Rosebank's Perfect Hotel - with a surprise! (Hotels in Johannesburg)

Member Name: Pinotage

Product:	Hotels in Johannesburg
Date:	06/01/01 (96 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Not licensed to sell alcohol - so bar is free

Disadvantages: None

Courtyard at Rosebank is at the top of my favourites list from hundreds of hotels I have stayed in. The name is unfortunately confused with Marriott's budget hotel brand, but there is no connection; Courtyard is an independent South African small hotel chain.

The spacious rooms are in solid brick built blocks spread throughout a lush garden. Each has king-sized beds, sitting room, balcony and small fully equipped kitchen. Reception, breakfast room and bar are in a separate building next to the patio pool,

A very high brick wall surrounds the entire site. The one entry point to the hotel complex is guarded 24 hours a day by security guards in a gatehouse that operate the electric gate. Visitors without a hotel card has to be validated by reception. No casual visitors are admitted. Anyone who has been to Johannesburg understands security is of prime importance and I felt very safe in Courtyard.

When I checked in I was told that the hotel is not licensed to sell alcohol, so instead their bar is open for three hours in the evening and drinks are served with the hotel's compliments. It was most relaxing to return from work and chat with other guests in the plump armchairs of the bar, or outside around the pool while stewards circulate topping up drinks and fetching ice cold tins of Castle. Trays of snacks keep coming from the kitchen, and some people made this their evening meal. Staff are plentiful, friendly and greet you by name.

The hotel serves only breakfast - buffet style with fresh African fruits and juices and a skilled chef behind a range who will cook anything you fancy in front of you. For lunch and dinner you can choose from scores of restaurants of all types within a few minutes walk, or if you prefer, hotel staff would go to a restaurant of your choice (rooms have a folder of menus) and serve a takeaway meal in your room.

The hotel is ideally placed across from the Rosebank shopping complex. Th
is attractive mix of open air and multi-level covered shops is packed with restaurants and I ate very well there. I also got takeaways and ate in my room. Rosebank also hosts a famous weekly Sunday market in the car park to which people travel miles to browse antiques, curios, native art, eat and listen to live music there.

By international standards the hotel is very reasonably priced, with rooms at under £50 on rack rates.

My only regret is I doubt I will ever return to Rosebank (the place I was working at has moved and a vacation in Johannesburg is out of the question) because I think this hotel is perfect.

website: www.roadlodge.co.za/fcyrose.htm

Location: corner Oxford Road & Tyrwhitt Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Postal Address: P.O. Box 1034, Parklands, 2121
Telephone: +27 (011) 880-2989
Fax: +27 (011) 880-8425
Email: cyrose.resv@citylodge.co.za

Summary: