Johannesburg Assistance
Back to Forum- This topic has 20 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 21 Aug 2014
at 10:57 by Vistaro.
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DavidParticipantGood morning all.
Having spent the majority of the past decade focused on (and traveling to) the Middle East and Asia, my professional mandate now has me doing the same in Africa.
I’m a bit out-of-touch with the continent, having not travelled there lately and no doubt much has changed during that time.
I plan to be in Johannesburg for nearly a week towards the end of August and would greatly appreciate any tips or suggestions for a hotel (I’m not adverse to a nice guest house either); areas to stay (most of my work will be near the airport) – I remember fondly the vibe of Melville; and restaurants. While ‘clean and safe’ are of course prerequisites, I tend to value ‘atmosphere’ over ‘luxury.’
Am flying Qatar Airways to JNB (B787 on all sectors, which I’ve enjoyed before) and anxious to see the new ‘premium’ lounge at the new aiport.
Many thanks to all that contributed with wonderful suggestions on my recent trip to KL; the stay was made memorable with your inputs!
Very best wishes and thank you!
7 Aug 2014
at 07:09
LuganoPirateParticipantI’ve been there but not stayed in the hotel. The place is certainly full of atmosphere. It’s called Emperors Palace and is a casino, cinema etc and incorporating 4 hotels each of different standing, 3/4/5 stars. I’ll be staying there in October when I pass through.
7 Aug 2014
at 18:08
maxgeorgeParticipantProtea Hotels are a safe bet in SA. There’s one near O.R.Tambo (JNB). They’re soon to join the very reliable Marriott chain, and can be found throughout the republic.
You say it’s a while since you’ve been to Jo’burg, but no doubt you know the Sandton area is the place to go nowadays, which is why the Gautrain goes there instead of downtown. The old city centre is best avoided.
JNB is a spiffy new airport, and the BA/Comair domestic “Slow” lounge is great. The one at King Shaka (DUR) is bloody marvellous, as good as the Concorde lounge in T5.
Lekker verblyf!
Just watch out for those pushy airport porters…
7 Aug 2014
at 22:47
LuganoPirateParticipantWelcome to SA Simon. If you’re near Knysna this weekend (the Whales have just arrived) let me know and it would be a pleasure to invite you for a lunch or dinner.
The Michelangelo is a great hotel as is the Intercontinental next door and each have direct access to Sandton City (The Butchers Grill have great steaks btw) but my reason for agreeing with the Emperors is Home will be working near the airport and he has a myriad of restaurants to choose from as well, though I’d certainly recommend a visit to Sandton if he has time.
As Maxgeorge suggests Protea are also fine and I’ve stayed in quite a few and I have in mind there are two (certainly one) near the airport.
8 Aug 2014
at 04:56
DavidParticipantMany thanks; all great information! Will be making my reservations early next week and will let you know what I decide.
MaxGeorge, may also be making a quick day jaunt to DUR so will certainly have to try the lounge there as you suggest.
Very best for now.
9 Aug 2014
at 12:36
maxgeorgeParticipantPlenty of flights – and BA subsidiary Kulula has some very cheap fares.{ But no tier points if you’re BAEC ).
The new airport in Durban is a LONG way north of the city – with a toll en-route – so if you’re just planning a day at the beach, you’d be better off nipping across to somewhere nearby, say Salt Rock or Ballito, or down to Umhlanga.
Ocean view restaurant, grilled kingklip, a glass of Franschoek’s finest:
a perfect “jol”, as they say. that side!9 Aug 2014
at 18:39
SimonS1ParticipantThanks LP for the offer- very thoughtful.
Just come back from three great days in Pilanesberg and sadly after meetings tomorrow and Tues I’m heading off.
Great to see Johannesburg again after three great years living here. Luckily have just changed jobs so should be coming back more regularly.
10 Aug 2014
at 13:39
LuganoPirateParticipantThanks Simon and best wishes in the new position. Perhaps another time?
10 Aug 2014
at 20:22
DavidParticipantI’ve booked into the Intercontinental in Sandton (the Michelangelo was fully booked, SimonS1 but looked very nice). Looks convenient enough for my work at Tambo with the Gautrain connection and also has the benefit of the restaurants at Mandela Square. Any other recommendations for dinners in the area also appreicated!
Will be at the new QR lounge in Doha this weekend; having enjoyed the Premium terminal in DOH for many years, expectations are high.
Thank you again for all of your help!
15 Aug 2014
at 12:04
SimonS1ParticipantJust got back from Johannesburg. The Intercon is good as well and the Gautrain is excellent.
For dinners there are several good restaurants on the square. The a Butchers Shop is a favourite (best to book earlier in the day), Bukhara (inside) if you like Indian food. Heard mixed reviews of the Thai place but haven’t eaten there myself.
As a bonus there is an interesting little museum near the entrance to Michelangelo from the square, worth a look if you have 30 mins to spare.
15 Aug 2014
at 13:12
MartynSinclairParticipantJust saw an Andrew Zimmern review of Bukhara Delhi on his travel show. Apparently its constantly in the worlds top 50 restaurants… looks very interesting…
15 Aug 2014
at 13:35 -
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