The Southern Sun Hyde Park has always been one of my favourite Tsogo Sun properties – I fell in love with the view when I first arrived in Johannesburg in 2010 and a friend took me for drinks on the rooftop, and I have been a regular visitor since…
This is very much a city hotel – the fact that the hotel covers a variety of floors, from the street level walk-in at the reception area, up in the lift to the rooftop deck and restaurant and then further up to the rooms and gym etc.
I love the fact that the hotel is connected to the Hyde Park Shopping Centre – so if you are staying for work it is easy to pop across to the mall for a dinner or a meeting, or even to catch a movie if you are feeling like a change of scenery.
Located right in the heart of Hyde Park this hotel boasts not only a great view and central location, but also offers its guests the ‘best in style, sophistication, relaxation, and elegance in Sandton.’
The hotel has 132 rooms and all come with a range of great amenities – and I don’t just mean hairdryers and coffee machines! From fully stocked minibars, amazing 18-hour in-room dining service and even iPod docks and DVD players, you name it – they’ve got it.
The showers are huge and you could fit about 4 people in at once (just saying – not that I tried it) and although our room looked out over the busy Jan Smuts and William Nicol intersection, the soundproofing and double glazing was impeccable – not a peep was heard all night – besides our snoring in the super comfy bed, of course.
What is it about hotel beds and hotel linen – man, I need to get that at my house too, I sleep like a dream (excuse the pun) in hotels.
They also offer conference facilities for up to 120 delegates and the deck and indoor lounge make a great birthday or celebration venues too – in fact, there was a 40th birthday party on the go on the Saturday afternoon when we visited.
As usual, I was impressed with the speed of the wifi – I like to be connected 24/7 and once again this Tsogo Sun property got it just spot on!
Dining at Luce Restaurant is always a treat, whether as a hotel guest or when entertaining. The view over Hyde Park and Sandton are beautiful at night time when the lights start coming on as the sun disappears over the horizon and Chef Grant van der Riet always pulls out all the stops for his guests.
The artful blend of Italian and Japanese cuisine is a delight – the sushi bar delivers tasty platters to satisfy any sushi craving (and if you know me, I believe that sushi should be a food group!) and our sommelier’s wine selection was spot on with the sushi.
The Island Bar is another fave dining spot in the hotel – and it is always buzzing, as is the rooftop pool deck which is a firm favourite with locals from the morning until late at night.
Whether you are looking for a great champagne breakfast, chilled snacks and cocktails with friends, or a buzzing Friday night rooftop party with a live DJ – the rooftop deck is the place for you.
Hotel guests get to take a dip in the beautiful pool, and I enjoyed relaxing on the sun loungers under the umbrella sipping on some bubbles while reading my book – and every so often taking in the beautiful views.
Breakfast is served every morning in the restaurant (the champagne breakfasts on the deck, weather permitting) and whatever you do order the Eggs Benedict – it is one of my faves! The home baked pastries always tempt me until I give in and the fruit selection was extensive, even by my standards.
There is free parking under the hotel – don’t be a silly billy like me who parked at the mall (however even that at a R 10 flat rate for the weekend ain’t too bad) and the checkout process was simple and speedy.
I would certainly recommend Southern Sun Hyde Park for business travellers, or holidaymakers to Jozi (super central and easy to access – as well as locals like me who are just looking for a break and some time out. They often run great specials and deals – their date night package is an incredible deal too – check it out here…
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