Home away from home – The Four Seasons Hotel Johannesburg bring a welcome sense of grace and calm to the mad, mad world of Johannesburg.
You see, living it Cape Town spoils you. It surrounds you with so much comfort and bombards you with so much joy and beauty, that it’s often difficult to stay objective about any other place when you leave the Mother City. You are certainly spoilt for choice as far as hotels are concerned because it has some of the greatest hotels in the world, and all of them are famous for one thing or another.
So when I travel, I want to experience “home away from home” and that’s truly what Four Seasons Johannesburg offers me. The Four Seasons Johannesburg sits almost in the middle of Westcliff Johannesburg, in a part of the city that almost looks like a forest. It has the grandeur of old Hollywood, fantastically well-groomed and polite staff, and an ambiance that is almost apologetic.
I arrived at the hotel much earlier than the usual 2 pm check-in time due to an early morning flight to Johannesburg for work. As soon as I walked into the hotel I was greeted by the friendly receptionist, Sales Director and PR Manager, all who wanted to know how my journey had been and how I am doing. 10 minutes later I was checked into my room so I could freshen up and be ready for a busy day ahead of meetings.
You see, what hoteliers, club owners, and restaurateurs always forget is that what we all want is service. With bells on. That old-fashioned blend of efficiency and charm which makes us keep coming back for more or at least want us to share about our journey on social media.
When I arrived back to my room later that evening, I was welcomed by a personal hand-written note from the Sales Director and a bottle of champagne, wishing me the best of luck for my Hilfiger Denim Sandton launch event the next evening. What a treat after a long, hard day!
But the reason why I was super impressed this time around with The Four Seasons was their newly launched app.
The Four Seasons recently released a new mobile app, a do-everything concierge that enables guests to check in, check out, order room service, request a car from the valet or turndown service from housekeeping, and yes, bashfully ask for personal items like toothbrushes, earplugs, and more without having to speak to a soul. In fact, I ordered room service both evenings from the app and it was delivered to my room within minutes, still heated and warm. I also used their checkout service early on Friday morning, which ensures my bill was ready at reception when I was about to depart.
As I have mentioned before, The Four Seasons Johannesburg is lovely in every way, and I will continue to recommend people to stay there with the first-hand knowledge of just how fantastic this property really is & how well they’ll be looked after.
