Nestled in the heart of Sandton, often referred to as “Africa’s Richest Square Mile,” lies the contemporary Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel. Located at the corner of Rivonia Road and West Street, the hotel offers an ideal location for both leisure and business travelers. Just three minutes from the Gautrain station and five minutes from Sandton City, the hotel’s central position makes it an excellent choice for those visiting Johannesburg.
Beyond its prime location, Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel captivates guests with its sophisticated interior design and high-end amenities, making it a destination worth experiencing.
A Warm Welcome and Impressive Décor
Upon arrival at 15:00, I was immediately impressed by the hotel’s exceptional service. As the doorman greeted us with a warm smile, he assisted with our luggage and guided us through to the reception. Inside, refreshments and fresh fruit awaited, offering a welcoming touch. The attention to detail in the décor was evident from the polished marble furniture to the cherry wood floors and carefully curated art displays. The modern aesthetic of the lobby set the tone for the rest of our stay, and I was eager to see what awaited us in our room.
Junior Suite: Comfort with a View
We were booked into a Junior Suite, which provided a spectacular view of Sandton City’s skyline. The view was especially mesmerizing at night, with the lights from the surrounding buildings illuminating the city. The room itself was spacious, well-equipped with all the essentials, and thoughtfully designed for comfort. One of my favorite features was the bathroom. It boasted an enormous shower and a luxurious bathtub with mounted mirrors and ample lighting, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing photoshoot or simply unwinding after a long day.
Swimming and Gym with a View
After settling in, I decided to take a swim. The pool, located on the third floor just before the bar, offers a wonderful atmosphere. During the day, the pool area is lively with guests enjoying drinks and lunch, but in the evening, it transforms into a peaceful retreat. The view of Sandton City’s skyline and the Gautrain station adds to the poolside experience, especially at night when the city lights twinkle in the distance.
Not content to stay in one place, I decided to explore further and discovered the hotel’s well-equipped gym on the ninth floor. I loved that I could work out while enjoying stunning views of the city. The gym was spacious, with plenty of cardio machines and spinning bikes to accommodate the hotel’s guests.
Dining Experience at Central One Restaurant
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is home to Central One, a restaurant that serves both buffet and à la carte meals. That evening, we were treated to a complimentary dinner, and we kicked things off with the Vegan Curried Butternut Soup, which came with deep-fried onions and butternut croutons. The soup was smooth, creamy, and well-balanced with a subtle hint of Cajun spice.
For the main course, we ordered the seabass and a 500g T-bone steak. The seabass was perfectly grilled, with crisp skin and a soft, fresh interior. It was served with mashed potatoes, pea velouté, chorizo, and pea salsa, all of which complemented the fish beautifully. The mashed potatoes were smooth with just the right amount of seasoning, while the chorizo added a wonderful salty, spicy kick to the dish.
Unfortunately, the T-bone steak did not live up to expectations. It was tough and difficult to cut, and lacked seasoning. The hand-cut potato chips served with it were also poorly fried, missing the crispiness I had hoped for.
For dessert, we opted for Malva Pudding with custard, a classic South African treat. The sponge cake was fresh, moist, and not too sweet, while the hot, creamy custard added the perfect finishing touch. It was a comforting and nostalgic dish that made me feel right at home.
Relaxing and Unwinding
After a delicious dinner, we returned to our room, feeling satisfied and ready to wind down. We ended the evening with a glass of wine and a movie—just the perfect way to relax after a day of exploration.
Buffet Breakfast at Central One
The next morning, I woke up excited for breakfast. Central One offers a buffet breakfast with a wide variety of options. My excitement was palpable as I approached the spread—muffins, eggs, bacon, sausages, and more. I opted for an omelet with cheese, tomato, and mushrooms, along with sausages, bacon, hash browns, a croissant, and a chocolate muffin. The portions may have appeared small, but they were satisfying and just the right amount to start the day.
Final Thoughts
When we finished breakfast, we returned to our room to pack and check out. The staff at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel were incredibly helpful throughout our stay, ensuring that we had everything we needed.
Whether you’re visiting Sandton for business or leisure, the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is a perfect choice. With its central location, elegant decor, modern amenities, and friendly service, it offers an unforgettable stay. Whether you’re passing through or looking for a short getaway, this hotel is definitely worth considering.
Written by: Mapaseka Sekgala