The Sandton Sun is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Sandton, one of the most affluent suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is conveniently located near the Sandton Convention Centre, making it a popular choice for business travelers attending conferences and events.
Southern Sun (officially Southern Sun Limited) is a South African multinational hospitality company headquartered in Sandton, South Africa, and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Between 2012 and April 2022, the group was known as Tsogo Sun.
History of Southern Sun Hotels
Southern Sun Hotels was formed in 1969 through a partnership between hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and South African Breweries Limited. At the time, Southern Sun Hotels was the largest hotel group in the Southern Hemisphere.
In 1983, the group split, with the casino operations becoming Sun International, and the hotels remaining as Southern Sun. By 1985, Southern Sun had expanded to 27 hotels. In 1985 the group acquired the Holiday Inn South Africa hotel group. Between 1985 and 1990 the group became one of the largest franchisees of Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Garden Court, and Express by Holiday Inn brands.
Read also: Culinary Guide to Sandton
During the 1990s the group expanded beyond South Africa. In 1991 Southern Sun delisted from the JSE to become a wholly owned subsidiary of South African Breweries. In 1995 Tsogo Sun Holdings was constituted as a bidding consortium between Southern Sun and numerous black empowerment partners to form Tsogo Sun Gaming.
In the same year the group entered into an agreement with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to operate three hotels in South Africa. In 2000 the group opened the Sandton Convention Centre, one of the largest privately opened convention centres of its kind. In 2002 the group restructured resulting in Tsogo Sun having 51% black ownership from various empowerment consortiums with the balance of the shares owned by SABMiller.
Subsequent to this, Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI) became the largest shareholder of the group. In 2005 the group rebranded several hotels to Southern Sun Hotels, Garden Court and StayEasy. Between 2009 and 2011 the group acquired Blackrock Casino and the Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa. A merger with Gold Reef Resorts Limited incorporated an additional seven casinos in the groups portfolio.
In 2013 the group acquired Accor SA's holding in Formula 1 hotels and rebranded them to SUN1. In 2014, after 45 years, SABMiller disposed of its stake in the group and the investment was placed in the local and international market. In 2015 construction began on the 500 room SunSquare and StayEasy hotel complex in the Cape Town City Bowl.
In 2016 the group began managing Crowne Plaza Rosebank and Holiday Inn Sandton. In June 2019 the business unbundled into separate hotel and gaming interests. In 2022 Southern Sun rebranded the InterContinental Sandton Towers Hotel to Sandton Towers. The two properties offer a combined 557 rooms.
Read also: Johannesburg travel? Stay at Hilton Sandton
Sandton Sun Amenities and Services
The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center, spa, outdoor swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. There is a dedicated concierge service to assist guests with any inquiries or requests.
Rooms and Suites
The Sandton Sun features well-appointed rooms and suites with modern decor and luxurious furnishings. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, electronic safe, and en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Some of the higher-tier rooms offer stunning views of the Johannesburg skyline. Room service is available 24/7 for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their rooms.
Dining Options
The hotel boasts a variety of dining options to suit different tastes:
- The San Restaurant: Provides a fine dining experience with a menu inspired by international cuisine, offering a fusion of flavors in an elegant setting.
- The San Deck: An open-air restaurant and bar situated on the rooftop, offering panoramic views of the city while serving delicious cocktails and light meals.
- The San Bar: A chic and sophisticated lounge area where guests can enjoy a selection of wines, spirits, and gourmet snacks.
- The hotel also offers a buffet-style breakfast served at the restaurant, featuring a wide range of hot and cold dishes to start the day.
Overall, the Sandton Sun provides a luxurious accommodation experience in Johannesburg, with stylish rooms, excellent dining options, and convenient access to shopping and entertainment facilities in Sandton.
Read also: A History of Sandhurst & Sandton
Hotel Room Tour : Sandton Sun Hotel
Nearby Attractions
The Sandton Sun is located in close proximity to various attractions:
- Nelson Mandela Square: Located next to Sandton City Mall, Nelson Mandela Square is a popular gathering spot featuring a statue of the former South African president.
- Sandton City Mall: Connected to the Sandton Sun hotel, the Sandton City Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Johannesburg.
- Johannesburg Zoo: Located in the nearby suburb of Parkview, the Johannesburg Zoo is a family-friendly attraction.
- Soweto: Just a short drive from Sandton, Soweto is a vibrant township rich in history and cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to explore the legacy of Nelson Mandela and experience local street life.
These are just a few entertainment options near the Sandton Sun hotel, but Johannesburg offers a wide range of attractions and activities to suit various preferences.
Children's Activities
The Sandton Sun hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa does not have specific kids' activities or amenities. However, there are several nearby attractions and activities suitable for children in the Sandton area:
- Montecasino: Situated in Fourways, a short drive from the hotel, Montecasino is a vibrant entertainment complex. It includes a casino, theaters, live music venues, comedy clubs, restaurants, and bars. This entertainment complex features a bird park, a reptile park, an arcade, and a variety of family-friendly restaurants.
- The Teatro at Montecasino: Within the Montecasino complex, The Teatro is a world-class theater that hosts large-scale productions, musicals, and concerts.
- Ice Rink at Northgate Mall: This ice skating rink, approximately 20 kilometers from Sandton, offers public sessions and is suitable for children who want to try ice skating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions when booking at Sandton Sun:| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Sandton Sun located in Sandton, Johannesburg? | Yes, the Sandton Sun is indeed located in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. |
| What are the amenities offered by the Sandton Sun? | The Sandton Sun offers various amenities including a fitness center, outdoor pool, on-site restaurants, spa facilities, a business center, and free Wi-Fi. |
| What types of rooms are available at the Sandton Sun? | The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites to cater to different preferences and needs, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, executive rooms, and spacious suites. |
| Does the Sandton Sun offer any dining options? | Yes, the Sandton Sun boasts several on-site dining options, including a stylish restaurant that serves international cuisine, a trendy bar, and a café serving light snacks and beverages. |
| Are there any nearby attractions or landmarks close to the Sandton Sun? | Yes, the hotel is located in close proximity to various attractions such as Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City Mall, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and the Apartheid Museum. |
| Does the hotel provide airport transportation services? | Yes, the Sandton Sun offers airport transportation services for guests. It is recommended to book in advance for a hassle-free experience. |
| Is there a spa at the Sandton Sun? | Yes, the hotel features a luxurious spa where guests can indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments and therapies. |
| Does the Sandton Sun have event or conference facilities? | Yes, the Sandton Sun offers state-of-the-art event and conference facilities, catering to both small meetings and large-scale events. |
Popular articles:
tags: #Africa
