Named after the owner’s favourite champagne, Clico is a former guesthouse turned luxury boutique hotel in Rosebank. Set in a 60-year-old Cape Dutch building, it trades scale for intimacy and a highly personal welcome, within walking distance of Rosebank Mall and the train station.
At a glance
Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
Rooms: 9 rooms
Stayed in: Room
Best for: travellers who prefer a private, personal stay over a large hotel
Reviewed: March 2015
8.6 out of 10
Setting and arrival
The hotel is easy to find off the main highway, and 24-hour security opens the gate to private parking. Inside, it feels like a home: a comfortable lounge with sofas facing a fireplace and a full bookshelf.
The rooms
Each of the nine rooms is designed for rest, in earthy tones with white-tiled bathrooms and chrome fittings; some have claw-foot tubs. Extra-long beds come with orthopaedic toppers and pillows. Tea, coffee and fresh milk are replenished daily, and every room has a minibar, flat-screen TV, desk and free Wi-Fi. Fresh flowers and a bottle of wine greeted me on arrival.
Dining
Clico’s Restaurant is an intimate, European-style dining room whose menu and wine pairings change daily to make the most of local organic produce, and the chef is happy to accommodate dietary needs. Breakfast, included and served à la carte with fine dining service, can be taken on the balcony overlooking the gardens.
Facilities
A private garden courtyard surrounds the outdoor pool, and there is a function facility for conferences and events.
The verdict
Personal, calm and beautifully looked after, Clico is the antidote to big-city hotels in Johannesburg.
- Rooms: 8.5
- Service: 9.0
- Dining: 9.0
- Facilities and spa: 8.0
- Location: 8.5
Clico Boutique Hotel Johannesburg, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in March 2015. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
