Johannesburg's smart new Melrose Arch Hotel has a gritty, clued-in appeal well-suited to the city's work-hard/play-hard spirit. Do a deal over lunch or dinner, then down a Scotch before heading out, on foot, to one of the nightclubs on the hotel's doorstep. Melrose Arch is Johannesburg's newest, and most happening neighbourhood. Like its location, the Melrose Arch Hotel is uncompromisingly modern, with opaque, underlit glass floors and concrete, steel and leather surfaces throughout the public areas. A clubby soundtrack swirls through the double-volume entrance lobby, day and night. This is where smart, black Johannesburg plays, moving from the lobby to the bar to the lounge in serious suits and Africa-meets-Vogue jewellery. Breakfasts in the restaurant are generally high-visibility meetings, and dinners are taken at a long communal table.

Rates: From ZAR 2580.00pn + tax
(approx. AUD 465.00)