When it comes to hotels, it is often said that location is everything. However if the hotel also offers comfortable luxury and upscale amenities, then it becomes an even more attractive choice of accommodation. The award-winning Radisson Blu Gautrain boasts all these and more, and my family and I were looking forward to staying there.
The hotel is perfectly suited for a business or leisure stay in the heart of Sandton, Africa’s richest square mile. Guests can arrive and leave via the Gautrain Station, just 55 steps away. Staff will accompany guests to and from the station. Sandton City Shopping Centre and Nelson Mandela Square are within walking distance too or one could just travel with the complimentary shuttle service (within a 5 km radius).
Entrance Lobby
We arrived at the hotel on a Saturday afternoon. The expansive open-plan lobby extends all the way from the Central One Restaurant at the one end to the meeting rooms at the other end. The reception area in–between is flanked by trendy seating areas. High ceilings, and full-length glass windows and doors open out onto the terrace and pool deck, adding to the spacious and airy feeling, a far cry from the congested city outside.
Central One Restaurant
There are 220 rooms at the hotel, including 20 suites. After checking in, we proceeded to our spacious Business Class rooms on the tenth floor. We had two adjacent rooms, for us and our children. Inner doors connected the inter-leading rooms, which was ideal as we could have our privacy but still keep an eye on them. There was a king size bed in our room and twin beds in the kids’ room. Both rooms had huge work desks and seating areas. Plush bathrobes and slippers were provided. The bathrooms had bath tubs and rain showers.
Main Bedroom
The kids immediately made themselves comfortable with the family entertainment on TV, the complimentary wi-fi, and the hot chocolate provided, while my husband and I helped ourselves to Nespresso coffees.
Kids bedroom
We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon but as evening approached, it was time to head for the rooftop pool deck, one of the best venues to watch the sun set over Jozi. The deck is a popular meeting and socialising venue. It is also a great spot to relax in while you miss the peak hour traffic leaving Sandton in the evenings.
Sunset at the pool deck
Dinner at Central One was something else we were looking forward to, having previously enjoyed a very memorable dinner there. We were not disappointed. We enjoyed a hearty three-course meal, which included dishes like Spicy Slow Roasted Tomato Soup, Mediterranean Seabass, and a decadent chocolate platter for dessert.
Dinner at Central One
Breakfast ends at the leisurely hour of 11 on weekends, which meant that we could sleep in the following morning. I wish that all hotels would be as considerate! The breakfast itself was delicious. Apart from the wide range of cold buffet items which included the most succulent salmon, one could also order hot dishes. My husband and I had our favourite Salmon Eggs Benedict, while the kids had freshly made pancakes with whipped cream.
Breakfast
My family can’t stop talking about the amazing food we had at Central One. The good news is that you can enjoy the food there even if you are not staying at the hotel.
The Gym
The Radisson Blu Gautrain is the only hotel in the Radisson Middle East, Europe and Africa region to have won two World Luxury Hotel awards in the same year - just two of its many accolades. It is a great hotel for a business trip, a couples’ getaway or a family vacation in the city.
Sunset views of Sandton
For more information, visit Radisson Blu Gautrain or book here.
See more things to do in Johannesburg.
Disclosure: 7
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.
Great Review, Thanks. Are they Halaal?
Thanks. Unfortunately not. But they can arrange halaal food on request.
Thanks for sharing this detailed review of the hotel. I'm definitely going to dine at that restaurant inside. It looks so wonderful in pictures.
I'd like to stay here for the pool alone! It's gorgeous. The rooms and lobby look super modern and comfortable. The ideal place to stay!
I always like a hotel with beautiful amenities, especially the poolside so my family can also enjoy even when Im on a business trip. This looks perfect!! Also, the food pics are really mouthwatering!
This is definitely a posh hotel. The location is perfect and I don't know any reason why it wouldn't be a traveller's first choice. Food looks great and the pool and the gym are simply irresistible.
WOW that view from the pool is incredible!! The food looks delish too. I am bookmarking for when I visit next year!
I love the pool, it looks clean and well-maintained. Some pools can be overly decorated and poorly maintained that it makes you hesitant to dive in. The rooms are also clean and modern. And the food looks great!
Wow superb luxurious interiors! The food spread and gym looks great. I have experienced their hotel in Mysore India.
Wow it looks and sounds beautiful, really inviting. I love the desks in the bedroom; very convenient for a business person.
Thanks Melissa. Yes, it's a great place for a business or leisure stay 🙂
It is a nice hotel. I heard about it when I was in India. Next time I will try out the hotel. Hope you enjoyed your time in this hotel.
Wow, nice pool deck! And the complementary hot chocolate for the kids is a nice touch. I always like staying somewhere with a good restaurant so you don't have to worry about taxi-ing all over the city to find dinner.
Thanks Carrie. It is very convenient when your hotel has an award-winning restaurant - and the pool deck is great 🙂
A Jozi sunset! And that from a rooftop pool in Sandton. We will definitely consider the Radisson Blue Gautrain when we’re in South Africa next. I love the seating areas near the windows, they probably also have lovely views. And that chocolate dessert platter looks divine.
Thanks Linda. The seating areas near the windows do have great views. And the chocolate dessert platter was delicious 🙂
This looks like the type of quality and beautiful design that the Blu really epitomizes around the world with fantastic food, rooms and I'm sure the service is also amazing!
Thanks Noel. This hotel definitely upholds the Radisson Blu name and quality.
This place looks great! Love the full length glass windows everywhere. So glad you got to enjoy the pretty Jozi sunset. Central One sounds and looks amazing! We love breakfast/brunch meals!
Thanks Steph and Zach. You will have a great stay here 🙂