Life in Johannesburg can be so fast-paced and stressful that frequent vacations and staycations are mandatory. For our latest staycation we visited Hyatt House in Sandton which opened in November 2021. Situated in a residential part of Sandton, it is close enough to the key business and shopping hubs in the area but peaceful enough for one to unwind and relax.
Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton
The Hyatt House brand was launched internationally just over a decade ago, offering apartment hotels (aparthotels) for luxurious extended stays. As the name suggests, they are designed to be homely – warm, inviting, comfortable and family-friendly – a space where guests can live like residents while still having access to hotel amenities. Although Hyatt Hotels have had a presence in South Africa for a while, the Hyatt House in Sandton is the first Hyatt House to open on the African continent.
Main bedroom
The aparthotel has a total of 62 rooms which can be configured into one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Our family stayed in a two-bedroom apartment with a spacious en-suite main bedroom, a smaller second bedroom, a second bathroom, and an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen area. Full-length glass sliding doors led onto balconies where one could enjoy the fresh air. The rooms had televisions in both rooms and the living area as well as complimentary Wi-fi. There was sufficient cupboard space for extended stays, comfortable workspaces and wireless chargers.
The living area
The kitchen had a fridge, stove, oven, microwave, a Nespresso machine and a dishwasher and was equipped with crockery, cutlery and Russell Hobbs cookware.
The Kitchen
However, even though we had a kitchen we were eager to sample the food at the hotel’s in-house restaurant. Halaal food in South African hotels is hard to come by. However The Medley restaurant is halaal-certified. We feasted on a homestyle Wagyu beef burger, aged ribeye steak, a macon, pepper and avocado pizza, and a Fulton sandwich which consisted of slow braised short rib on sourdough bread. These went well with the creamy chocolate milkshakes.
Food at The Medley Restaurant
Of course, we had to taste the delicious desserts too. My husband and son ordered the Vanilla Creme Caramel served with a side of mango sorbet, and my daughter had the Knickerbocker Glory, a layered ice-cream sundae. I ordered the Petit Dessert Platter, which was so pretty I that I didn't have the heart to destroy it - but the mini desserts were just too tempting - there was a bit of everything. The platter is great for sharing too.
Desserts at The Medley Restaurant
Breakfast is included with stays. We enjoyed eggs, sausages, macon and vegetables with fruit, pastries and coffee.
The Medley Restaurant
The restaurant is open to day visitors and for events too. A birthday party was taking place the day we were there. The head chef, who was previously at the Park Hyatt Dubai Creek specialises in Indo-Pakistani cuisine and this is reflected in the menu.
If you need a workout after all the feasting, there is a 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool.
The Treehouse
The hotel also has an outdoor woodfired pizza area and a cosy treehouse restaurant where you can have an al fresco meal on top of an ancient tree, while the 24-hour convenience store and Starbucks in the entrance foyer will satisfy your caffeine and snack cravings.
Starbucks
Hyatt House in Sandton offers home-style living under a global brand name. It is ideal for long or short stays, people with special dietary requirements, and halaal events and functions in a convenient location just five minutes away from Sandton City, the Sandton Gautrain station and the Sandton Convention Centre.
For more information, visit Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Do you serve alcohol?
The restaurant is halaal-certified and no alcohol is served there.
Hi, is there plug points outside by the pool area? Many thanks,
Hi. Unfortunately not - but if you can contact the hotel they may be able to make a plan for you.