A quick escape from the day-to-day responsibilities and routines at home – even for just one night – can often make an incredible difference to your family’s mood. And, with two little travellers in tow (I suppose it’s self-inflicted…) a monthly travel experience has become a must. Even if it’s just a stone’s throw away. So, when Hyde Hotel Rosebank invited us to experience their reimagined brand, how could we not?
Formerly known as the Voco Hotel Rosebank, the now rebranded Rosebank-based hotel still offers a similar look and feel, with an additional twist of newness here and there. That includes the recently launched NPF Tasting Room (which stands for Nose, Palate, Finish) – an elegant space where guests can swirl and sip premium spirits (and wines). In fact, NPF Tasting Room Rosebank offers more than 600 rare bottlings and unique expressions of whisky, rum, mescal and cognac. These can be experienced as single pours or tasting flights, with only a few special releases available for sale. With extensively trained sommeliers on the floor to guide you through the selections, this tasting room is a great add-on when it comes to the new direction of Hyde Hotel Rosebank and its unique offerings.
Of course, we weren’t visiting for the whisky or wine this time around, but rather to spend some quality time together as a family. As we arrived, the kids were both greeted with a bag filled with fun goodies and snacks – a special welcoming gift from the Hyde Hotel Rosebank team and one that instantly made them feel at home. Up on the 6th floor, we got to kick off our shoes. While our rooms weren’t interleading, they were right next to each other with a larger door that closed off both rooms from the rest of the floor. This created a feeling of comfort and safety and, at the same time, I felt less nervous about our little family annoying other guests with giggles and ‘inappropriate’ hotel manners. I’m not saying our kids aren’t well-behaved. In fact, I think they behaved quite well. But, we wouldn’t want to wake the bear if there happens to be one on our floor!
After a whole lot of oohing and aahing about our rooms, we slowly started to make our way down to the hotel lobby, stopping for a quick game of hide and seek at the hotel gym’s fascinating curtain that opens and closes with the mere wave of a hand. The escalator also called for some fun family moments, with the kids entertaining us with funny faces in its mirror walls. If there is one thing I’d like to pin to my memory wall, it’s these silly, small Hyde Hotel Rosebank moments that made for so many laughs!
Downstairs, we walked around the corner of the hotel to The Firs, a quaint, upmarket retail centre boasting some popular eateries, including the likes of Doppio Zero, The Grillhouse, La Parada and more. The kids chose Fishmonger and we were grateful for it. It’s not often that you get to have such delicious seafood (with a touch of Mediterranean magic, as they say) in the heart of Joburg. We returned to the hotel happy and satisfied and somehow managed to dose off even with the drumming sounds of a late-night party at The Zone’s MAMASAMBA across the street.
Even with so many restaurants in the vicinity, there is one that always stands out: Proud Mary. Doubling up as the hotel’s breakfast room, we got to indulge in a breakfast fit for royalty. The kids brought the gift packs they’d received upon arrival and while sipping on fresh orange juice, they coloured, traced and drew to their hearts’ content. Indulging in a warm cup of coffee as we waited for our hot breakfast to arrive, Wikus and I could only be grateful for special moments like these. Breakfast at Proud Mary is one to savour, and so we did. Not only the cuisine, but also the atmosphere and the opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. Between plates loaded with very generous portions of French toast and berries, Turkish Eggs and an omelet (which I custom ordered from the various delicious filling options), we dined and indulged properly.
And that was but the start to our Saturday in Rosebank…
As part of the hotel’s Weekend Family Package, we got to immerse ourselves in what this vibey part of Joburg has to offer. With tickets to the Museum of Illusions and pre-loaded cards for The Fun Company, we certainly got to paint the city red, and that on foot!
Hyde Hotel Rosebank’s Weekend Family Package – valid for a minimum of two nights’ stay, only from Friday to Sunday, until 31 December 2025 – includes:
- 25% off each room (if you book two rooms)
- 1 Ticket per guest to Museum of Illusions
- 1 card per guest to The Fun Company for a round of bowling (each card is loaded with R100)
From the most hilarious illusions that made for some truly spectacular memories, to our son’s very first bumper car experience, we had an absolute blast! And, while we already knew the way to both Museum of Illusions and The Fun Company, the hotel’s team would happily guide you to these fun destinations.
What started out as a quick escape from reality, soon evolved into a weekend filled with family fun and memorable moments. Early morning cuddles on the hotel room’s couch as the sun emerged from beyond the city’s skyline made for definite core memories, while I’m sure the pictures taken at Museum of Illusions will make for some great laughs in a few years’ time.
Hyde Hotel Rosebank is worth a visit if you’re looking for a city escape that caters to your family’s needs. Come prepared for a busy, fun-filled Joburg weekend – one that will be cherished for a long time.
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