Balalaika Hotel

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Photo courtesy Vanja S

Nestled in the heart of Sandton, the Balalaika Hotel has been a landmark for 60 years and is a favoured meeting place and watering hole for locals and tourists alike. The lovely building was originally a country estate and was here long before the Sandton area became the hip and happening urban marketplace it is today. Back in the day, it is said, locals would arrive on horseback to enjoy a tipple or two.

The Balalaika Protea Hotel accommodates guests in 330 air-conditioned bedrooms with en suite bathrooms stocked with exclusive bath products. The rooms are decorated in an English country style, and the large windows make the hotel bright and breezy.

For special occasions, the newer Crown Court suites feature private spa baths. There is satellite TV and room service is available 24/7, as is access to a business centre and small meeting rooms. Technology support staff and limo/town car hire services are available and there is wireless and wired high-speed internet access in public areas.

Photo courtesy Vanja S
Both the Balalaika and Crown Court have a four-star rating and each section has its own swimming pool in landscaped gardens that belie the hustle and bustle outside. The hotel has a fitness centre.

The Colony restaurant in the Balalaika serves breakfast on the terrace, which overlooks the lovely gardens. There is a poolside bar and the Bull Run steakhouse is renowned for its premium beef. Lords Cigar Bar is great for drinks and, of course, a leisurely smoke.

Great service is a priority and staff are fully trained to provide discreet yet attentive care. Banqueting and conference facilities and exhibit space can be hired and there is even a ballroom. Shuttle services to OR Tambo International run at a surcharge. Wedding services, concierge services and tour assistance can all be accessed through the hotel.

Photo courtesy Vanja S
Walk out of the Balalaika on to busy Maude Street and the Village Walk Shopping Centre is immediately on your right. There you’ll find a local supermarket and a pharmacy, and likely be distracted by specialty shops offering wares ranging from designer clothes and luggage to antique jewellery and imported carpets. There is a bookshop and a stockist of alcohol and fine wines. The complex houses several restaurants on the lower level and you can also catch a movie.

An 800m walk down Maude Street in the opposite direction will bring you to Sandton City and Mandela Square, where fine shopping and eating are offered in abundance. The Sandton Gautrain station is also within walking distance of the hotel, facilitating quick transport to OR Tambo International Airport.

The Balalaika stands as a reminder of a quieter time and offers unparalleled charm and comfort. Yet it is so close to the action that you can walk out of the hotel for a full day of retail therapy and entertainment.