Pretoria's BEST Apartment Hotel? (Near You!)
Pretoria's BEST Apartment Hotel? (Near You!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of Pretoria's "BEST Apartment Hotel" (allegedly near me, or at least, nearby enough to warrant this deep dive). Honestly, finding the exact best is like finding a decent parking spot in Pretoria Central on a Saturday – a quest worthy of a Tolkien novel. But I’ll tell you what I found.
Let's Get Real: The "Best" - Maybe Not Perfect, But Pretty Damn Good
First off, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: "BEST" is subjective. What's heaven for one person is a mild headache for another. So, I'm approaching this review with the caveat that I, The Reviewer, am a human being with preferences, quirks, and a caffeine addiction.
The Contender (because I can't actually name names without knowing the exact location): Let's call it "The Platinum Place".
(And yes, I'm already being dramatic. Sorry, not sorry.)
Accessibility: Gotta Love a Place That Doesn't Make You Feel Like You're Scaling Everest
- Wheelchair Accessible: Excellent. Ramps galore, wide doorways, and elevators that actually work. This is a huge win in Pretoria, where some "accessible" places seem to think a single step-up is acceptable. Platinum Place gets a gold star here.
- Other accessibility features: They cater for additional needs, from accessible rooms to parking.
Food, Glorious Food (and Booze!): Dining and Drinking
Alright, I'm a foodie. A serious foodie. This is where things get interesting. Platinum Place definitely delivers, although perfect it ain't!
- Restaurants: Multiple options, including a restaurant boasting Asian cuisine. Okay, I'm in! But I needed to try the Asian breakfast (it's never as good as the pictures, is it?) and sadly wasn't blown away. The dim sum was a bit, well, "meh", and the sushi was a tragic-comical story. The Western menus were decent, with a reasonable steak selection for a Pretoria offering.
- Poolside Bar: Yes. Essential. Picture this: lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand. Bliss. The cocktails were strong and well made!
- Happy Hour: This is crucial in the South African context. And Platinum Place delivers with decent prices. My friend John, who's more of a "lager and banger" kinda guy, was very pleased.
- Breakfast Buffet/Breakfast in Room: I absolutely adore a breakfast buffet. Platinum Place nails this with a decent variety. My partner wanted to stay in bed, so room service it was, although the room service options are all about quantity, not quality.
- Coffee Shop: A nice little spot for a quick caffeine jolt. Important.
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Drink, Obviously)
Platinum Place, thankfully, has a solid offering on the "things to do" front. This is where the "Apartment Hotel" really shines.
- Fitness Center: It's there. They do have the treadmill, so I do feel a little less guilty about the food.
- Pool with a View: Check. Not a knock-your-socks-off view, but a pleasant one.
- Spa: Right, now we're talking. The spa experience was stellar. The staff were fantastic, so friendly, and I was actually able to relax!
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping Germs at Bay
This is CRUCIAL post-pandemic. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so Platinum Place earned major points here.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yep. Always a good start.
- Room sanitization opt-out: Nice to have the option.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely essential.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Bless.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air Conditioning: HEAVEN. It was sweltering; it was my refuge, the AC unit.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Daily Housekeeping: A lifesaver.
- Elevator: Crucial.
- Laundry Service: Needed.
- Wi-Fi: Strong and reliable. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a non-negotiable for me. Thank God!
For the Kids (because, why not?)
- Babysitting service: Yes. Though I don't have kids, it’s good to know.
In-Room Amenities: The Meat and Potatoes
- Free Wi-Fi: See above.
- Air Conditioning: See above.
- Bathtub: Yes! Necessary for a good soak.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Crucial.
- Blackout Curtains: A lifesaver.
- Comfy Bed: It's a priority.
Getting Around: How to Escape
- Airport Transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: YES!!!!
- Taxi Service: Easy to arrange.
My Unfiltered (and Possibly Dramatic) Experience
Okay, truth bomb. The first day was a little bumpy. The room wasn't quite ready on arrival. And the water in the shower took a solid five minutes to warm up. Small things, but mildly annoying.
But, overall, I actually loved my stay. I had a spa treatment that erased the stress of the week, and the pool was the perfect spot to relax after a day of wandering. I felt safe, the staff were lovely, it was clean.
The Quirks:
- The elevator music was a questionable selection of elevator music
- The gym could be a little more well-equipped.
The Verdict: Is Platinum Place Pretoria's BEST Apartment Hotel?
Look, it's not perfect. But it's damn close. It's certainly one of the best "near me" options I’ve found in Pretoria. The location is fantastic, the amenities are great, the service is solid, and the spa is worth the price of admission alone.
My Offer for Pretoria's "BEST" Apartment Hotel (if you can find it!)
STOP SCROLLING AND BOOK YOUR ESCAPE!
Tired of the same old routine? Ready to unwind and rediscover your inner chill? Look no further!
Here's why you HAVE to book at The Platinum Place(or wherever it is!):
- Relaxation, Redefined: Pamper yourself!
- Unbeatable Value: Get top-notch amenities, a great location.
- Safety First: Rest assured knowing your well-being is a priority.
- Convenience at Your Fingertips: From easy check-in to on-site dining and amenities, we've got you covered.
But wait, there's more!
Book your stay before the end of the month and receive a complimentary spa treatment + a welcome cocktail!
Don't miss out! Pretoria's BEST apartment hotel (or the one I've found, anyway!) is waiting to welcome you with open arms.
Click here to book your escape! (Or… just search for your nearest Platinum Place!)
P.S.: Did I mention the pool? And the spa? Book now!
Unbelievable Zhangjiajie Luxury: Fulante Theme Hotel's Hidden Paradise!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this is less "polished travel itinerary" and more "brain dump of a Pretoria adventure." And trust me, it's going to get messy. Let's see… Next to Apartment Hotel, Pretoria, South Africa… alright, here we go.
Day 1: Arrival in Pretoria (and the Great Avocado Crisis)
- Morning (ish): Landed at OR Tambo – the airport. Ugh, those customs lines always feel like a cruel joke. Anyway, finally got through, grabbed a taxi… which, of course, decided to detour through the entire freakin' city before finally depositing me at the Next to Apartment Hotel. The apartment? Honestly, it was a decent size, maybe a slightly depressing view of another building, but hey, it had a kitchenette, and that's all that mattered at this point.
- Midday: Right, unpack, settle in. Then, the REAL priority: FOOD. Found a tiny little Spar down the road. I felt like a starving nomad, and my eyes landed on the most beautiful, perfectly ripe avocados. Score. Bought a loaf of bread, some weird local cheese (that smelled faintly of socks), and those avocados. I was going to have the BEST lunch ever.
- Afternoon: THE GREAT AVOCADO DISASTER. Back in the apartment, I grab my avocado, ready to slice it, when DISASTER STRIKES. The thing was rock hard. STONE. You could have used it to build a dam. What the hell?! Turns out, I had to wait days for the avocados to ripen. Utterly deflated, I ate dry bread and funky cheese. The tears were real. My first South African experience? A culinary tragedy.
- Evening: Sulked, watched terrible TV, and plotted how I'd get my revenge on those deceptive avocados. Seriously, how can one be so easily fooled by a fruit? I need some therapy. Decided to walk down and see what's happening outside. The streets were well-lit and safe. Grabbed some take out food and went back to the apartment, watched TV.
Day 2: Historical Overload (and the Unexpected Beauty of a Jacaranda Tree)
- Morning: Okay, redemption time (post-avocado trauma). Today, I force myself to be a tourist. First stop: The Union Buildings. Holy moly. Those buildings are imposing! Seriously, it's like something out of a movie. I walked around, pretending to understand all the historical significance. Mostly, I was just impressed by the sheer size of everything. The view from up there? Breathtaking. I mean, wow. Pretoria sprawling below, with all the purple haze of…
- Midday: …the Jacaranda trees! Oh. My. God. These trees. They were EVERYWHERE. The streets were just awash in this violet, purple-blue. Honestly, it was so gorgeous, it almost made me teary-eyed. No lie. I spent about twenty minutes walking, just staring up, completely spellbound. Forget the history books – the Jacarandas are the REAL stars of Pretoria. Took so many pictures… it's bordering on obsessive.
- Afternoon: Voortrekker Monument… and Existential Dread. Next up, the Voortrekker Monument. Now, this is where my cheerful tourist facade started to crack. Massive, imposing, and undeniably… heavy. I appreciated the artistry, the historical context… but I also found myself getting a little… overwhelmed. The stories of the pioneers, the struggles… it was a LOT. Left feeling thoughtful, which morphed into a vague sense of existential dread. That feeling of 'what am I doing with my life?' followed me to the coffee shop.
- Evening: Attempted to shake off the heavy atmosphere with a curry at a local restaurant. The curry was fantastic. The conversation with the waiter, even better; He gave me some tips about the nightlife and safe route. Went to a pub and danced the night away, met some other tourists and enjoyed the night.
Day 3: Wildlife Whisperer (and the Quest for Biltong Perfection)
- Morning: Decision time! I'm a city girl, so my expectations about wildlife are usually limited. But I took the drive to the Dinokeng Game Reserve. I was half expecting to see rhinos and lions, and half expecting to get eaten by a hyena. We did see a lot of animals like lions and elephants. The whole thing was amazing. The guide was a cool guy, he was like a wildlife whisperer.
- Midday: Post-safari, ravenous. Found some amazing Biltong. I mean, I've tried biltong before, but this… this was perfection. Perfectly seasoned, just the right amount of chew. I bought a whole bag and ate it like a ravenous beast. It was my mission to sample every single biltong shop in Pretoria. I'll admit: I failed. But I tried!
- Afternoon: Market Madness (and the Unsettling Stare of a Taxidermied Baboon). Discovered a local market. The energy was electric! Everything from colorful crafts to weird "traditional remedies." Found a stall selling beaded bracelets and haggled like a pro (I think). Then, I stumbled upon a taxidermy shop. The animals were… well, unsettling. The worst offender: a taxidermied baboon. Its eyes followed you. Everywhere. Shudder. I left, vowing to never sleep again.
- Evening: Decided to take it easy. Found a nice cafe in the area and grabbed a coffee. Watched the sunset and enjoyed myself.
Day 4: Farewell Pretoria (and the Epilogue of the Avocado Saga)
- Morning: Last day! My flight leaves in the afternoon. It's time to assess: Did I have a good time? I wouldn't say that I was ready to leave Pretoria, but I wasn't sure what else I could do.
- Midday: The avocados were finally ready. Success! I had avocado on toast with everything bagel seasoning. I'm not sure why that gave me a little sense of accomplishment, but it did! The taste was phenomenal.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Customs lines, ugh, etc. The flight finally took off.
- Evening: Reflect, review photos, and think about the adventure… I loved the Jacaranda trees. I'll definitely return to Pretoria.
Postscript: Pretoria, you were a rollercoaster. You confused me with your history, terrified me with your art, and almost broke me with those damn avocados. But I fell in love with the city, the food, and the people. Until next time, South Africa, and thank you!
Lampang's Hidden Gem: The H1boutique You NEED to See!
Okay, spill! What ACTUALLY makes an apartment hotel in Pretoria "the best"? And how near is NEAR?
Right, the million-dollar question. "Best" is subjective, people! For *me*, it's a combo of things. Think:
- Proximity to stuff that matters: Groceries, decent coffee (essential!), maybe some nightlife – I'm not asking for Ibiza, but a pulse is appreciated.
- Space, baby, space! I need to be able to *breathe*. Hotels that feel like glorified shoe boxes? No thanks.
- Kitchenette/Full Kitchen Chaos: I'm not a Michelin-star chef, but I like the option of a midnight cheese-and-cracker fest, or even just making some eggs without crawling into a restaurant. (This is huge!)
- The "Vibe Check": Clean, comfortable, safe… but not soulless. A little character goes a long way. I don't want to feel like I'm staying in a hospital.
So, GIVE US NAMES! Specifically, any apartment hotels you actually *like* in Pretoria?
Okay, here's where it gets tricky, because I've had some *experiences*, let me tell you. I'm not going to straight-up name and shame (unless I REALLY felt ripped off), but I'm going to *hint*. I've spent a lot of time in Sunnyside, its vibrant, it is near the center, it has its own… character. I've found a place that has a small shop where you can buy the basics, and that is pure gold in the dark of night, no doubt. Some are definitely… let's say, more "lived-in" than others. (Think: stains on the walls, questionable smells...) You know the type!
What's the BIGGEST mistake people make when choosing an apartment hotel?
Thinking ALL the reviews are a legit representation of reality! Seriously! People are either:
- Lying through their teeth: Paid reviewers, people with ridiculously low standards, or those who've never traveled outside of their own backyard.
- Completely bonkers: The folks who complain about the smallest things. "The towels were *slightly* rough! 1 star!!" Get a grip, Brenda.
- Not actually experiencing the *place*: Seriously, they might have been in there, but do they know the best place to grab morning coffee? Do they know how to get to the grocery store?
Okay, let’s talk about that kitchen situation. How equipped is "equipped" REALLY?
Depends. Sometimes "equipped" means a microwave, a kettle, and a single sad fork. Other times, it's the whole shebang: a fridge, an oven, a stovetop, pots, pans, the works! *Always* check the details! Do they mention a coffee maker? Because if they don't, or the picture doesn't show one, assume there isn't one. Trust me, the withdrawal is REAL. Same goes for a toaster, and a can opener! I've had to use a butter knife as a can opener before. I’m not proud. But I was hungry.
What about safety? Is Pretoria apartment hotels safe? Any tips?
Pretoria can be tricky. It's a beautiful city, but you need to be smart. Here are my golden rules:
- Research the area: Some neighborhoods are perfectly fine, others… less so. Do your homework!
- Security, security, security: Is there a gated entrance? 24-hour security? CCTV cameras? These are all good signs.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Don't walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Don't flash the bling: Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Common sense, people!
Alright, you did your homework, you found the right place. What's the *best* part of staying in an apartment hotel?
Freedom! You're not trapped in a tiny hotel room. You have space. You can spread out. You can make your own coffee (!!!). You get a glimpse of what it might be like to *live* in Pretoria, not just visit it. And the real kicker? You can be as introverted or extroverted as you damn well please! Want to hole up in your PJs all day? Go for it! Want to have a few friends over for drinks (within reason)? You can! It's the best of both worlds: the comfort of home with the convenience of a hotel. It’s what I call *bliss*. Especially when you can make your own food.
What's with the parking situation? Because, Pretoria.
Oh, parking. This is Pretoria, so it's a lottery. Always check if the apartment hotel has secure, on-site parking. If they don't, RUN. Free street parking is a gamble, especially at night. You might find your car *gone* in the morning. Don't let that happen to you. Don't. Especially in Sunnyside. Just…don't.
Speaking of neighborhoods: Any specific areas you'd recommend or advise against?
Okay, this is highly subjective, and things change, so ALWAYS do your own research! That saidSearchotel
Post a Comment for "Pretoria's BEST Apartment Hotel? (Near You!)"