We spent the night at The Capital Melrose' one bedroom apartment hotel, and the stylish urban décor and supreme comfort make it feel like home away from home.

The property, situated on the cusp of the City of Gold, near business districts, entertainment venues, and the Johannesburg M1, offers business and leisure travellers the choice of 109 rooms, studios, and apartments.

Travellers can choose from one- or two-bedroom apartments and studio apartments. The units, which are fully furnished, boast a fully equipped kitchen with modern finishes – with equipment from eating utensils to a washing machine – a modern lounge area with a touch of black, grey, and emerald green décor.

As you walk into the bedroom you can't help but notice the amazing lighting thanks to the glass walls and sliding door leading to the corner balcony, but the view outside offers nothing more than other apartment buildings and an empty piece of land next door.

In addition to good lighting, the bedroom offers a king-sized bed, flat screen TV, a wardrobe big enough for a couple, a room safe, and a breathtaking en suite bathroom.  

The bathroom is equipped with a bathtub – that's been placed too low and could be dangerous for toddlers. It also comes with a shower, loo and a basin that has a mirror with LED lights on either side. A good easy way to make up, as the dimly lit bathroom has small windows.

According to the hotel group, The Capital Melrose is the first apartment in The Capital Hotels and Apartments portfolio to offer a choice of ground floor garden units – ideal for families spending some downtime close to the heart of the City of Gold.

Common areas for guests include a gym, swimming pool, bar, dining area for patrons to enjoy a buffet breakfast, lunch from the menu, and dinner.

With Covid-19 restrictions easing, travellers are looking for extended stays, and although a small fraction of the market caters for them, aparthotels are definitely on the rise in South Africa.

According to CEO of the Capital Hotels & Apartments group Marc Wachsberger, the group has picked up an increasing demand for extended stays among business travellers.

Aparthotels became the answer since most travellers do not want the limited space offered by a conventional hotel room.  

The new niche accommodation model has found a place in society even post-covid since people now choose where they want to work, and "they don’t want to be in a cramped hotel room, they want an apartment," said Wachsberger in a Financial Mail article.

Phumi Ramalepe was the guest of the Capital Hotels & Apartments Group.