The Hyatt in Rosebank offers a 5-star stay, with all the amenities that come with that level of high-end accommodation. Its location is convenient: it’s opposite the road from the Rosebank Gautrain Station, which provides a 15-minute ride to O.R.Tambo International Airport, as well as easy access to Sandton. It’s also in the heart of Rosebank, which is close to a number of upmarket malls and eateries in The Zone and The Rosebank Mall – the hotel itself is connected to The Firs shopping centre.

The hotel has a number of high-end facilities, including the Phumula Spa, a 24-hour fully-equipped fitness centre, a gorgeous heated rooftop pool on the 6^th floor, a hot tub, steam room, and an outdoor pool with a great view. Joburg city tours can be booked through the hotel’s travel service, as well as car hire, airport transfers, a limo service and valet. Currency exchange is also available round the clock, as is a butler service on request and 24-hour room service. The hotel purports to be business geared (it has impressive conference and meeting facilities), but its business centre was unmanned and didn’t appear to have 24-hour access.

The hotel’s African décor and lighting is stylish and modern, and its lobby/ lounge area has elegant couches to unwind in.  The Hyatt’s Terrace cigar and wine bar apparently has the largest range of French champagne in Johannesburg, and the hotel’s restaurant, called oneNINEone, has an extensive wine list (over 170 local and international labels). The restaurant’s swanky (and pricey) menu includes fois gras, ostrich fillet, and warthog loin.

A downside for smokers – especially in winter – is that there are no indoor smoking areas; smokers have to puff outside. But if they can brave the chill, there are lush garden terraces with water features, which are particularly beautiful at night, complete with fairy lights. On Sunday afternoons live Jazz ensembles perform in the garden.

The  244 rooms and 15 suites mostly live up to their 5-star expectation: they’re airy with big bathrooms and beds, and are well-appointed (they include large flatscreen TVs and iPod docking stations). The room I stayed in had a great view of Sandton’s skyline at sunset, although the road below proved to be a bit noisy, as the windows were not soundproof. Parking and Wi-Fi in public areas is free, but service was also surprisingly under-par, considering the hotel’s hefty price range (R2900/276 USD for a double room).

The Hyatt Rosebank is wonderful if you want to splurge and treat yourself for a night or two during your stay in Joburg – or if your company is paying. Otherwise it’s a bit out of reach (or a bit much) for most mid-range travelers.