ANEW Hotel Roodepoort: Johannesburg's Hidden Gem? Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
ANEW Hotel Roodepoort: Johannesburg's Hidden Gem? Okay, Let's Talk About It… (and Maybe Secretly Brag)
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups. I just got back from a stay at ANEW Hotel Roodepoort, and honestly? I'm still processing it. Johannesburg, a city of… ahem… “character,” can often feel like a sensory overload. Finding an oasis of calm and actually luxury there? That, my friends, is a real win. They're calling it a "hidden gem," and… well, they're kinda right. But let's get into the gritty details, because, you know me, I'm not one for sugarcoating.
First Impressions: Access and… Accessibility (Gosh, Important Stuff)
Finding the place was a breeze, thankfully. The car park? HUGE. And free – a small miracle in Jozi. They've got a valet, too, which, after battling Joburg traffic, felt like a little slice of heaven. 🚗🅿️
Now, for those with mobility issues, accessibility is HUGE. And ANEW Roodepoort actually gets it. Elevators? Check. Wide hallways? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Yes, yes, YES! That's a massive tick in my book because honestly, so many hotels just… don't. This wasn't just an afterthought; it felt genuinely thought out. Plus, the 24-hour front desk meant I could check in at… well, a ridiculously late hour, thanks to a flight delay.
Room Service Revelations (and a Comfy Couch!)
The rooms? Honestly, they're gorgeous. Modern, clean, and with a definite "wow" factor. I was particularly obsessed with the blackout curtains. Seriously, I could have slept through a nuclear apocalypse. 😴 Seriously, you're practically guaranteed a good night's sleep. The bed was a cloud of pure bliss, and the extra-long bed made sure I didn't fall out (I'm a restless sleeper, sue me!). The little things mattered too: high-quality toiletries, a mini-bar stocked with goodies (essential, obviously), and that ridiculously comfy couch you sink into after a long day. (Which, of course, I used as a designated Netflix viewing spot)
WiFi, Internet and the Digital Life (Thank Heavens!)
As a digital nomad (translation: glued to my phone, mostly), reliable internet is non-negotiable. And ANEW didn't disappoint. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, including the rooms? Praise be! 📶 The speed was decent, too, which is crucial if you're trying to actually work (or, you know, binge-watch Netflix). They also have LAN in the rooms, for you tech nerds out there.
Food, Glorious Food (And That Buffet!)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where ANEW REALLY shines. The restaurant? Amazing. They have an a la carte menu, and, for us people, the buffet is a full spread, it's got a great variety – international cuisine, Asian cuisine, Vegetarian options - you name it, probably. And the breakfast? A buffet of champions! Think everything from a full English to fresh fruit, pastries, and a coffee machine that rivals a barista. Seriously, I may have had three (okay, maybe four) cups. And the coffee shop? Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. ☕ If you're in the mood for something lighter there is also available the snack bar and poolside bar
And, naturally, room service is available 24/7. I'm all in for late-night pizza and a movie - totally guilt-free. They’ve got plenty of options.
Relaxation: The Spa and Poolside Bliss (My Favorite)
This is where it gets REALLY good. The spa is a total sanctuary. I’m talking treatments, a steamroom, a sauna, a jacuzzi I'm a sucker for a massage, and the one I had there was… well, let's just say I nearly drooled on myself. Pure bliss. 💆♀️ The pool area is stunning, especially the pool with view. Laying there, soaking up the sun, sipping a cocktail from the poolside bar… pure escapism. They also have a gym/fitness center, if you're into that sort of thing. (I'm more into the spa, personally).
Cleanliness and Safety: The Unsung Heroes (And Essential in These Times)
Look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I'm extra sensitive to this stuff. ANEW gets top marks. They're clearly VERY serious about cleanliness. Daily disinfection? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Staff trained on safety protocols? Check. And the fact that they offer room sanitization opt-out is a nice touch. I felt genuinely safe and cared for, which is crucial for unwinding. They use anti-viral cleaning products and have a Doctor/nurse on call.
Amenities Bonanza (and Where It Gets Tricky)
Speaking of amenities, ANEW is packed. They've got everything from a business center (with a Xerox/fax – remember those?) to a gift shop. They offer laundry, dry cleaning, and ironing service. A lot of venues and facilities are available on-site, just so you know.
For the Kids, Couples, and Everyone in Between
Family/child friendly? Yep! They've got babysitting service and kids facilities,. Couple's rooms? Absolutely! And, believe it or not, they're even a potential proposal spot. Romantic, right? They also have a few outdoor venues for special events, too.
Getting Around (Joburg Navigating 101)
They offer airport transfer, which, trust me, after a long flight, is a lifesaver. They also have a taxi service and valet parking. And if you're feeling adventurous, there's bicycle parking.
The "Flaws" (Because No Place is Perfect!)
Look, no place is perfect. While everything was largely perfect, one minor quibble: the signage. Getting around the property was sometimes a little… confusing. But honestly? That’s a tiny detail. And they have a couple of spots for smokers.
The Verdict: Why You NEED to Book ANEW Hotel Roodepoort
So, here’s the tl;dr: ANEW Hotel Roodepoort is genuinely a hidden gem. It's a blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience that's hard to beat, especially in Johannesburg. From the stunning rooms and delicious food to the incredible spa and pool, it's an experience that's designed to melt away the stress.
Here's the deal:
Tired of the same old hotels? Craving an escape that's both luxurious AND accessible?
ANEW Hotel Roodepoort is calling your name!!!
Here's my PERSONAL offer for you, my dear readers:
- Book a stay of 3 nights or more, and I'll personally request a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability, of course!).
- Mention code "HIDDENGEM" when you book, and receive a complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar upon arrival. (Because you deserve it!)
- They will also give you breakfast included in your stary.
But you've got to act fast! This offer is only available for bookings made within the next 2 weeks. Go on, treat yourself. You deserve it. You won't regret it. Seriously.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hung Vuong Hotel, Quang Ngai, Vietnam
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is my adventure, the gloriously messy, occasionally hilarious, and definitely opinionated journey through ANEW Hotel Roodepoort and the surrounding Johannesburg chaos. Consider this a fever dream diary, not travel advice.
Day 1: Arrival & Rooftop Revelations (or, How I Nearly Lost My Breakfast to the Johannesburg Fog)
- 7:00 AM: Alarm screams. Honestly, I'm already regretting this whole "early start" thing. Johannesburg fog? Apparently, it's a thing. Visibility is about five feet outside my hotel window. I think I saw a squirrel disappear and reappear three times. Magic city, maybe?
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. The hotel restaurant is… functional. The scrambled eggs appear to be contemplating the meaning of life. I grab some sausage, because a girl's gotta eat. Note to self: Investigate the "gourmet" coffee situation later. This instant stuff is doing me ZERO favours.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Settling in. Unpacking. Trying to remember where I put my charger. The room is… comfortable. Standard hotel fare, but the bed looks inviting. Definitely judging the pillows, though. One of them is suspiciously flat.
- 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Rooftop Reconnaissance. Finally, the fog slightly lifts. I ventured up to the rooftop, half expecting to be eaten by a giant bird (okay, maybe that's the leftover breakfast talking). The view! Okay, wow. Johannesburg sprawls out before me, a concrete jungle punctuated by patches of green. It's beautiful, and I hadn't even expected this. I have a newfound appreciation for the size of the city, and I spent a lot of time watching the traffic go by. Which, if I'm honest, is kind of hypnotic. Also, the wind is insane. My hair looked like I'd been wrestling a lion.
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: The dreaded "admin" phase. Emails. Pretending to work. Fighting the urge to nap. I'm starting to question my life choices, mostly because I can.
Day 2: Gold Reef City & the Great Rollercoaster Debacle (or, When I Realized I'm Too Old for Thrills)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (again). This time, I tackled the coffee machine. Success! Okay, it's still not amazing, but it's caffeine, and that's all I need right now.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Drive to Gold Reef City. Okay, the driving here is… an experience. Lane markings? Pfft. Rules of the road? More like "suggestions." My knuckles are white.
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Gold Reef City: The Great Rollercoaster Debacle. So, a word of warning: Apparently, I am not a fan of rollercoasters anymore. They didn't "age well". This place is supposed to be a historic gold mine. Fine. I mean, I'm not exactly a gold mining expert, but historical vibes are cool. I tried to watch the Gold Mine Tour, but I couldn't hear anything, really. It was so crowded! But then I got lured in by the promises of thrills! And, well. First ride? No problem. Second ride? Mild head-buzz. Third ride? I felt like I'd been shaken to a pulp. Fourth ride. NOPE. I opted out, with dignity, and spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around, watching the other people scream. I'm definitely a better spectator than a participant these days.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. My stomach is still churning a little. Maybe I ate too much fried food at Gold Reef City? Or maybe it was the extreme vertical drops. I'm blaming the rollercoaster, because it's easier that way.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Nap. Needed.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The hotel restaurant again. This time, I ordered the burger. It was surprisingly good. They should've sold me one while I was having a meltdown after the rollercoasters.
Day 3: More of Johannesburg, and Shopping (or, I Learned to Love the Chaos!)
- 9:00 AM: Slept in! Victory is sweet!
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast – the scrambled eggs have improved! Or maybe I'm just delirious.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: A bit of sightseeing. I took a taxi to the Rosebank Sunday Market. Color! Smell! Food! It was amazing. I bought a ridiculous hat, some beaded jewelry, and a spice blend called "African Sunset." (It probably won't taste like sunset, but I'm willing to try.)
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Sandton City. Shopping time! I'm not a huge shopper, but I needed a dress. Ended up buying a dress. Success! I also got to watch some people.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I'm starting to feel a little bit like a local. I know the quickest route to the coffee machine, the best time to hit the gym (never), and the quirks of the elevator.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. Again. Hey, it's convenient!
- 8:00 PM: Thinking of going to bed. Maybe I'll read a book. Or maybe I'll just stare at the wall and contemplate the meaning of life. Both seem equally appealing right now.
Day 4: Departure… and a Few Regrets (or, I Want to Stay!)
- 7:00 AM: Another alarm. Sigh.
- 7:30 AM: Last breakfast. I'm going to miss those surprisingly good burgers.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Packing. Saying goodbye to the fog.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping near the hotel. Found some perfect gifts!
- 12:00 PM: Headed to the airport. Johannesburg, I'll be back. The rollercoasters can bite me, the driving is terrifying, but the energy here… I'm going to need some time to decompress when I get home, but I'm already missing the vibrant chaos.
- Departure: The flight. I'm on my way home, and I'm already planning my return. It certainly wasn’t perfect, but that’s exactly it!
Post-Trip Ramblings:
- Oh, the things I forgot to do! I completely missed the Apartheid Museum. Next time, definitely.
- The people are amazing. So friendly, so welcoming.
- The food - okay, some of it was a bit bland, but I'm going to learn to cook it!
- I need a much better camera. My phone just doesn't capture the weirdness and beauty of Johannesburg! And that, my friends, is my Johannesburg adventure, warts and all. Now if you'll excuse me, I need another cup of coffee.
1. Is ANEW Hotel Roodepoort *really* a "Hidden Gem"? Like, actually hidden? Because I'm directionally challenged.
Okay, real talk. "Hidden Gem" is such a marketing buzzword, right? You hear it and immediately picture a dusty, forgotten shack with questionable plumbing. BUT, and this is a big BUT, ANEW Roodepoort... it *kind of* is. It's not *literally* hidden behind a rock, guarded by grumpy goblins, but it's tucked away in a surprisingly peaceful pocket of Roodepoort. Finding it? Easy peasy (mostly). Getting *out* after you've experienced their rooftop bar? THAT'S a different story. More on that later.
2. "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!" - Is that, like, aspirational luxury, or actual, 'I-feel-like-a-movie-star' luxury?
Alright, let's calibrate expectations. I'm not saying it's the Burj Al Arab. But the rooms? Damn. They're a serious step up from your average airport hotel. Comfortable beds? Check. Plush pillows you could happily nap on for a week? Double check. The bathroom? My god, the bathroom. The shower pressure alone could change your life. I stayed once and, honestly, wanted to live in their shower forever. I almost did! Almost… I mean, you’re still in Roodepoort, not Monaco. But it delivers.
3. What about the food? Because if the food is garbage, all the luxury in the world won't save the experience.
Okay, the food. Here's where things get a *little* messy, like my emotions after that rooftop bar experience. The breakfast buffet is GOOD. Really good. Crepes? Check. Fresh fruit? Check. Unbelievably tasty bacon that I may or may not have eaten a whole plate of? Double-check. Dinner? The menu is ambitious. Sometimes it hits it out the park, sometimes it’s… a work in progress. One time, I had this lamb shank that was practically poetry on a plate. Another time? Let's just say I was *very* thankful for room service and the hotel’s late-night burger offerings. But hey, even the best chefs have an off night, right?
4. Let's talk Rooftop Bar. Because honestly, I'm most excited about this. Is it as awesome as it sounds?
Oh. My. Goodness. The rooftop bar. THIS is where ANEW Roodepoort ascends into near-mythical status. Picture this: Johannesburg skyline twinkling in the distance, a gentle breeze caressing your face, a perfectly crafted cocktail in your hand… I had a *moment* up there. The lighting is impeccable. The music? Just right (usually). The views? Absolutely steal-your-breath gorgeous. And the vibe... It's that rare mix of chilled-out elegance with a hint of "let's have some fun." You want to stay forever. And if you overdo it on the cocktails, which is *highly* likely, you might just want to stay there forever, right on the rooftop, under the stars. Which, hey, that might be an option… okay, maybe not.
5. Is it family-friendly? Because I travel with a small army of tiny humans.
Absolutely! ANEW Roodepoort definitely caters to families, though it's not necessarily a *kid-focused* place. They have family rooms, and the pool's pretty great for little ones (and big ones, let's be honest). It all depends on what your kids are like. If they're good with being a little more… sophisticated? Fine. If they're prone to epic tantrums in fancy restaurants? Maybe stick to the room service burgers. But hey, a little bit of luxury as a family? You can't go wrong.
6. What's the service like? Because nothing ruins a nice hotel faster than surly staff.
Generally, the service is excellent. The staff are friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem like they want you to enjoy your stay. That's important. I had one small incident (lost luggage, not their fault, entirely mine) and they went above and beyond to help me out. They dealt with my panicked state with remarkable patience… So, service-wise, I'm a happy camper.
7. Okay, the big question: Is it worth it?
Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Especially if you're looking for something a little different, a little bit of luxury, and the chance to have a *really* good cocktail with a view. The imperfections? Minor quibbles. The rooftop bar? Game changer. The memories? Priceless. Seriously, book a room. Just maybe pace yourself on the rooftop. You've been warned.
8. Is there a *catch*? Like, is it actually haunted?
Haunted? I didn't see any ghosts, which is always a bonus. There's a slight "business-y" vibe, especially during the week, so if you're after a super-romantic getaway, maybe plan accordingly – but honestly, you can easily escape that at the bar, or your room. The "catch" is that, after you've experienced it, you'll never be satisfied with a generic hotel again. You'll be forever chasing that rooftop bar high… and that perfect bacon.
9. Is there a pool? And is it Instagrammable? Because, priorities.
Yes! There is a pool, and yes, it is perfectly Instagrammable. Think sleek lines, inviting loungers, and enough space to actually swim (unlike some of the postage stamp pools out there). Just don't get *too* carried away with the photos and forget to, you know, actually enjoy the pool. Been there, done that. The pool is a solid 8/10 on the Instagram-ability scale.
10. Would you go back? Like, actually *would* you fork over your hard-earned cash to stay there again?
Hotels With Balconys
