This includes the elegant five-star 165-key Taj Johannesburg, set to open in 2001, and the new four-star 197-key Melrose Arch hotel aimed to be operational in time for The 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Bringing the number of hotels at Melrose Arch to three (including the existing African Pride five-star boutique Melrose Arch hotel) the new four-star hotel will be ideally suited to the local and international business traveller. With conference and meeting rooms, the hotel is envisaged to include a High Street corner coffee shop, lounge, restaurant, outdoor courtyard seating and swimming pool.

Overlooking phase 1 of The Piazza development will be the exciting new R550 million five-star modern luxury hotel; Taj Johannesburg, developed by Taj International South Africa Hotels (TISA), a joint venture between Indian Hotels Company Ltd and Tata Africa Ltd and spanning some 13,500m2 of hotel bulk. Presently, financing and contracting details are not yet finalised.

“Combining the personality and style of an independent hotel with the reliability, consistency and attentive service of a major business hotel, the Taj Johannesburg will redefine the upscale hotel experience in the city with a balance between style and substance,” says Stopforth.

Set to open in 2011, Taj Johannesburg is aimed at the discerning, ‘well-travelled’, high-end guest and will include its own trendy restaurant and intimate bar, and all the facilities guests could want: from a high-tech business centre, conference spaces and meeting rooms to cozy lounge, health club, spa and swimming pool. Some of these offerings are set to complement Melrose Arch in general.