Luxury Sandton Apartment: Unbelievable Johannesburg Getaway!
Luxury Sandton Apartment: Unbelievable Johannesburg Getaway!
Luxury Sandton Apartment: Unbelievable Johannesburg Getaway! - My Messy, Honest Review
Alright, let's cut the crap. I just got back from a stay at the Luxury Sandton Apartment: Unbelievable Johannesburg Getaway!, and honestly? I'm still unpacking the experience. "Unbelievable" is a bold claim, and while I wouldn't say the whole thing was pure, unadulterated perfection, there were definitely moments I'd bottle up and sell for a mint. This is my totally unfiltered, slightly chaotic review, so buckle up.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, The Great Elevator Adventure)
Okay, so the apartment itself? Stunning. I mean, Stunning with a capital "S." High-ceilings, sleek furniture, the works. BUT… and here's the first hiccup… accessing it was an adventure. The elevators are… well, let's just say you might need a good book (or a serious Instagram scroll) to get you from the lobby to your room. Thankfully, the apartment is technically wheelchair accessible, and they're on top of the basic stuff: ramps, wider doors. However, maneuvering the entire building in a wheelchair might make you feel like you're participating in a timed obstacle course. I saw no issues if you are good with normal mobility.
Accessibility Score: 7/10 (Needs a few elevator tweaks to truly shine).
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized, Smashing, and Slightly Suspicious?
Look, in a post-pandemic world, cleanliness is KING. And boy, did this place try. Anti-viral cleaning products are a given, daily disinfection in common areas, the works. I even saw the cleaning staff using professional-grade sanitizing services. They also tout room sanitization opting-out. They were absolutely using hand sanitizer everywhere. They even had individually-wrapped food options. It felt almost… overly sanitized. Like, maybe they were trying a little too hard? I half-expected them to start sanitizing the air I was breathing. But hey – better safe than sorry, right?
Cleanliness & Safety Score: 9/10 (Clean and Safe, but maybe ease up a little on the sanitizing, guys).
The Room: My Personal Oasis (and the Mystery of the Missing Slippers)
Okay, let's get to the good stuff. My apartment had everything I wanted and needed. I was so glad there was air conditioning and a good blackout curtain. The desk was perfect for working when I was feeling motivated (rare, but it happened!). The coffee/tea maker was essential to life, as well as complimentary tea. The free bottled water was a nice touch. The mini bar was well-stocked (though I resisted temptation, mostly). I mean, the bathroom alone was bigger than my entire first apartment! I loved having a separate shower/bathtub and slippers and bathrobes. Also, the mirror was ideal for taking selfies, and I am not one to judge. They provided lots of toiletries. Sadly, they left it out one thing, the slippers!
Available in all rooms got a big checkmark.
The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver, even though the Internet access – wireless wasn't always the fastest (more on that later).
Downside? The in-room safe box felt a little… small? And the soundproofing, while decent, wasn't perfect. I could occasionally hear the neighbors, which, let's be honest, usually meant they were listening to music way louder than they should be.
Also, a minor gripe, but the internet – LAN was useless.
Room Score: 9.2/10 (Minus points for the slow Wi-Fi and tiny safe, but otherwise, pure bliss).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Paradise (or, My Epic Breakfast Fail)
This is where things get really interesting. The Luxury Sandton Apartment has a ton of options. I mean, the restaurants are pretty great, with a bar, and poolside bar. You could order room service [24-hour], a la carte in restaurant, and enjoy a salad in restaurant and a soup in restaurant. They even have an Asian cuisine in restaurant.
Okay, this is where the story gets REAL. I opted for the breakfast [buffet] one morning. And… it was a disaster. I mean, not a complete disaster. The buffet in restaurant itself was visually stunning, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was actually pretty damn good. But the food? Let's just say it wasn't exactly Michelin-star material. Overcooked scrambled eggs, rubbery bacon, and a general air of… meh-ness. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day. However, if I do say so myself, I would rate it Westen breakfast better compared to the Asian breakfast,
Dining Score: 7.5/10 (Breakfast needs some serious love, but everything else is pretty solid).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (and the Great Sauna Escape)
This is where the "Unbelievable Getaway" part almost comes into its own. They've got the whole package. Pool with view, sauna, spa, steamroom, swimming pool [outdoor], swimming pool, gym/fitness, and a fitness center. I made it a spa day one lazy afternoon. The body scrub and body wrap were absolutely divine. The massage was so good; I nearly drooled on the table. And the sauna… ah, the sauna. I spent what felt like hours sweating out all my anxieties (and probably a few toxins). The foot bath was also a treat!
Things to do & Ways to Relax Score: 9/10 (Because that spa day was seriously life-changing).
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge to… Well, Everything!
Okay, the Luxury Sandton Apartment really excels in this area. The concierge was super helpful, the daily housekeeping was impeccable, and the luggage storage was essential. They had a convenience store, a gift/souvenir shop, and, get this, a cash withdrawal service. I even saw a dry cleaning and laundry service. The elevator was there, and available. While they offered airport transfer, I didn't need it. The valet parking was very nice.
Speaking of which, here are a few more: Facilities for disabled guests, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safe deposit boxes. The air conditioning in public area was a godsend, and the Wi-Fi for special events was available.
If you want it, they've got it.
Services and Conveniences Score: 9.5/10 (Seriously, what don't they offer?).
For the Kids: (Babysitting? Yes. Chaos? Maybe.)
While I traveled solo, I did notice they cater to families. They had babysitting service available and Kids facilities and Kids meal, which is a huge plus. It seems family/child friendly.
For the Kids Score: 8/10 (Based on observation, because I am not a parent).
Getting Around: The (Mostly) Smooth Operator
Although I didn't need the airport transfer, I appreciate that it was offered. I also used the taxi service a few times, and it was super convenient. They also had bicycle parking and car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge].
Getting Around Score: 8.5/10 (Easy peasy).
The Downside – Okay, Let's Get Real for a Second
Look, no place is perfect. And the Luxury Sandton Apartment isn't. Besides the elevator quirkiness and the meh breakfast, the Wi-Fi could be spotty. I'm talking "buffering on YouTube despite paying the big bucks" levels of spotty. Also, while the staff were generally lovely, there were a few minor communication hiccups. All the staff were trained in safety protocol. The front desk [24-hour] was very helpful,
The Bottom Line: Should You Stay Here?
Absolutely. Despite a few minor flaws, the Luxury Sandton Apartment is a truly impressive place. The spacious, luxurious apartments, the amazing spa, the excellent service… it's a fantastic base for exploring Johannesburg or just escaping the everyday. Plus, the value for money is incredible. You are getting a lot more than you pay for.
My Unfiltered Recommendation: Book it. Now. Just maybe skip the breakfast buffet. And pack a good book for the elevator.
SEO Keywords in Action:
- Luxury Sandton Apartment
- Johannesburg Getaway
- Accessibility (elevator, wheelchair)
- Spa (massage, sauna, body scrub, foot bath)
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurants (various cuisines) *
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for Sandton Smart Apartment 13 in Johannesburg… well, it's going to be less "perfectly planned" and more "me trying to navigate a city I barely know while battling jet lag and questionable coffee choices." Consider yourself warned.
The Sandton Safari: A Johannesburg Adventure (with Emphasis on the "Adventure")
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Apartment Hunt (or, "Where's the Damn Microwave?")
- Morning (or, "whenever the hell I wake up after that transatlantic flight"): Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). The first hurdle? Immigration. Pray for mercy and a kind-faced official because I'm already convinced I'm going to say something completely idiotic and get sent back.
- Afternoon: Uber to Sandton Smart Apartment 13. Okay, this is it. My basecamp for… well, something. First impressions? The building's ridiculously sleek. Think "futuristic hotel" meets "giant Lego structure." I find the apartment. It feels… sterile. Like a really nice, well-appointed hospital room. And the microwave? The search begins. Honestly, finding the microwave quickly becomes my personal quest. Think of it like the Holy Grail, but instead of a chalice, it's a tiny appliance I need to reheat that instant ramen I packed.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (or, "the Ramen Crisis… and a Pizza Intervention"): After a brief meltdown of my own (which I will not be sharing, per se), the microwave is located. I then promptly burn the ramen. Okay, so the "culinary arts" aspect of my trip is already off to a rocky start. Desperate times call for desperate measures: Pizza. I'm considering a pizza! I’ go to find the best pizza joint around. I find a very good pizza.
- Evening: Collapse on the surprisingly comfy bed. Flip channels. Maybe a beer. Definitely a beer. Stare out the window at the glittering lights of Sandton, feeling… a weird mix of awe and total disorientation. Is that loneliness? Maybe. Or maybe it's just the jet lag. More pizza helps too.
Day 2: Retail Therapy, Rooftop Realities and the Trauma of Traffic
- Morning: Okay, so I decided to go with the retail therapy route. I decided to head to The Sandton City Mall. I head straight for the biggest shops to go in with the most expectations. I spend far too much money on… stuff. Stuff I don't even need. Apparently, jet lag turns me into an impulse-buying monster.
- Late Morning: Head to Nelson Mandela Square, because… well, you kind of have to right? Big statue, lots of tourists taking photos. I’ll admit, seeing the statue is kind of cool. But… the place is packed. I swear, I can hear the collective whir of selfie sticks.
- Afternoon (or, "the Traffic Apocalypse"): I decide to be brave. I rent a car. The traffic in Johannesburg is… well, it’s a beast. A snarling, honking, lane-jumping beast. I manage to navigate it, mostly through sheer dumb luck and a LOT of white-knuckle driving. I actually got to visit a rooftop bar! The view was actually incredible (even better after that traffic).
- Evening: Collapse back into the apartment, exhausted but… kinda exhilarated. Maybe Johannesburg isn’t so bad after all. Maybe. I think I'll go back to the pizza place!
Day 3: Soweto, History, and A Heart-Stopping Moment (or, "Don't Trust the GPS")
- Morning: Today, I'm taking a Soweto tour. I'm excited and also a little apprehensive. History is important, but I'm also a bit terrified. The GPS tries to lead me down a side street that looks suspiciously like a goat herding area. I turn back. Thankfully I'm still alive.
- Afternoon: Soweto tour does not disappoint. Visiting the Mandela House is awesome. I get to meet local people, hear their stories. Raw. Deep. Gets to me.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, trying… braai. What is that? Never tasted such a great meat. I'm going to miss this.
Day 4: Farewell, Sandton (and the Quest for Perfect Coffee)
- Morning: Breakfast at the apartment. I HAVE to get this right. The "perfect coffee" quest is finally complete. The last thing I wish to do is have a really good cup of coffee with a good breakfast at this apartment!
- Afternoon: This is where the messiness of the schedule really kicks in. The plan is to explore… something. Anything, really. Maybe visit the Apartheid Museum. I'm still deciding. It depends on how much emotional energy I have after my coffee this morning.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Pack. Try (and fail) to organize my belongings. Order a final, completely unnecessary, pizza. Write in my journal, filled with a mix of awe, frustration, and a deep appreciation for the simple things – like a working microwave and a good cup of coffee.
- Evening: Say a hesitant Goodbye to Sandton Smart Apartment 13, knowing that it wasn't perfect, but it was mine. I'm going to miss it.
Important Notes, Random Ramblings, and Utterly Unreliable Advice:
- Jet Lag: It's a monster. A relentless, sleep-depriving monster. Pack something to help and give in to it.
- Uber: Your best friend. Seriously. Traffic is a nightmare, and Uber is relatively safe and cheap.
- Food: Be adventurous! Try everything! Except maybe the street food that looks like it's been sitting out in the sun for a week. Trust your gut.
- Security: Be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash expensive jewelry or wander around alone at night. Trust your gut.
- The "Perfect" Itinerary: Forget it. Embrace the chaos. Let yourself get lost. The best travel experiences are the unexpected ones.
- My Emotional State: Probably a rollercoaster. Buckle up.
- Will I Be Back?: Absolutely. Johannesburg, you crazy, beautiful, chaotic city, you've got a hold on me.
- Final Thoughts: Bring a good book, an open mind, and a healthy dose of humor. And for the love of all that is holy, find the freaking microwave!
Luxury Sandton Apartment: Prepare Your Soul (and Your Wallet)
So, what *exactly* makes this place "luxury?" Like, is it just shiny doorknobs? Ugh, not again...
Okay, okay, let me paint you a picture. Shiny doorknobs? Yes, probably. But more importantly, it’s... *breathe in deeply* ...the *feeling*. Think a gigantic, plush sofa that's practically begging you to sink into it after a day of Sandton hustle. Think panoramic views that make you forget you're in a concrete jungle, and instead, are gazing upon a twinkling, magical city (even though, let's be real, it's mostly just office towers). My first time here, I actually yelped. Like, a genuine, "Oh my GOD" yelp. I felt the stress of the week just... melt. Which is saying something, because my stress levels are usually higher than the penthouse views. There’s a proper chef’s kitchen – I tried to cook once, and let’s just say, thank goodness for Uber Eats in Johannesburg. But you get the idea – it's *comfy* luxury. The kind that whispers, “Relax, darling, you’re safe here.”
Is this place actually in Sandton? Because “Sandton” sounds expensive. REALLY expensive.
YES! Yes, it IS in Sandton. And yes, it IS expensive. Let's not sugarcoat it. Sandton is practically a synonym for "money." Think designer shops, fancy cars (I saw a Bentley yesterday – like, really?), and restaurants where the water costs more than my entire lunch budget. BUT, and this is a big BUT, the location is *fantastic*. Everything is at your doorstep. You're practically tripping over shopping malls, restaurants, and the Gautrain (which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver). It's convenient, which, for me personally, is worth its weight in… well, probably diamonds, considering where we are. You'll need to budget… seriously.
What's the apartment *actually* like? (More detail, please!)
Alright, alright, details! It's spacious. Seriously spacious. I've stayed in shoeboxes masquerading as "luxury" before, and this... this isn't one. Think high ceilings, big windows (as mentioned, the views!), and a balcony that's perfect for sipping sundowners and judging the world below (mostly in a good way). The décor is modern, but not cold. There are touches of… well, I’m not a design expert, but it felt… *upscale*. Think plush carpets, gorgeous artwork – the kind that makes you feel like you could pose for a magazine shoot in the living room. The bedrooms are havens of peace, and the bathrooms? Oh, the bathrooms. Imagine soaking in a deep tub with a glass of wine after a long day… pure bliss. I have to admit: I spent a *lot* of time in the bathtub. It’s a very important assessment part.
Are there any downsides? Be honest, now!
Okay, okay, honesty time. It's not *perfect*. Firstly, the price. Expect to empty your wallet/cry a tear/rethink your entire life's spending habits. Secondly, depending on which side you’re facing, city noise can be a thing. I’m a light sleeper, so the faint thrum of Sandton’s pulse sometimes kept me awake. Earplugs became my best friend. And parking! Sometimes the parking can be a tad… tricky. But honestly, those are small prices to pay for the overall experience. (Maybe bring earplugs.. seriously.)
Tell me about the "unbelievable getaway" part. What can I *do* while I’m there??
The "unbelievable getaway" is about more than the apartment itself, it’s about the *experience*. Shopping at Sandton City is a must (even if, like me, you can only afford to window shop). The restaurants are incredible – from casual eats to fine dining, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Consider a day trip – the Cradle of Humankind is fascinating. And don’t forget the cultural experiences! There are art galleries, museums, and theatres to explore. (Though, let’s be honest, I mostly just enjoyed the shopping and the food). And yes, the Gautrain makes getting around a breeze. But mostly, it's about the *escape*. The feeling of leaving the real world behind, even if just for a little while. It's about relaxing, recharging, and indulging. It’s about treating yourself to something special. Ahem.. Or, let's be more real, that's what I think.
Is it suitable for… *ahem*… "romance?" Asking for a friend…
Oh, absolutely. *wink*. Consider the mood lighting, the luxurious surroundings, the views… It’s practically begging for romance. I’m just saying. The balcony, the wine, the quiet evenings… It’s definitely got the *potential*. (Though, I'm still single, so what do I know? Maybe bring your boyfriend. Or a really good book.)
This all sounds amazing, but is it… you know… *safe*? Johannesburg has a reputation.
Okay, yes, let's address the elephant in the room. Johannesburg, like any big city, has its challenges. Sandton itself is generally considered very safe, with good security. The apartment likely has its own security measures as well (check the details!). I *felt* safe there. But always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t flash expensive jewelry. Don’t wander alone at night. Use reputable transport services (Uber is great). Be smart, be cautious, and you’ll be fine. Frankly, most of the time I was just worried about dropping my phone from the balcony – those views are *that* distracting!
What about the Wi-Fi? Gotta stay connected!
The Wi-Fi was good. Really good. I needed it for work, and the only time it let me down was when I was trying to stream an extremely important cat video at 3 am. But that could have been my fault. Otherwise, fast, reliable, and perfect for those late-night emails (or, you know, more cat videos). I also wouldn’t be surprised if a private network was available, I didn’t ask…I didn’t *need* it.
Okay, you've convinced me! How do I book this place?
That, my friend, is a question I cannot answer! (I’m not the booking agent, sadly.) But I can tell you that you’ll probably have to do some Googling. Or reachLow Price Hotel Blog
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