On Rivonia Road in the middle of Sandton’s CBD of offices and shopping malls and close to the Gautrain station, the Hilton Sandton is a convenient choice for business travellers to Johannesburg.

The Hilton is cheaper than other Sandton hotels, such as the Radisson, and for the lower room price you don’t get free Wi-Fi and on-trend décor. Instead of the clean lines and bright, airy spaces of more contemporary hotels, the Hilton feels a bit dated when you take in grandiose marble lobby, dark breakfast room, generic African art on the wall and black, brown and beige color palette.

If you’re not looking for a room that looks like it came out of an interiors magazine, then you won’t be disappointed. What the Hilton lacks in looks it makes up for in efficiency and friendly staff, a big well-equipped gym and outdoor pool, and quiet rooms with views over suburban Sandton (although, bizarrely, to have your window opened, you have to fill in a form).

In terms of dining, you’d be best off heading to the nearby shopping centres of Sandton City or Nelson Mandela Square which have everything from Thai to Greek restaurants, but if you prefer to stay in the hotel, the Hilton offers a buffet restaurant, a sushi and teppanyaki bar and a bar serving light snacks.