Based at Africa’s busiest airport, the City Lodge at OR Tambo Airport provides business travellers with quality accommodation that is convenient for those commuting to and from Johannesburg, ideal for those who require immediate access to the airport.
What ’s it like ?
A wide expanse of space and a feeling of openness greet you in the lobby of the City Lodge. Neutral, muted colours of olive green, browns and beiges comfortably clothe the dining area and lounge furniture, and big, brown bulb lights that look as though woven from bark, hang from the ceiling. Although there is definitely the feeling of being transitory as you gaze out of the windows overlooking the hustle and bustle of the airport below, one senses an easy ambience and gentle, enveloping pulse inside. For your absolute convenience, next to the reception desk in the foyer, monitors display the international and domestic flights information. In the centre of the airport lodge is a glorious sun deck, patches of green grass, and a pristine pool with gushing water flowing into the body of water. Sun loungers are provided, large trees give shade, and a small, fully equipped gym ensures that fitness and relaxation are not forgotten. The coffee bar menu has enough variety and options to suit everyone’s taste, with a pleasant wine menu to quench the palate. The long bar, although possibly a tad too dark, is adorned with exquisite orchids. Large TVs feature sport and news so you are always in the loop.
Where is it ?
You are conveniently a hop, skip and jump away from the airport. The City Lodge is above the multi-storey Parkade 2, Level 5 at OR Tambo International Airport.
Room Facilities
Leading off the long corridors, the 303 air-conditioned rooms are fairly spacious, and completely adequate, with either queen or twin beds. The en suite bathroom has a bath for a long, luxurious soak or a separate shower to reinvigorate you for those early morning meetings or flights. There is a new trend in bathrooms where an automatic shutter comes down between the bedrooms and the bathroom, so instead of a wall, the shutter can be left open for air. Each room comes complete with flat-screen television (MNet and DStv) with satellite channels offering exciting sport, breaking news and great movies. Wireless Internet access is available in all rooms and there is an electronic safe large enough to accommodate a laptop.
Restaurants and Bars
The Coffee Bar is the lodge’s restaurant and serves tasty hot and cold dishes. The comprehensive menu has a variety of choices ranging from salads to delicious hearty soups. The Coffee Bar stays open until 22h00 with the bar staying open until 23h00. Breakfast opens at 06h30 with a decadent buffet that offers a full English ormContinental breakfast. There is a vending machine if you feel peckish in the middle of the night.
Business Facilities
The boardroom facilities include the Road Lodge, an eightseater Meeting Room, and Town Lodge, a 12-seater boardroom which includes a flatscreen television with laptop connectivity and wireless Internet access. The Conference Facility includes Courtyard A and Courtyard B and can accommodate 46 people as one room.
Verdict
The City Lodge at OR Tambo International Airport is functional and suits business travellers’ needs to perfection. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal yet very efficient and controlled. Impeccable reception service and friendly staff make this hotel an option for early departures, late check-ins and delayed flights. The dinner was delicious but the portions small and the food arrived cold. Our prompt wake-up call at 06h00, ensured we were up and ready to start the day with a delectable buffet. For the business traveller this hotel works wonders and offers exactly what you need in the form of comfort and convenience. If there were a need for me to stay overnight at OR Tambo, City Lodge would be my hotel of choice!
Melissa Jane Cook
Contact
Tel: +27 11 552 7600/50, citylodge.co.za