voco Rosebank, the latest IHG hotel to arrive in the city, is an energising change from dated hotels with heavy drapes, brass fittings and floral wallpaper.

• Part of IHGs premium collection of hotels, voco Rosebank is the ideal spot for both business and leisure stays.
• Business guests can be accommodated with flexible work spaces at Workshop17, located on the upper levels of the hotel and easily move around Johannesburg with Gautrain within walking distance.
• Africa’s first voco hotel in Rosebank opened early 2022.
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Rosebank has always been the trendy, slightly hipper sister of beloved Sandton, which can be corporate cool. This makes the suburb a tourist hotspot – the institutional Rosebank flea market is testament to this, with proudly African curios and clothing serving the international market as well as the local crowd for decades.

Today, the neighbourhood is Johannesburg’s answer to London’s Soho or New York’s East Village, with endless options for Instagram-able eats, artisanal coffee and a selection of fine dining restaurants nestled between Rosebank Mall, Oxford Parks and Keyes Art Mile. Spots like Tokyo-inspired Iki, Mumbai street food haven Modern Tailors and our favourite for Mediterranean, Ethos bring the tree-lined streets to life, and it is easy to forget you’re in actually in an extended shopping mall, at times.

Fittingly, accommodation has come to life in the suburb, too. Prime locations allow guests – international and staycationers – to experience the culture and vibe of trendy Rosebank, like a short walk to the Shortmarket Club and other restaurants and night spots.

The fact that times have changed is obvious first thing in the morning. Forget the standard egg station and buffet breakfast. voco’s breakfast is served at Proud Mary, a bistro-style restaurant attached to the hotel. And this is definitely not a meal you want to miss. Average hotel breakfasts just don’t exist here. There is no waiting in line for something poached or scrambled.

Eggs here come in the form of an Asian Omelette with soy, coriander, chili, matched with subtle grilled prawns, which may sound odd but works so well. There are also Mediterranean influences to take the breakfast experience next level – hummus, halloumi, and pita. The beverage selection is a treat too, you’ll find everything from matcha teas to mocktails – yes, for breakfast.

Each room is spacious, fuss-free but cosy, decorated with hues of flamingo or navy and detailed with mod, gilded finishes. Everything you would need for a staycation or business trip can be found in your room, including a hand-held steamer, bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso coffee machine and a fully-stocked bar fridge.

Workouts are made fun with the in-house gym’s quirky aesthetics, like motivational neon signage. It’s hard to resist picking up a sweat towel and fitting in a quick workout before breakfast, with the added bonus of stunning sunrise views from the rooftop stretch area.

But for the experience of learning to love our own cities again, voco is a must-visit even for local guests wanting a night out on the town that ends with a breakfast you’re not likely to forget very soon.

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