Luxury Sandton Apartment Escape: Times Square Views Await!
Luxury Sandton Apartment Escape: Times Square Views Await! - A Review That's Actually Real (And a Little Bit Messy)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, buttoned-up hotel review. This is REAL. I just got back from a stay at the "Luxury Sandton Apartment Escape: Times Square Views Await!" and honestly? It was an… experience. Let's dive in, shall we? And be warned, I'm going to ramble a bit. It's like therapy but with more Wi-Fi and questionable restaurant reviews.
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Right off the bat, the promise of "Times Square Views" almost delivered. The view was decent, but let's be honest, it's Sandton. It's not exactly Times Square, you know? More like… Sandton Square. Still, nice to wake up to a cityscape. Now, the big one for me is always accessibility. This is where things get a tiny bit fuzzy.
- Wheelchair Accessible: The website claims to be, which is vital. The elevator was a godsend (thank you, elevator!), and getting into the apartment itself was mostly okay. There was a slight lip at the entrance, which… ugh. It's those little things that make or break it. So, "mostly" accessible, but double-check if you need full accessibility. Don't just trust me – call them.
- Getting Around: The on-site parking seemed ample, which is a huge plus in Sandton. No circling the block for an hour, praying for a spot! And the fact that they offer airport transfer is GOLD. Because, let's face it, after a long flight, the last thing you want to do is navigate Joburg traffic. Taxi service is also readily available.
Rooms: My Personal Apartment
The apartment itself? Pretty swanky. Think modern, sleek, and a bit… sterile? Not in a bad way, mind you, just… polished.
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (bless!), free Wi-Fi (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), a mini-bar that, let's be honest, got raided immediately, an iron (because wrinkles are the enemy), and a safe. All the essentials.
- The Bed: The bed. Oh, the bed. It was heavenly. Extra-long, which is GREAT because I'm a serious sprawler. Blackout curtains? Another godsend. I slept like a log!
- The Bathroom: The bathroom was… fine. Standard. The separate shower/bathtub was appreciated, and the toiletries were decent. I’m not sure what to say about the bathroom phone, other than it looks a bit dated in 2024.
- The View: The big sell, right? As mentioned, it was a good view, but it's not the Eiffel Tower at sunset kind of view. It's… Sandton. It's still pretty impressive, especially at night with the city lights twinkling.
- Little Things That Matter: They had a good mirror, a hair dryer that actually worked, and provided fresh, clean towels.
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-Conscious (Mostly)
Let's face it, we're living in a germaphobe's world. They definitely emphasized safety.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Check. Okay, good.
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: Check. Again, good. Made me feel slightly less terrified of catching something.
- Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere. I felt like I was constantly being squirted with the stuff, but hey, better safe than sorry.
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: Yes, they follow hygiene protocol.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: This was evident. Everyone had masks, and they were clearly trying to be careful.
- Breakfast in Room: Was fine, no complaints.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Check.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Hit or Miss
Here's where things get interesting.
- Restaurants: There's a few restaurants on-site. I tried the international cuisine one. The menu was… extensive. And, it was kind of bland. Look, I'm not saying it was awful, but it wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece. The prices were… Sandton prices.
- Poolside bar: This was actually lovely. Nice cocktails, and a great place to just chill and watch the world go by.
- Breakfast [buffet]: I was too late for the buffet, but the room service breakfast was sufficient.
- Coffee Shop: Was your standard hotel coffee shop. Nothing to write home about.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Good Stuff!
This is where the “Escape” part kicks in.
- Pool with view: The pool wasn’t huge, but it was heated, and the view was great. A perfect spot for a sundowner!
- Fitness Center: Yes! A decent gym, with the basics.
- **Spa/sauna: **I made a beeline for the sauna, the spa was amazing. The therapist was professional, and the massage was heavenly. Totally worth it if you need some relaxation.
- Sauna: The Sauna was a great place to relax.
- Spa: The spa was professional, and the massage was heavenly.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Extras
- Concierge: Someone was always available for help.
- Daily housekeeping: The apartment sparkling!
- Elevator: Essential!
- Facilities for disabled persons: They said they have, but I did not have the opportunity to use any.
- Dry cleaning: The service was quick and convenient.
- Car park [on-site]: Huge bonus!
- Business facilities: If you need them. I didn't.
For the Kids: Not a Bad Place
- Family/child friendly: I saw plenty of families there, so it seems to be a good choice.
- Babysitting service: This is always a plus.
- Kids meal: It seemed pretty decent.
My Final Verdict:
Would I stay there again? Probably. It's a solid choice for a luxury stay in Sandton. Is it perfect? No. Is it a life-changing experience? Probably not. But it's comfortable, the location is great, and the amenities are decent. The view is good, and honestly, sometimes that's all you need. Just be prepared for a few minor imperfections. And maybe bring your own seasoning for the international cuisine restaurant.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip is never as smooth as those pristine itineraries you see online. This is going to be a ride, and chances are I'll be fuelled by lukewarm coffee and the existential dread of forgetting my passport. Here we go:
Sandton Times Square Serviced Apartments - Johannesburg: The Unofficial Itinerary (Because Let's Be Real, Nobody Sticks to a Plan)
Day 1: Arrival and "Trying" to be a Sophisticated Traveler
Morning (ish - let's be real, probably closer to noon): Land at OR Tambo International. Okay, first hiccup. I was absolutely convinced I was getting a window seat. Nope. Middle seat. Between a guy who smelled faintly of industrial cleaner and a woman who spent the entire flight knitting. My first thought? "I need a drink." (And maybe a translator, because South African accents are next level amazing, but require a mental recalibration).
Afternoon: Uber to the Sandton Times Square Serviced Apartments. Fingers crossed the driver doesn't get lost. (And even more crossed fingers that the apartment actually looks like the photos. The internet lies, people!). Arrival is a blur of check-in, deciphering the key card (always a struggle), and frantically trying to remember where I put my charger. Because, you know, phone = lifeblood. I'm immediately drawn to the balcony. View is… decent. Okay, it's actually pretty cool. Skyscrapers kissing the sky. Time to unpack and fail miserably at folding my clothes. Why can't I do that? Just throw the clothes into the closet and hope for the best.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Decide to tackle Sandton City Mall. This promises to be a journey. It's huge. I mean, HUGE. First objective: find something to eat. Second objective: don't get utterly overwhelmed by the sheer number of shops. Third: resist the urge to buy all the things. I ended up getting some delicious biltong (salty, savory heaven) and maybe… maybe a tiny bit lost. (Don't judge!) Dinner: something at a cute little restaurant. I go for the local cuisine. The waiter is so friendly and I feel so welcomed! After dinner: a quick stroll back to the apartment, trying to soak in the atmosphere. I'm exhausted but buzzing. Jet lag is kicking in, so off to bed!
Day 2: Culture Shocks and Coffee Cravings
- Morning: Wake up. Coffee. Prioritize coffee. The apartment has a Nespresso machine, which is a solid win. The balcony is calling again. I spend a half-hour just staring at the city. The air is crisp, and the light is incredible. It feels like a new world.
- Mid-morning: Book a tour to Soweto. I'm feeling a bit conflicted about this. Tours can be… touristy. But I want to learn about the history, and I'm not brave enough to go it alone. Plus, I like the idea of supporting local guides. I research a good guided tour. The research is never-ending but I do find a recommended guide.
- Afternoon: SOWETO. This is the day that changes me. We get to visit Nelson Mandela's house, and it's… humbling. The stories, the history – it’s all overwhelming. I spend more time focusing on the stories. I see the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which is just… heart-wrenching. It’s a day of raw emotion, a day of learning. And it's a day that makes me realize how much I don’t know.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Sandton: Not good, not bad. The service is alright. This is the first time I'm feeling real nerves on my trip. I got robbed in a busy place. My phone, wallet, and passport. I'm a mess. I burst into tears. This is my fault; I should have been more careful. I walk back to the apartment. The apartment is nice but I just want to go home.
Day 3: Recover, Reassess, and Re-strategize (Yes, Really)
- Morning: So, now, it's all about problem management. I'm calling the embassy. I'm calling the bank. I'm trying to keep it together. I am in disbelief.
- Afternoon: I manage to go to a local shop. I try my best to get around and purchase the basic necessities. While shopping, I encounter a genuinely kind shop owner. He sees the sadness in my eyes. He knows the situation I am in. He helps me with directions and some basic tips to get around. He makes me realize, not everyone is bad.
- Evening: Back to the apartment. I decide to try again to enjoy things. I find a local cafe. The cafe is cute. I try some local recipes. This makes me feel better. I start to gain my appetite.
Day 4: A Second Chance, and a Touch of Optimism
- Morning: By this point, I've got a new ID and my bank has sorted out my card. I'm beginning to feel human again. A little. I decide to explore the Rosebank Sunday Market. I walk around. I can taste the food. I buy some more souvenirs. I start to remember the joys of traveling.
- Afternoon: A visit to the Apartheid Museum. Another day of learning. Another day of emotional impact. It's… intense. I need to sit down after. I can't comprehend the evil that human beings can commit.
- Evening: I'm feeling braver. I walk the streets, enjoying the city. I get to a safe restaurant, and I have a good meal. I feel strong.
Day 5: Departure and the Aftermath
- Morning: I spend my last hour just drinking coffee and enjoying the view. This is where I try to savor the last moments. This place isn't the most beautiful place in the world but it has a uniqueness that can't be matched.
- Afternoon: After a tearful goodbye, I bid farewell to Johannesburg. Airport security is a pain, as always. Another flight, another middle seat. This time, I'm prepared.
- Evening: Back home. Laundry. Unpacking. Dealing with the aftermath of jet lag. Sorting though photos. And then… I begin to think about going back. Johannesburg, you're something else. Beautiful, messy, heartbreaking, and utterly unforgettable.
Important Side Notes and Random Thoughts:
- Food: Biltong. Eat it. You'll thank me later. And the bunny chow! Absolutely unforgettable
- Language: I need to learn more Afrikaans. The effort is appreciated.
- The Apartment: The apartment? Surprisingly solid. The bed is comfy. The shower works. The Wi-Fi is… sometimes it's there. Sometimes, it's not. But hey, it's an adventure, right?
- Imperfections: I got lost. I got upset. I ate too much. I cried. I was a walking cliché. But that's okay. That's life.
- Final thought: I'll return. I promise.
This, my friends, is the real travel experience, the good, the bad, and the beautifully chaotic. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need another coffee… and possibly a therapist. ;)
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Luxury Sandton Apartment Escape: Times Square Views Await! - Seriously, Though...? (FAQs - Because Let's Be Real, You're Curious)
So, Times Square Views, huh? Like, *actually* Times Square? Sandton's got a portal or something?
Okay, okay, before anyone starts picturing a teleportation device... no. Not *the* Times Square. I mean, that would be insane. Picture this though: panoramic views that give you that same kinda "wow, I'm in a city!" vibe. Think glittering lights, the buzz of Sandton, and enough space to actually breathe (unlike, y'know, *actual* Times Square, where breathing is a contact sport). Honestly, the name's a bit of marketing fluff – but the "luxury" part? Yeah, that's nailed.
Is it *actually* luxurious, or just "luxury" as in, "slightly nicer than a motel room with a mini-fridge and a questionable stain on the carpet"?
Alright, let's break it down. I, for one, am a bit of a luxury cynic. I've seen "luxury" hotels that feel like they were furnished by a committee of beige enthusiasts. *This* place? It's actually pretty damn good. Think plush, seriously plush, carpets (I nearly face-planted into one – seriously, be careful!), high-end finishes, a kitchen that's actually usable (unlike my own, which looks like a bomb went off in a utensil drawer), and yes, a ridiculously comfy bed. I spent a truly embarrassing amount of time just *lying* on that bed, staring at the ceiling. Okay, maybe it wasn't *all* sunshine and rainbows. The aircon was a bit temperamental at one point. But hey, that's life. Even luxury has glitches, apparently. And the pool? Oh, the pool. Glorious. Just...watch out for the overly tanned guys in tiny speedos. *Trust me*.
What's the deal with the location? Sandton seems...fancy. Can a regular person, you know, breathe there?
Sandton *is* fancy. There's no denying it. It's all designer stores and shiny cars and people who probably get their dogs manicures. But, and this is a big but, it also means everything’s *convenient*. Seriously, you’ve got the Sandton City Mall practically a stone's throw away. Need groceries? Done. Want to splash some cash on something you probably don't need? Also done. Restaurants? A million bazillion. It's a bit like being in a giant, glamorous playground. The apartment itself feels surprisingly insulated from the high-flying nature of the area. I found myself wandering around in sweatpants more often than I'd care to admit. The only issue is, those sweatpants had to be quite stylish, lest I feel terribly out of place.
Is it family-friendly? Because "luxury" and "kid-friendly" often don't align...
Ah, the million-dollar question! I saw families there – the pool is probably a big draw for the kids, and the apartment itself is spacious enough that you won't trip over a rogue Lego brick every five seconds. But, let's be realistic, this isn't a dedicated kids' camp. There's no games room, no playground. It’s more of a treat-yourself-and-the-kids-who-are-allowed-to-tag-along situation. Personally? I'd go solo. More pool loungers for me. No judgment. Plus, those little ones can be *noisy* sometimes! Maybe a little too noisy for a truly luxurious getaway. One thing; the elevators were *fast*. I almost lost an earring in one, and that would have been a tragedy.
How's the Wi-Fi? Because let's be real, that's *essential* to a good getaway, even in "luxury."
The Wi-Fi? Solid. Reliable. Didn't drop out mid-binge-watching session, which, let's be honest, is the ultimate test. Important note though: I *did* try to work from the balcony at one point, thinking "Ah, fresh air, inspiration!" It was a disaster. The wind kept trying to steal my laptop. The sun was in my eyes. Stick to the indoors, people. Embrace the air conditioning. And the reliable Wi-Fi. It's a haven, especially when you just want to binge on your favorite show. *That* part was a definite win.
The kitchen! Tell me everything! Because, let's face it, I plan on taking advantage of a fully functional kitchen!
Okay, this is where I could talk about the gleaming countertops, the state-of-the-art appliances, the sheer *luxury* of being able to make your own coffee in your pajamas. But let's be real. My cooking skills are about as sophisticated as a toddler's finger painting. I made *toast*. Glorious, slightly burnt toast. I intended to whip up a gourmet breakfast, but then the bed happened. And then the pool. And then the general laziness of being on vacation. The kitchen *is* amazing, though. If you're actually capable of cooking, you're going to be in heaven. If you're me? You'll be ordering takeout and enjoying the view instead. It's all about priorities. And sometimes, those priorities involve a very large pizza.
Any hidden fees or sneaky surprises I should know about?
Ah, the dark underbelly of travel. Okay, no, nothing *too* shady. Standard stuff: a security deposit (which they returned without a fuss, thank goodness), and the usual taxes. Read the fine print, obviously. But honestly, no sudden "OMG, you owe us for the air freshener!" moments. The only "surprise" was how much I enjoyed just *doing nothing*. It's a dangerous level of relaxation. I'm still recovering. And maybe I spent too much on room service...but, well, it was worth it.
Would you go back? Be brutally honest.
You want the truth? *Absolutely*. Glitches aside, it was a fantastic escape. The kind where you actually feel refreshed when you leave, not like you need another vacation to recover from your vacation. The view, the bed, the pool...and yes, even the slightly pretentious vibe of Sandton. It was a total guilty pleasure. I'm already mentally planning my return. Send help...and maybe a pizza coupon.
Okay, I know you mentioned the bed...but how *good* was it? Seriously, spill the beans. Was there a cloud? Were there angels? Was it, dare I ask, *magical*?
Alright, alright, alrightCoastal Inns
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