Mercure Midrand: Johannesburg's BEST Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!)
Mercure Midrand: Johannesburg's BEST Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!) - A Brutally Honest Review (And Why You Should Book NOW!)
Okay, folks, let's cut the corporate BS. I've stayed at my fair share of hotels – from dodgy hostels that reeked of questionable decisions to five-star palaces that made me feel like I was living in a gilded cage. So, when I say I was genuinely surprised by Mercure Midrand, believe me, it's high praise. This isn't your average, run-of-the-mill hotel review. This is me, dissecting every nook and cranny, telling you the real deal. And honestly? I'm leaning towards calling it Johannesburg's best hotel. Yeah, I said it. Let's dive in.
First Impressions: Accessibility & The "I NEED Internet NOW!" Panic
Right off the bat, accessibility is a huge win for Mercure Midrand. Elevators, ramps, the whole shebang – they've got it covered. And in this day and age, that's non-negotiable, people. Seriously, kudos.
Now, me? I'm a digital nomad with a caffeine addiction and a crippling fear of losing Wi-Fi. Let me tell you, the Internet access situation is crucial. And Mercure Midrand delivered like a pro. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms? Oh, HELL YES. Internet access – wireless (check), Internet access – LAN (double check!). It was a godsend – saved my digital hide more than once. The Wi-Fi in the public areas was also decent (crucial when you're sneaking in a quick email over your morning coffee). And, let me tell you, after a few failed booking attempts, I just wanted to scream: "I NEED INTERNET NOW!" Mercure delivered. Thank you.
Cleanliness & Safety: Are We Safe from the Apocalypse?
Okay, let's be real. These days, safety is EVERYTHING. Mercure Midrand takes it seriously. The list of cleaning protocols is impressive – Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt like I could lick the walls (don't worry, I didn't). They give you a Room sanitization opt-out available so you don't have to participate in the cleaning practices. And to bring you peace of mind, they have Hand sanitizer stations placed around the hotel. The Staff trained in safety protocol and the fact that they also use Sterilizing equipment is a great touch! All of this, plus stuff like CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour] made me breathe a sigh of relief. They've got the basics covered, folks. Which is a GREAT thing, in our current climate.
The Room: Home Away From Home (Or, You Know, A Really Nice Hotel Room)
The rooms? Solid. Comfortable. Not exactly knocking your socks off with design, but clean, functional, and well-equipped. I especially loved the Blackout curtains – crucial for a light sleeper like myself. The Bed was extra long (bless them!), the pillows were fluffy, they gave you Complimentary tea. Basic but essential. And hey, you can't fail with Internet access – wireless in the room.
Here's the thing – (don't read this part if you don't like imperfections!) – my first room wasn't perfect. Slightly wonky air conditioning. But the staff? Amazing. Quickly sorted me out with a new room, and I was back in business. That's the kind of service that earns loyalty. I was able to have Air conditioning, Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, 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], Window that opens.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the Soul (and the Belly)
Alright, let's talk food. Mercure Midrand surprised me again. The restaurants offered a decent variety, with A la carte in restaurant allowing for a more sophisticated selection. Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, but the Asian breakfast was a welcome change of pace. I could also get my fix of caffeine with Coffee/tea in the restaurant or at the Coffee shop. They also cater for other diets with a Vegetarian restaurant option. I loved the Desserts in restaurant. I was able to enjoy a Poolside bar.
The Poolside bar deserves its own moment. Picture this: Sun sinking low over the city, a perfectly mixed cocktail in hand, the gentle hum of conversation around you. Pure bliss. Honestly, the happy hour was a major highlight. Especially after a long day sightseeing.
Now, I have to get honest here. They didn't have my favorite brand of coffee. It was a minor detail, but I'm a coffee snob. But the overall experience was fantastic.
Service & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where Mercure Midrand really shines. Seriously, the staff are fantastic. Always smiling, helpful, and going the extra mile. From the concierge arranging taxis to the friendly faces at reception, the service was impeccable.
They have a Convenience store, which is a lifesaver when you forget your toothbrush (guilty!). They have a Laundry service and an Ironing service (thank goodness, my shirts are never the same). 24-hour room service is also a major plus. The daily housekeeping was also very efficient. I'm a big fan of any business that offers Contactless check-in/out, and they have that as an option.
Things To Do - Ways To Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, okay, let's get to the good stuff: the spa. While the hotel has a Fitness center and a Swimming pool, I was particularly excited about the full spa experience. Mercure Midrand has a full spa. I was particularly impressed by the Sauna and their Steamroom. The massage I had was heavenly! I was able to get a Body scrub, a Body wrap, and an amazing Foot bath, just to relax. They also have a Spa/sauna, Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor] option to enjoy.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Features
While I don't have kids myself, I saw plenty of families enjoying the hotel. They have Family/child friendly spaces, and access to Babysitting service. They also have a Kids meal option.
A Few Quirky Thoughts & Imperfections…
- The elevators were sometimes a little slow. Minor inconvenience, but worth a mention.
- I wish they had more local South African artwork in the rooms. A small thing, but it would add a nice touch.
- The pool could get a bit crowded on weekends.
The Verdict: Why You Should Book Mercure Midrand RIGHT NOW!
Okay, I've rambled, I've ranted, I've been completely and utterly honest. Mercure Midrand isn't perfect. But it comes pretty darn close. It's clean, safe, comfortable, and the service is fantastic. The food is great, the spa is phenomenal, and the location is ideal for exploring Johannesburg or easy access to the airport.
Here's My Recommendation:
Book it. Seriously. Do it now.
My Offer to You - (Because You Made It This Far!):
Book your stay at Mercure Midrand today and receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a view! Use code "MIDRANDMAGIC" at checkout. This hotel is worth it. You'll thank me later. You'll thank Mercure Midrand. Happy travels!
Escape to Comfort Suites DFW: Grapevine's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because planning a trip to Johannesburg, even with a swanky base like the Mercure Midrand, is NOT as smooth as a freshly-pressed safari shirt. Here's the messy, honest truth of my attempted itinerary, and the ACTUAL reality that unfolded:
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (Mercure Midrand, baby!)
- Morning (Supposedly): Land at OR Tambo. Smooth immigration, grab the pre-booked airport transfer (hah! more on that later). Arrive Mercure Midrand, check in, breathe in the air-conditioned luxury, and unpack my meticulously organized suitcase (again, HA!).
- Reality: Landed, battled a rogue trolley trying to run me over, immigration wanted to know everything. Airport transfer? "On its way, sir." "On its way" meant three hours in a dusty, sweltering airport, watching other tourists (and a particularly smug group of Germans) get whisked away. Finally arrived, feeling like I'd aged ten years. Mercure looked beautiful though, bless it. Checked in, discovered my room key didn't work. Twice. Finally in, collapsed on the bed, and immediately felt a pang of existential dread about unpacking. Opted for a quick shower (needed it) and a celebratory mini-bar chocolate.
- Afternoon: Relax by the pool, acclimatize, maybe read a book (optimistic, I know). Decide on dinner plans – maybe something local, Braai (South African barbecue ) sounds amazing.
- Reality: Pool? Overrun with shrieking children and teenagers with more Instagram followers than I have teeth. Book? Found the Wi-Fi login, then spent 30 minutes trying to log in. Gave up. Dinner? Ended up at the hotel restaurant, utterly exhausted. Food? Average. Wine? Too much. Emotional state: bordering on 'homesick for a place I've never been.'
- Evening: Early night, get a good sleep. Set up for the next day and go to sleep.
- Reality: Sleep? Oh no, no. Jet lag hit me like a brick shithouse at 2 am. Spent the next three hours staring at the ceiling, Googling 'how to survive Johannesburg jet lag' and contemplating the meaning of life. Then the alarm was set. Got up, and then had to go to the restroom. Got ready again.
Day 2: The Mandela Magic (or, My Near-Death Experience in a Taxi)
- Morning (Supposedly): Breakfast at the hotel. Book a tour to Constitution Hill (an old prison turned museum). Explore the city to learn about the end to Apartheid.
- Reality: Breakfast was alright. Coffee tasted like dishwater, but the eggs were fine. Taxi driver? A speed demon who seemed determined to set a new land speed record. I spent the entire journey gripping the car door, convinced I was about to become a statistic. Constitution Hill was actually fascinating, poignant, and really, truly moved me. Seeing Mandela's cell… wow. That's when the experience was truly moving.
- Afternoon: Explore the city. Go to the neighborhood of Soweto and learn about its significance of that area. Grab some lunch, maybe a local market?
- Reality: I got lost! My phone died and I didn't know where to go. I asked one person for help. He seemed to like me and gave me a mini-tour of the area. I felt a bit unsafe at first, but it went well. Later I ate some local food. It was very spicy. I was sweating by the end of it. Went back to the Mercure, glad I managed to make it back.
- Evening: Back to the hotel for dinner.
- Reality: I had to go back to the hotel for dinner because I lost my phone. I ate at the hotel restaurant again, because I didn't feel like anything else after the long day. I looked at the pool from afar, but didn't go.
Day 3: Safari Dreams (or, My Moment of Truth with a Giraffe)
- Morning (Supposedly): Day trip to Pilanesberg National Park (or, if I was feeling particularly ambitious and wealthy, the Kruger National Park). Safari time! See the Big Five! Take perfect pictures!
- Reality: A safari was going to happen, darn it! I'd researched like a maniac. Picked Pilanesberg (Kruger was just… too much, too soon). The drive was LONG. The bumpy roads nearly shook my teeth loose. The tour guide? Bless his heart, he tried. Saw elephants, zebras, and a rhino that looked thoroughly unimpressed. The moment? The giraffe. Majestic. Graceful. Standing there, munching on leaves, looking down I truly felt a connection.
- Afternoon: After-safari relaxation back at the hotel.
- Reality: Exhausted! The safari wore me out. I'm not used to being in the heat. So I went to the hotel. I went to the pool and sat there, thinking about the Giraffe. I feel like I should write a poem about it.
- Evening: Dinner, maybe a quiet evening at the hotel bar.
- Reality: Hotel bar it was, nursing a stiff drink and replaying the giraffe encounter in my head, again. Did I miss the moment? I think not.
Day 4: Culture Shock & Shopping (or, My Near-Death Experience in a Shopping Mall)
- Morning (Supposedly): Visit the Apartheid Museum. Soak up some history. Learn about the past.
- Reality: I'll admit it, I struggled at the Apartheid Museum. It was heavy. Powerful. Devastating, and absolutely essential, but it made me feel guilty for being there. I did visit the museum. I did learn about their past.
- Afternoon: Shopping! Explore Gold Reef City, a theme park built on an old gold mine. Buy souvenirs.
- Reality: The gold rush and Gold Reef City was cool. I went there and bought souvenirs. It was fun.
- Evening: Farewell dinner.
- Reality: I had dinner at the hotel restaurant again.
Day 5: Departure (or, Back to Reality)
- Morning (Supposedly): Enjoy one last breakfast. Pack. Check out. Depart.
- Reality: Woke up. Breakfast was, again, fine. Packed. Checked out. Airport transfer actually arrived on time (miracle!). Stood in a ridiculously long security line. Boarded the plane. And took off! What a trip, I thought.
Final Thoughts:
Johannesburg: It’s messy. It’s chaotic. It can be overwhelming. It's also incredibly beautiful, inspiring, and full of life. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I plan things differently? Yep, and I'd probably need therapy after. But hey, that's the beauty of travel, right? The glorious, beautiful, messy chaos of it all. And next time, definitely hiring a driver. And maybe a therapist.
Unbelievable Tacoma Views! Marriott Downtown's Secret Revealed
Is Mercure Midrand REALLY Johannesburg's BEST Hotel? (Don't Get Me Started...)
Okay, okay, let's get this out of the way. BEST? That's a HUGE claim, and honestly, I'm not sure. Look, I've stayed in places that smelled vaguely of disappointment (and cabbage) and places that whispered luxury secrets. Mercure Midrand… it's… *something*. It's definitely a contender in the "Midrand-area-hotels-I've-actually-slept-in" category. Is it the best? Depends on your definition. Are you looking for gold-plated taps and butlers who know your preferred brand of artisanal water? Then, no. Mercure Midrand is probably not your jam. Are you looking for clean sheets, a decent breakfast, and a location that won't leave you stranded in a traffic vortex? Then… maybe? I'm still on the fence, folks.
What's the Vibe Like? Is it Fancy or… Practical?
Practical, my friends, practical. Think… modern, but not *too* modern. Think… business-y, but not soul-crushingly business-y. Think… clean, in that "they-cleaned-the-rooms-at-some-point-this-week" kind of way. The lobby has some nice seating, good for people-watching (which is a MAJOR perk, let's be honest), and the staff are generally friendly, although sometimes they seem a little… overwhelmed. I once tried to check in after a truly horrific flight, and the poor receptionist looked like she'd seen a ghost. Turns out, it was just Tuesday. So yeah, practical. Comfortable enough. Don't expect crystal chandeliers, okay?
Let's Talk Rooms. Are They Actually Comfortable?
Okay, this is where things get… better. The rooms *are* comfortable. They're not palatial suites, mind you, but the beds are decent. I *think* the pillows are memory foam (or something equally space-age), because I always wake up feeling… mostly okay. The bathrooms are clean, the showers have decent water pressure (a HUGE win, let me tell you), and there's usually enough space to swing a… well, a small handbag. The air conditioning works, which is crucial in Jozi. The only real downside? The walls *might* be a little thin. I’ve definitely heard the snoring symphony from next door. Loudly. Maybe bring earplugs. Seriously.
The Breakfast. Is it Worth Getting Out of Bed For?
YES! Mostly. Okay, the breakfast buffet at Mercure Midrand is... pretty solid. There's a decent selection of the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, sausages (some of them are actually edible!), pastries, fruit, cereal. The coffee is drinkable. I'd say, it's a 7/10 breakfast. Look, it's not going to change your life, but it’ll fuel you for a day of meetings or whatever it is you're doing in Midrand. Though... once, I was there, and the scrambled eggs looked suspiciously… yellow. And I mean, *really* yellow. I think I opted for toast that day. But generally, yes, breakfast is a winner, even if I am a little paranoid about the eggs now.
Location, Location, Location! Is it Actually Convenient?
This is where Mercure Midrand *really* shines. It’s right in the heart of Midrand, which is… useful. Close to the Gautrain station, which makes getting to Sandton or the airport a breeze (compared to, you know, the alternative – battling Johannesburg traffic, which is a special kind of hell). There are restaurants and shops nearby, but be warned, you really don't have that "walking around" experience. You're usually taking a cab or driving somewhere, unless you want to chance the sidewalks of Midrand while dodging traffic. It might be good for Business travel, but not a tourist area! The hotel is, in the end, a good launchpad to explore the surrounding areas.
Tell Me About the Pool! Is it a Relaxing Oasis?
Okay, the pool… it’s there. It's... fine. It’s small, not particularly glamorous, and sometimes a little crowded. I wouldn’t exactly call it an oasis. I once tried to relax by the pool after a particularly exhausting day, and there were kids screaming nearby. After all this time, I'm always surprised any sort of calm can be achieved. It's more like a “place to cool off quickly and get back to real life” than a "lounge-by-the-pool-sipping-cocktails-until-sunset" kind of vibe. Think of it as a refreshing option to get away from the constant sun and to enjoy the beautiful weather in Midrand.
The Staff – Are They Helpful?
Generally, yes. The staff are usually pretty helpful. They try. I've had some lovely experiences, where they've gone above and beyond. And also, some… less lovely experiences. One time, I asked for extra towels (because, you know, I LIKE towels), and it took three phone calls and a solid hour to get them. But, most of the time, they're polite, efficient, and try their best. It feels like someone cares about the job, even if things aren't perfect. However, the staff aren't always super responsive, and sometimes things can be a little slow, but given my overall experience, I can't fault their efforts.
Would You Stay There Again?
Honestly? Yes. Probably. Despite my rambling complaints and occasional moments of mild frustration, Mercure Midrand is… reliable. It's clean, comfortable, conveniently located, and the breakfast is decent (apart from those questionable eggs). It's a solid choice for business travel or a quick stopover. It's not perfect, but it's a good option. And hey, sometimes "good enough" is perfectly acceptable. It's definitely in the running for the best Midrand hotel I know, and frankly, that's saying something. Plus, you can't beat the people-watching! So yeah, put it on the list. Just, you know, bring earplugs.
