Where to stay! What's new at Joburg's hotels – October 2021

more than a year ago

Here at Johannesburg In Your Pocket we always have our eye on what's new and changing on our local hotel scene. In our monthly hotel blog, we take a look at the latest local trends, new venues, and enticing travel offers that you don't want to miss. Catch up on our August round-up here and our September blog here.

Hallmark Hotel has a makeover

Bold colours and local art and design at Thorn eatery at Hallmark House Hotel

Like many establishments, Hallmark Hotel, a cool boutique destination near Maboneng, closed several times during last year's lockdowns. In September 2021 the hotel reopened from its latest hiatus with a fresh new look. The hotel's colourful makeover has brought in lots of new neon-bright statement decor pieces by leading local designers as well as bold murals commissioned by local artists. On the ground floor there's a new casual restaurant, Thorn, as well as a cool concept store, while at the top of the building, an incredible double-storey penthouse is currently being completed.

Rosebank's 54 on Bath hotel reopens

When the world first shut down in March 2020 Tsogo Sun's upmarket Rosebank hotel 54 on Bath 'temporarily' closed its doors. Incredibly, despite moves up and down the lockdown levels over the next 18 months since then, the hotel continued to remain closed. Finally, in September 2021, 54 on Bath has reopened to the public, and just in time for the jacaranda season too (head to their rooftop garden for some pretty Rosebank jacaranda views).

SA hotels win accolades at this year's Condé Nast awards

Morukuru bedroom — Where you get to lay your head at Morukuru Owner's House. Photo by @jaredincpt

South Africa's luxury resorts have been winning accolades this month in the annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Seven properties were recognised in this year's awards and of course, South Africa's irresistible luxury safari destinations topped the list of the biggest winners. All listed in the 2021 Top 50 Resorts in the World are Morukuru Family's De Hoop Reserve properties and the gorgeous Owner’s House, River House, and Farm House at Madikwe (read our review here) and in the Kruger Singita Sabi Sands, Cheetah Plains and Royal Malewane. Making it onto this year's Top 50 Hotels in the World list were Babylonstoren in the Franschhoek Valley and Ellerman House in Cape Town.

Home Suite Hotels launches in Sea Point

The local boutique hotel brand Home Suite continues its expansion, adding to its Rosebank Joburg and De Waterkant Cape Town properties, with the launch of their third hotel, Home Suite Hotel Sea Point. Located in the heart of Sea Point's lively dining scene the Sea Point Promenade is right out front (there are great views from the hotel's rooftop pool deck) and the V&A Waterfront is also close by. Find out more here.

Archer Bar & Eatery now open at Melrose Arch

Archer Bar at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch

The Marriott Melrose Arch hotel officially launched in March 2020, although of course the pandemic had other plans. Since late 2020 the hotel has bravely set forward with opening to the public and continues to go from strength to strength. However, persistent lockdowns, curfews and booze bans haven't helped with the launch of their chic Archer Bar & Eatery, a standalone venue adjoining the hotel and overlooking Melrose Arch. Happily, now we are finally on Level 1 Archer is officially open, serving up great cocktails with a view of the neighbourhood from their breezy elevated street terrace every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Read our review here.

Wine dinners at Ten Bompas

The intimate Winehouse restaurant at Ten Bompas Hotel in Dunkeld presents a monthly gourmet wine tasting dinner, happening on the last Thursday of every month. Each month features a different guest winemaker and for R550 per person you can enjoy a gourmet three-course meal with multiple wine tastings through the evening. Call +27 11 325 2442 or email reservations@mix.co.za to book.

20% off room rates at Radisson Red during jacaranda season

Celebrating the jacaranda season in Joburg the Radisson Red Rosebank is offering 20% off online room rates while the jacarandas remain in bloom. To take advantage of the special offer email info.rosebank@radissonred.com with a photo of a jacaranda.

Our In Your Pocket roaming office is back on the move

In February 2021 we launched the In Your Pocket roaming office, taking our team on the move every Monday to work together from a different Joburg hotel. Through the roaming office we have found a fresh way to reconnect with Joburg hotels and get a deeper sense of what's happening in the local hospitality sphere in the wake of the pandemic. The roaming office has also given us the chance to get the inside scoop on some exciting new hotel offerings. After a brief break during the third wave, the In Your Pocket team are fully vaccinated and on the move again. Keep your eye on our Instagram for a look at where we're working from next and follow our reviews on our roaming office blog.