History of the Indaba Hotel
At 67 years old this year, the Indaba Hotel was first known as the Little Rose Neath Hotel and straddled the outskirts of Johannesburg in the 1950s. Back then, the journey was a day’s trip from the centre of Johannesburg, but it was one willingly made for the hotel’s sumptuous Sunday lunches.
The Indaba Hotel has been revamped
Today, the spacious Indaba Hotel is still true to its warm country house feel of 1952. Thatched rooms temper the weather and a revamped reception area, filled with light, is imbued with the greens and golds so characteristic of Johannesburg’s highveld grasslands. Sprawling Egoli eventually gobbled up those flaxen fields, bringing the city limits closer to the countryside, but the Indaba remains a calm, homely oasis despite the energy of bustling Fourways beyond its walls.
Rob Mickel, Director of the Indaba Group of Hotels proudly enthuses how, ‘Everyone has fond memories of the Indaba Hotel with many people celebrating a special occasion with us over the years. We really are part of the Fourways history. With the recent development of Fourways, we decided to upgrade and improve facilities whilst still maintaining the country look and feel, and “Mein Host” hospitality for which the Indaba Hotel Fourways is renowned’.
New Bistro 407 launched at Indaba Hotel
A new a la carte restaurant opened on 4 March 2019 within the well-established Epsom Restaurant, which remains synonymous with splendid buffet breakfast displays and excellent lunch variety. Bistro 407 is a smaller, more intimate eatery within the larger hotel dining area and is now open for more upscale dinners.
The name of the new bistro is another nod to the history of the Indaba Hotel, as the property began its life located on lot 407 of the original farm, Zevenfontein. More heritage commemoration can be found in the two new signature cocktails, namely the 407 Lavender Pina Colada and the decadent 407 Toasted Marshmallow Daiquiri, which features Toasted Marshmallow Flavouring and White Chocolate Sauce. Other tempting Bistro 407 menu options include Scottish Salmon, Wild mushroom & sun-dried tomato risotto, Lamb Noisette, perfect Smoked Pork Belly and the 407 Death by Chocolate dessert.
The last balmy summer days are perfect for al fresco dining on the wonderful outdoor deck or there’s Prive, the private dining room, which seats 12, for cosy winter dinners.
In addition to Bistro 407, other Indaba Hotel upgrades include the spruced up Courtyard Bar, which is an outdoors cafe set below the tall trees of Johannesburg’s urban forest and centred around an original farmhouse feature, a sweet 1950s-era fountain. There are also three swish new Executive Suites, three luxe Junior Suites and the very popular Indaba Gin School, supported by Inverroche.
These developments are the first completions of the Indaba’s 20/20 Vision, says Rob Mickel. ‘We are also extending our current Kgotla Venue with the new multi-purpose venue being 1200 square meters under roof. Ideal for large conferences and events this venue will be open in August 2019. Further extensions to our Mowana Spa, with a dedicated pedicure deck, will also be completed this March and current bathroom upgrades in our 9th block family and queen twin deluxe rooms are well underway. All upgrades and improvements will be completed by the beginning of 2020’.
Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton, Johannesburg lies the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre nestled beneath the vista of the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains.
It is a compelling blend of business-like convenience and efficiency, along with a relaxed and warm country hospitality atmosphere.
Phone: +27 (0) 11 840 6600
Email: indaba@indabahotel.co.za
