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The Johannesburg In Your Pocket team headed to Clico (October 2023) as part of our Roaming Office, a day where we work from a hotel workspace and get the opportunity to connect with hospitality partners and explore hotel properties.
Clico's warm, natural-tone interiors perfectly complement the lush, green gardens and trees enveloping the property, and we also enjoyed seeing Clico's display of artwork by local artists Wisdom Vangani, Sabelo Mkhaliphi, Khotso Kupi, Oni Mkoki and others, gracing every corner of the hotel. The result is a space that feels light, breezy and open, with as much room to relax indoors as there is outdoors.
Where we worked
We were greeted by the friendly reception staff who showed us to our office for the day – a purpose-built events and meetings space surrounded by the garden. This versatile venue has sliding concertina doors that open onto the garden, allowing natural light and fresh air to infuse the space, and is ideal for intimate gatherings, meetings and workshops. We kicked off our morning with a mouthwatering breakfast spread featuring bacon, egg and avocado wraps, buttery soft pancakes served with berries and delightful egg and spinach cups. We had access to all essential conferencing and business amenities, including fast Wi-Fi, a data projector, sound equipment and an electric projector screen.
A classy culinary experience
Lunch was a culinary delight at Clico Restaurant, an elegant space with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a charming courtyard, perfect for al fresco dining. The menu has been devised by Dario De Angeli, a well-known Joburg chef. Although we opted for indoor seating during our visit, we couldn't help but catch a whiff of the aromas wafting from the wood-fired pizza oven outside.
The restaurant has a gentle ambience with views of bustling Jellicoe Avenue through its aquarium-sized window. The hotel takes its name from its founder's favourite French champagne, Veuve Clicquot and true to its inspiration, Clico Restaurant offers a carefully curated and frequently updated selection of locally sourced fine wines and French bubbly.
The Clico menu is a symphony of modern international flavours. Our taste buds danced with delight over dishes like seared salmon with togarashi mayo, and we filled up on the creamy couscous with beef garnished with rocket and red pepper. However, points for presentation go to the smoked pork and chipotle pilaf served with black and white rice, while the melanzane pizza from Clico's more casual, poolside menu (called 400 Degrees) was a vegetarian delight made with grilled aubergine and packed with plenty of flavours. Of course, dessert was a must. The zesty, citrus frozen cheesecake and the indulgent 'Just Chocolate – Well Almost' were temptations we couldn't resist and you may have a hard time trying to do that, too.
Where to rest your head
When it's time to rest your head, Clico offers nine spacious rooms, each opening onto the serene gardens – a luxury not commonly found in the business-focused hotels of Rosebank and Sandton. The rooms feature a clean, minimalist aesthetic with homely touches and unique pieces, from the bathroom tiles to furniture such as the champagne screw dresser chair in Superior Room 9. For families, the Executive Suite, with its sleeper couch and king-sized bed, is the perfect choice. Or perhaps unwind with a book and a cup of tea in the lounge area off the reception desk; the area includes a fireplace and various seating options.
Clico Boutique Hotel is a gem that beckons travellers and locals alike. It's also perfectly situated to take advantage of Rosebank's attractions, and it's within easy walking distance of all the malls.
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