The Vantage Apartments

It felt like being at home, and I liked being able to cook with all the kitchen equipment provided. The place was comfortable and clean, near Rosebank Mall and Woolworths, and shopping nearby felt safe and relaxing.

The location is good and the staff are lovely, but the rooms aren’t properly finished. I booked and paid for a month without knowing that my room had no air-conditioning, fan or WiFi. I tried to get a refund and leave, but the building owner refused to return any money. Maybe they had cash-flow problems. Johannesburg gets hot in summer, and the staff don’t even have portable fans to lend, which is frustrating for them too. Sleeping with the windows and blinds open was miserable, with the building lights, heat, humidity and mosquitoes keeping me awake. Eventually I was moved to one of only three rooms in the complex with air-conditioning, but there was still no WiFi. This could be a good facility if CAT finished things properly, but they haven’t. Parking can also be tricky because of some selfish behaviour.

The metro station is just a two-minute walk away, and the city sightseeing bus stops near Rosebank Zone Mall. Shops are all together, including Spars, Pick n Pay and Woolworths, with plenty of food places too. Seafood Basket is the best restaurant. A wonderful place in a great location, with no need to go elsewhere.

Check-in was a nightmare because the reception staff were rude and unwelcoming. The room was very average, with a broken bed and dirty furniture. I wouldn’t recommend it.