The poshest of the three hotels at the Montecasino entertainment complex in Fourways, the Palazzo goes all out in its attempt to create the feeling of being in a Tuscan castle. And it may just be the next best thing.

From the imposing Italianate architecture to the gold-tinged décor in the guest rooms to the beautifully manicured grounds complete with burbling fountains and topiary, no expense is spared to put guests in a European frame of mind. But unlike Las Vegas, another casino town with hotels that replicate European cities, this one is neither over-the-top nor tacky.

Aimed at well-heeled leisure and business travelers (there’s an office complex next door), the Palazzo offers a comprehensive array of amenities and services that you’d expect of a hotel in this price range. There’s an excellent onsite restaurant which sits on a terrace overlooking the gardens, a fantastic spa, a well-equipped fitness center, and a gorgeous pool area. Rooms are decently sized and have nifty perks like Nespresso machines and something like 650MB of free, fast wi-fi per day. My favorite part was the decadent bathroom, which glittered with gold-framed mirrors, marble counters and terracotta-tiled showers.

The breakfast buffet was one of the best I’ve ever had in a hotel, offering a massive selection of hot and cold dishes, plus pastries, fruit, juices and an a la carte menu as well. Sitting outside on the terrace on a Sunday morning admiring the giant koi in the reflecting pond while sipping a latte and nibbling on a croissant almost made me forget I was in busy, crowded Johannesburg.

The service is prompt and impeccable, whether you need dry cleaning done, advice on offsite excursions from the concierge, or extra towels for your room.

The location is excellent as well – the hotel is just a two-minute walk from the casino complex, which also includes retail shops, a cinema, a theater and numerous restaurants. And other Joburg attractions are between 20 and 40 minutes by taxi.