Africa’s matriarch of luxury hospitality celebrates her 21^st as the icon that continues to set the now known standard of luxury, style and service in Sandton

There is no way to mention Sandton without mentioning The Michelangelo Hotel. The development rises amongst the buildings as a beacon of luxury, elegance and status. After all, the hotel was a founding part of “the richest square mile” in Africa and has set the bar in luxury accommodation in what is seen as the economic hub of Southern Africa.

Situated in the heart of Sandton’s fast expanding CBD, The Michelangelo Hotel is a familiar silhouette in the skyline and this matriarch of Renaissance-style architecture also turns 21 in October this year.

“The Michelangelo is the flagship of Legacy Hotels and Resorts in Sandton, and while it’s been here for 21 years, every day at the Michelangelo feels like a first day. The building, the décor, the atmosphere – it takes your breath away,” says Roberto Rosa, General Manager of The Michelangelo.

The hotel certainly won with its location, being perfectly situated right in the centre of Sandton, only a few hundred metres from the Gautrain station. It is also an integral part of the Nelson Mandela Square with which it was built alongside, and the magnificent statue of Madiba himself, can be seen from the property.

However, 21 years ago, there was no Gautrain and the influx of major financial and corporate players was only just beginning. International companies that are now firmly established in Sandton were starting to tentatively put their roots down. This set the foundation for the hotel to become the premier hospitality destination in Sandton – a title it still holds today.

Now Sandton is well established as a thriving business hub and The Michelangelo is one of its most sophisticated and popular venues for local and international travellers. The hotel has certainly lent grace and elegance to the area and boasts a stylish lounge and restaurant, gym, spa, pool area, and opulent rooms.

“The Michelangelo is a unique vision. Each and every hotel that is part of Legacy Hotels and Resorts is managed with its own personality and character. The Michelangelo is no exception and the hotel is undoubtedly one of the most refined and most popular in Sandton – perhaps even in Gauteng,” Rosa adds.

 

People are the most important Asset

Rosa has been with The Michelangelo for the past six and a half years and ensures patrons that the level of service received by guests goes beyond five star expectations. Staff are integrally involved in the reputation that The Michelangelo has enjoyed in its 21 years and working at the hotel is a source of pride for many of them, especially those who have been with the hotel since it opened its doors.

“We have staff who started on the day The Michelangelo opened and who are still here, providing even greater levels of service than before. Part of our success has been the fantastic team that we have that keeps our guests coming back,” Rosa adds.

Cocktail Event Celebration

I had the honour and pleasure of attending the Cocktail Event a few days ago, to celebrate The Michelangelo Hotel turning 21.  Judging by the staff awards and speeches, it is evident that the staff, are valued, which explains the long lengths of service.

There is a great amount of attention and emphasis on how important the staff are.  From the moment one enters the parking, to the lobby to the room where the event took place, the reception from all staff was stellar!

I must admit, when I received the invite, I was thrilled, I mean, it is the Michelangelo Hotel after all, who would NOT want to be assoicated to such an iconic hotel brand? Right? Well, at the same time, I also was a little nervous, thinking that I don’t know anyone there and it is probably going to be a somewhat “uptight” event.

You will be glad to know that it was quite the opposite!  The setup for the evening was very “romantic” – it was luxurious,  chic, elegant and all those wonderful adjectives you would expect from a five star Hotel.  What I loved most about it, was that everyone was so down to earth.

The sincerity, friendliness and genuine pleasantries exchanged between key staff and guests made you feel so welcome and at the same time so proud to know that an establishment of this stature truly lives up to its brand and image by making guests feel so special.  The speech by the CEO and Chairman, Bart Dorrestein, of Legacy Hotels and Resorts was informal and informative and his sense of humour was noticeably enjoyed by all.

I have a confession! I learned something new! All these years, I’ve been spelling and pronouncing “Michelangelo” incorrectly. There isn’t an “A” as there is in “Michael” – It’s the Michelangelo, (pronounced like “Mickelangelo) not… Michaelangelo!

Here are some of the photos from the evening…I do wish I had taken the time to wander about and take more photos of the magnificent Renaissance architecture! It is undeniably beautiful, world class, in the heart of Sandton. Let’s hope I have another opportunity in the near future to do this!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that there were wonderful prizes that were won in the lucky draw on the evening! Some of which included a spa treatment, a free night’s stay in 2-3 of their rooms, with the very big win being a night’s stay in the Presidential Suite! I was so envious of those who won…I mean, wouldn’t you also be?

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The Michelangelo Hotel 21st Birthday Specials

As part of its birthday month The Michelangelo will be hosting a series of 21^st birthday specials that set back the clock on prices – allowing everyone to enjoy the luxury and finesse of Sandton’s matriarch of luxury hospitality.

If you can afford these, don’t let these specials pass you by, treat yourself and/or that someone special to any/all of these…

Pampering and Prosecco

The Michelangelo has made certain that everyone can benefit from a little birthday pampering during October and have designed special offers to suit every taste. Patrons can enjoy a glass of bubbly Prosecco with their spa treatments from Mondays to Thursdays – along with a tantalising 21% off all spa menu treatments.

Exclusive Chef’s Table

For the gastronome, an even greater delight awaits. Feast on exclusive gourmet dishes for 8 or 10 at a once off chef’s table dinner with award winning Chef Trevor Boyd. This once in a lifetime eight course meal experience is being offered at R 2 100.00 per person, and is subject to date and availability.

Dine in Style

If a lighter meal is preferred, a set menu lunch or dinner is also available at R210.00 per person. Choose your main course and end off with the Michelangelo’s famous crème brulee for dessert. For those with a sweet tooth, spend an afternoon between 11am and 5pm in the Il Ritrovo lounge and your favourite slice of cake for just R21.00 per slice.

Book a Room

And if you’re looking for something extra special – and romantic – a weekend stay in Sandton’s top hotel won’t go amiss. Accommodation and breakfast for two over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday stay will cost only R2 121.00 per night, with a complimentary turn down gift to celebrate.

The Michelangelo certainly would like guests and patrons to relax, enjoy exceptional cuisine and luxury as part of their birthday celebrations. After all, we only turn 21 once.

For more information and bookings:

visit The Michelangelo Hotel Website

 
You could win a Date Night, details here: Date Night – Maximillien Restaurant