The Capital on Bath: Hotel convenience meets home comfort
Arriving at The Capital on Bath, it doesn’t exactly scream “hotel!” From the car, it looked like an apartment complex, which is technically true, as the property is described as a luxury serviced apartment hotel. The complex offers a range of accommodation options from standard and executive rooms to spacious apartments and even penthouse suites.
Check-in at The Capital on Bath was easy – a warm welcome, quick process, and keys in hand within minutes. Walking through the discreet entrance, we felt like locals returning home rather than guests checking in. There's something unique about this kind of accommodation. While the idea of a hotel with all the frills sounds delightful, a serviced apartment offers a stylish, flexible stay that strikes a balance between hotel convenience and home comfort, whether you’re in town for a weekend or settling in for a few months.
There is a distinct home-away-from-home atmosphere that goes beyond the décor – you’ll feel it in the relaxed energy of the space, the easy rapport between staff and guests, and the presence of regulars who look more like long-term residents than overnight visitors.
Convenience is built in. The hotel’s facilities enhance the experience. Many units come fully equipped with kitchens, washing machines, and dryers – perfect for self-catering stays and long-term guests. Added comforts and conveniences include private balconies or patios, daily housekeeping, and high-speed uncapped Wi-Fi. There’s a well-equipped gym overlooking the pool, tranquil gardens perfect for relaxing or socialising, and secure on-site parking. A 24-hour reception and concierge, babysitting services, laundry facilities, and a free shuttle to key Joburg destinations like the Gautrain, Sandton, and nearby malls, all make a stay here feel seamless.
Our room for the night at The Capital on Bath
Walking into our room felt more like entering a friend’s impeccably kept flat than a standard hotel suite. Our one-bedroom apartment had all the essentials: a fully equipped kitchen, a dining table, a comfortable lounge that opened onto a balcony overlooking the local school (perfect for catching the sunset), and a king-sized bed we were already looking forward to sinking into after the night’s festivities. We were invited to experience the “You Booze, Come Snooze” package, so our room came with a hangover kit – Bioplus, Panado, Cream Soda (South Africa’s favourite hangover cure), and a R300 bar voucher to get the party started.
Unwinding with drinks at the on-site bar
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
All settled in and taking in a view of tree-lined streets and the neighbouring school grounds, we headed downstairs to make the most of our bar credit. Abraham More, the bartender on duty, mixed us a standout Long Island Iced Tea – easily one of the best we’ve had in Joburg. The bar itself isn’t private – more of an open, shared space than your typical tucked-away hotel bar – but there’s a perk: you can call down from your room and have your drink delivered. Even better, the bar stays open exclusively for overnight guests and residents until 02:00 – perfect if you’re back late and still in the mood for a nightcap.
While we enjoyed sipping on cocktails, More doubled up as a concierge and walked us through the rest of the amenities: a neat little gym, a swimming pool (Joburg winter said no to even a toe dip), and a shared garden space for guests and residents. Voucher still going strong, we returned to the bar for round two – a delightful Hennessy and Appletiser combo – before heading out to Keyes Art Mile, a two-minute Uber away. While the proximity prompts a walk during the day, we recommend a drive there at night.
Gallery hopping at Keyes Art Mile
Keyes Art Night is a vibrant monthly event at Rosebank’s Keyes Art Mile, where galleries, restaurants, and bars at the Trumpet building stay open late for an evening of art, music, food, and community. We arrived at 18:30 to find things already underway, though the crowd was considerably less packed than usual – no doubt thanks to the chilly weather keeping many Joburgers indoors. We wandered from space to space, taking in everything from works by 20th-century masters to contemporary, kaleidoscopic paintings bursting with colour and contemplation. There were unexpected mash-ups of fine art and street culture, DJs spinning sets in the Atrium, and clusters of people perched on the stairs, sipping wine and swapping stories. Part of the charm of Keyes Art Night is its ever-changing lineup – you never quite know what you’ll find. It draws an eclectic, art-loving crowd made up of collectors, creatives, students, and the casually curious. If you’re looking for a polished gallery visit, come during the day – but if you’re up for a buzzy night of discovery and conversation, this is your scene.
Dinner delights at Kanpai and The Prawnery
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
With a growing appetite, we made our way to the ground floor of the Trumpet building, where two of the many excellent restaurants at Keyes Art Mile – Kanpai and The Prawnery – offered the perfect spot to pause and refuel.
Kanpai is a sleek Japanese tapas-and-bubbles bar with a calming, sea-inspired design – muted aquamarines, clean lines, and a minimalist layout anchored by a central bar that invites you to linger. We started with Vietnamese stuffed chicken wings and crispy calamari, paired with a Thai green curry cocktail that packed just the right punch. Ideal for pre-outings or stylish date nights, Kanpai strikes a perfect balance between elegance and ease.
Just a few steps over to its sister restaurant, The Prawnery offers a warm, firelit contrast. This seafood-forward grill is all earthy tones and industrial charm, centred around a dramatic open robata grill. It’s spacious yet intimate, with a tucked-away private room for small gatherings. Here, we dug into steak and veg, a flavourful line fish stir-fry, and standout cocktails – the Guava Ocha was a clear winner.
Bellies full and cheeks flushed, we wandered back into the Trumpet building for one last wander around the art-filled spaces. By the night's end, we were more than ready to head back and surrender to our king-sized bed at The Capital on Bath.
The morning after: Breakfast buffet at The Capital on Bath
Come morning, we were roused by the lively chatter of school kids playing across the road. As we headed downstairs for breakfast, the background hum of nearby renovations reminded us that the surrounding area is still evolving, though thankfully the work didn’t disrupt our visit.
The breakfast buffet catered to all tastes: health nuts, carb loaders, and those who just can’t resist a good muffin. There was everything from sautéed mushrooms, bacon, sausages, mince and baked beans to pastries, yoghurt, cheese, and crackers. While we're not typically morning eaters, we had to indulge for the experience. We enjoyed a standard continental breakfast, and we’ll be back for the hash browns. You could eat downstairs or, if you're the kind who likes to sip your juice in a robe, take your breakfast back to your room. Note: The breakfast buffet is open to the public.
Final thoughts on our stay
All in all, The Capital on Bath offered a charmingly unconventional stay – part hotel, part apartment, part laid-back bar hangout – with touches like personalised service and a relaxed, homey atmosphere. We’d return, especially for the cosy apartments, location, and the friendly, attentive staff. We’d recommend booking in here if you want comfort with character, easy access to great food and galleries, and a welcoming space that feels like a home away from home.
Just steps from Rosebank’s hottest spots
The Capital on Bath is ideally located in the heart of Rosebank, one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant and walkable districts. Just steps from your door, you’ll find shopping destinations Rosebank Mall, The Zone @ Rosebank, and the two-storey Art and Craft Market. In addition to the stylish Keyes Art Mile, art and culture enthusiasts will be delighted by 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub: home to two floors of art and local design. Some of our favourite eateries in the area include Soul Souvlaki for delicious, Greek street food-inspired fare, the generous portions made for sharing at Turkish Kebab House Rosebank, and authentic, al fresco Italian at Pink Mama's. With the Rosebank Gautrain station a 10-minute stroll away, you've got easy access to O.R. Tambo International Airport, Pretoria, and central Joburg. While we only stayed one night at The Capital on Bath, a longer visit would let you truly explore everything Rosebank has to offer, one of our favourite neighbourhoods in the city.
For more, check out our guide to 10 great Rosebank experiences.
Book your stay at The Capital on Bath
Visit The Capital on Bath's website for more information or to book your stay.
SPECIALS AT THE CAPITAL ON BATH
There are two running promotions at the hotel, valid until Tue, Mar 31, 2026.
The Woza Weekend Deal provides all the requirements for a fun stay – a chic room, vibrant weekend energy, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Spend your days wandering through art galleries and trying out the great restaurants at Keyes Art Mile and surrounds. Book now.
You Booze, Come Snooze is your ultimate no-stress, weekend escape – where you call the shots. Book a room at The Capital on Bath and let the good times roll with a R300 bar voucher, a tasty bar snacks platter, and a Hangover Pack for the morning after. It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and recovery. Book now.
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