City charm, exquisite wines and a superb date night spoil up for grabs.
Once a bank built back in the 1970s and now an eco-friendly architectural gem that welcomes urban living, Voco The Bank Johannesburg Rosebank is more than just a tall, New York inspired face-brick building in the heart of Rosebank offering accommodation. It’s the perfect choice for city living where walk-work-play is made possible.
Check-in begins with valet parking and the sweet whiff of freshly baked goods from Proud Coffee. The playful mix of vintage and modern finishes, calming colour pallet and quirky touches throughout the hotel wink to your fun side.
Serious about sustainability, they are fully committed to recycling and have solar panels and generate gas for energy.
The corridor walls and rooms are filled with more than 700 pieces of artwork by more than 40 local artists. So much art for visitors to enjoy that there’s an in-house art butler who can be booked for a tour.
Bedrooms are symbolic to a night owl (tranquil and serene, well-groomed and encouraging of time alone) … with floor-to-ceiling windows to let in plenty of natural light and show off the stunning cityscape views. To add to the comfort of your stay, a spacious bathroom with rain shower and all-natural Antipodes bathroom amenities. Nice additions … mini bar, work desk, coffee pod machine, hand-held clothes steamer and small magnifying mirror as well as a make-up face towel in the bathroom. And some humour … a checklist of things not to forget before leaving the hotel including your keys, chargers and kids! The inter-active TV is your navigation guide helping you spread your wings during your stay. Our highlight … the birds-eye view while taking a bath and soaking up the buzzing night life from floor 10.
We have to boast about the gym facilities. At first it might feel like you are stepping into a club, but the energetic music and LED lights will get you in a pumping mood to train. For a more Zen workout, the upper-level out on the courtyard is the perfect spot to stretch and do a session of yoga in the open-air.
And if you have to work (needs must), guests have access to Workshop 17, a flexible co-working space where you can get down to business.
The hotel is in a prime location, just a golf cart ride away from the Gautrain Station and walking distance from shopping centres Rosebank Mall, The Zone @ Rosebank and The Firs. No need to order an Uber when you can take a quick stroll with plenty of dining options along the way … including Fugazzi, Mamasamba and, just through the lobby of the hotel, Proud Mary Modern Eatery and Wine Bar. We love that this is where breakfast is served … so instead of the same old hotel continental buffet breakfast you have a selection of breakfast and brunches, smoothies and super juices … think Belgian waffles, breakfast burgers and the tastiest Turkish eggs.
The international brand Voco is owned by InterContinental’s Hotels Group & Resorts, a night’s stay at Voco The Bank Johannesburg Rosebank will start from R3300 a night for a standard room including breakfast.
Details: www.vocohotels.com
Compiled by: Megan Brett
Liquid luxury
Conversation flows best when shared over a glass of wine. At Proud Mary Modern Eatery and Wine Bar, there is a bottle to suit every taste.
From small-batch, local and independent wines to champagnes, cocktails and coolers, this eatery caters to having a relaxed time in a comfortable yet trendy setting. Just one glance at the bar situated in the centre extending from floor-to-ceiling with a natural wood finish, teal accents and hanging greenery seating 20 people on plush cushioned chairs will make you admire how sexy this spot is.Here connections are made from flavours of cuisines taken from different parts of the world to the attentive staff engaging in conversations making you feel at home.
And the food… fabulous! Eat with your eyes and feast on the portions. Popular menu items are the crispy squid and miso broccoli small plates and the seafood linguini and seared salmon café plates. We were most happy to tuck into their bowl of tomato & goats cheese risotto, topped with basil, dill, pecorino and mascarpone … love at first bite! And their dessert menu includes a few digestifs, dessert wines and dessert cocktails and even a cheese plate with smoked grapes, honey drizzled pears, tomato chilli chutney and crackers for those who don’t have too much of a sweet tooth.
Reservations on Whatsapp on 061-585-1596 and through reservations@proudmary.co.za. Follow ProudMarySA on Facebook and @proudmary_sa on Instagram