Nothing

This superb building has recently renovated great rooms, with old indoor open spaces and a great bar. Staying there is an experience! The location is not the best, so you need a car or taxi for moving around.

Stayed in April 2024

No airconditioner in the room.

Professional, friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful old hotel with a lot of character and well maintained. Very comfortable room with all amenities. Great restaurant, bar area and food. Secure parking. Would highly recommend.

Stayed in February 2024

We visited as reciprocal club members. There were no club events to join in with, but the staff, and the dining, were exceptional. We were made very welcome. Beyond what I had hoped for.

Stayed in October 2023

Location

The Historic Preservation and feel of the old style times

Stayed in October 2023

the bathroom light sensor kept the light on the whole night

The level of service we recieved

Stayed in October 2023

It was just so lovely

It was so beautiful A very old and beautiful building

Stayed in October 2023

excellent service

Stayed in September 2023

I love the Rand Club I loved everything. We had a beautiful ball

Stayed in August 2023

Only had coffee as we where pressed for time

Stayed in August 2023

Everything was perfect.

This hotel transported us to a bygone era. My husband and I loved everything from the architecture to the live jazz band. We look forward to going again.

Stayed in July 2023

Now for the concerns; no fault of The Rand Club but the surrounding area is very unpleasant. Throughout the night there was noise from what appeared to be a taxi drop-off a block away. I am blasé to the risks and went for a run in the evening and it is something I would strongly advise against; the area is dirty (it can't be said any other way) with piled litter on every corner and people milling around. There are small fires with street sleepers huddled around almost every 10 paces. Early in the morning I again went out and the moment I was away from the front of the Rand Club I passed 10's, 100's of people sleeping on the pavements and in doorways. One could say a normal guest would not see this and would stay in the hotel - but unfortunately a normal guest would need to get to the Rand Club and to do that will pass through this human tragedy that is Johannesburg CBD.

Standing in front of the Rand Club and you see a well kept classic establishment. Step inside and it is everything I expected, and more. Inside the decor is true to the era the Rand Club represents and yet nothing looked untended or worn (which was a surprise; I had expected a tired / worn look based on what I had seen in the surrounding area). The staff were all courteous without being artificial. My room catered for everything I could need, was spacious and comfortable. The separate bathroom was well laid out with a huge double shower (I guess there may have been a Victorian bath in that space). Overall I found there was nothing lacking.

Stayed in July 2023

I would have given five stars however most menu items were out of stock as there was a function the evening before… this was sad as they do not have an extensive menu and being in the hospitality industry myself I felt extra stock should be provisioned for, especially for functions. Scones out of stock and ingredients to make charcuterie board out of stock; even the breads. When taking guest reservations head chef should make sure there is stock to feed the guests.

A unique experience. Step into a past era of grand opulence. The staff were amazing and could not do enough for us. The rooms were clean and the Club is well maintained and preserved. Loved the old books and historical displays around every corner.

Stayed in June 2023

very noisy, traffic and taxis from very early in the morning

incredible heritage, amazing space

Stayed in March 2023

Nothing

Very nice and welcoming staff. Extraordinary service experience.

Stayed in November 2022

No restaurant, at weekends.

The library

Stayed in July 2022

The location can be a bit intimidating at first but it was actually fine in the end. The venue has security and feels safe.

The staff were really great and went out of their way to provide great service. The venue is gorgeous and the rooms were great. I am really happy that I selected the Rand Club.

Stayed in August 2022

In terms of the hotel itself, I would prefer it if the room doors had an extra lock or deadbolt. It is just a normal key lock on a doorknob. As a single female traveller, I always feel more comfortable with a chain lock or similar (and I don't think this small addition would detract from the vintage look of the room). It was freezing, bearing in mind that it was winter and -2celsius outside, and the rooms seem to have no heating. I imagine heating isn't really needed in Joburg 90% of the time so it would be wasteful to install central heating. Perhaps placing oil heaters (with an automatic off-switch to prevent fires) in the rooms would help on those occasional very cold nights? Personally, did not like the fragrance of the toiletries. Vegetarians may be put off by the few taxidermied deer heads on the walls (I think they are vintage and, although I'm not fond of that sort of thing, it does go with the decor!) However, those are all minor issues and very much personal preferences that may not bother others. The biggest issue for me, which would bother others, is the location - it is in the heart of the Johannesburg CBD, which isn't really the nicest, safest area. I did not feel safe leaving the hotel to explore on my own. I think this is a destination hotel, where you go in order to visit the hotel & restaurant itself, but not as a base from which to discover the city. Fortunately, the hotel has its own little parking area just in front that is blocked off with booms, otherwise, I would feel uncomfortable leaving a car there. It's a real shame! This is the only reason I didn't give it 10 out of 10. However, that isn't the hotel's fault and they have done a lot to ensure only guests may come inside, which does add to a feeling of safety. Overall, I would still recommend visiting the hotel!

This is a beautiful, historic property and has been lovingly restored in a way that is modern, yet still in keeping with the style of the building. I love the dark, warm colours that have been used everywhere and the carpet which has the RC logo in it. I really like all the books and historical artefacts on landings, historical paintings on the walls, and the stunning dome in the centre. Gorgeous sweeping dark-wood staircase which would make for amazing photos! My room was lovely with no over-fussy decoration, done in nice, calming colours of grey, white, and greens, with heavy black-out curtains. Great overhead lighting (which I find is often a problem in luxury hotels as it's usually too dark - this was spot on) and good reading lamps. The king-size bed was very comfortable and had lovely, crisp linens. The bathroom is gorgeous with its vintage-style black and white tiles and Victorian-style taps and rainfall shower. There was an iron & ironing board, kettle, hairdryer - all worked fine. The rooms are not soundproofed so you do hear people walking on the wooden floors a bit but, overall, it was surprisingly quiet considering it is in a very busy area. I did not have breakfast so I cannot comment on it. Yes, there are some spots that some would say could do with more work but they are clearly related to the old age of the building (1904) and I don't feel they detract from it. Everything was very clean and in good condition. Door staff was such a friendly gentleman and the receptionist, Abigail, was lovely. Overall, a gorgeous hotel and I feel lucky to have stayed in such a special old building. Whomever did the restoration work and fitting should be congratulated - a lovely job done! I would recommend a stay, especially for history and literature buffs. (Perhaps the owners could implement tours of the building, or even a virtual tour) - I really would have enjoyed learning more about the building, the artefacts, and the renovation!)

Stayed in June 2022

Only one thing: no back-up electricity during power outages (which are frequent!)

The comfort, the atmosphere, the friendly staff. Location is great both for walking the city and access per car.

Stayed in May 2022

i rarely have the time for o write review but this place was one of the highlights of my trip and totally unexpected. it is simply fabulous- a century old grand hotel that you could only find elsewhere in London, New York and budapest. see it to believe it. take the suite.

Stayed in April 2022

Great stay there at a reasonable price.

Stayed in December 2021

This inner city gem is breathtaking. You feel like you’re in a bygone era walking through the doors. The staff were exceptional, my room upgrade was spectacular. The room itself was enormous, only comment would be noise from the road but I could have helped myself by closing the windows. Bathroom was huge and beautifully appointed. We loved the sustainble toiletries in the shower (refillable instead of individual bottles). The staff went above and beyond to make our stay special, we had guests for dinner and danced the night away. Our best night of the year, definitely to be repeated. Unforgettable.

Stayed in November 2021

ABSOLUTELY LOVELY AMAZING STAY!

Stayed in November 2021

Stayed in the Superior Suite. Memorable experience!

Stayed in November 2021

My only niggle was the bathroom sensor light that switched on during the night. Possibly sensitivity too high

The staff were exceptional. Went out of their way to make me feel welcome. Plus the room upgrade was a wonderful surprise.

Stayed in August 2021