Where to stay! What's new at Joburg's hotels - August 2021

more than a year ago

Here at Johannesburg In Your Pocket we always have our eye on what's new and changing in our local hotel industry. In our monthly hotel blog we take a look at the latest Joburg hotel trends, new venues and enticing specials that you don't want to miss. Catch up on our June news round-up here and our July hotel news here.

September's Great South African Travel Week Sale

Save the date! On a mission to encourage South Africans to travel the country, Shot'left by SA Tourism has a Travel Week campaign coming up between 6-12 September 2021, offering discounts on local travel of up to 50%. Dubbed the Black Friday of South African travel this is the time to make bookings (within these dates) that you can then redeem later. Each property or travel company will specify the dates for when these can be used. These special offers will be open for 6 days only so make sure you are waiting. Find out more at Sho't Left.

Radisson RED Rosebank opens its doors

The rooftop pool at Radisson RED Rosebank

The new Radisson RED Rosebank hotel officially opened its doors at the Oxford Parks Precinct this month and has immediately cemented its place as the coolest new addition to the Rosebank landscape. The seven-floor, 222-room hotel is the second Radisson RED property in South Africa (the other is in Cape Town's V&A waterfront), a brand that is described as a hotel for "style-savvy, connected, and sociable travelers". There's much to admire including a cool art collection, lots of high-tech gadgetry and one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Read our interview with the hotel's curator Carly de Jong for more on what to expect.

Newmark's The Catalyst opens in Sandton Central

The newest member of the Newmark hotels group is officially open in Sandton Central. The slick 206-bedroom apartment hotel promises a home-away-from-home experience with suites that include spacious lounges, kitchenettes and King-size beds. In addition to a contemporary restaurant, Kashew, the Catalyst also boasts a seriously well-equipped gym, a 'sanctuary' spa, and tons of conferencing and meeting space.

Virtual fitness classes and an all-in-one app at Saxon Hotel

Leading luxury hotel The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa has introduced brand-new technology to make a guest stay as seamless as possible. Among the new innovations is a bespoke mobile phone app that guests can use for a completely contactless and touchless Saxon experience, new cutting-edge all-in-one screens in the conferencing and meeting rooms, an energy-saving lighting system and virtual fitness and wellness classes that can be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite.

AfriCamps adds more glamping tents

A typical AfriCamps boutique glamping tent

One of South Africa's leading boutique glamping brands, Africamps has expanded with three new camps, making a total of 12 camps across South Africa that should hopefully mean those months-long waiting lists to book a family Africamps break might reduce just a smidgen. The three new camps are spread among the Western Cape. They are: AfriCamps at Doolhof, Wellington located within the Doolhof Wine Estate boasting views of the vineyards and mountain, a short drive from the town of Wellington and an hours drive from Cape Town Each; AfriCamps at Stanford Hills Estate set on a boutique wine farm only 15 minutes from Hermanus; and, AfriCamps at Kam’Bati, Swellendam located in Kam’Bati River Resort about 20km from the town of Swellendam.

Each of the new Africamps venues sleeps a maximum of five guests in two en-suite bedrooms and comes with a private outdoor wood-fired hot tub, built-in braai, fully equipped kitchen, dining area with indoor fireplace, and a spacious wooden deck looking out into the surrounding landscape. Find out more at africamps.com.

Get up to 50% off long stays at SANParks restcamps

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced new discounted rates for long stay guests, stretching to up to 50% off the usual rate if you stay for 30 consecutive nights or longer, or a 30% discount for stays of 14-29 days. The special long stays offer is valid from July 28 to September 23, 2021 (excluding public holidays) and includes stays at camps in the Kruger National Park (Letaba, Olifants, Mopani, Pretoriuskop, Punda Maria, Shingwedzi Rest Camps), and at Addo Elephant National Park. Find out more and browse available options here.

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