Upon arrival in Johannesburg from Adelaide via Doha, I checked into the Holiday Inn Rosebank in the suburbs of the city.
I had stayed at this property numerous times in the past, so I knew what to expect.
The property is reached from the airport by the comfortable and efficient Gautrain in about 35 minutes.
The train runs directly from the airport terminal and stops directly opposite the hotel. At 250 ZAR ($14 or £10) for a one-way ticket, it is quicker, easier and probably safer than doing the journey by road. Most transport apps will tell you to change trains at Marlboro, but I know from experience that the transfer is smoother at Sandton.
I reached the hotel around midday and had no problem checking in early. I was assigned room 702, coincidentally the room I had occupied on two previous stays.
This is a corner room with an unusual layout, but one which worked well for me.
The room was well equipped with a queen-size bed, shower, bathtub, mini-fridge, tea and coffee, wardrobe space and safe.
As I had already been to Johannesburg several times and seen essentially everything that the city offers, I decided to spend a relaxing few days at the hotel and the attached shopping centre.
The hotel offers an on-site restaurant, with a variety of dishes available for both lunch and dinner.
The restaurant also offers a full breakfast buffet, complete with an egg station and freshly made omelettes.
As well as the hotel restaurant, the attached shopping centre also offers a steakhouse and several fast food options.
The hotel also comes equipped with a small outdoor swimming pool, which was very pleasant in the warm February temperatures.
I stayed on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast rate of 1,920 ZAR ($106 or £79) per night, which I considered superb value for money.
With the easy and economical transfer on the Gautrain, I can recommend this property, not only for a city stay, but also for an airport layover.
