Let's meet at the Arch

By Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel

22 Aug 2011

When The Melrose Arch Hotel first opened it was hip, cutting edge and spawned a style that inspired many later hotels. At the time, I objected to the shameless lifting of styles from other "hip hotels", mainly those designed by Philippe Starck for Ian Shrager. Now, however, while no longer hip, it remains quirky and well-designed and I really enjoyed staying there again.

There are compelling reasons to stay at African Pride’s Melrose Arch Hotel, even if it is just to be at the centre of the action.

I'm still delighted by the silly yellow bath duck and amused by peeking behind the framed portrait to find the safe, large enough to store a laptop; the "drawer" that hides the coffee station remains an inspired idea, but while the quality furnishings still look fresh, the TV and DVD technology in the room doesn't.

This is definitely a business hotel and deal makers still meet for the power breakfast, as they did the last time I stayed, nearly 10 years ago.

The Library Bar with its book lined walls and deep leather Chesterfields is still a great spot to meet and they also serve a pastry and coffee breakfast there if you are in a hurry. Although there are separate conferencing facilities, the sound-proofed media room, adjacent to the Library Bar, is brilliant for small meetings and presentations.

The breakfast is a winner

Safe, my mate.

Do try to make the time for a leisurely breakfast at the March restaurant, if you can, as it scores top marks for variety and the quality is excellent. I needn't have ordered from the hot, a la carte menu as the buffet selection is so vast even the most pernickety appetite will find something satisfying.

Melrose Arch precinct, though, is not the same since I visited last. The designer labels that were once the preserve of Sandton Square are now in Melrose Arch and from a shopping perspective, I don't think you'll need to go to Sandton again. Melrose Arch feels like a city in itself. While I'm not a jittery traveller, I appreciate being in an environment that feels contained and safe. There is also a superb Virgin Active gym in the precinct, to which hotel guests have access, at a reduced price.

Now, where's my duck? Aah, there he is... Oh look, he's brought a friend.

At R3095 for a Monday night in August, there are better value five-star hotels, especially considering that rate does not include breakfast, but there are compelling reasons to stay at African Pride's Melrose Arch Hotel, even if it is just to be at the centre of the action.
There's a free week-day shuttle to the Gautrain and airport-link station which is very appealing to travellers without their own cars. The fact that free Wi-Fi is available is good, but I expect this from all hotels. Parking is billed separately per day but use of the valet service is free.

For more information go to http://www.africanpridehotels.com/melrose-arch-hotel.html, or call +27 (0) 11 214 6666.