This hotel deserves to be the nr1 in Joburg. It's an oases with all the comfort that you can wish for at a reasonable price and located just minutes from the central Joburg highway.
Here you will receive more than you wished for. When seating myself at the pool a complimentary fresh fruit platter was brought. Entering my room a soft music in the background. Outdoor shower and bath were placed in the patio of my room, but I understood that all rooms have their own extra's. Do not forget to visit the spa and to take a massage....

My girlfriend and myself spent two nights at The Residence in early January 2013, and were enormously delighted to find that the hotel lived up to, and sometimes surpassed, the numerous 5 star ratings found on the TripAdvisor and other such travel sights.

The experience, and that's what it is, an experience not a stay, is something out of Hollywood. From the moment you drive in, you are treated exqusitely - as if you are the hotels sole guest! Upon arrival, you are greeted by the doorman in his bowler hat, the concierge and a waiter with a refreshing array of welcome drinks.

You are efficiently taken on a brief tour of the establishment (useful), and escorted by the concierge to your room, where your luggage is already awaiting you. The room we stayed in had a handsome view of both the pool and the greenery that Houghton is famous for. The room lacks nothing, and the decor is exquisite, even when compared to other more expensive boutiques in Johannesburg, with Chandeliers; Persian carpets; walk-in closets and a luxurious bathroom...

The hotels restaurant is one of its hidden secrets, a true gem even when compared amongst the world class restaurants a stones throw away in Melrose and Sandton. Do yourselves a favor and try the hotel restaurant at least once whilst you stay here.

What impressed us most however was the staffs' attention to detail. My girlfriend felt a little under the weather on the Saturday night, and the staff genuinely made efforts to assist. More impressively, the day manager on the Sunday made genuine inquiries as to how my girlfriend was feeling, even though she was not there the night before! Truly left a great impression on us!

All in all, one of the best hotel visits we have ever had, and we can wholeheartedly recommend The Residence for any visit to Johannesburg.

My team and I stayed here because we are a small team of 6. I took the time to research them and by the time we went we had even done a safety and security onsite assessment as per company requirements. Edgar ,one of the directors was such about all the scrutiny we were subjecting his presitigious facility to. From Sanet to Warren making the arrangements was so superbly and professionally handled.
We got there and : the pics had not done justice to the splendour and hospitality we experienced here. Even my admin staff got the best of rooms because that's just the way it is here.
Highlights for me:
1.Room variety ,bedding comfort + bathroom size
2. Music is all over - it follows you to the bathroom too(you can bring own CD's to compliment theirs.
3. The Skybar is where I want o have my next birthday with a few friends. This is where I had my Spa treatments - devine with music here as well to lull you to a peaceful snore
4.Lamps on the dinner menu!! ambience nice and dimmed but you see your menu very well. Awesome food too.
5. They sell beautiful lady items & jewellery in their small shop . We all took a piece of something lovely even though Sanet told us the best had already gone
6.The small Gym was much needed to work out the brain sweat we were there for
7. The tall guys in balck n white are the best - nowhere in thsi country of mine have I experienced such sterling professionalism and care - the trining is awesome.Martin,Daniel and the gut at the gate stand out for me
8.Fridges and high standard coffee machines in rooms
9. Outside showers [and baths in some suites]

The only things slightly negative I can ever say abt this perfect place :
-Charity needs to oversee that all rooms have had a turndown service by her ladies- my 1st night just did not have and she shrivelled poor lady when she learnt of that. Nite 2 I was v pleased to see how well they do this
-Irons in rooms is becoming a standard feuture in 5* establisment and it's not a huge cost
-I missed any Magazines/books in Room 5
-Food delivery to the tables could be faster
I am taking my family for a restful time and just so they feel how hospitality should be in our country.

We chose the Residence in preference to a business hotel, because we wanted a relaxing experience rather than a 'busy' place.
The Residence surpassed our expectations in every respect, except for the food.
The staff were wonderful - very friendly and professional and eager to help, without being over-attentive. The rooms - both the bedrooms and the public rooms - are well-designed and beautifully decorated, and the gardens and water features give the hotel a lovely relaxing atmosphere.
The driver will take you wherever you want to go in the 1991 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, and pick you up again when you're done!
The dining rooms are elegantly decked out and the food is well-presented and served, but the cuisine is not always of the highest standard - shame.
That apart, I defy anyone to find a better way of spending a week in Johannesburg. This is a real gem of a hotel. We will certainly be going back