Tsogo Sun acquired the Grace Hotel and office buildings in Rosebank in October 2011 and after an extensive amount of research to determine the offering of other establishments in Rosebank, the character of this vibrant multi-cultural district and the niche preferences of the discerning business and leisure traveller to the node, Tsogo Sun started renovations to the property in late 2011.
The group consulted with Brash Brands, an internationally renowned brand consultancy, to determine the vision and character of the new hotel.
Along with the renovations and vision came the need to change the name to reflect the distinctive experience, the modernisation and the urban chic personality of the hotel. Tsogo Sun adopted the address of the property as the name of the new deluxe boutique hotel, 54 On Bath, a name that aims to reflect the iconic history of the property and its trendy surroundings.
Strategically positioned in Rosebank, 54 On Bath aims to provide a personalised experience to travellers from anywhere in the world. Rosebank is emerging as an exciting business and leisure node appealing to the local residents and the traveller alike. The Gautrain has boosted development and changes in the immediate precinct are underway with major construction and refurbishments taking place.
"54 On Bath will be positioned as the antithesis of large chain hotels. It will have attention to detail like no other, providing an intimate, vibrant and energetic environment that is focused on a distinctive guest experience.
It is intended that the hotel will reflect the energy, character and sophistication to satisfy the needs of the discerning business and leisure traveller. The hotel will open on 1 July 2012 and has 60 standard rooms, 12 luxury suites, and three penthouse suites. 54 On Bath has been designed with the discerning traveller in mind, the person who seeks refinement as well as comfort and a personal touch, the person who can appreciate tranquillity in the heart of a trendy and fast-developing urban area - A Hotel for You" says Graham Wood, managing director of Tsogo Sun - Hotels.
David Muirhead, of David Muirhead & Associates, designed the interior of 54 On Bath. "We worked with the classic foundation and lines of the property and evolved the interiors in a way that was respectful to the architecture.
"This landmark building has been given an interior that is urban chic yet classic, and is all about a revival, not only of the hotel, but of the commercial node of Rosebank, making the design both exciting and uplifting," says Muirhead.
Art is a strong feature in 54 On Bath, with many of the photographic pieces having been especially commissioned. These offer a visual journey that celebrates Johannesburg. The original brass chandeliers in the lobby lounge create a modern combination of the old and new against a backdrop of classic wall coverings.
Guests and local residents will be thrilled with the leisure and fine dining options available. Guests can choose to relax in the intimate champagne bar on the fourth floor, enjoy the boutique coffee bar in the lobby lounge or have traditional afternoon tea which will be served on the terrace and in the lounge. The restaurant is an uncomplicated yet elegant space that allows for intimate and comfortable dining and opens up to the renowned fourth floor roof terrace and garden.
Gerard Vingerling, the executive chef and Craig Smith the restaurant manager with their staff are putting together a restaurant in which all the incumbents will be given credit for their contribution towards the guests dining experience. The restaurant offering will be targeted to service residents of Rosebank and surrounds.
Leisure and business guests have easy access to designer shops, boutiques and entertainment facilities at the Rosebank Mall through the hotel's link from the second floor.
Jacques-Louis Moolman, who moves across from Tsogo Sun's Southern Sun Resorts Division, will take the reins at 54 On Bath as general manager. Jacques is keen and excited to be part of the deluxe boutique offering and is eager to start delivering a unique guest experiences to all his guests.
"Our staff will be the true USP of this hotel. They are all being specially trained to deliver an energetic and vibrant personalised and professional experience ensuring that we deliver on the distinctive 54 On Bath promise," notes Wood.
For more information go to www.tsogosun.com
