Contrary to what colour-coded Instagram grids and inspirational travel reels might have you think, a travel writer is a business traveller more often than not. We take our work wherever we go – laptops, cameras, chargers, extra batteries, thinking caps and all. Naturally, it’s always beneficial to know what a hotel catering to business travellers brings to the table. Following my recent stay at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, here’s what you might want to know about this Johannesburg hotel and its offerings:

Proximity to OR International Airport

Probably my number one highlight of staying at Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, Johannesburg, was the fact that it is located in such close proximity to OR International Airport. Even during peak morning traffic, it took me a mere 20 minutes to get to the airport. Whilst I had my own vehicle, the hotel also has a shuttle service, so should you need a ride, you can just enquire at reception.

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Multiple Multi-Purpose Hotel Areas

Whether you want to work from your room, in the Peacock Lounge downstairs, poolside, in the restaurant or in the exclusive lounge on the fifth floor, there are ample spaces to choose from. Most spaces come with multiple plug points and there is WiFi access through the hotel’s online portal.

When the solitude of your suite becomes a little bit too much to bare, move over to the Peacock Lounge where you can order a glass of bubbly and probably some nibbles from the bar. The exclusive lounge also boasts snacks and drinks at selected times during the day, but this area is accessible only to guests staying in selected suites. This space is, however, a rather versatile space where one can gather with colleagues for more intimate meetings, with large windows and views across the south of Joburg, so it’s a great add-on for business travellers seeking a little more privacy.

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Spacious Suites at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg

The Junior Suite, which was my home for the night, was spacious and elegantly decorated, with hues of grey, blue and gold offering a calming atmosphere, tying into the rest of the hotel’s design theme. The large ensuite bathroom came with a bath by the window, as well as a shower. In addition, the room and lounge area opened up onto a small balcony with a little table and two chairs. Whilst the view across the entrance of the hotel and some sports grounds is not much to write home about, a balcony is always a bonus.

From Vibey, Casual Dinners to Elegant Fine Dining

Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre is home to a number of on-site bars and restaurants. From a coffee shop and pool bar for all-day dining to fine dining and views for days at Level Seven Restaurant, as well as a Cigar Lounge and Sky Bar, you’re spoilt for choice.

In addition, The Avenue on the ground floor of the hotel offers buffet breakfasts and casual dinners in a large dining space split into segments with dividers – a clever way for the hotel to adapt to its day-to-day capacity. This no-fuss restaurant recently launched a new winter menu, including lighter meals, small plates, salads, burgers, grills, boards to share, mains, pasta options and more. The hearty Butter Chicken Curry came as a generous portion of Tandoori Marinated Chicken Fillets with Basmati Rice and a colourful Sambal – perfect for cool, winter evenings. Though the wine list is rather limited – especially when it comes to wines by the glass – I could at least opt for a glass of Spier Chardonnay.

Business Travel, Wellness and Fitness

Travelling – whether for business or leisure – takes a toll on the body whether we like to admit it or not. Staying fit and healthy is key to keeping up with the pace of travelling for business on a regular basis. Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg caters for tired bodies and drained minds with their on-site Zenia Wellness Spa. Here you can book spa treatments, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, and even yoga classes and meditation sessions in the their Himalayan Salt Room. They also have a lovely champagne bar next to an indoor swimming pool and various VIP therapies, including a chiropractor, available over weekends.

The hotel also has its own in-house fitness centre which is open 24/7, offering everything you might need for a proper workout session. Like the Junior Suite I stayed in, the fitness centre overlooks the hotel entrance gates too, but if you work out in the early morning or late afternoon, chances are that you might just catch the colours of a magical sunrise or sunset.

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Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre: The Ideal Layover-Type Stay

Easily accessible from the highway, the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg is not only a convenient events destination with multiple venue options for both intimate 6-delegate events and enormous 1000-delegate events. It’s also a home away from home for business travellers who need accommodation close to OR Tambo International Airport. In fact, even leisure travellers seem to stay here for a night or two, especially when they are familiar with the brand. It’s an easy yes for guests needing a bed after a late night flight, or those needing accommodation for the night before that dreaded redeye flight.

Whilst I wasn’t overly excited about the hotel’s level of maintenance and service during my recent stay, it makes sense as a layover-type stay thanks to its proximity to the airport and its overall offering when it comes to what the general business traveller, event host or even travel writer might require when travelling for work.

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