Sandton is a part of Johannesburg that never quite stands still. From early-morning coffee runs to the last round of late-night cocktails, there’s a constant hum in the air. Staying at @Sandton Hotel on Benmore Road puts you right in the middle of this energy, yet gives you places to pause, breathe, and enjoy the slower side of city life. It’s a rare mix, and we discovered that the experiences here make as much of an impression as the location itself.
One of our first stops was the clubhouse, a space that instantly felt like it was designed for lingering. It opens out onto a poolside decking area, and framed by a children’s play area that kept the younger guests busy. The atmosphere is unhurried, the kind that makes you want to order a second drink without checking the time. Late afternoons were our favourite—there’s something about watching the sky soften into sunset colours while the city’s lights start to flicker on. Whether we were snacking on something light or just enjoying a glass of wine, the clubhouse became our go-to spot whenever we wanted to unwind.
From there, it was an easy drift toward the sparkling blue infinity pool. Elevated above the piazza, it gives you complete privacy from the outside world while still letting you look down at the movement below. It’s the best of both—you feel removed from the rush but still connected to the pulse of the city. For families, the adjoining kids’ pool makes it easy for everyone to swim at their own pace without worry.
For guests looking for an even quieter swim, the private pool for stay-in guests gives exactly that. It’s located away enough to feel exclusive, but close enough to everything that you can go from a dip to dinner without fuss. Speaking of which, food is never far from reach here. The Clubhouse handles relaxed dining beautifully, but the hotel also opens up the wider Sandton food scene for those who want variety. Guests can enjoy evenings wandering into the piazza for something new, then return for a nightcap at the cigar lounge—a warm, refined space that felt tailor-made for unhurried conversation.
One of the hotel’s more unexpected features is its private cinema, a quiet escape that feels worlds away from the pace outside. With plush seating, warm lighting, and a sound system that makes you forget about your phone, it’s the kind of place where time slips by unnoticed. Whether you’re catching the latest release, enjoying a classic film, or even arranging a private screening for a small group, the experience is intimate without feeling overly formal—a hidden luxury that adds another layer to your stay.
For a touch of indulgence, the wine cellar is worth exploring. It’s not just about the bottles, but the atmosphere—the kind of place where you can taste and talk without feeling rushed. Guests can enjoy pairing a glass or two, and it became one of those experiences that added another layer to our stay.
Balancing out the indulgence was the hotel’s gym, which is well-equipped without feeling intimidating. Whether it was a quick morning run on the treadmill or a full workout session, it made it easy to stay in our usual routine. The layout is thoughtful, with enough space between equipment so that it never felt crowded.
And after a workout, the luxury @Sandton Spa should be the obvious next step. Treatments here are designed to properly switch you off—from long massages that ease out travel stiffness to facials that leave you ready for the next social or business event. It’s one of those spaces where the lighting, music, and pace all work together to slow your breathing.
What ties all these experiences together is how naturally they can fit into guests’ stays. You can start with breakfast, spend a few hours exploring Sandton or working remotely from the lounge, then come back for a swim or a session at @Sandton Spa before heading out again. The hotel seems to encourage this rhythm, giving you the freedom to be as active or as still as you like.
The sense of privacy is something we kept noticing. The infinity pool’s elevation, the private pool, even the layout of the clubhouse—all of it is designed so that you can feel part of the hotel’s social spaces without ever feeling overwhelmed by them. It’s a balance that works for couples on a weekend break, families with children, or business travellers looking for a calm spot between meetings. By the time we left, it was clear that @Sandton Hotel isn’t just about a place to sleep in the heart of Johannesburg’s busiest district. It’s about giving guests a choice of moods. Every space here has its own personality, yet they all flow into each other effortlessly, creating a stay that feels complete in more ways than one.