First look: I was the first guest at the luxurious new Park Hyatt Johannesburg
Editor's Note
The Park Hyatt Johannesburg has been one of the most hotly anticipated luxury hotels for a few years now, and I was actually the first guest to check in when the hotel began welcoming travelers July 1.
With just 31 rooms, this is the smallest Park Hyatt in the world and among the most exciting new points hotels to debut this year. It was previously a much-loved boutique property called The Winston Hotel before undergoing a top-to-bottom revamp and joining Hyatt.
Here’s what my visit was like during the hotel’s opening days and what you can expect if you stay there.
Related: 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world
First impressions
As luck would have it, I landed in Johannesburg for a long-planned trip the very morning the Park Hyatt Johannesburg opened to guests, and after a 45-minute ride from the airport in one of the hotel’s Mercedes EQSs, I stepped out to a phalanx of hotel staff in the driveway to welcome me as the very first official guest of the hotel. I was even invited to cut a ceremonial ribbon before being escorted inside the beautifully restored main building (it was originally a 1930s mansion) and offered a cup of South African rooibos tea and chocolate truffles from a tray.
I had taken care of the check-in formalities in the car, but I still took a moment to admire the intricately tiled entry hallway — it had a row of vases holding immaculate white orchids — and poke my head into the informal reception area, where a profusion of protea blossoms and birds of paradise took center stage along with objets d’art and Assouline books lining the shelves. It felt like stepping into an utterly chic and cultured friend’s living room.
After passing through a set of doors to the outside and down a flight of stairs, I strolled through the central garden, which was beginning to warm up on this bright midwinter morning, past a small lily pond and the swimming pool. Later, I would sit out on my room’s patio, taking in the sound of birds as I acclimated to the new time zone with some sunshine in this little oasis in the heart of the big city. That said, this is the big city, and there's a construction site just to the south of the hotel, so you are liable to hear some loud sounds over the course of your stay. Rooms are pretty well insulated against the noise, though.
The rooms
The hotel has 31 accommodations, including 26 rooms (17 of them with views and 18 with private patios), two junior suites and three specialty suites: The Winston Suite, the Rosebank Suite and the Wellness Suite.
The rooms come in two categories: standard king rooms and those with pool views. Mine was the latter.
They measure 366 square feet. The two junior suites are around the same size but have garden access and a more distinctly delineated sitting area with small sofas rather than window seats.
All, however, have beds dressed in crisp white sheets with subtle piping, oversized pillows (don't worry, if they're too big, you can select from eight alternatives on the pillow menu) and velvet headboards. In each bedroom, guests will also find a throw pillow, a runner and a wall hanging with nature motifs (rooms are decorated according to themes like trees, forest, safari, explorer, leaves and sea algae, all referencing South Africa’s unique land and seascapes).
At the foot of my bed, there were two mustard-colored chairs for lounging in front of the wall-mounted 55-inch TV. Below that, a black marble-topped credenza held the minibar, which held complimentary nonalcoholic beverages and a variety of chargeable snacks.
Beyond the bedroom, there were two glass-sided closets for hanging clothes (my luggage had already been delivered to the room by the time I arrived) and a vanity. There was no work desk, so I ended up using the vanity by the closet as one or simply working in bed. That said, there are plenty of places to sit around the hotel's public areas and get some emails sent.
Across from this was perhaps the most dramatic feature of the entire room: the black- and cream-colored marble bathroom encircled by a wall of scalloped glass panes. Anchoring the main floorspace was a deep, circular tub provisioned with a loofah and muscle-relieving bath salts.
There were also dual sinks and vanities, a water closet with the toilet, and a walk-in shower with overhead and hand-held showerheads and bespoke, locally made, oud-scented bath products.
Finally, through a set of glass doors near the front door, I found a semiprivate seating area looking out into the garden. I spent a little time out here to get some fresh air and admire the few flowers currently in bloom, though I mostly kept the curtains shut for privacy, as both staff and other guests would walk by periodically. If you have the option to do so, request a room on the northern side of the property for more privacy and a little more distance from construction taking place to the south of the hotel.
Dining
The main restaurant at the Park Hyatt Johannesburg is called Room 32 and is open from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. for breakfast, from noon until 3 p.m. for lunch and from 6 to 10 p.m. for dinner. The menus lean into produce and proteins sourced from around South Africa. The space is intimate, with just a smattering of two- and four-top tables with plushly cushioned chairs, all with a good view of the open kitchen behind an eye-catching black onyx counter.
Breakfast is included with all paid and points rates at the moment and starts with a sumptuous spread of house-made pastries, fresh fruit, charcuterie, cheeses and yogurt. There are also hot dishes on offer, including truffled eggs on coal-baked sourdough and a South African spin on shakshuka with beef boerewors sausages in a sauce of chipotle, tomato, red pepper and feta.
At dinner, the fare is equally refined, with specialties such as rich cauliflower panna cotta with pumpkin and onion puree and pea shoots ($9), juicy Karoo lamb cutlets with lentil and asparagus ragout, peas and mint salsa verde ($27) and creamy milk tart for dessert with cinnamon, honeycomb ice cream and almond crumble ($10). The wine list has plenty of South African vintages to sample, too, including a vibrant white blend of grenache blanc and clairette from Swartland winery Mullineux.
Guests can also dine alfresco on the terrace (there are heat lamps) during the restaurant’s opening hours. There will be a cigar lounge out here as well.
There is also a cozy lounge across from the reception area that is open daily from 6 a.m. until midnight. There, guests can enjoy drinks and casual bites such as smoked olives ($9), fire-roasted nuts ($9) and a falafel sandwich ($11).
Finally, the hotel is opening a majlis-like tented space adjacent to reception with seating for just 12 people. It will serve similar items to the lounge, as well as its own dishes such as smoked beef tartare ($11) and a club sandwich ($13).
Amenities and service
- Bring a bathing suit so you can take a dip in the heated pool. There are a few loungers tucked among the garden plants.
- The hotel’s wellness center is not yet open but will include a spa (we asked for more details, but hotel staff were mum!).
- The hotel’s fitness center is small but equipped with Technogym cardio and weight equipment.
- Service is friendly and diligent without being overbearing. The cheerful servers, doormen and executive staff will be happy to help with anything from sightseeing plans to dinner reservations.
Location and logistics
The Park Hyatt Johannesburg is in the city's elegant Rosebank district, surrounding a mall of the same name, so you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants and galleries within easy walking distance (and it is safe to walk around).
It takes about 30 to 50 minutes to arrive at the hotel from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) via car, and ride-hailing services (also safe) cost around $12 to $20 in each direction.
What it costs
The Park Hyatt Johannesburg is a World of Hyatt Category 6 property. Nightly rates start at $450 or 21,000 to 29,000 World of Hyatt points, depending on the date. For the next several months, rates seem to be fixed at the mid-level 25,000-point mark.
When booking a stay at the Park Hyatt Johannesburg, you should use credit cards that earn points for Hyatt stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic World of Hyatt elite status for value-added benefits. These include:
- World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status and five elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status and five elite night credits for every $10,000 spent each calendar year.
Accessibility
There is a ramp from the driveway to the main building, and the restaurant and lounge have no-step entrances. Those in wheelchairs can also go around toward the back of the property and past the wellness center to access the pool area and the single accessible room at the hotel (No. 8), which has typical adjustments like bathroom grab handles and can be furnished with vibrating pillows for those with hearing issues. All the other guest rooms and suites require the use of stairs.
As always, be sure to contact the hotel directly to ensure you can book accommodations that meet your specific needs.
Bottom line
The Park Hyatt Johannesburg is a welcome addition to the city’s points hotel scene and the Park Hyatt portfolio, in general. Its intimate size means that the friendly staff can provide personalized service, and both the rooms and the public spaces are looking stylish and elegant.
With nightly rates around $500, this is still one of the more expensive options in Johannesburg, but it is also one of the most special. Given the current widespread award night availability, it’s a great choice for World of Hyatt members.
Related reading:
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.