The members of the Johannesburg Boutique Collection (JBC) celebrated their first year of collaboration during a convivial cocktail party at Clico Boutique Hotel on April 17 2013. Early 2012 saw this association form a preferred brand of bespoke hospitality for the discerning business and leisure traveller wanting a deluxe home from home experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, the business and shopping hub of Africa.
The five award-winning Johannesburg establishments comprise Clico Boutique Hotel, Ten Bompas, The Hamilton, The Parkwood and The Peech Hotel, of which the owners have a cooperation agreement between their stylish, comfortable and well-equipped boutique hotels and guest houses. The benefit of the JBC seals a quality assurance between members, thereby ensuring ease of reservations through agents and tour operators as well as direct bookings for individuals as well as corporate travellers and events managers.
The JBC was the idea of James Peech of The Peech Hotel. “I believe that by working together we have something that is unique – the intimacy and personalized service that is so appealing in boutique accommodation combined with the convenience and selling-power of some 58 rooms within our JBC association.” As a group, the six hotels and guest houses offer a central location within the greater Rosebank area, well positioned for quick and easy access to the business and retail hubs of Rosebank, Melrose Arch, Hyde Park, Sandton and the central business district (CBD) of Johannesburg.
Transfers are provided within the greater Rosebank area, whilst most of the hotels are within minutes from the conveniently situated Gautrain stations.
So why the collaboration? “We can refer among ourselves”, says Peter Aucamp, of Ten Bompas. “It means that no agent, tour operator or large group is in danger of not being able to secure boutique accommodation even at the last minute. Bookings for larger groups can be accommodated amongst the hotels which are all in close proximity to each other and there is the added simplicity of presenting clients with a single bill at the end.”
The hallmark of the JBC is bespoke luxury, polished, personalised and discreet service, the tranquility of landscaped gardens and understated, yet modern interiors.
Clico Boutique Hotel is representative of this, offering 5-star award-winning fine dining, nine chic en suite rooms and a stylish function centre that can accommodate small groups for conferences and intimate events.
The JBC properties are well established and have built up a following of loyal return clientele in the year since forming this elegant association.
Says Sarah Shonfeld of The Parkwood: “We take great pride in having retained repeat corporate guests for the past eight years – the right environment has kept them coming back.” The combined assurance of quality and intimacy is the strength of the JBC.
“Most corporate travellers are looking for smaller, more personalised and unique accommodation options. Many travellers are moving away from the bigger, traditional hotel type environments. This is what the JBC offers. There is something unique in each and every one of our members’ establishments,” says Dave Hamilton-Brown of The Hamilton Boutique Hotel.
Several of the establishments have received acclaim. The Peech Hotel was nominated as ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Africa’ by the World Travel Awards, whilst Clico Boutique Hotel was recognized in the 2012 as well as 2013 Eat Out Magazine as one of the Best Fine Dining restaurants in Johannesburg.
The JBC provides agents, tour operators and corporates with not only more options but greater peace of mind – and peace of mind is what The Johannesburg Collection is all about.
