49 on Cherry: Johannesburg's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
49 on Cherry: Johannesburg's Gem… Or Just a Fancy Hotel? My Whirlwind Trip!
Okay, so let's be real. Trying to condense a stay at 49 on Cherry into a neat-and-tidy review is like trying to fold a fitted sheet. Impossible! But I'll give it a damn good shot. This place… it's got a vibe. And a whole lot of amenities. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a ride.
First Impressions: The "Ooh, La La" Factor & The "Wait, Where's the Elevator?" Moment
Driving up, 49 on Cherry looks the part. Chic, modern, a little bit "look at me!" (in a good way, mostly). Parking? Surprisingly easy, with both free spots and valet – a godsend in Jozi traffic. They boast a car power charging station too! Score!
The entrance? Sleek. The staff? Polished. The lobby? Filled with, if I recall correctly, some serious art. They really know how to make an entrance. And, speaking of entrances, the check-in was smooth – contactless, even! Progress! I, for one, hate fumbling with pens and paper.
But then… the first hiccup. The elevator. Or, rather, the lack thereof in certain sections. My room, apparently, was in a wing only accessible via stairs. Now, I'm not old, but hauling luggage after a long flight? Not my finest hour. This, my friends, is a Accessibility point – a subtle, yet critical one. While they do have facilities for disabled guests, be sure to specifically request a ground-floor room if stairs are a no-go. I should have checked that box. My bad!
Room with a View (and a Seriously Comfy Bed!)
Once I conquered the stairs (huff huff), I was rewarded with… my room. And it was gorgeous. Clean, modern, with all the bells and whistles. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and that oh-so-important Window that opens (fresh air, people!).
The bed? Seriously, like sinking into a cloud. Extra long bed. I slept like a log. The linens were crisp, the slippers divine, and the bathrobes… well, let's just say I wandered around in them for a while, feeling properly pampered. The interconnecting room(s) available is a nice touch for families.
Internet Access – A Mixed Bag
Okay, so Internet in this day and age is a necessity. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a plus, and it mostly worked. I was pretty stoked. But the Internet access – LAN availability, well, it didn't seem as reliable. I'm a sucker for the little niceties, and I had envisioned myself taking notes. The Internet services are good, but not perfect. In public areas, the Wi-Fi worked well, but in my room, it was a little spotty at times. Slightly irritating when you're trying to work. Small gripe, but a gripe nonetheless.
Eating & Drinking: A Feast for the Eyes (and the Stomach)
This is where 49 on Cherry really shines. The Restaurants are excellent. I started my day with the Breakfast [buffet]. Pure indulgence! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant – you name it, they had it. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was exceptional. And the Breakfast service was prompt. The Coffee shop, which I didn't visit, is also there.
For dinner, I sampled from the A la carte in restaurant. And, oh my god, the Desserts in restaurant! I may have over-indulged. Several times. The International cuisine in restaurant was fantastic. I'm not sure I ever tasted such a perfectly cooked steak. They also had a Vegetarian restaurant, so, if you're so inclined. There's also a Snack bar, and a Poolside bar if you want to grab a drink. The Bottle of water provided in the room was a thoughtful touch. And of course, there's Room service [24-hour], perfect for those late-night cravings.
I went for the Steak. Twice. I'm not ashamed.
Okay, so about that steak. They had a Western cuisine in restaurant, and… it was perfect. Cooked to my exact specifications. Tender, juicy, and a little bit charred around the edges. It was so good, I ordered it again the next night. And the night after that. Don't judge me. The ambiance was great, the service impeccable. I found myself sitting there for what felt like hours, just enjoying the evening. The Happy hour was a bonus, I had a great time.
Spa Day: Bliss (and a Few Quirks)
I'm a sucker for a spa day. And 49 on Cherry's spa? Pretty damn good. I got a Massage (heaven!), and debated a Body wrap. They have a whole host of options: Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, and I felt I could really get away with it. This whole experience was seriously good.
But… (there's always a "but," isn't there?). The lighting in the relaxation room was a little too bright for my taste. Felt like I was under interrogation. Also, my masseuse… bless her heart… was a little chatty. I like silence, dammit! But, hey, that's just me. Overall, the experience was lovely.
Ways to Relax: The Pool, The Pool with a View, and the Gym
Swimming pool Swimming pool [outdoor]. The outdoor pool is beautiful, with a view. This is a HUGE selling point for many people. They also have a Fitness center, Gym/fitness. They had all the equipment you could possibly need. They also have a Pool with view.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Covid Factor
This is where 49 on Cherry really shines in terms of its commitment: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. They seem to have taken every measure possible. I noticed the staff were super diligent about masks and hand hygiene. I felt safe. And that's priceless in these times. They also provided a First aid kit and had a Doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring.
Things to Do (Beyond the Room Service and Spa)
I didn’t spend much time exploring, but they have Indoor venue for special events, and Outdoor venue for special events. Seems like a great spot for a wedding or conference. They also have a Convenience store. I did use the Air conditioning in public area. They have a Concierge, and Luggage storage.
For the Kids:
I didn't have kids with me, but the hotel is Family/child friendly. They have a Babysitting service and Kids meal.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator (in most areas, thankfully!), Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Laundry service, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking. They've thought of everything! They also had a Gift/souvenir shop.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking are options. Though I personally just used the Car park [free of charge].
Business & Events:
I didn't have business to conduct, but they seem well-equipped with Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities,
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Home Awaits in Jomtien, Pattaya!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to 49 on Cherry, Johannesburg, and it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be us. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
Destination: 49 on Cherry, Johannesburg, South Africa - AKA The Place Where My Wallet Might Cry
Dates: October 26th - October 30th (ish). Look, I'm not a planner, okay? We'll see.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Plus, Did I Pack Enough Socks?)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport. Pray to the travel gods that my luggage arrives too. Let's be real, it's always a gamble. Last time, I spent three glorious days in Paris wearing a single, slightly-too-tight t-shirt. The memory still haunts me. (Note to self: double-check sock situation).
- Afternoon: Uber to 49 on Cherry. Okay, first impression: the photos online are… embellished. But then again, aren't we all? Feeling a weird mix of excitement and, you know, the usual pre-travel anxiety that whispers, "You're an idiot, you didn't check the exchange rate again."
- Late Afternoon: Check in. Hope the bed isn't a torture device masquerading as a mattress. Okay, the room is… quirky. In a good way? Maybe. There's a weird tapestry of a giraffe wearing sunglasses. (I instantly judge: it's iconic.)
- Evening: Wander around the Melville neighborhood. Oh, the shops! The art galleries! The desperate craving for a caffeine-fueled sugar rush after the long flight. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall coffee shop that actually used good beans. Bless the gods. Grab some local meat skewers from a street vendor. This is where it begins.
Day 2: Braaivleis, Bokkies, and Regret (Possibly)
- Morning: Okay, slept like a log. (The bed wins!) Now, is it too early for a proper South African breakfast? Answer: no. Find some real biltong and farm-fresh eggs. This is living.
- Afternoon: Time for that promised trip to the Apartheid Museum. I knew I wasn't going to be able to skip this one. I mean, how can you be in Johannesburg and not go? Heavy stuff, obviously. Absolutely gut-wrenching to see how people were treated. Also, I cry at everything. Not that I’m proud of it, but it is what it is.
- Late Afternoon: Ok, my mood could use a lift after the museum… and this is where things get interesting. My guide… well, he was okay. A bit stiff, but knew his stuff, I guess. Turns out, he has a side gig as a braai (barbecue) master. "You can't leave South Africa without a braai, mase". He talked me into it.
- Evening: We're at his place in Soweto. The smell of fire and sizzling meat is a primal call. This is another side of the city. The music, the laughter, the sheer joy of people coming together… It was incredible. We grilled, we ate, we drank… okay, maybe I drank a little too much. I think I even tried to do a little bokkie (a small local beer, and maybe some dancing – definitely not my strong suit). No regrets. Well, maybe a tiny one…
Day 3: Market Mayhem and a Serious Shopping Spree
- Morning: Wake up with a dry mouth and a faint headache. Ah, the consequences of joy. Coffee. Need coffee.
- Afternoon: Get my bearings - make my way back to Melville. I found a market, and it became a mission. The smell of spices, the colours, the sheer chaos! I bargained like a pro (or at least, I tried to). Ended up buying a carved wooden giraffe (because, obviously), a bag full of rooibos tea, and a shirt that probably won’t fit. Money, money, money.
- Late Afternoon: Realized I hadn’t eaten any real meals today. I tried to order a burger from a local shop, and the server gave me the look. The one that says, “Are you sure you know what you’re getting into, miss?” I think so. I think I know what I ordered, but I may not know how to eat it.
- Evening: Back to the room, which is increasingly starting to feel like home. Maybe I should've stayed in the city longer.
Day 4: Going Deep: Exploring the city.
- Morning: I need to get out of this room and be a tourist! Where did I want to go again? Oh, yeah…
- Afternoon: Got a guide. You know, the local kind. Took a tour into the heart of the city I would not have gone on my own. The tour was a bit dark at first, but after that, and after some quick conversation, I realized that my guide was one of the most inspiring people I'd met.
- Late Afternoon: Wandered into a bar and had my heart broken by a jazz musician. I was reminded how fleeting youth is. My only regret is that I didn't speak up to the musician. I should have told him how good he was.
- Evening: After the tour, I have dinner with my guide and his family. At the end of the meal, I knew something was different about me. When I left, I was changed.
Day 5: Departure and Disappointment (or Maybe Just Peace)
- Morning: Wake up. My flight is today. I'm so sad.
- Afternoon: Try to find that coffee shop again. Need one last fix. I could sit here all day, but I have to go.
- Evening: Goodbye, Joburg. Another adventure that could have easily been a disaster.
Notes and Ramblings:
- Don't even think about wearing heels. This is not a heels kind of city. Comfortable shoes are your best friend.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Afrikaans or Zulu. Even if you butcher them, people appreciate the effort.
- Embrace the chaos. It's part of the charm.
- Pack light. You'll buy more stuff than you think. And you'll probably overpack anyway.
- Most importantly: be open to the unexpected. That's where the magic happens. And yes, the braai was worth it. Even the hangover.
- I didn't get to everything on my list. Some things I'm glad I missed, some I wish I had seen more of. It all depends on what you do, right?
Final Verdict: I'm going back. And this time, I'm staying longer.
This, my friends, is travel. Enjoy the ride.
Kolkata's Hidden Gem: Pan Asia International Hotel - Unforgettable Luxury!
49 on Cherry: Johannesburg's Hidden Gem - You REALLY Need to See This! (My Brain Dump)
Okay, so what *IS* 49 on Cherry? Like, actually?
It sounds... hipster-y. Is it, like, *really* hipster-y?
What's actually *there* to do? Like, besides look cool?
- **Art Exhibitions:** Constantly rotating, always interesting. Sometimes challenging, often thought-provoking, and occasionally, a little bit…weird. But hey, that's art!
- **Live Music:** From local bands you've never heard of to established acts. The sound quality's surprisingly good, and the energy is always electric. I've seen everything from jazz trios to experimental electronic stuff that made my fillings vibrate.
- **Comedy Nights:** Hilarious. Seriously. Some of the best local comedians.
- **Pop-up Restaurants:** They host different chefs and food vendors, from amazing street food to high-end tasting menus. The food is so good, almost always delicious and they really focus on trying new things!
- **Workshops & Events:** Pottery classes, book launches, whatever sparks their fancy. It feels like you're stumbling into something new every time!
- **And, the bar!** The drinks menu is creative, the bartenders are friendly (and know their stuff), and the cocktails are... dangerous. In a good way... mostly.
Tell me about the food. Is it any good?
What's the vibe like at the weekend?
Is it easy to get to? Parking?
What was your most memorable experience there? Spill the tea!
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