O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Kempton Park 1627, South Africa
Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Babysitting, Banquet Hall, Bar/Lounge, Business Center, Cable Television, Concierge, Conference Center, Conference Room, Connecting Rooms, Dry Cleaning, Fitness Center, Free High-Speed Internet, Internet, Laundry Service, Meeting Rooms, Minibar, Multilingual Staff, Non-Smoking, Reduced mobility rooms, Restaurant, Room Service, Satellite TV, Self-Serve Laundry, Service Animals Allowed, Spa, Suites, Swimming Pool, Wheelchair Access, Wifi
Expert Review
If you’re looking for luxury, convenience and the best business offerings in Joburg, you could go to Sandton, but it...
If you’re looking for luxury, convenience and the best business offerings in Joburg, you could go to Sandton, but it might be even better if you just stayed at the Intercontinental at the airport. Most people stay for a few nights, but it’s also the perfect place to kill time before a long flight, as whether you’re staying overnight or not, the hotel welcomes everybody to hang out in its upscale lobby. While airport hotels aren’t always the most fantastic places to stay, this one proves to be the exception.
The best way to describe this hotel’s interior is that it’s modern, luxurious and is decorated with African artwork from around the continent. For instance, in the lobby, you’ll find a wall full of Namibian baskets that have been placed tastefully as they were works by Picasso. Walking over a bit leads you to the restaurant, which is stylishly decorated,, including ostrich eggs that reach towards the sky and porcupine needles hanging from the ceiling (these aren’t real by the way). You’ll also find African masks and crafts throughout the conference center and lounge (these are real, I asked).
Rooms at the Intercontinental are extremely nice, most are refurnished, and many have spacious living rooms with fantastic views of OR Tambo airport, where you can watch planes land and take off over Joburg. Don’t worry, the rooms are soundproof and you won’t be able to hear anything. Our window was panoramic with two chairs to relax in, while other rooms at the hotel have a step out balcony to get some fresh air. Amenities in the rooms are top notch, with a Nespresso machine, a fridge full of drinks (the good stuff), along with several snacks to munch on. Beds are plush, soft and will get you the rest you need before taking off on a long flight. The bathroom is also high-end, covered in marble, and included some African artwork hanging over the tub. There’s a separate glass shower and a private room for the toilet as well. The oversized vanity mirror is perfect for getting ready in the morning, and there are many luxury facial products that come complimentary. Other rooms in the hotel include large luxury suites, which can combine together to make a virtual apartment and come with their own desktop computers and printer. If you need a luxurious place to hunker down while in Joburg, it would be hard to beat the setup at the Intercontinental.
The rest of the hotel is rather large and has several business centers named after African tribes, which are available for booking or walk-ins. There’s also an opulent cigar and whisky room for hanging out. Many businesses in the area choose to hold conferences there, and the onsite restaurant can cater for large parties, which we saw several of while staying there. There’s also the excellent Camelot spa on the top floor, along with a modern gym, both with fantastic views. Some clients even check in for just the day to use them between flights — they are really that good.
Also notable at the hotel is the extremely professional staff that takes care of you as soon as you pull up and continues to help you long after you leave. There is even a porter service that will take your luggage all the way to the ticket kiosk at the airport! Talk about going over the top to help.
Overall, my stay was extremely pleasant and comfortable, and it made the flight afterwards so much more enjoyable. It’s a lavish experience that you don’t often get at standard business hotels, but it’s what many clients have come to expect when booking with the Intercontinental brand.
Expert Review
For newly-arrived corporate travellers to Johannesburg, the Intercontinental at OR Tambo International Airport couldn’t be more convenient: it’s located a...
For newly-arrived corporate travellers to Johannesburg, the Intercontinental at OR Tambo International Airport couldn’t be more convenient: it’s located a mere 68.7m (225 feet) from the International Arrivals Hall. The Intercontinental is a high-end business hotel, which is reflected by its expensive room rates, tasteful décor, somewhat ‘cold’ atmosphere, exceptional service, and luxurious setting.
The hotel’s style is chic-African: the commissionaire at the entrance greets you wearing a coat and tails and a conical Basotho hat; the hotel restaurant (called Quills) boasts an elaborate 60-foot porcupine quill mobile; while various African sculptures and artefacts adorn the reception and lounge areas. Gorgeous lighting adds to the reception and restaurant area’s elegance.
The African theme extends to the beautifully-appointed rooms, which have neutral colours and textured, tasteful elements. The hotel is clearly geared towards the international business guest: rooms have a desk complete with executive leather swivel chair, secretarial services, a 24-hour self-help business centre, plush executive and meeting rooms for hire, and, after a hard day’s negotiations and meetings, a small cigar and whisky room on the ground floor.
On the eighth floor there’s a fully-equipped gym, a health spa and steam room, along with a tranquil, heated indoor swimming pool (which has a gorgeous view at night).
The hotel’s close proximity to the arrivals hall means that there’s easy access to foreign exchange and banking facilities, as well as booking and re-confirming of onward flights.
The hotel is perfect for ‘in-and-out’ international businesspeople who demand high-quality accommodation and service. The varied breakfast definitely met the hotel’s high-end standards, as did the espresso pod machine and complimentary Wi-Fi in the room. But for longer stays in Joburg, its location is a bit out-of-the-way. Although it’s uber-classy and ultra-clean, it’s not a home away from home (as it’s touted) – everything is strictly business, and even the smiles at reception are a little forced.