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| Executive Travel: Johannesburg |
Best Hotels
Marilen Cawad and Marianne Cotter
06/01/2005
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In the decade since apartheid’s end, Johannesburg’s business hub has shifted
north to the affluent neighborhoods around the suburb of Sandton. (See maps,
pages 76, 77.) This modern business district is home to the Sandton Convention
Centre and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. While bank headquarters remain in
central Johannesburg, most corporations have relocated to the north, along with
upscale hotels, restaurants, country clubs and shopping centers. Today, those
who come to do business in Johannesburg can do so quite comfortably without
setting foot in the city proper.
The six hotels listed here are five-star
establishments with 24-hour concierge and room service. However, while cuisine,
decor, recreation and meeting facilities are world-class, some hotels lag in
providing technology such as high-speed Internet access that most Western
business travelers take for granted. The Saxon Hotel
36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst
+27.11.292.6000
www.slh.com/saxon
 After Nelson Mandela left prison in 1990, insurance tycoon Douw Steyn invited
him to stay at his home to finish writing his autobiography, Long Road to
Freedom. In June 2000, Steyn transformed this residence into an exclusive and
elegant boutique hotel that is burnished by the reflected glow of Mandela’s
legacy.
The Saxon’s decor pays elegant tribute to African culture rendered
in contemporary forms. The corridors sport a series of sketches by Dean Simon
that depict Mandela’s stay. The hotel’s 26 suites (all the rooms are suites)
feature indigenous motifs in warm earth tones. The 20 Egoli (Zulu for “city of
gold”) suites, four presidential suites and two platinum suites all have
contemporary business and entertainment amenities. The Mandela Platinum Suite
features two bedrooms, a reception area and a full kitchen. The Mbeki Platinum
Suite has one bedroom, a reception area, lounge, dining room and butler’s
kitchen.  Both platinum suites are accessible via a private elevator.
The
Saxon’s conferencing options include a 12-seat boardroom and a conference venue
that accommodates up to 55 guests. The larger Convention Lounge holds up to 80
guests and includes a bar and 40-seat auditorium for presentations.
The
services of a Cape Wine Academy cellar master are available in the Saxon’s wine
cellars. The Wine Tasting Cellar accommodates 20 standing guests for wine
tasting or predinner drinks. The Dining Cellar accommodates 12 guests for a
three-course, sit-down meal of traditional dishes such as cassoulet, curries and
tarts. Guests can also enjoy the cocktail bar, cigar library, piano lounge and
an outdoor heated pool.
The hotel can arrange for bodyguards through a
private security company. A helipad is available nearby, in the suburb of Gallo
Manor, located five miles from the hotel.
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