A stay at the Sandton Sun promises an indulgent experience, starting from the moment you step into the elegant and sophisticated lobby. The welcoming staff greet you with a smile, and you're effortlessly checked in. The speedy lift whizzes you up to your suite on the 19th floor where you are instantly drawn to the large windows overlooking Africa’s richest square mile. Lindt chocolates, fresh fruit and cheese await you along with a host of other luxuries, and you sink into the comfortable bed and look forward to a relaxing weekend away from the daily grind.
Entrance Foyer
The first five-star hotel in Sandton, the award-winning Sandton Sun is an iconic feature of the Johannesburg skyline and one of the most popular hotels in the city, and it was buzzing as always. In its early days it was known as the Red Carpet Hotel due to the elegant red carpet at its entrance, and to this day, it still promises a red carpet experience. The hotel was recently merged with its neighbour, the InterContinental Sandton to form the Sandton Sun and Towers.
The rooms
Ideally located close to the Gautrain, the Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton City shopping centre and Nelson Mandela Square, for us, it was also a great place for a staycation on a rainy weekend as the convenient location negates the need to go out. It had also been a while since our last stay there and it was something we always looked forward to.
Garden alcoves on the San Deck
Sandton Sun is linked to the upmarket Sandton City shopping centre by the Diamond Walk skywalk on the 6th floor, where you'll be dazzled by the stunning storefronts of some of the world's most exclusive brands such as Armani, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Versace. Moreover, if your partner isn't a fan of shopping, like mine, you can leave them in the comfort of the hotel room with the complimentary wi-fi, while you shop to your heart’s content.
The chandelier
The rooms and suites are spread over several floors, surrounding a spectacular chandelier spanning 14 floors. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities and thoughtful touches, including ultra-comfortable towelling gowns and slippers. Our spacious suite comfortably included an additional bed for our daughter, along with a workspace, a couch and a refreshment station with a Nespresso machine, and minibar.
Babylonstoren sparkling grape juice and some other welcome goodies
The Spa at Sandton Sun– which is one of my favourite spas in South Africa - has eight treatment rooms, each with its own bathroom facilities. It provides a range of beautifying and relaxing treatments to help one unwind, and I’ve enjoyed much pampering there. If you prefer to unwind by working out, there’s a 24-hour gym available.
The Spa @ Sandton SUn
With the exception of the reception area on the ground floor and the spa on the mezzanine level, most of the public spaces are located on the 6th floor. These include the acclaimed San Restaurant and the San Deck, one of the most popular hangout spots in Jozi. After a long day of shopping, working or sightseeing, the deck offers a refreshing respite with comfortable seating, a central fire pit, cosy garden alcoves and a swimming pool.
San Deck
Breakfasts at San Restaurant consist of a huge cold buffet consisting of pastries, cereals, fruits, salads, cheeses, cold meat and fish, juices and smoothies, complemented by hot dishes from the a-la-carte menu. We savoured the Eggs Royale, fried kippers, and the spicy chickpea and lentil curry, an innovative vegetarian addition to the menu. I was impressed with the speed and efficiency with which staff handled orders even though the restaurant was so busy.
Breakfast
Dinner is served indoors or on the deck, weather permitting. The weather wasn’t suitable for outdoor dining when we visited though, so we dined indoors near the fireplace. Guests can observe the chefs at work in the show kitchen, where the focus is on seasonal ingredients. Our dinner began with a flavourful tomato bread followed by a seafood feast of decadent grilled salmon, baby kingklip, and fish and chips. The food and the service were both impressive.
Seafood Feast
On our final morning, the weather cleared up, so we got the opportunity to have an al fresco breakfast on the San Deck overlooking the shimmering Sandton skyline. The city was bathed in post-rain morning light and everything seemed new again. It was a lovely end to a much-needed staycation.
The swimming pool
For more information, visit Sandton Sun.
Visit Southern Sun to view hotels and make reservations.
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.
Sandton Sun sounds like a fab property to stay in with fab facilities-the food looks super delicious too!
It really is one of the best hotels in Johannesburg. You won't go wrong staying there!
The breakfast spread is my favorite part.
The breakfast was amazing!