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We recently took our Roaming Office to the Peech Hotel (September 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.
The most astonishing aspect of this hotel is its glorious garden, one which we have watched develop over years of visiting. Each time we do visit we are struck by the beauty and privilege of being surrounded by so much lush greenery, and the sound of birdsong. The hotel is within walking distance from urban Melrose Arch and a short drive to the M1 highway, but once inside you would never imagine that proximity.
Our morning started with a friendly greeting from every staff member we encountered. It's a notable thing that many of the staff here have worked at The Peech for some years. From here we were shown to the main boardroom, looking out onto the terrace and garden, where we worked for the day. We were treated to a spread of breakfast treats including fresh fruit skewers, vegetable wraps and egg croissants with coffee not far away.
Eco-conscious additions and other unique features
Categorised as an eco-hotel, The Peech takes its commitment to sustainability seriously. The hotel has earned its reputation as an eco-friendly hotel by incorporating various environmentally conscious practices. For us, it's an added attraction.With plans to install solar panels and a focus on fair-trade suppliers, this eco-conscious ethos extends to the design and furnishing of the hotel's rooms.
The Peech Hotel's commitment to supporting local artisans and makers is evident throughout the property, like the woven partitions in the newer rooms made by the people in the empowering skills craft programme at Bethany Home, a shelter for abused women in Bertrams. Other work by local artists includes drawings by Blank Ink Design, refurbished workstations made by Brush+Pistol as well as sculpted side tables and chairs by top furniture designer Houtlander.
Redefined luxury
The Peech Hotel offers a total of 32 rooms which are categorised as either Classic, Suite, Luxury or Villa, all of which are tastefully decorated and exude their own distinct charm. Whether you're looking for a cosy room for a solo traveller or a spacious suite for a romantic getaway, there's an accommodation option to suit your needs. The rooms are elegantly furnished, with modern amenities such as smart TVs, air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi.
We had a chance to look at one of the 14 Classic suites which are thoughtfully designed, exuding comfort and sophistication. The light-wash hardwood floors, and red ash-tiled bathroom with a bath and a shower, gave a sense of opulence and warmth.
In 2017, the Peech expanded its footprint with the acquisition of a new property, signalling the birth of the Villa and Luxury suites. These come with huge sliding-glass doors that open out onto sheltered private patios. The two-bedroom Villa includes a shared entertainment and kitchenette area while both the ensuite rooms come with either a bath or a shower.
Each room is uniquely adorned with a different colour palette, creating a personalised experience for every guest. One of the standout features of these suites is their ability to retain heat in the winter and remain cool during the sweltering summer months, ensuring a comfortable stay year-round.
Culinary offerings
We stepped outside for a casual lunch at the Garden Restaurant which is exclusively for in-house guests, where we were treated like royalty by our helpful waiter. Our lunch table included a plate of flashed smoked trout fishcakes served with a rocket salad, a light portion of the Peech chicken Caeser, and their vintage cheddar burger with a side of hand-cut fries, which we enjoyed outside with a slight view of one of their two pools.
In addition to the Garden Restaurant, the Peech Hotel is also home to Basalt Restaurant, a culinary haven that reopened in 2023 with a new chef at the helm. Chef James Diack's farm-to-plate approach includes produce sourced from his organic family farm in Brightside, Magaliesburg which creates a dining experience that is not only ethically sound but also a celebration of authenticity. The restaurant's edgy, intimate setting with exposed beams sets the stage for a memorable meal.
The Peech Hotel is a testament to what a boutique hotel can achieve when it combines sustainability, artistry and luxury. With its rich history, commitment to sustainability and impeccable design, The Peech encapsulates the essence of luxury and authenticity. Whether you're a traveller seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city or an environmentally conscious guest looking for accommodation that shares your eco-values, The Peech Hotel offers an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
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