The Residence Boutique Hotel

The Residence Boutique Hotel was originally a residential property which was later converted into an elegant boutique hotel. The hotel has since bought the neighboring properties on each side, joining the three double-story mansions into one larger building. As a result, the hotel is made up of several separate rooms with the hallways almost creating a maze -- which is easy to get lost in. There are several secluded spots scattered throughout the property for guests looking for privacy, including private lounges (the Boat Lounge and Polo Lounge), private areas in the dining room, and hideaways in the gardens. The interiors throughout the hotel are exceptional, with a mix of antique furnishings and classic and sophisticated decor. Small touches make guests feel welcome, like a piano playing during the evening, the scent of lemongrass, candlelit paths at night, and spare reading glasses in the lounges. Overall, the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing with enough privacy to feel at home. Guests are mostly high-end leisure travelers spending a few nights in Johannesburg and a handful of business travelers in the area for work.

The Residence Boutique Hotel is situated in the upmarket neighborhood of Houghton, in North Johannesburg. The immediate area is residential, with only large, high-walled residential properties surrounding the hotel. Killarney Mall, with several shops and restaurants, is a five-minute drive from the property and the Rosebank Mall is a 10-minute drive away. Nearby golf courses include the Houghton Golf Club (a six-minute drive), The Wanderers Golf Club (a 10-minute drive), and the Royal Johannesburg Kensington Golf Club (a 15-minute drive). The Johannesburg Zoo is a six-minute drive and Constitution Hill is an eight-minute drive away. The business districts of Sandton and Midrand are both about a 15-minute drive from the property. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to nearby areas and attractions, as well as airport transfers. The Rosebank Gautrain Station is seven minutes by car and it's a 30-minute drive to O.R. Tambo International Airport.

The 18 guest rooms at The Residence Boutique Hotel are lavish and sophisticated. All rooms are spacious with a similar list of amenities, from the smallest One- Bedroom Suites to the largest Pool Villa and Penthouse. The decor throughout is the epitome of elegance, including rich maroon carpeted floors, Persian rugs, silk curtains, cream walls, plush linens and bedhead, and antique furniture and decor. Each room showcases details from the original house design via unique features like an old elevator converted into a Champagne and wine cellar in the Madiba Suite. Most rooms have an in-room fireplace and all rooms include an outdoor area with loungers, shower, and either an outdoor tub or hot tub. One of the One-Bedroom Suites features an in-room sauna in the basement. Amenities throughout include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities (including Nespresso coffeemakers), work desks, sound systems with iPod docks, telephones, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature both walk-in showers and tubs with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and lemongrass-scented house-brand toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. 

With a long list of features, it feels as though The Residence Boutique Hotel has thought of everything. All rates include a continental buffet breakfast each morning, with hot items available a la carte. The hotel's restaurant is also open for a la carte lunch and dinner. Room service is available. For private dining, there is a separate section in the restaurant as well as a completely separate Ballroom or up to 18 guests. The Piano Bar serves an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There are three outdoor swimming pools (including one heated pool), each with surrounding sun loungers and parasols. The fitness center is quite small and features a few Technogym cardio machines; plus free water, weights, and towels. There is also an outdoor tennis court.

The hotel's spa features four suites (including a couples suite) and a tranquility lounge serving light snacks and African herbal teas. A variety of beauty and relaxation treatments are available as well as a steam room and sauna. A conference room, catering for up to 18 people, is available along with private lounges (like the Boat Lounge and Polo Bar) that can be used for more casual meetings. A souvenir shop is available in the lobby, selling a variety of local handmade items such as jewelry, clothing, and textiles. Additional features include free shuttle service, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour reception.