Genesis All-Suite Hotel

Originally built as an apartment building above the Genesis shopping center, Genesis All-Suite Hotel still has a homey and casual feel about it. Guests need to go through the shopping center on the ground floor to get to the reception -- an elevator is available. Once on the hotel's level, there's a small lobby with a reception and tour desk. Just off the lobby is the hotel's Bistro, with casual cafe-style dining, dark walls and ceiling, and colorful artwork on the walls. The bar and lounge feature modern decor with mostly dark colors of blues, browns, and grays with framed black-and-white paintings on the walls. Hallways are open into the center of the building and look down over the shopping center. The chic rooftop sun deck with a plunge pool, poolside bar, and sun loungers is a relaxing spot with views over the Fairmount neighborhood. Due to the open layout of the shopping center below the hotel, the atmosphere is busy during the day, with a constant buzz of shoppers coming in and out. However, it's quiet once in the suites and away from the central area. Guests are a mix of business and leisure travelers, and many long-term travelers take advantage of the apartment-style suites.

Conveniently located above the Genesis shopping center in Fairmount, Genesis All-Suite Hotel is within close walking distance to several restaurants and shops. The shopping center below features two grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, a barber and hairdresser, gift shop, salon, post office, ATMs, car rental company, optometrist, and cell phone shop. It's a nine-minute drive to the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club and a 10-minute drive to Houghton Golf Club. Melrose Arch, with several popular restaurants, bars, and boutique shops is 10 minutes by car from the hotel. Rosebank, a busy business, shopping, and nightlife district, is a 15-minute drive away. It's a 16-minute drive to Constitution Hill. The popular business and nightlife neighborhoods of Midrand, Sandton, Parkhurst, and Greenside are all about a 20-minute drive away. There is no nearby public transportation -- Rosebank has the closest Gautrain Station (13-minute drive away). O.R. Tambo International Airport is 25 minutes by car.

The 50 suites at Genesis All-Suite Hotel were originally built as residential apartments so each unit has separate bedrooms, lounge areas, spacious bathrooms, and full kitchens. Decor is fresh and modern, with white walls, wooden floors, and contemporary black-and-white framed photographs. Furniture includes gray sofas with colorful floral throw cushions, glass coffee tables, and dark wooden furniture in the bedrooms. One-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites are available. Amenities throughout the suites include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, work desks, telephones, safes, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Kitchens are equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, hot tops, electric kettles, sinks, cooking and dining utensils, washers, and dryers. With exception of the One-Bedroom Suites, all other suites have two bathrooms (one off the master bedroom). Bathrooms include walk-in showers, hairdryers, and Tranquility toiletries. All suites feature spacious private balconies furnished with a table and chairs -- some overlook the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club. 

For a self-catering hotel, Genesis All-Suite Hotel has a decent amount of features available. There is a buffet breakfast each morning in the Bistro with hot and cold continental items (including made-to-order eggs), though the meal is not included in all room rates. The Bistro is also open for lunch and dinner, serving casual cafe-style dining. Phat Larry's Pizza serves pizza, available for sit-down or take-away. Room service is available from both restaurants. The Fairmount Bar and Lounge serves a variety of hot and cold beverages. There's also a poolside bar serving drinks and food from the Bistro menu next to the small rooftop plunge pool. A sundeck with a few sun loungers and parasols set on artificial grass and seating area is available next to the pool. There is a sleek, well-lit 24-hour fitness center with a few Technogym cardio and weight-training machines. Two conference rooms are available, seating up to 120 participants when combined. There are also two meeting rooms, a function venue, and 24-hour business center available. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and on-site undercover parking are free.