Hotel description

The Grace lives up to its moniker with ease. Situated in the northwestern Jo’burg suburb of Rosebank, it inhabits a gentrified and culturally rich area, full of high-profile businesses, posh shopping malls, restaurants and art galleries – a lively little community where lattes can be sipped al fresco and models spied ducking into casting agencies.

The Grace itself is similarly imbued with this sophisticated and cosmopolitan vibe. It’s unapologetically colonial in style, from the stately Corinthian columns at the door to the neatly trimmed topiary that stands guard around the terrace lap pool. Guest rooms adhere to a classic country etiquette — floral headboards, French windows, brass fittings and damask curtains, plus the considerate inclusions of internet, satellite TV and a ‘Café Complét’ service (i.e. free cakes and hot drinks) daily until 5pm.

With relatively few rooms — 73 in total — The Grace’s boutique manor appeal is complemented by polite and personalized service, a different animal entirely from the perfunctory obsequiousness of some larger luxury hotels. Being greeted by name and received with a smile are underrated perks, but it’s this attention to the small things that has won The Grace accolades. The Dining Room, the hotel’s, well, dining room, has likewise been noted as one of Johannesburg’s best restaurants.

Location-wise, cashed-up visitors will find no obstacle in parting with their Rand. The hotel is attached via private walkway to the upscale Rosebank Mall, where guests can browse designer stores, catch an arthouse flick, pick up last-minute African handicrafts at the rooftop market, or head next door to the trendier Zone mall for multicolored cocktails and international foodstuffs.