When it comes to upmarket hotel accommodation in the Jo’burg inner city, a dearth of suitable facilities exists.  Whilst Rosebank and Sandton generally seem to boast the largest array of four and five star choices for inner city visitors, the other closest options are the four star Protea Parktonian in Braamfontein and the three star Holiday Inn Garden Court Milpark Hotel in Parktown.
 
However in April 2007 things are set to change with the opening of the new Hotel Apartments called Mapungubwe in the centre of the city.  The four star establishment is a sectional title scheme that is currently under construction and which will be opened by Faircity Hotels and Apartments, a reputable hotel operator.  This progressive accommodation concept combines 91 hotel apartments which form part of an income pool structure, with an additional 37 residential apartments that do not form part of the hotel offering or partake in the income pool system.

 “The owners of the 91units are ‘absent owners’ who purchased apartments at Mapungubwe for investment purposes and liked the idea of a managed apartment concept,” says Gustav Holtzhausen of Circlevest Properties.  “We successfully manage various other hotel facilities nationwide with Faircity Hotels and Apartments and we saw Mapungubwe as the perfect opportunity to bring the concept to Johannesburg.”

Mapungubwe Hotel Apartments has been conceptualized and created in a manner that will undoubtedly establish it as the preferred ‘home away from home’ option in Jo’burg for both business and leisure travelers seeking an upmarket and convenient choice.  Flanked by Marshall, Anderson & Ferreira Streets in the financial and business heart of the city, Mapungubwe is a product of a classy refurbishment of a sandstone structure built in the 1950’s.

  “We wanted to bring something unique, special and homegrown to our inner city streets,” says Holtzhausen. “We certainly didn’t want anything that was out of context and foreign and at the same time we didn’t want to reflect a tired, clichéd ‘curio-style’ either.  After extensive research and a truly consultative process with many gurus in the historical and cultural South African realm, we managed to blend a modern approach with the lifestyle of a bygone era of the world-famous Mapungubwe people of Southern Africa.”

This exceptional and interesting theme is carried through from the hotel name to all the interior architecture and furnishings.  Top quality and tasteful fittings have been applied throughout the establishment and a stay at Mapungubwe will undoubtedly be termed a ‘worthy experience’ by any visitor.

In addition to the actual accommodation options of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, the hotel also offers the following facilities - onsite restaurant and whisky bar; a relaxing lounge; room service; a concierge desk; a fully equipped communications and business centre; high speed internet connectivity in each room as well as a fully equipped gymnasium and swimming pool.  

The establishment also offers guests top-notch 24-hour patrolled security and CCTV surveillance as well as safe and secure valet parking.

At present a tender and brief is out for a restaurant and bar operator to occupy the designated areas and manage the Hotel’s food and beverage requirements in their entirety.  “It is essential for us to align with a player whose product reflects the solid earthy values encapsulated in the Mapungubwe culture.  Bearing in mind the absence of a comparable food and beverage product, will adversely effect the overall reputation of the Hotel,” states Holtzhausen.

A shuttle service to and from the O.R Tambo Airport as well as an ‘on demand shopping facility’ is also planned.  “‘On demand shopping’ is simply a service that we will provide to our guests should they need grocery supplies replenished.  We will basically go out and do their grocery shopping for them so they can concentrate on more meaningful and enjoyable activities,” says Holtzhausen.

There is little doubt that Mapungubwe will become the preferred “home away from home” option that most travelers seek, but seldom find.  Be sure to watch the press over the next few months.  For enquiries please call Ilse van der Merwe on 012 – 8099100.

Compiled and to contact on behalf of:

Faircity Mapungubwe Hotels:
Sue Morris
Precision PR
082 657 2887
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