Had to book a last business trip to Johannesburg but due to the BRICS Summit, the company preferred hotels were full and the Southern Sun in Hyde Park was the only one in the required area with availability. I now know why and understand why they are not on our preferred list! The stay was for 8 nights (which included weekend) and after explaining my story to the check-in agent, she assured me that I would get a lovely room and would want to stay with them in future. The room was on the south side, it was dark and cold (even though was really hot at the time) and faced a brick walls. The room location aside, the hotel is tired and in need of a serious make-over and modernising. Although it was kept fairly clean, its tiredeness makes it look grubby. And the drain smell was unbearable at times. Even the air freshener outside the the washrooms on the M-level didn't do the trick! You'll need your own in the room though. On a positive note, I experienced Johannesburg to avoid having to go the dreaded hotel room! The hotel is centrally located with ease of access to the shopping mall. The view of the sunsets from the bar are also spectacular but no need to subject ourselves to staying at the hotel to make use of the nice facilities.
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