BACKGROUND
Last month saw the opening of a new luxury hotel on Nelson Mandela Square called DaVinci Hotel and Suites. The six-level hotel is the fourth Legacy Hotel and Apartment development to be built on Nelson Mandela Square and is the last as there is no more land available in this area.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Sandton CBD and more specifically, Nelson Mandela Square is an upmarket area oozing sophistication and wealth, and the hotel suits this location perfectly. The hotel is chic and modern decorated with oversized chandeliers, elegant wall paper and stylish furniture. It makes a great first impression and the fantastic service provided by the eager and friendly staff ensure that it is a lasting impression. The hotel’s colours are black and white but around almost every corner there is either a dash of colour or an unusual point of interested added by local artists.
WHERE IS IT?
As already mentioned, the hotel is located on Nelson Mandela Square. It is accessible from the shopping centre and the location also features two levels of retail and a gaming venue called Marco Polo. The hotel’s parking entrance is located on 5th street, on the corner of Maude. It is ideal for travellers doing business in the Sandton CBD, as it is within walking distance of the convention centre and various office buildings. It is also only a few minutes away from the Gautrain’s Sandton station.
ROOM FACILITIES
DaVinci Hotel and Suites comprises 166 rooms topped by 54 exclusive one, two and three bedroom apartments. The rooms carry the same fashionable and modern look and feel as the rest of the hotel and are of course decorated using white and black. There are 133 standard rooms, two paraplegic rooms, six deluxe rooms, four patio deluxe rooms, 16 executive suites and five junior suites. I was staying in a standard room in which the bathroom area is separated from the bedroom by two sliding glass doors and silver curtains. The bathrooms offer indulgent baths as well as showers. Something quite unique is that the luggage storage space and wardrobe are located in the bathroom so that you don’t have to walk through the room with wet feet to get dressed. While this is a great idea, I couldn’t rid myself of the habit of walking into the room to look for my suitcase. All of the rooms have flat screen TVs with selected DStv channels, electronic safes, room service, desk and chair and my favourite, complimentary high speed Internet access for hotel guests.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The DaVinci Lounge & Bar overlooks the hotel’s pool deck. Here guests can enjoy a light meal any time of the day or sip on a delicious cocktail in the evening. The restaurant offers wireless Internet connection and laptop facilities. Just one level down from the lobby, in Legacy Corner Mall is Maximillien which is a sophisticated venue designed to depict a brasserie. It serves French-style, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. While not ready when I visited the hotel, it does feature an extended deck offering beautiful views of Sandton.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
Conference facilities for up to 120 delegates are available for conferences, functions, private dining or cocktail parties. There is also a boardroom called Mona Lisa which can take up to 12 guests. Attempting to offer something different, these facilities are available for hire by the hour.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The Legacy Corner Mall, which is basically an extension of the Nelson Mandela Square Mall, comprises two levels and some of the world’s top brands including Vigano, Giovanni Uomo, Pippo Boutique and more. The hotel also has a brand new spa comprising a number of treatment rooms and a well-equipped gym available.
VERDICT
This hotel is stylish and different without becoming too quirky or over-the-top. It has a clean and modern look which is clearly inspired by art and the environment. I highly recommend the hotel to business travellers looking for comfortable accommodation in Johannesburg. The developers have found clever ways to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
CONTACT
+27 11 806 6888, legacyhotels.co.za
Chana Viljoen