Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg

Where: 1 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2196

11/15/2005 at 9:51 AM
Tags: Hotels

The Guardian recently had a report on the reinvention of Johannesburg, calling it, "A fantastically vibrant mix of brash upstart and grand old dame, where Africa meets Europe via southern California."

Among the hotels reviewed is the Melrose Arch in Northern Johannesburg, located in the "city within a city" Melrose Arch development.

The Guardian writes:

If Virgin did hotels, then Melrose Arch would be the result - hip, urban cool, aiming to a thirtysomething Yuppie crowd. Hallways are lit by a rainbow of subdued lighting. Rooms have wooden floors, and the large, egg-shaped bath is separated from the living area only by a curtain. By the lobby downstairs there's a recreation of a London club complete with fireplace, wood panelling, oversize leather couches and bar.

Meanwhile, over at Gridskipper, they deem the rooms "fine exemplars of upscale chic" but note that the hotel's desire to endear itself to world travelers takes away from the feeling (or lack thereof) of "local authenticity". Sure, maybe the in-room flat-screen TVs with DVD players and surround sound don't really say "South Africa"...but pop in a little safari DVD and who's complaining now?

Related Stories
·   Melrose Arch Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]
·   Johannesburg city guide [Guardian]
·   Melrose Arch Hotel [Gridskipper]