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We recently took our Roaming Office to Sandton Towers (November 2023), a day where the Johannesburg In Your Pocket team works from a hotel workspace and we get the opportunity to connect with hospitality partners and explore hotel properties.
From the moment we stepped into the stately foyer adorned with palm trees, a koi pond and Greek mythological references, we knew we were in for a treat.
In the morning we were greeted by the friendly reception staff, then accompanied by the doormen in the secure lift (you need an access card to use it) to our office for the day on the 27th floor. We met up with Tshegofatso, who showed us the boardroom which offered a gorgeous view of Sandton and way beyond. Our breakfast spread was another visual delight. Fresh fruit, buttery croissants, bran muffins, yoghurt and muesli cups, and a pastry with the most delicious filling paired with coffee expertly prepared (and delivered by our attentive waiter, Ishmael, who made sure our every want was catered to).
A quirky standout feature of our boardroom was the interesting-looking urn, which had a teapot on top that you could remove to pour your hot tea. They just don't make them like that anymore! A plush space, the boardroom also comes with a projector and screen, while Sandton Towers' guests also have the option to use the nearby Sandton Sun's boardroom and enjoy the convenience of being connected to Sandton City, as well as being next to the adjacent Sandton Convention Centre, which can accommodate groups of virtually any size.
Before exploring the hotel we were treated to brunch which included saucy pork ribs, crunchy, sweet chilli wraps, and sushi with soy sauce droppers. If that wasn't enough, having access to the 27th floor also meant access to two private seating areas, one being the executive lounge where snacks, food and drinks are complimentary with your stay, and are replenished every few hours – from fluffy scones with jam, to a cheese and cracker selection.
The hotel's amenities were as impressive as our mid-morning meal. The contemporary gym, shared with sister property Sandton Sun, overlooks the outdoor pool and is filled with the latest Technogym equipment (you get to select a city to run through while it displays on the screen of your treadmill).
The pool area offers sweeping, northwest-facing views over the tree-lined northern suburbs. Sandton Towers doesn't have a spa on-site, but Sandton Sun's spa is open to Sandton Towers' guests and is accessible via a sky bridge. Additional bridges connect to the Sandton Convention Centre and Nelson Mandela Square. No need for your feet to touch the street if you are staying here. It's one of those luxury features that's hard to beat. The location is not only convenient but also makes business and leisure options easily accessible.
We had lunch from The Atrium Restaurant menu in a small dining room on the 27th floor. The table setting was excellent; the perfect place for an intimate business lunch or a quiet breakfast. Our starter was the Atrium chicken salad which featured mixed lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and red onions accompanied with carrot, beetroot, dried cranberries and a creamy dressing. Of course, the chicken is optional and the salad tastes amazing whichever way you decide to have it. We opted for the grilled salmon served with coriander lime bulgar wheat and a tahini and garlic-yoghurt dressing, as well as the Chalmar fillet steak with a gravy that was certainly worth writing home about. The portions were hearty and plated exquisitely. With an array of mini-sweet treats like lemon meringues, cheesecake slices and a chocolate bar on the menu, we just couldn't resist dessert on a Monday workday, either.
The hotel's attention to detail is evident throughout, from the fresh, fragrant flowers at the front desk to the old-school shoe-shine chair. The marble etchings of Greco-Roman figures around the lobby, yellowwood panelling at the reception and its black granite desk, the sound of the water feature, gold lifts in an Art Deco-inspired style that seemed to reach endless levels all added to the overall sense of opulence similar to a New York hotel from the glamour age of travel.
The hotel's 231 rooms are all larger than most contemporary hotels in the area and tastefully appointed, offering a cosy and comfortable retreat. Each floor boasts a suite complete with a dining room, lounges, office area and grand, granite-tiled bathrooms, a true testament to luxury living. The corner rooms include a Bluetooth speaker and independent wardrobes. Guests that opt for the Club rooms or suites can enjoy access to two private lounges, VIP check-in service, one-hour complimentary use of the boardroom, snacks, canapés and drinks, and a garment valet service for up to three items per stay.
Formerly the InterContinental, Sandton Towers has maintained its reputation as a home away from home for businesspeople. Our day at Sandton Towers was a delightful experience. From the moment we entered the lobby to dreaming about relaxing under the trees on the poolside chaise (it was a work day after all...) every detail contributed to a refreshing and welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where modern luxury meets classic elegance, and we're eager to return.
It's not faddish, but Sandton Towers is a retro classic that imbues Joburg's late-'80s corporate glitz. The Towers has maintained a sense of luxury through the years and it's a quiet and refined destination; a welcome retreat from busy Sandton outside the door. And with impeccable service, we loved it.
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