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Johannesburg Map: Melrose ArchMelrose Arch Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

Address
1 Melrose Sq
Location Melrose Arch, Northern Suburbs
Phone 011/214-6666, 021/430-5302 (Reservations)
Fax 011/214-6600
Web site www.africanpridehotels.com/melrosearchhotel
Room Information 118 units
Prices Standard room R2,830 ($399/£202) double; Superior room R3,130 ($441/£224); Executive room R3,330 ($469/£238) double
Credit Cards AE, DC, MC, V
In Room Amenities A/C, TV, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facility, hair dryer, safe, DVD player/hi-fi, Internet access

Frommer's Review

Jozi's self-proclaimed "hip hotel" is something of a knockoff of the Philippe Starck-Ian Schrager model, and though it's not in the same league, it is filled with flourishes that help make it a celebration of the city's newfound confidence and optimism. It's ideal for the young (or young at heart) traveler looking for some action -- you're a stroll from some great restaurants -- and has a quirky edge that clearly differentiates it from the other chain-run hotels in the city. The designers have tried to throw in plenty of eye-catching elements, like the entrance lobby floor that constantly changes color, the long drapes that hang from oversize chrome coat hangers, and different "mood" elevators for day and night. Guest rooms feature the latest in stylish technology and playful decor: Wooden parquet flooring vies with block-print carpets, glass-top work stations with exposed brick walls, and chintz drapes with Roman blinds -- a mishmash of elements sure to delight the postmodernist. Separated from the bedroom only by a large curtain, the bathrooms feature deep oval tubs and walk-in "rain" showers. Ironically, there is one major drawback to the amount of development that has gone on since the hotel opened 5 years ago: You'll notice (particularly around the pool, with its dazzling gigantic tree-size "potplants" and in-pool table arrangements) that the hotel is now completely hemmed in by designer office blocks, all of which have windows looking your way. Although the Melrose Arch is a lot of fun, with a funky soul, it remains a large hotel. For my money I prefer the ultrastylish Peech Hotel, just up the road; it's both considerably less expensive and far more intimate .

Facilities:
Restaurant; 3 bars; library lounge; pool; discounted access to nearby health club; 24-hr. room service; laundry; surround-sound music and TV room; DVD library; wireless Internet; doctor on call

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Frommer's Highly Recommended 1 stars Frommer's Highly Recommended
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended 2 stars Frommer's Very Highly Recommended
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Frommer's ranks every hotel, restaurant, attraction, shop, and nightlife establishment it reviews for quality, value, service, amenities, and special features using a star-rating scale, an expression of the strong compare-and-contrast opinions that are a brand hallmark.

Other ratings provide stars based primarily on price and amenities; the Frommer's star rating is meant to quantify the kind of intangible, experiential elements that help travelers make informed decisions.

The "baseline" recommendation is zero stars--every hotel, restaurant, attraction, shop, and nightlife establishment that Frommer's chooses to review is recommended; otherwise, we simply wouldn't include it.

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