, is the importance of creating spaces where people can relax and connect... Our vision was to be the most inspiring place to stay in Joburg, while retaining our down-to-earth brand (accessible luxury) and commitment to sustainable travel. We now have a product we are really proud of, one that we believe is right up there with the best South African design, accommodation, hospitality, and dining!
The wildest story to share, 20 years on?
In our early days we had a couple who unscrewed every hinge, plug, handle, tap, screw, bolt, and item within their hotel room, even disassembling the mirror and ceiling fan. They packed all these items into a carry-on bag and slashed a hole underneath the ottoman to stash the suitcase. Our housekeeping team found the room stripped bare and called the police, who suspected foul play by our guests. We cordoned off the room as a 'crime scene' and sent them on their way. We found the suitcase several years later when we removed the furniture from the room. Still, no idea to this day what their motive or plan was!
What drew you to the idea of opening and operating a space like this in Joburg initially?
James spent time travelling in South East Asia, and in Bali, he was drawn to the incredible small luxury boutique hotels and guest houses he found there. As a foreigner coming into South Africa, he had to create his own opportunity and employment. With a lifelong passion for travel and hotels, he decided to build his own; at the time, there were mainly large chain hotel brands with little personality.
What keeps you at The Peech Hotel?
Apart from our name above the front door, we love that every day in hospitality is different. We get to meet fascinating people from all over the globe and work with some amazing local people doing really cool things. Most of all, it's our staff and their passion and commitment to us and our dream. Without them, we couldn't achieve what we have.
Today The Peech Hotel is a Joburg institution, and definitely a place we always recommend both to foreign visitors and for a city staycation. Who do you see coming through the doors and what would you say are the three key ingredients of The Peech’s success?
We've seen some really special high-profile guests, such as the President of Seychelles, a Grammy winner or a movie star. The majority of our hotel guests are international leisure travellers experiencing Southern Africa and Joburg for the very first time. We believe the three key ingredients for success are: anticipating a guest's needs before they ask for something, ensuring that every guest feels seen and special in some small way (a personalised note acknowledging a special occasion, offering a special table by the window), and providing value for money – we want guests to feel like they've spent their money well and thoroughly enjoyed their experience at The Peech and/or The Pot Luck Club.
What makes The Peech Hotel and Luke Dale Roberts' iconic restaurant The Pot Luck Club a match made in heaven?
Both Luke and ourselves are fully invested in our two 'brands', which complement each other well. Their approach to elevated dining and delivering a highly enjoyable and memorable experience aligns perfectly with our approach on the hotel side. We all work really hard and create great energy and synergy together.
What do you love about working in hospitality?
The people!
And what's challenging about this industry?
Joburg's unreliable infrastructure and utilities. As a small business, we need to invest heavily to ensure we are self-reliant and able to deliver world-class experience every day.
"We love that every day in hospitality is different. We get to meet fascinating people from all over the globe and work with some amazing local people doing really cool things."
What brought you to Joburg and/or what makes you stay?
Joburg is a business hub and a major point of entry into South Africa, so as a provider to the inbound tourism market, and a key destination for business travellers, it's a great place to be in hospitality. The dream of opening a boutique hotel brought James to Joburg where I later joined him. Together we operate our small business and raise our kids, who are proudly South African.
Home is...
Wherever you water the grass the most!
What is a surprising thing people might learn about Joburg by having a conversation with you?
Often our international guests are surprised to hear it doesn't rain during Joburg's winter.
Your favourite Joburg suburb, and why you choose it?
We love Melrose! It has a lovely sense of community, with gorgeous little coffee shops, cafés and eateries, the park [James & Ethel Gray] across the road is wonderful for walking our dogs morning and evening, and it's a short distance on foot to Rosebank and Melrose Arch, and easily accessible to the M1 in either direction. Everything we need is right on our doorstep.
What three things should a visitor not leave Joburg without seeing or experiencing?
A private art tour with local guide, Thabo the Tourist. The breathtaking view across Joburg from up on the ridge of Houghton Drive (especially during jacaranda season). A guided township tour, with an opportunity to interact with locals, eat shisanyama (meat cooked over hot coals), and drink an icy cold beer in a shebeen.
Your favourite Joburg author or favourite Joburg book?
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. [Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, actor, television host, and writer.]
One song on your playlist that either is about Joburg or makes you think about this city?
Urban Child by Natz EfX and Msaki.
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Joburg?
James' 50th birthday lunch at Marble, table for two; fabulous wine, a gorgeous view, great food, and exceptional company.
If you could buy one Joburg building which would it be?
Joburg City Hall would make the most exquisite boutique hotel.
If you were Joburg's mayor for one day (average tenure), what would you change?
Instant fine (and license demerit points) for anyone caught driving while using a mobile phone. That money would go towards improving local shelter conditions and offering local homeless people access to basic hygiene facilities to wash themselves, and receive basic medical treatment for common ailments.
"Resilience and a good sense of humour, which allow us to get on with life and find a way to make things happen here, despite some of the frustrations."
Favourite Joburg label, and why?
For James, it's Land of Kin at 44 Stanley; he loves the sophistication cut and slim fit, similar to European clothing. For Vicky it's ERRE, with their ultimately feminine and striking statement pieces that should last for life.
What makes someone a Joburger?
Resilience and a good sense of humour, which allows us to get on with life and find a way to make things happen here, despite some of the frustrations.
What do you love most about Joburg?
The weather and the fascinating people.
What do you least like about Joburg?
Potholes and the peak hour traffic.
Your number one tip for a first-time visitor to Joburg?
Book a local walking tour with a special interest guide such as Thabo the Tourist (Art) or Charlie Moyo from LocalPlaces Tours (walking downtown/history of Joburg, fashion or food). This is the ultimate way to see the real Joburg and meet diverse locals from all walks of life.
Who is one Joburg personality you would honour with the Freedom of the City if you could, and why?
Brian Green, founder and owner of Group 44 which includes 44 Stanley. [Green was also key in the revitalisation of Victoria Yards] His passion and vision for Johannesburg has helped create some incredibly beautiful spaces and precincts throughout this city, which uplift many local businesses and offer us all cool places to enjoy.
"Home is.. wherever you water the grass the most!"
The perfect weekend in Joburg includes...
Freshly brewed cortado from Father Coffee, school sports, sourcing great local produce from some of our wonderful local artisans like Cremalat, Linden Loaves, Cheese Gourmet Linden, and Pantry to enjoy over relaxed lunch outdoors with friends. Forest Gelato and a dog walk at James & Ethel Gray Park. A good mind and body workout at Yoga Experience for Vicky. For James, it's a bike ride up to the Northcliff water tower. Sunday afternoon by the pool with a good book.
Three words that describe this city.
Gritty, wild, and colourful!
Check out some of our previous #MyJoburg interviews for more insights into the city:
#MyJoburg with Samm Marshall, storyteller and media buff
#MyJoburg with Donovan Goliath, funnyman and creative director
#MyJoburg with Gerard Bester, art instigator and "reluctant anti-hero"
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