Located right in the heart of the country’s capital, this is certainly a hotel directed more at the business traveller than the tourist. Restaurant-wise, there’s not much within walking distance other than a McDonald’s and it’s probably not an area you want to be wandering around after dark anyway. During the day though, it’s a bustling district and the marvellous Union Buildings (the official seat of the South African government) with their expansive grounds are a five-minute walk away. There is plenty of secure parking so you can feel very comfortable leaving your car overnight.

The hotel is functional without being particularly fancy, despite having a four-star rating. Free Wi-Fi is available only in public areas and the executive rooms (the entry-level price bracket) are a little stuffy and old-fashioned. Air conditioning units are positively archaic and so noisy that you have to make the decision between quietness and coolness on warm summer evenings. Deluxe rooms are a little larger, but come with the same facilities.

Breakfast is served buffet-style either in the dining room or out on the patio. The hotel has a pleasant interior garden with a rather lovely rock pool complete with waterfalls. It’s a nice place for a dip but sadly there are no sun loungers on which to dry off afterwards.

The Premier Hotel Pretoria has a comfortable business centre and decent conference facilities but while business travellers are well catered-for, service can be a little lacking, with simple requests taking a long time to be attended to.