Johannesburg's Hidden Gem: Premier Hotel Falstaff - Unforgettable Stay!
Johannesburg Beckons: My Crazy-Good Time at Premier Hotel Falstaff (and Why You NEED to Go)
Okay, folks, listen up! If you're even thinking about a trip to Johannesburg, and you want a spot that's more "hidden gem" than "tourist trap," then you absolutely must consider the Premier Hotel Falstaff. Seriously, I’m still buzzing from my stay, and I'm about to unload on you everything I loved (and a few tiny quirks I noticed, because, you know, real life). This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review; this is me, spilling the tea on a truly unforgettable experience.
First Impressions: A Whisper of Elegance, a Touch of… Well, Me!
Finding the hotel was easy, thanks to excellent GPS (it's a huge win for Accessibility!), and pulling up to the Falstaff, you're hit with this understated elegance. It's not flashy, but it's classy. Think… a sophisticated hug, not a shout. They have Car park [free of charge] and Valet parking. I went with the free one for starters. Now, the front desk? Efficient, friendly, and they even have Contactless check-in/out, which is a lifesaver in these pandemic times (more on Cleanliness and safety later!).
The Room: My Sanctuary (and Source of Minor Freak-Outs)
My room? Oh, the room. I opted for something decent, and they had me a nice room with Air conditioning, I’m a sucker for Blackout curtains and I'm happy, I have all of that. The bed was, hands down, one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in. Seriously, I could have stayed in it all day. They even had Bathrobes and Slippers (a small luxury that makes a huge difference). There were the usual suspects: Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Refrigerator, In-room safe box, and a Desk (essential for my laptop-hoarding lifestyle).
But (and there's always a but, isn't there?)… I'm a disaster. I misread the instructions of the room, locked myself out of the In-room safe box, only to find out that it was not the right thing. Well, it was the third time I've locked myself out of hotel rooms, by far the worst and it was my fault. And, let's not forget about the Internet access – wireless! I mean, it was great ( Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!), but with me the Internet and Internet [LAN], my laptop, and that whole "productive" thing… shudders. Luckily, the Wake-up service saved me!
Food, Glorious Food! (and My Near-Death Experience with a Smoothie)
Okay, the food at the Falstaff is a major highlight. Forget those blah hotel buffets. We’re talking real, delicious food. The Asian breakfast offering was a personal win! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a hit for me, and the Western breakfast offered choices. The Breakfast [buffet] at the restaurant was amazing. They had everything: Coffee/tea in restaurant, fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked to your liking, and a selection of cereals.
I really need to tell you about that smoothie. I'm obsessed with smoothies. I ordered one at the Poolside bar, and it looked amazing. And what I discovered later… I was supposed to be having some kind of green smoothie, which gave me the energy to take on a whole day of exploration.
They have a Pool with view, and a poolside bar.
Let's get to the Dining, drinking, and snacking! The Restaurants are good, with an A la carte in restaurant, Bar, Coffee shop, Restaurants. They have Room service [24-hour] which is a big boon.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and… Body Wraps?!
After all that exploring (and smoothie trauma), I needed some serious R&R. The spa at the Falstaff is amazing. They have a Spa, a Sauna, Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. And yes, I indulged in a Body wrap and a Body scrub and I left feeling like a new person. I am happy with the Fitness center, and the Gym/fitness, that's what I was looking for!
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind in a Pandemic World (and Beyond)
This is where the Falstaff truly shines. In these crazy times, I was so impressed with their commitment to cleanliness and safety. They have:
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Hand sanitizer everywhere
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
They really go above and beyond. You feel genuinely safe and cared for. The staff takes pride in Hygiene certification.
Things to Do (Besides Indulging): Location, Location, Location!
The Falstaff is perfectly positioned. The Airport transfer helps a lot with the location. It's close to everything! From cultural attractions, to shopping, and even some of the local hot spots. They also have Business facilities as well.
The Little Things That Make the Difference:
- Elevator: Crucial.
- Daily housekeeping: Makes coming back to a clean room even more wonderful.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly!
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Because nobody wants to pack a suitcase full of wrinkles.
Here's My Honest Take:
There were a few tiny things that weren't perfect – a minor issue with the lighting in my room, and a slight delay in getting my laundry back. But honestly, these were so trivial that they barely registered. The overall experience was outstanding.
MY CRAZY-GOOD OFFER: Book Your Unforgettable Johannesburg Escape!
Ready for your own unforgettable adventure? Premier Hotel Falstaff is offering an exclusive deal for my readers!
Here's the deal:
- Book now and receive a 15% discount on your stay!
- Enjoy a complimentary bottle of South African wine upon arrival!
- Get a free upgrade to a room (subject to availability)!
- This Offer is valid if you book through the official hotel website. Use the promo code FALSTAFFWOW
Why You NEED to Book Now:
- Experience the magic of this hidden gem.
- Enjoy unparalleled comfort and service.
- Explore the vibrant city of Johannesburg with ease.
- Relax and rejuvenate in the beautiful spa.
- Create memories that will last a lifetime!
Don't delay! This offer won't last forever! Book your escape to the Premier Hotel Falstaff today and prepare for an experience you'll never forget!
Click here to book and use promo code FALSTAFFWOW: [Hotel Website Link]
Unbelievable Secrets of Gunjan Farms, Shirkoli, India!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, Johannesburg-in-April experience, brought to you by yours truly, currently fuelled by lukewarm coffee and the lingering scent of… well, Jozi. Let's see if I actually manage to stick to this, or if I end up wandering aimlessly, chasing a particularly promising sunset.
The Premier Hotel Falstaff – Jozi Basecamp (and hopefully, not a complete disaster zone)
(Okay, Day 1: Arrival and the Great Accommodation Gamble)
- 14:00 - Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): Landed. Survived the customs line (phew!). Already feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer energy of this place. It's a sensory overload, in the best way possible. And the heat? Good lord, I’m already sweating through my “smart casual” travel outfit. This is going to be an adventure, alright.
- 15:00 - Transfer to Premier Hotel Falstaff: Booked a shuttle. Praying it's not driven by a maniac. Fingers-crossed for a smooth ride to the hotel.
- 16:00 - Check-in at the Premier Hotel Falstaff: Found the hotel. Checked in. The lobby is… grand. Maybe a bit too grand? Like, I'm slightly intimidated, and I hope my backpack doesn't clash with the chandeliers. The room is okay, bit dated. I mean, it’s clean, the view is lovely (overlooking…something), and I definitely need a nap after my flight. This is what I did.
- 17:00 - Unpack and Evaluate: Okay, unpacking and assessing the situation. Found a rogue sock in my bag – mystery solved! I'm going to need to buy more underwear, and the iron better work.
- 17:30 - Nap Time!: Absolutely essential. My brain is mush.
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (or a Local Eatery if I'm feeling brave): Okay, so the hotel restaurant is…convenient. Probably a safe bet for the first night, considering the sheer number of new things going on. Maybe a tasty burger and a local beer will get me through the jet lag and the cultural shock. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might venture out and grab some food from a local eatery. Wish me luck.
(The Rambling Begins… and Day 2: History, Museums, and Mild Discomfort)
- 08:00 - Wake Up and Breakfast at the Hotel: The breakfast buffet. God, I love a good breakfast buffet. It’s my official travel ritual. This one is…adequate. The coffee is strong, which is excellent. I could eat a whole watermelon, and I'm sure the hotel wouldn't mind.
- 09:00 - Visit to the Apartheid Museum: This is the big one. The reason I came. I'm ready to absorb history and wrestle with my own discomfort. This is the day I’m dreading and anticipating at the same time.
- 12:00 - Lunch near the Apartheid Museum: (Maybe a quick bite, if I can stomach it). This is going to be an emotionally challenging day.
- 13:00 - Explore Gold Reef City: (Or Not, depending on my emotional state after the museum. I might be all museum-ed out.) Okay, Gold Reef City. I love the idea of a theme park based on the history of gold mining, but I'm not sure if I'm ready. I’ve heard it's kitsch and potentially tacky, and I usually avoid things that are too kitsch.
- 16:00 - Return to Hotel – Brain Break: Necessary. My brain will be full.
- 18:00 - Dinner with the Group: Oh, God I'm going in with a group. I'm worried.
- 19:00 - Early Night: I am so tired.
(Day 3: Jozi Style! And Maybe a Little Imposter Syndrome)
- 09:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel: The breakfast buffert is a repeat.
- 10:00 - Drive through Braamfontein: I have to see this is a must-do.
- 12:00 Lunch in Braamfontein: I'm hoping to get some authentic local food.
- 14:00 - Visit to the Newtown Precinct: This is a must.
- 16:00 - Time to go back to the Hotel for a rest.
- 19:00 - Dinner: I really need to start eating more.
(Day 4: The Soweto Saga, And My Over-Reliance on Google Maps)
- 08:00 - Breakfast: Coffee, coffee, coffee. I am already running on fumes.
- 08:30 - Soweto Tour: This is the one I'm most excited about – and most terrified of screwing up. It's one of the highlights of any trip to Johannesburg, for a reason.
- 12:00 - Lunch in Soweto: Hopefully, something delicious and not too "touristy." Am I a tourist? Yes. Am I trying to be a good tourist? Absolutely.
- 13:00 - Explore the streets of Soweto: It's time for serious introspection and cultural immersion.
- 16:00 - Back to the Hotel for a quick rest.
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel: Why not? I'm tired.
(Day 5: Departure Anxiety and a Brief Bout of Optimism)
- 08:00 - Breakfast: Last breakfast.
- 09:00 - Last Minute Shopping: I should be okay.
- 12:00 - Airport Departure: Heading home.
- 16:00 - Arrive home. Time to sleep.
(Final Thoughts - The Messy Aftermath)
This itinerary is a suggestion, not a law! I'm sure there will be detours, spontaneous adventures, and moments of utter bewilderment. Johannesburg is a city that's been through so much, and it's full of stories. I really hope that I can start writing some of those.
Wish me luck. And pray for strong coffee. I'll be needing it.
D'Phoebe's Infinity Pool: KL's Most Stunning Skyline Views!
Premier Hotel Falstaff - Unforgettable Stay? Buckle Up, Buttercup! (FAQ's with a Heaping Dose of Reality)
Is the Falstaff Really a "Hidden Gem" or is that just marketing fluff?
Okay, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is thrown around more often than my aunt's Tupperware at a family BBQ. But... the Falstaff? Yeah, I'd say it actually *deserves* the title. It's not a perfect diamond, mind you. More like a slightly chipped, incredibly charming vintage brooch you find at a flea market. The kind you fall in love with instantly, flaws and all.
I booked the room a few weeks before my arrival, thinking "Eh, it's Sandton, it'll be sterile and corporate." Boy, was I wrong. Stepping inside felt like walking into a warm hug. It's got that cozy, lived-in feel that you just don't get at those soulless chain hotels.
What's the vibe like? Is it pretentious? Or just...kinda cool?
Pretentious? Absolutely not. Cool? Definitely. It’s got this effortlessly chic vibe. Think a grand old house that's been lovingly brought into the 21st century. Picture this: walking through the foyer, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with a hint of…I don't know…*old books*? (In a good way, I swear!).
There was a guy at the bar on my first night, nursing a whiskey and reading an actual physical newspaper. Not a tablet. A *newspaper*. That sums it up nicely. It’s a place where you can actually *relax* without feeling like you're constantly being judged.
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they nice? What are they REALLY like?
The rooms... okay, here's the deal. They’re not stark, minimalist affairs. Thank god! They’re comfortable, tastefully decorated, but they also have character. My room had a ridiculously comfortable bed - seriously, I almost missed my flight because I didn't want to get out of it - and a lovely balcony overlooking... some trees. Hey, in Sandton, ANY view is a win.
The bathroom was decent. Perfectly functional. The one downside? The water pressure in the shower was…a little timid. But listen, I’ve stayed in hotels where the shower was practically spitting at me. So, a gentle cascade was a pleasant change, actually. Also, I discovered they don't skimp on the toiletries! Full-sized bottles of really nice stuff! Yay for not having to pack travel-sized shampoo!
Okay, the food. Tell me about the food. Is the restaurant good?
Oh, the food! Let me tell you, they have a restaurant! And it's REALLY GOOD! I mean, properly good! I had the lamb shank one night, and oh my god...it practically melted in my mouth. SO GOOD. Just… *chefs kiss*
I'm generally a fussy eater, and I was genuinely impressed. The breakfast buffet was…okay, it wasn't life-changing…but it was perfectly adequate. They had everything you'd expect: eggs, bacon, pastries. Honestly, though, the dinner more than made up for it! Seriously, order the lamb shank. You won’t regret it. Trust me on this. I'm still dreaming about it.
What about the service? Are the staff friendly?
This is where the Falstaff *really* shines. The staff were genuinely lovely. They're friendly, helpful, and not at all stuffy. They treat you like a person, not just a room number.
I had a bit of a mishap - I accidentally locked myself out of my room one afternoon. (Don’t ask. It involves a rogue key card and a moment of extreme clumsiness.) Within minutes, someone had come to rescue me, smiling and apologetic about the wait, even though I was the idiot. *That*, my friends, is good service. They really care about their guests.
Is there a bar? (Because, let's face it, that's important.)
YES! And it's a good one! It has a great atmosphere, dimly lit, perfect for an evening relax. I spent almost every evening there actually. The staff know their cocktails. I mean... they really know their cocktails. The bartenders were friendly and full of local knowledge. They pointed me in the right direction to get around the area. Great place to start or end the night, honestly.
Anything bad to say? Any drawbacks, even tiny ones?
Okay, look. No place is perfect. As I said earlier, the shower pressure wasn't amazing. Also, the walls *might* be a little thin. On my second night, I could hear the…ahem…*enthusiastic* conversation of the couple next door. Let's just say I got a very intimate glimpse of their holiday itinerary. That’s probably the only negative thing.
Oh, and the Wi-Fi, sometimes can be a bit spotty. You know, the usual hotel Wi-Fi frustrations. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. It's a small price to pay for such a generally wonderful experience.
Is it good value for money? Would you recommend it?
Value for money? Absolutely. Considering the quality of the rooms, the amazing food, the superb service, yes, it's a bargain. Would I recommend it? One thousand percent! This is not an easy thing for me to say because I'm usually a grumpy cynic when it comes to hotels. But this place...I loved it. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an experience. I'll definitely be back.
Go. Book it. You won't regret it. Just…maybe bring earplugs, just in case. You know, for the lovebirds next door.
What's the deal with the location? Is it well-situated?
Location-wise, the Falstaff is pretty darn good.Stay And Relax
