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"Multi-use" belongs to corporate lingo, and it's a term we would usually run from. But since we visited @Sandton Hotel (2023) it's starting to make perfect sense. The place is an apartment complex and hotel with around 1000 units, built around an enclosed precinct that offers a whole new way of life in Joburg. Instead of moving out of the city to an estate favoured by some, now there's the all-in-one residential offering.
@Sandton Hotel is just one part of this high-rise complex. The hotel has 561 rooms and once you check in you have access to the complex's amenities that include a private gym, a clubhouse with a heated pool, a kids’ play area, a whisky and cigar lounge and the hotel’s restaurant. The hotel rooms come with a kitchenette and range from studios to a Presidential Suite and what we were told is a kick-ass penthouse (it was booked by guests when we visited). The views are extraordinary and face the West of Joburg. If you do visit, specify you want a room with a view on one of the higher floors. Downstairs, the hotel has a grand foyer in which to lounge or meet up and friendly staff.
In particular, we loved meeting Claude Ndala, a Golden Keys Concierge who has the most charming presence, and who was our guide. It's exciting to see that @Sandton Hotel is taking the art of concierge seriously. It's something we advocate for at Joburg hotels.
One of the most impressive aspects of the complex is @Deli. We've been trained well on what to expect from a convenience store by Rosebank's finest, The Pantry. @Deli is of course an even bigger version – Sandton style – and stocks everything from cool gifting ideas, imported food brands, luxury food items and flowers, to Illy coffee on the run, grab-and-go sandwiches and smoothies plus freshly baked bread. It also has an extensive wine and liquor section. @Deli supports small local farmers and also offers competitive pricing on ready-to-eat meals and everyday essentials. Besides being an exciting standalone store to visit, it's a great addition to an extended hotel stay when you can't face another repeat of the breakfast menu.
The complex also has 480 leased apartments, a great co-working space, doctors' suites and that other essential, a plastic surgeon. There's also a cellphone shop, laundry, ATM, and a post and courier stop in the building. Designed pre-Covid and built and opened during the Covid era (2021), it's as if @Sandton by Acsiopolis was envisioned for this new way of staying compact in a city.
We did a little walkthrough of the contemporary Co Worx workspace – with 58 hot desks for remote, hybrid and freelance workers, as well as fixed office spaces and all the mod cons needed for a working day. The space is light-filled, super roomy and highly attractive. For conferencing at the hotel, the facilities include an 80-seater auditorium and dedicated function rooms. We spent two days working from the fully serviced meeting rooms – named after Sandton's most prominent streets – and found the uninterrupted Wi-Fi and power supply a pleasure.
*We visited to work for a day as part of our roaming office project – our way of connecting with Joburg hotels and staying up to date. We were also invited for an overnight stay to see all @Sandton Hotel has to offer, so had plenty of time to explore.
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