Road Lodge Sandton

This hotel is widely recognized for its convenient location and excellent value for money, making it a popular choice for various travelers. Its signature feature is its accessibility to major highways and proximity to key urban centers, positioning it as an ideal base for business travelers attending meetings in Gauteng and sightseers exploring Sandton City and nearby malls. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the generally friendly demeanor of its staff. For value seekers, the hotel offers a practical and affordable stay without compromising on essential comforts. To enhance your experience, consider bringing a small portable fridge or microwave if these amenities are crucial for your stay, as they are not standard in all rooms.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi, ensuring connectivity throughout their visit. There is a swimming pool on-site, described as clean and enjoyable, though some guests noted that its use might be restricted at night and it lacks a thermostat for colder seasons. A functional bar is available, offering a convenient spot for drinks, but some patrons found the evening atmosphere in the foyer and bar area to be lively, with some guests being noisy or disruptive. Secure and ample parking is consistently praised, providing peace of mind for those traveling with vehicles. However, several guests expressed a desire for upgraded TV channels, noting the current selection is limited and the picture quality can be poor, suggesting a need for Smart TVs. The absence of an elevator was a drawback for some, especially those with heavy luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as neat, fresh, and well-maintained, consistently meeting expectations for hygiene. The beds are often highlighted as comfortable, though some guests found the pillows too soft or the bed size small for two adults. While rooms are generally considered adequately sized, some found them to be on the smaller side. Feedback on bathrooms is mixed; they are typically clean, but some guests reported issues like a lack of shower gel (only bar soap provided), no toilet brush, or low toilet seats. A few isolated reports mentioned a funky smell from the drain or mold on shower walls. Noise levels can vary; while the area is generally quiet, some rooms are not soundproof, leading to disturbances from other guests or proximity to exit doors. The absence of a mini-fridge and microwave in rooms is a common point of feedback, as is the lack of an in-room phone.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers various dining options, with breakfast receiving largely positive feedback for its quality and value. Guests enjoyed the breakfast variety, including fruit salad and well-prepared beans, though some desired more choices like different egg preparations, additional meat options, or a wider selection of breads. The restaurant food, particularly lunch and dinner, is often described as good, with generous portions. However, service at the restaurant can be slow, with long waiting times for orders, and some guests found specific dishes like burgers to be tasteless or chips over-seasoned. The bar is noted as a convenient and refreshing option. While many appreciate the convenience of on-site dining, some guests felt the prices were a bit inflated, and a few experienced issues with staff being unfamiliar with menu offerings or difficulties with room service delivery.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, offering easy access to major highways and being conveniently situated for travel to and from the airport. Its proximity to Sandton City and other shopping malls, including a walkable complex nearby, makes it highly desirable for both leisure and business purposes. Guests consistently feel safe within the hotel premises, benefiting from good security and secure parking. The surrounding area is generally quiet, contributing to a peaceful stay. While the location is praised for its convenience, some guests noted that the gate security can be slow to open, which was a minor concern for accessibility.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlighted the welcoming demeanor of receptionists, security guards, and cleaners, contributing to a pleasant stay. The check-in process is often described as efficient, though some guests experienced longer waits, particularly during busy periods. Housekeeping is noted for being proactive and ensuring rooms are clean daily. However, feedback on service is not uniformly positive; some guests encountered staff who were reserved, less helpful, or seemed tired. There were instances of poor communication, particularly regarding the hotel's water crisis response, and some guests felt their concerns were not adequately addressed by management.

Additional Information
A significant recurring concern for some guests has been the intermittent water supply or lack of hot water, particularly during unexpected service interruptions. While the hotel staff attempted to assist by offering solutions like access to water at a sister property, this issue caused considerable inconvenience for guests needing to shower or use facilities. This highlights a need for improved water crisis response and backup water supply to ensure uninterrupted service. Some guests also noted issues with booking discrepancies, such as reservations not being found or unexpected changes to their accommodation, which required additional time to resolve. The hotel does offer power backup, ensuring continuity during outages. Guests should also be aware that while some reviews mention smoking rooms, the hotel has phased these out, which can lead to confusion for those who booked expecting one.