Really disappointed in this place. We booked a 5-night family staycation here over the Christmas holidays and almost everything was a let-down.
They never disclosed to us at the time of booking that they weren’t doing dinner service at the Epsom/Bistro 407, or that the cocktail lounge would be closed (it’s not a cigar lounge, by the way, if you happen to read that somewhere), or that Mowana Spa would also be closed. In fact, we were told that everything would be open.
So much for our plans to to have a nice a la carte dinner and treat ourselves to massages. It seemed like half the property was closed.
They also made an error with our reservation that had us checking out a day earlier. This led to a mixup with housekeeping where we came back from breakfast to half-stripped rooms, being asked if they could just move us to other rooms for the last night so ours could undergo maintenance, and culminated in returning to our rooms in the evening only to discover our key cards had been deactivated and we were locked out.
To the front desk’s credit, they quickly reactivated the card and apologised for the mistake once we traipsed back there but it shouldn’t have happened in the first place.
Finally, I wrote an email to both the GM and the marketing manager to share my feedback privately and 3 weeks later, have yet to receive any kind of response, not even a cursory acknowledgement. As they’ve chosen to ignore it, I’ve opted to leave public reviews here and on TripAdvisor (which has a bit more detail).
While each mishap on its own would have been minor, there were too many that occurred over the course of our stay. I’m particularly upset because the person who planned and paid for everything had been looking forward to treating us to a lovely stay like she had experienced here in the past and I know how sorely disappointed she was.
I’m not sure what’s going on with management but if you plan on ignoring guests who have been supporting the Indaba for years, I don’t know how you can call yourself a first class, 4-star...
Read moreAttended the spa and hotel for a work conference recently . For the price I think there could be improvements however it was overall a fair to good experience. The outside and gardens are lovely . Hotel rooms are very outdated , AC in my room was barely hanging on by a thread and the carpet was fraying causing a few near trips . same for bathrooms , they could do with a refresh . However bed was comfortable and room was clean . As for staff service , the hotel reception were helpful if not a bit lacklustre - they also could not find 2 of our parties booking even though it was confirmed by mail on the day . And we were placed in rooms away from the rest of the group . And also resulted in a longer wait to get keys to rooms etc . As for the spa . I’m very glad I didn’t attend this spa in my personal capacity as then I would have been disappointed. However it seems group spa is their thing and as such it was a good team bonding/building experience. The host/manager could use some service training as she was a up tight and seemed perpetually fed up. Lunch and snacks were great but trying to get wait staff attention or order a drink is near impossible- only receive your drink so long after requesting you need to leave by then for next treatment. Treatments themselves were ok , but definitely not the best . Perhaps it was just my therapist but the massages were at points painful/repetitive - and not to par from my previous spa experiences. But enjoyable enough .
And lastly . The spa staff were quick to ask us to keep it down - we were simply a very large group , we were not yelling or screaming as it was still a work even . But then during our therapy session we were subject to the noise of a party happening on the other side of the tree line - screaming / shouting , loud music and singing . Definitely not conducive to a relaxing environment. So of they are going to reprimand guests for being to loud according to their standards they should also consider creating a quiet environment for...
Read moreThe Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, is a well-regarded establishment that offers a blend of business and leisure accommodations. Below is a general breakdown to rate the hotel:
Accommodation: The rooms are often praised for their comfort and cleanliness, though some guests may find certain aspects slightly dated. However, overall, they offer a pleasant stay with a focus on luxury, particularly in the upgraded rooms and suites.
Rating: 4/5
Facilities: The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, spa, gym, and well-manicured gardens. The Mowana Spa is a particular highlight, known for its relaxing treatments. Additionally, the hotel has excellent conference facilities, making it popular with business travelers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Dining: The on-site restaurants, including the Epsom Terrace Restaurant, are well-reviewed for their quality, offering a variety of local and international cuisine. The breakfast buffet is usually a highlight for guests.
Rating: 4/5
Service: Staff at the Indaba Hotel are generally praised for being friendly, helpful, and professional. However, as with any hotel, experiences may vary, but the service quality is usually well-regarded.
Rating: 4/5
Location: Situated in the Fourways area, it’s close to key attractions such as Montecasino and various shopping centers. Its location is convenient for those attending conferences or exploring Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, though it may feel a bit distant from central Johannesburg.
Rating: 4/5
Value for Money: Considering its range of facilities, dining options, and the overall experience, it offers good value, especially for business travelers and those seeking a retreat with spa services.
Rating: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
The Indaba Hotel is a solid choice for both business and leisure travelers, offering a mix of comfort, convenience, and...
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