As soon as you enter the grounds of this old stalwart, you know it’s not just another corporate hotel. Pretty gardens edge the front of the hotel, which was built as an elaborate home in the mid-19th century. The interior is quite magnificent and gives you the feeling of a fancier era, when hotel stays were a treat rather than the norm. The lobby walls feature heavy wood panelling, the lounge has nooks with ornate chairs and sofas and there’s a piano just waiting for a white-gloved pianist to start playing.

The Pound and Penny Pub is similarly atmospheric – a great version of a typical English pub complete with locally-produced craft beer on tap. Simple but very reasonably priced meals are served inside or out on the deck. You kind of want to spend two nights here just to enjoy one evening in the pub and one outside. There’s also a buffet-style restaurant.

Other amenities include a small fitness centre, steam room and an outdoor pool set at the bottom of the garden away from the main hotel building. It’s a nice stroll to get to the pool, along paths and over a small wooden footbridge crossing a stream. All of this just a couple of kilometres from the bustling and infamous downtown district of Johannesburg.

The rooms don’t quite have the same character as the lounge, lobby and pub, though heavy wooden furniture prevails. There’s no fridge or mini bar, but lots of empty cupboard and units, which is a little odd but looks nice. Although you’re likely to want to spend your evening in the pub or the garden, the rooms can also entertain, with a good selection of cable TV channels. There’s allegedly free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, though I couldn’t manage to find a signal anywhere but reception.

All in all, it’s an excellent option close to the city centre, with lots of character, friendly staff and an excellent buffet breakfast.