Radisson RED Johannesburg: Rosebank's Hottest Hotel? 🔥
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the neon-lit, Instagrammable abyss that is the Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank. Is it the hottest hotel? Well, let's peel back the layers of trendy design and carefully curated experiences, shall we? This review is going to be less "objective travel guide" and more "slightly unhinged traveler's diary."
First Impressions: A Vibe, Man… A Vibe (and Some Realities)
Walking into the Radisson RED is like stumbling into a Pinterest board exploded by a particularly enthusiastic millennial. Think vibrant murals, bold furniture, and an overwhelming sense of cool. The aesthetic screams, "Look at me, I'm young, hip, and probably own a crypto wallet!" My first thought? "Wow, this is… a lot. Let's see what lurks beneath."
Accessibility - The Good and the… Better
Okay, serious hat on for a moment. Accessibility is critical. The good news: They’ve made an effort. An elevator? Check. Accessible rooms? Supposedly. I didn't personally test the accessible room – and I'm not a wheelchair user so I rely on what's provided through website and my own limited experience – but the presence of clearly designated amenities for people with limited mobility is a great start. The hallways are wide, and the public spaces seemed generally navigable. BUT, and this is a big but, I always find it best to call and confirm specific needs beforehand. No one wants a surprise.
On-site Grub and Guzzling: Food, Glorious Food…and Some Hiccups
Alright, let's talk fuel. The Radisson RED’s entire experience is made with food. It's everywhere. Let's start with the restaurants: They have a nice list with international options, but I didn’t get it: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The OUI Bar + KTCHN (their spelling, not mine!) is the heart of it all. Think exposed brick, industrial chic, and a menu that attempts to be both trendy and substantial. I tried the burger, which, I regret to say, was a bit of a culinary tragedy. The patty was dry, the bun was… well, it was there. But the fries? Those were golden-brown, salty perfection. Score one for the kitchen team!
For the Kids: More Than Just Pizza, I Hope?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, My kids weren't with me, so I couldn't judge these features directly. However, the general vibe felt geared towards older kids and adults. I'm imagining kids would prefer the arcade game or pool.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Gym Fails…
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Did I see the pool with a view? Absolutely, even though it's a little small. This is where the RED really tries to impress. The rooftop pool has views of Rosebank, and the spa… well, I didn't have a treatment, so I can’t really tell you what it was like. The gym looked pretty decent, complete with a treadmill, weights, and a whole lot of other equipment I didn’t bother using. Guilty.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Era Comfort (Mostly)
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, The Radisson RED takes the pandemic seriously. There were hand sanitizers everywhere, staff were masked, and everything seemed impeccably clean. I appreciated all the precautions.
Rooms: Red and Ready?
Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room was, as expected, stylish. Red accents were everywhere, naturally, but the overall design felt well-considered. The bed was comfy, the blackout curtains were essential for sleeping off those jet lag cocktails. The Wi-Fi was free and fast. But, and here’s another "but" – the bathroom was a bit cramped. The shower pressure was… well, let's call it "gentle."
Internet: Always Connected (Thank God)
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They weren't lying. The Wi-Fi was blazing fast throughout the hotel, and I appreciated that they offered both LAN and Wi-Fi.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and Some Bigger Ones)
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Contactless check-in was a breeze, the concierge was helpful, and the 24-hour room service was a blessing after a late night. The hotel offers a lot of conveniences which is appreciated, even more appreciated if they actually work.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Having free and on-site car parking is a huge plus. Rosebank is a great area for exploring, and they offer reliable transport.
Final Verdict: Hottest Hotel? Maybe, Maybe Not.
The Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank is a stylish, well-equipped hotel that caters to a specific demographic – the trend-conscious traveler who appreciates design and a lively atmosphere. It’s not perfect. The food could be better. The bathrooms could be bigger. But it's a fun, vibrant place to stay, especially if you value a "vibe" over absolute perfection. Is it the hottest hotel in Johannesburg? That's subjective. But it's definitely hot enough to ignite a few Instagram feeds. And for the price, that makes it a winner in my book.
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is about to get as messy and fabulous as a plate of koeksisters after a long night! We’re talking Radisson RED Rosebank, Johannesburg. I'm talking real life. Let's dive in, shall we?
Radisson RED Johannesburg, Rosebank: A Gloriously Disorganized Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and Audaciousness (With a Side of Jet Lag)
- 14:00 (ish) - Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB): Oh, the sheer glee of finally landing! (Or, you know, the relief of surviving another long-haul flight). The immigration queues were brutal, naturally. A woman in front of me was trying to smuggle a poodle in her handbag. Don't ask. I almost bought a protea the size of my head just because… well, why not?
- 15:30 - Taxi to Radisson RED Rosebank: Okay, Google Maps said 20 minutes, but anyone who’s been to Jo’burg knows that's a lie. Let's say closer to 45 minutes, thanks to traffic that rivals rush hour in New York. The driver, bless him, looked like he hadn’t slept since the dawn of time. He kept telling me about the "joys of living in the city", all while we were weaving through the chaos. Made me want a nap, the city vibes.
- 16:15 - Check-in: The RED Vibe Begins: First impressions? Chic, colourful, and very now. Check-in was smooth, though I did make the mistake of asking for "a room with a view." Apparently, Rosebank is the land of construction cranes, and the "view" was mostly scaffolding. Lesson learned: be specific! The staff were genuinely friendly, though, which always helps.
- 17:00 - Room Exploration and Jet Lag Collapse: The room? Compact but cleverly designed. The obligatory Insta-worthy artwork. My phone, currently charging, is begging for a photo sesh. But, honestly? Jet lag hit me like a ton of biltong. Managed to unpack (ish), then collapsed dramatically onto the bed. Think a dramatic, full-body sigh. Probably drooled a little.
- 19:00 - Rooftop Bar Attempt: Decided to rally. Gotta see the city lights and have a pre-dinner cocktail, right? Right! Except… turns out "rooftop" means "adjacent to a building site." Lovely. The vibe was loud and energetic, which wasn't what I needed, but the cocktails were decent. Had a gin and tonic that tasted like pure sunshine. Still, I felt a bit like a lost tourist, wandering around.
- 20:00 - Dinner at OUI Bar + KTCHN: Okay, this is where things got interesting. I ordered the "Spiced Chicken Burger" because I am always craving a good burger. It came with a side of the BEST fries I've had in years. Like, genuinely life-changing fries. Crispy, perfectly salted. I ate them all, and I regret nothing. The burger itself was… okay. Definitely overshadowed by the fries. My inner chef was screaming in delight.
- 21:00 - Collapse Round Two: Back to the room. My brain was mush. Straight to bed.
Day 2: Rosebank Rambles and Retail Therapy (And A Near Disaster)
- 08:00 - Wake Up: Woke up. Survived the night. Victory!
- 09:00 - Breakfast at OUI Bar + KTCHN: The buffet was decent. Not phenomenal. They had a coffee machine that sounded like a dying dinosaur, but the coffee itself was surprisingly good! The pastries were probably the highlight - a little flaky, a little buttery, all delicious.
- 10:00 - Exploring Rosebank: Okay, Rosebank is cute. Like, a postcard come to life. Wandered through the Rosebank Sunday Market (even though it wasn't a Sunday, felt like I was there anyway.) So many quirky things, so many artisanal crafts. I bought a brightly colored beaded bracelet that probably cost a fortune (I'm a sucker for impulse buys), but I absolutely love it.
- 12:00 - Mall Mayhem: Visited the Rosebank Mall. I needed a new scarf. Ended up buying three. Retail therapy is my weakness. I got lost in a department store the size of a small airport and spent far too long deliberating between two identical pairs of sunglasses. (I chose one of each).
- 14:00 - Lunch Mishap: Found a little café for lunch. Ordered a salad that was supposed to be light and refreshing. It was drowned in dressing. I spent the next hour feeling like an overly hydrated sponge. (And, let's be honest, slightly guilty. I'm so bad at healthy eating when on vacation.)
- 15:00 - A Near-Disaster: The Uber Ride: Decided to be brave and try an Uber to the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. The driver… well, let's just say his driving skills were… unique. He swerved, braked suddenly, and at one point, I swore we were about to become one with a small, terrified dog. I gripped the car door handle so hard I thought I might break it. I have never been so relieved to reach a destination in my life.
- 16:00 - Nelson Mandela Square: The square was beautiful, and the statue of Nelson Mandela was fantastic. The atmosphere made me very happy. The rest of the day was filled with shopping and exploring.
- 18:00- Cocktail/ Dinner: Relaxed in the hotel, drank cocktails, and then ordered room service. The food was good, but I was too exhausted to enjoy it fully.
Day 3: Culture, Coffee, and a Farewell Hug (Before the Flight from Hell)
- 09:00 - Breakfast at OUI Bar + KTCHN: Another go at the breakfast buffet. Took my newfound appreciation for the coffee machine.
- 10:00 - The Apartheid Museum: A truly moving and incredibly difficult experience. This is not to be missed. It was emotional and profoundly affecting. I spent hours there, and it still didn't feel like enough time. Leave time to digest this experience.
- 14:00 - Lunch and Reflection: After the museum, I needed a moment to decompress. Found a small cafe and sat there, mulling over everything I'd seen. Ordered a cappuccino and a sandwich not too heavy. The most mundane things felt significant after such a profound experience.
- 15:00 - Coffee and last-minute shopping:" I picked up a gift for my mom and sat in the mall to enjoy the atmosphere.
- 18:00 - Dinner at the hotel and farewell hugs: Had dinner at the bar. I went back to my room to pack and say my farewells.
- 20:00 - Final Thoughts and the Airport Dash: Packing was a disaster. I nearly forgot my passport. A final, frantic check of the room. The hotel arranged a taxi. Traffic was horrendous because of course it was. The airport was chaos. The flight was delayed. The entire experience made me thankful to be heading home.
Final Thoughts on Radisson RED Rosebank:
This hotel is a great base for exploring Johannesburg. It’s quirky, vibrant, and the staff are lovely. The location is convenient, and Rosebank itself is charming. The food is good but not mind-blowing, and the rooftop bar situation is… unfortunate. Overall the entire experience was a blast.
Would I go back? Absolutely! But next time, I'm bringing a better hairbrush and a whole lot more energy!
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Radisson RED Johannesburg: Rosebank - The Real Deal (or Is It?) 🔥
Okay, spill. Is this place *actually* as cool as the Insta-hype makes it seem?
What about the rooms? Spacious, or shoebox chic?
Food glorious food! Is the restaurant any good? Or just another overpriced hotel experience?
What's the vibe? Is it all young, beautiful people or is it actually accessible?
Okay, let’s be brutally honest: What's the biggest downside?
The Gym? What's the deal?
Rosebank itself: is the location actually *convenient*?
So, overall… should I stay there?
