A luxurious stay in Johannesburg

You don't have to venture to faraway rural places to experience a luxurious breakaway, says Brian Berkman.

- By Brian Berkman

With the convenience of almost direct access from the Gautrain stations at Rosebank and Sandton in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, it makes sense to travel from OR Tambo International Airport by train, especially during rush hour.

The 131-roomed voco The Bank Hotel in Rosebank is just a few paces down the pedestrian mall from the station, while the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is accessed across a double-lane road with pedestrian traffic lights in Sandton. The walk can be managed easily, even with wheeled suitcases.

There are, of course, many hotels at and near the airport, The InterContinental OR Tambo being the best among them. But aside from being nearer to the business centre, Rosebank and Sandton deliver all the shopping, nightlife and foodie experiences you might hope for, and lodging here is therefore recommended.

VOCO

Voco ('to invite' in Latin) is a newly launched hotel brand by the InterContinental Hotel Group, which includes brands such as Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Six Senses and, of course, InterContinental.