Located in Melrose Arch, maybe it is a good area in Johannesburg but very boring unless you like expensive shopping.
Probably with a "modern art" idea in mind, the designers tried to make a different atmosphere for this hotel. But it looks very plastic or disposable, while gloomy and uncomfortable sometimes.
The reception area looks like the entrance of a shopping mall and staff behaves according to their mood, sometimes helpful, sometimes indifferent, in some cases they lack of knowledge of their own city, just try and guess what is your luck. The lifts are completely dark and unpleasant (at first I thought they were malfunctioning) and once you arrive in your floor, it looks like a mix of a backstage and a brothel, with all the pictures of the women serving you in each room (the pictures are from well known stars, but it's the first impression in the dark corridor). The bedroom is average size, with toilet and washroom separated. The shower is in the middle of the room, no separation (only a "nice" thin curtain in a rail), so not only it floods the floor and the carpet sometimes but it's not a good idea to share the room with someone if you don't want to be seen naked.
The furniture is very Ikea, already falling apart (specially the plastic/metallic ones). Tv channels selection very poor and internet very limited.
Room service menu has not many choices and 2 of the 3 occasions that I had to stay there the menu had missing pages so I had to ask for a new one and it took some time to be delivered (both menu and food). The food itself was actually good.
So, good points in this hotel: bed and food taste
Bad points: If you don't like "modern" concepts, gloomy places and plastic furniture, this hotel is not for you

The decor in this hotel reminds me a lot of The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas - and that is a big compliment. Its a funky design hotel with a really relaxed vibe, from the check-in staff's uniform & attitude, to the finishing touches in the room. Staff are warm, helpful & friendly. The room isn't massive, but has opening windows, an in-room shower and free wifi and is kept in an immaculate condition. Great location with lots of easy to walk to shops & restaurants.
Reception can get really busy, particularly when the Emirates crew arrive, but its quite efficient.
Didn't use the restaurant, but the bar was busy and fun, particularly late in the evening.

I stayed here because its a 2 minute walk from my office, but wouldn't hesitate to stay here again on business or leisure. It can get pricy though, as its very popular, so book in advance!

we are still in Jo'burg, this isn't NYC!

Look, this place is beautiful, it shows better a night like most nightclub/W-Hotel style places. The staff was helpful, young and not that experienced but very willing. The housekeeping staff worked so hard, the place is immaculate, so well kept.

The rooms aren't large but laid out in an open plan with a "shower curtain" like drape that separates the bathroom area from the sleeping area. A little "kitsch" but it works. The shower is a glass capsule so this isn't for the modest at heart.

Great sitting areas downstairs, beautiful bar areas and a very nice dining option. The Milkshake Bar is something I've not seen in my travels, definitely worth the trip.

Melrose Arch, I have to say, is very nice and very bizarre. Set amongst the highways and major thoroughfares, this is basically a mall with extremely high end stores (designers, clothing, some housewares). European sports cars zooming by at all hours and well-heeled locals and travelers all around the outdoor restaurants, and the restaurants are all packed. The juxtaposition of Melrose Arch and the surrounding areas is not lost on anyone which is why I say bizarre.

The hotel is quite nice, comfortable and has all the amenities.

After 2 nights at the African Pride Melrose Arch I moved to stay 2 more nights at the Fire and Ice
Room are ok with modern design
Bar and restorant on 1st floor are nice and packed late evening
Service was great very helpful guys at the front desk an at the travel desk