Across from Village Walk shopping center, 25 km northwest of the airport, this hotel is sleek and modern, pointing to a modern vision of South Africa's future rather than harking back to the colonial past as so many new hotels here do. In that sense, the Hilton is in a different world than, say, the more traditional, much smaller Grace and, among its competitors, closest in spirit to the Park Hyatt.
The spacious marble lobby has sweeping curves and a central staircase up to the innovative second-floor restaurant. It also boasts a narrow atrium that rises to the guest rooms, although most are down narrow hallways away from the vertical lobby views.
Divided into several dining rooms, the restaurant has options for every taste, from sushi and teppanyaki to Malaysian, Mediterranean and awesome buffets. Reservations are needed, thanks to a local following that can fill it up at dinnertime. A raised platform in the center seems best for surveying the surroundings, but individuals prefer the seats by the railing overlooking the lobby action. The most popular dining choice is Tradewinds, but snacks are also available in Faces, the bar off the lobby where smoking is not allowed.
The large free-form pool is tucked away out of sight in the back garden, and a tennis court and health club serve those seeking exercise. With a pool bar and cafe, padded lounge chairs and shady umbrellas, this space fancies itself as more of a resort getaway than a city-center business spot. The spa is a respite for those who want to meditate or have body work done.
Seven conference rooms seat from 24 to 700 people, and a business center is on-site. African names and artwork weave through the meeting facilities, adding style to an area often overlooked by hotel designers.
Secured parking can handle 400 cars. A free shuttle runs to business and some shopping areas on weekdays. The weekend shuttle to tourist sights charges a small fee, and airport transfers can become pricey from this neighborhood.
The executive floor offers a lounge and is on Floor 6. But without free Internet access, and with a limited food selection and uninformed staffers, it is not on par with Hilton's other concierge-level products. Smoke-free floors are 1, 3 and 5. Guest rooms are spacious, with multi-blue carpeting, earthy colors, plenty of chrome, modern African wall art, phones with data ports, TVs, ridiculously overpriced Internet access, minibars, coffeemakers, desks with halogen lamps, king or twin beds, lighted closets, and marble baths with robes and hair dryers. Aromatherapy toiletries come in cylindrical tubes (difficult to use unless housed in their test-tube-like contraptions), and separate shower stalls lack adequate water pressure. Four rooms serve guests in wheelchairs. Laundry is delivered in wicker baskets, and the excellent housekeeping staff is eye-catching in turquoise and silver garb. Room service is nonstop.
Views of the distant lights of Johannesburg or the Sandton neighborhood are best from the higher floors. Flight crews make regular appearances every few hours, leading to congestion at reception and a dearth of seating in the lobby. The staff tries its best, but an unenthusiastic concierge, mechanical reception and stoic management are disappointments. It is still the market leader, but those searching for a bit more panache with their costly accommodations should try the InterContinental instead.