Background
City Lodge caters to all markets with its offering of Road Lodges (1-star), Town Lodges (2-star), City Lodges (3-star) and Courtyard Hotels (4-star). The group has 6,272 rooms and ranks among the 250 largest hotel chains in the world. Having gone into Kenya for the first time last year, the group’s latest foray is into Botswana, with a Town Lodge property having opened in Gaborone in February. City Lodge Fourways opened its doors in 2010.
What’s It Like?
It is a modern four-story building with contemporary fittings and finishings. Most notable was the service I received, from the warm welcome at reception, through to the General Manager who came round during breakfast and enquired about my stay. Further to that, there was a personalised note in my room, together with a specially-wrapped package of biscuits. The perfect way to my heart!
Where Is It?
It’s in the heart of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, across the road from huge entertainment complex Montecasino. The closest airport is actually Lanseria – 13 kilometres away – which is significantly smaller than O.R. Tambo International Airport, but which is becoming increasingly popular with those conducting business in the north of Johannesburg. ORT is further away at 26 kilometres, but the City Lodge is a couple of kilometres from the highway. From a facilities and dining point of view, you don’t need to look much further than Montecasino, which has restaurants, bars, theatres and a big cinema complex, as well as ample parking.
Room Facilities
The hotel has 211 air-conditioned rooms, featuring either double or twin beds. As mentioned, I liked the modern amenities, with my room enjoying a large flat-screen TV (with selected satellite TV and radio channels), tea/coffee-making facilities, electronic safe (big enough for a laptop), large work station desk and good lighting. So, it was a comfortable space in which to get some work done. Further to that, the three-piece bathroom was nicely turned out, with a feature I’ve seen at a couple of newer hotels – a remote-operated sliding window between the bathroom and bedroom. My room was a comfortable size and big enough to also accommodate a couch on which to relax, as well as an outside patio looking on to Montecasino. Other facilities include same-day laundry and dry cleaning, whilst Wi-Fi is available in every room and is free for the first 15 minutes. Wi-Fi vouchers are available on request.
Restaurants & Bars
Breakfast you’ll get at the hotel – Full English or Continental – between 06h30 and 09h00 on weekdays, and 07h30 and 10h00 on weekends. There is also a coffee shop serving light meals and snacks until 22h00 in the lounge area. Otherwise, next door is The Karoo restaurant, whilst Montecasino has a host of options.
Business & Meeting Facilities
There are two fully-equipped meeting rooms, accommodating 12 and 14 delegates, respectively. Each room has a flat-screen television with laptop connectivity and conference call capability. Sandwiches or a light lunch and tea/coffee can be arranged at the front desk. Otherwise, standard facilities, including printing, Internet station etc.
Leisure Facilities
The leisure facilities at the hotel are basic. A wooden pool deck and lounging area surrounds an inviting pool. The fitness room is equipped with basic cardio-vascular equipment, a fitness ball and a few weights, whilst there are also towels available and a bathroom to freshen up in.
Verdict
Suited to good, clean, simple business travel, with good service and a nice location, should you need to be in the north or close to Lanseria Airport.
Contact
Address: Cnr Monte Casino Boulevard & Witkoppen Rd
Tel: +27 11 244 6000, citylodge.co.za
Siphilile Shelembe