Johannesburg is one of the new-age business and leisure travel hotspots. The South African corporate hub has also grown into a major tourism destination, with thousands of people coming down every year. Leisure, recreation, natural wonders, entertainment, and cultural marvels combine to heighten its appeal consistently among global tourists. This has also led to huge demand for quality accommodation, such as serviced apartments that can cater to families, couples, corporates, groups, or even solo travelers.
But which neighborhood do you choose for your serviced apartment stay in Johannesburg? That’s where Sandton promises to be the best of several worlds, considering its unique mix of business and lifestyle. Let’s find out more about its popularity and appeal below.
The First Glimpse of Sandton- Africa’s Richest Square Mile
The very fact that Sandton is known as Africa’s richest square mile is something you’ll see for yourself when you’re here. The entire look and feel of the neighborhood alludes to its status as Johannesburg’s premium lifestyle and financial hub. The huge appeal of the locality partly comes from its top-class corporate infrastructure and premium hospitality. Some of it also derives from its ultra-luxury retail circuit and dynamic ambience.
Here’s what makes Sandton truly unique:
- Corporate & Financial Hub: Quite naturally, business travelers choose serviced apartments in Sandton for their stays. There’s always an advantage in staying right within South Africa’s economic hub, housing the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the continental headquarters of top banks and multinationals, and several other offices. This makes Sandton the chosen destination for not just corporates and business travelers, but also investors.
- Top-Class Shopping: Ultra-luxury shopping literally defines your experience in Sandton. You can shop at the highly prestigious Sandton City (one of the biggest shopping centers in the Southern Hemisphere) here. Combine this with the open-air Nelson Mandela Square and what you get is 370+ premium retailers, fine dining choices, and high-end boutiques at hand.
- World-Class Hospitality & Tourism Connect: Sandton is where you’ll always find the very best 5-star hotels ranging from Radisson and Hilton to other names. It’s the hub of business tourism in Johannesburg. What’s more, you’ll also find luxurious and premium serviced apartments and other properties tailored to well-heeled travelers, delegates for conferences/meetings, and investors.
- Attractive Leisure & Entertainment Scene: If you’re looking for entertainment and recreation beyond business hours, Sandton is just the right choice for your needs. The entire precinct offers a vibrant cultural circuit. This includes the Auto & General Theatre on the Square (that you shouldn’t miss visiting) and lovely green escapes like the Sandton Central Park and Mushroom Park.
- Cutting-Edge Infrastructure & Connectivity: You’ll find Sandton an incredibly well-equipped neighborhood in terms of community amenities and civic planning. At the same time, it is designed to ensure more convenience, with easy public transport links like the Gautrain (this connects the district directly to Rosebank and the O.R. Tambo International Airport).
Why Booking Serviced Apartments in Sandton Makes More Sense
Staying in serviced apartments in this exclusive neighborhood almost always makes sense for global travelers. Here’s why:
- Unmatched transportation: Connectivity will never be an issue, with the Sandton Gautrain station (high-speed rail access to the airport) nearby. You’ll also be staying in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District).
- Home-like space and comfort: Why stay in a cramped hotel room when you can live in a spacious and comfortable apartment? This gives you the comfort of home with plush furnishings and fixtures, great amenities, and multiple configurations to choose from. You get more value out of the stay and it is ideal for corporate assignees, long-term business travelers or relocators, and families. Need to host small meetings or get-togethers, network, spread out and relax, and even cook meals? An apartment is the answer!
- Easy access to corporate headquarters: Most properties here will give you access to the JSE and the African headquarters of top consulting firms, banks, and multinational firms. Staying here helps you cut down on lengthy commutes to your corporate headquarters or workplace.
- Top-class lifestyles and great amenities: Most serviced apartments offer excellent amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, work desks, kitchens to cook meals, appliances, balconies/outdoor areas, on-site laundry, housekeeping, 24/7 security, concierges, and more. Many have on-site pools and fitness centers for you to access as well.
- Excellent shopping and dining: You’ll only be minutes away from the Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, two of the top hubs for entertainment, retail, and dining.
- More value and flexible leases: Apartments usually have all-inclusive rates covering internet, utilities, services, etc., giving you more long-term value (and lower nightly rates for extended stays). At the same time, you can enjoy flexible (and often extendable) lease terms for maximum convenience.
What to Enjoy During Your Time in Sandton
As you can see, Sandton promises an elevated lifestyle in one of South Africa’s best residential precincts, complete with a thriving retail and corporate circuit to match! Once you’ve compared serviced apartments in Johannesburg here and made your choice, it’s time to chalk out your after-hours itinerary too. Shop at the huge Sandton City Shopping Center that links directly to the famous Nelson Mandela Square. In the mall, you’ll find 300+ top retailers with names like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Zara, and more. The Diamond Walk in Sandton City is also known for its exclusive flagship stores of several brands. Want something more eclectic and culturally inclined? Try the Amatuli Artefacts store at the Kramerville Design District nearby. Shop for vintage curios, tribal art, and handcrafted items sourced from across the continent. The Bryanston Market is also a treasure trove of locally-made organic skincare products, ceramics, and amazingly woven textiles.
Dive headlong into Sandton’s fabulous dining scene, covering local favorites like The Butcher Shop & Grill (brasserie-style joint with aged meats), Saint (contemporary fusion dishes) and the San Deck, Bar & Restaurant at the Sandton Sun (fabulous cocktails and city views). Stroll through the open-air plaza, i.e. Nelson Mandela Square that comes alive at night. Visit the Auto & General Theatre on the Square for drama and comedy shows or check if there’s an expo or concert at the nearby Sandton Convention Center. Life here in Sandton is always memorable!