InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport offers the familiar welcoming atmosphere known within the world-renowned InterContinental hotel brand. Individual to this hotel though, is the African flair featuring specifically curated materials and artifacts. Guests are welcomed into an open-plan lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows bringing in ample natural lighting. The lobby features a lounge waiting area with comfortable sofas and chairs, as well as a screen with live flight information for travelers in-transit. Just off the lobby is Quills Restaurant with an interesting African vibe, featuring an 18-meter long porcupine quill mobile hanging from the ceiling and rich colors found on the floors and furniture. There is also an outdoor area, offering a relaxing alfresco setting among the tall trees and manicured gardens -- an unexpected trait for an airport hotel. The fitness center and indoor pool, located on the top floor, offer stunning views over the airport runway, making it a popular space for guests. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed with a constant background buzz -- though, quieter than expected for an airport hotel. Guests are a combination of business and leisure travelers, with most being on layovers either coming in or going out of South Africa.

InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport is located at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, 69 meters from the international arrivals terminal. If needed, a porter is available to welcome guests with large suitcases from the arrivals terminal. The airport's shops, restaurants, and bars are obviously within walking distance from the hotel. The O.R. Tambo Gautrain Station is a seven-minute walk from the hotel.

For those with time to explore, it's a 13-minute drive to the Eastgate Shopping Center. The center of Johannesburg is about 30 minutes by car. The popular business district of Sandton is 20 minutes away on the Gautrain, or a 40-minute drive. Rosebank is a 30-minute drive or 40 minutes on public transport from the hotel. It's a 35-minute drive to both Nelson Mandela Square and Constitution Hill. Johannesburg's neighbor, Pretoria, is a 40-minute drive or just under an hour on public transport. The local township of Soweto, which is home to one of Nelson Mandela's houses, is just under an hours' drive from the hotel. 

The 138 rooms are spacious, warm, and contemporary. Decor is similar throughout the rooms, with a neutral color-scheme and subtle African-inspired accents. The floor-to-ceiling windows let ample natural light into the rooms, and are well-soundproofed to keep out any airport noise. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and- coffee-making facilities (including Nespresso coffeemakers), work desks, telephones, safes, irons and ironing boards, trouser presses, and free Wi-Fi. Fresh fruit and glass bottles of ginger ale are a nice welcome gift. All rooms feature a Bose sound-system with bluetooth capabilities. Bathrooms include both walk-in showers and separate tubs along with magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, scales, and Agraria toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. 

The only difference between the Deluxe and Executive Rooms is that the Executive Rooms are larger, adding a lounge area in the room. The Presidential Suite features a separate study, dining area, lounge area, and bedroom; along with a few more bathroom amenities and larger minibar.

InterContinental Johannesburg offers all of the conveniences needed for an airport hotel and some unexpected extras. The 24-hour Quills Restaurant offers an international and local-inspired a la carte menu, including light snacks. A buffet continental breakfast along with a la carte hot items is available, though it's not included in all room rates. Room service is available. The 24-hour bar serves a range of South African wines along with whiskies, cocktails, and cigars. 

The top floor is home to an indoor heated swimming pool along with the Camelot Spa. The spa has four treatment rooms, offering a range of beauty and relaxation treatments, as well as a steam room. Also on the top floor is the 24-hour fitness center, with modern TechnoGym cardio and weight-training equipment; plus free earbuds, water, and towels. The entire area has cool views of the working runway below. 

There is a total of 10 meeting and boardrooms, catering for small to medium sized meetings. The 24-hour business center features printing, copying, and scanning facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Guests can valet at the airport, but there's no private self-parking option. Additional features include 24-hour reception, concierge, a curio shop, luggage storage, and laundry service.