As the second hotel within the Radisson portfolio to be opened inSouth Africa, the Radisson SAS Sandton is a multi-million rand project that strives to provide the best accommodation service possible in the area. There are plans for further Radisson Hotels to open around the country and inMozambique. It is anticipated that thePort Elizabethhotel will be complete in March, with the Blouberg andMaputohotels expected to be complete in 2010. The second Radisson planned for Sandton, also a 5-star hotel to be positioned opposite the Gautrain Station, is in progress and is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2010.
WHERE IS IT?
This 5-star hotel is well located on Rivonia Road in the heart of the Sandton CBD. It is within walking distance of the Village Walk Shopping Complex, is less than 1km away from the Sandton Convention Centre, and provides guests with easy access to the business hub of Sandton. The Avis Point-to-Point service situated within the hotel, or the hotel’s chauffeur service, makes commuting to the OR Tambo International Airport, which is only about 30km away, an effortless task. The Radisson SAS Sandton has a truly convenient location from a traveller’s point of view, close to all major road networks and a host of amenities.
HOW MANY ROOMS?
There are a total of 290 well-appointed rooms at the Radisson SAS Sandton, which have been divided into 212 standard rooms, 45 business class rooms, 32 suites and one luxury suite. Within the 212 standard rooms, two have been specifically designed to cater to the needs of physically disabled guests.
ROOM FACILITIES
The views afforded from each hotel room are spectacular to say the least. There are two main decor themes, one consisting of warm, rich reds and ochres, the other cool blues and greens. Clean lines and contemporary style characterise the room design. Each room is equipped with free wireless Internet access, individual climate control, and flat-panel LCD televisions. The business class rooms and suites offer the guest that little extra touch of style, comfort and luxury. It is interesting to note that the bathrooms were built off-site and were positioned by crane, with the hotel then constructed around them.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Guests can choose from a variety of special cocktails and other beverages from the hotel’s bar and wine lounge. This area’s funky design elements, along with the gas fireplaces that are lit at night for atmosphere, make it a place for guests to linger and enjoy some down-time. The dining experience at Vivace, the Italian-style restaurant and cocktail bar, is what one would expect of a hotel of this calibre. The cuisine is world class and guests can watch their food being prepared in the open-plan kitchen. A private dining area is also available.
LEISURE & FITNESS
Located on the 9th floor is the swimming pool deck and terrace boasting panoramic views. The 500m² Planet Fitness Gym housed within the hotel is open to all guests. It includes a 25m heated indoor pool, an indoor and outdoor jogging circuit along with world-class equipment, and a variety of studio classes to cater to any fitness enthusiast’s requirements. There is also a virtual golf driving range with dedicated golf trainers and specialised scientific conditioning programmes to help you improve your swing. But if it’s serenity and tranquillity you’re after, you must try one of the myriad treatments at the One Wellness Spa. Here, the ten multi-functional treatment rooms, the Sleep Room as well as the Vitality Pool surrounded by a relaxation deck and loungers ensure luxurious relaxation.
MEETING & BUSINESS FACILITIES
Set up with state-of-the-art equipment, the eight function rooms at the Radisson SAS Sandton can cater to a variety of function requirements from small meetings to large corporate events and banquets. The three L-shaped function rooms can be opened up to create one large function hall, while the five meeting rooms provide the ideal setting for board meetings or the like. Most of the function rooms are illuminated with natural light, and the terraces provide a space for those much-needed breaks. Free high-speed Internet access is provided here for meeting delegates, while the conference area provides computer, fax and photocopying services. The spacious foyer provides the perfect setting for registration or welcome drinks while the decor has created a space that is so much more than what the conventional, and somewhat bland traditional meeting or function areas, offer.
VERDICT
The fact that this hotel is so centrally located makes it the ideal accommodation option for the business traveller. Services like free, high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel and secure, access-controlled parking add to the overall appeal. The attention to detail, ‘Yes, I can’ service philosophy that is carried through by all of the staff, coupled with the inspired and interesting decor and design elements throughout make the Radisson SAS Sandton a hotel that guests would not hesitate to recommend or consider for repeat visits.
CONTACT DETAILS
Cnr Daisy StreetandRivonia RoadSandton
Tel: 011 245 8000
Michelle Swart