On a residential street north of Sandton, this small, luxurious boutique-hotel is the address of choice for moneyed hipsters and power brokers. If any guests have doubts of this property's status when passing through the steel-gated entrance, the presence of South Africa's sole Rolls-Royce dealership will reassure them.
A polished and impeccably attentive staff creates an aura of refined exclusivity in grounds and buildings that are a decorator's dream. The property started as a private home and evolved into a hotel when a wing of rooms was added. Over the years, it has hosted a long list of celebrities, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton and talk-show host Oprah Winfrey.
The striking lobby is framed by two staircases spiraling up to the mezzanine, with an artistic iron chandelier in the center and a large primitive bird sculpture on the back wall. It is impossible to forget you are in Africa, with every wall and corner of the
public areas adorned with quality artwork and sculpture from the region. Contemporary sitting areas are graced with carved wooden footstools and animal-skin rugs. The public areas flow into one another, with a variety of places to gather, each with its own personality and mood. Two atmospheric terraces front water: One is beside a structured koi fish pond, the other by the multilevel 920-sq-m infinity pool with underwater music, one of the largest in the city, set in manicured gardens. Shaded gazebos and thickly padded chaise longues encourage light naps in this urban paradise.
Six-foot-tall urns converted into fountains dominate the skylighted main dining room. An extensive wine collection lines a balcony overhead. Informal meals are served on the terraces, and a cozy cigar library has a choice selection of cigars and books. A pianist entertains in the lounge each night.
The spa studio appeals to guests seeking a peaceful respite from the 
big-city bustle, but the menu of treatments may surprise, even amuse, some. The sound therapy incorporates a cacophony of bells, gongs and cymbals into a supposedly relaxing treatment, and a color program matches various hues with desired moods. A steam room, plunge pools and a whirlpool are familiar amenities.
Business groups take advantage of a dining library, a full movie-style theater seating 20, fully equipped business center, valet parking, a private bar area, and well-equipped conference rooms in auditorium or boardroom styles.
Guest rooms show the same care in design and quality materials as the public areas, plus the most African decor outside of the game parks. All are suites filled with furniture, fabrics and artwork that would keep any design magazine photographer busy for hours. Enormous windows survey the surrounding neighborhood and permit plenty of natural lighting. Lots of tans, yellows and dark woods complement the greens 
seen through latticed shutters over the windows. Hardwood floors are dotted with area rugs, and four-poster beds are as majestic as the aboriginal antiquities surrounding them. Amenities hit all the right notes, including large TVs paired with DVD players and surround-sound speakers. Business guests appreciate spacious desks and wireless high-speed Internet access. The marble baths have separate showers and WC stalls, excellent toiletries, robes, chunky towels and more artwork that provides a sense of place.
Room service operates at all hours. For a hotel with this number of rooms, the property boasts impressive facilities and a staff that is among the most gracious and poised around. Despite the eye-popping rates, this hotel is often full. Guests who prefer a larger property and nice views are better off at The Westcliff, but this is the prestige address for guests looking for personal attention and a more African sense of style.
