Monarch Luxury Hotel

Greek-inspired facades and tapered hedges provide an especially grand entrance. The lobby is arranged with Victorian furnishings – curved-edged sofas, walnut countertops and a grandfather clock that bongs on the hour. The restaurant is drenched in natural light by day and suffused with a soft yellow glow in the evening, when a pianist plays old and some new favourites. There's also a cigar room and a boardroom, and an outside courtyard with plenty of shady tables laid for outdoor dining.

The 12 suites are spacious, luxurious and plushly appointed, with quality bedding and grand en-suite bathrooms. Though the atmosphere is rather old school, the decor throughout means the accommodation is supremely comfortable, with all the requisite mod-cons – internet, TV, and underfloor heating. Presidential Suites can be accessed by a private entrance and sleep two guests in king-sized comfort. Five Royal Suites consist of two adjoining rooms, each with a king-sized bed. Six luxury rooms provide oodles of comfort.

Joburg has much to offer in the way of history, arts and culture. Within walking distance is Rosebank Mall, and Killarney Golf Club is nearby. Joburg CBD is 10 kilometres away. The high-end suburb of Sandton has an enticing range of restaurants, shops, good entertainment and walkable streets. To organise more quintessentially South African experiences such as a tour of vibrant Soweto, a visit to the Apartheid Museum or trendy Yeoville, the highly capable concierge service at Monarch can help.