This year The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo is celebrating a decade of hospitality and its iconic status as a world-class five-star hotel – the only one at OR Tambo International Airport.
A safe walk from the bustling terminal building, over the past ten years the sophisticated hotel has remained a tranquil oasis for guests seeking a little respite from the frenetic world of travel. The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo has maintained its superior brand service standards with a recent refurbishment enhancing its sense of home: enveloping textures and subtle tones ensure guests always feel a sense of belonging whether they are staying overnight or for a few hours while in transit.
Guests undoubtedly value the hotel’s unbeatable location, which negates traffic congestion and lengthy travelling times, thereby affording a valuable opportunity to work, or sleep…or eat.
“Food forms an integral component of our brand promise,” says Pierre Delfau General Manager at The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo. “Guests on the move require energy and the hotel’s superb culinary offering satisfies this need.”
With executive chef Jade Sullaphen, the hotel’s combination of luxury, location and fine fare is an irresistible recipe for a wonderful stay. Inspired by travel and international tastes and trends, Sullaphen constantly strives to create modern, interesting South African dishes while incorporating his Indian family heritage, and the extensive insight gleaned from his Italian
and German mentors. His dishes feature seasonal ingredients and he is ever mindful of freshness and sustainability. He creatively weaves modern, classic, local and international elements.
Sullaphen regards passion as his factor for success. The determination to achieve high standards is unmistakable in his kitchen - and throughout the hotel “There are no short cuts, particularly when catering for large functions. Preparation marks the distinction between good and sublime dishes.”
Because a large proportion of guests are foreign, the culinary experience reflects local tastes, incorporating homegrown ingredients. Menus include local game, fish and meats prepared in a contemporary manner. But the kitchen encompasses the flexibility to meet individual needs from a formal business dinner to a quick meal. The extensive room service menu has been designed to provide comfort food, satisfying those about to embark on a long-haul flight. Quills Restaurant operates 24 hours a day, offering guests off menu items to suit their cravings.
As a leading global hotel brand InterContinental is accustomed to hosting celebrities, and Sullaphen has cooked for many high profile personalities both within the hotel and abroad, including President Zuma. With 21 years experience, he is adept at showcasing South African food favourites like pap and morogo, chicken wings with chakalaka, lamb bobotie, malva pudding, and Amarula custard. His techniques may be simple but his task is complex, one which he accomplishes with flair and taste, much like the rest of the team at the hotel.
Staff truly exhibit the essence of South African hospitality, while the ambience and carefully appointed artifacts reflect the culture and spirit of Africa, creating a peaceful environment in a contemporary setting. Peaceful, modern interiors encompass spacious soundproofed rooms, including black-out curtains for an improved sleep experience – not to mention king size beds adorned with fluffy duvets.
Bathrooms boast luxurious showers with massage showerheads. There is a state-of-the art gym, steam room and indoor swimming pool. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a 24-hour business centre mean guests can communicate around the world across time zones. The hotel’s new fully-serviced, up market meeting spaces (the only such facilities in the airport complex), are always open, and can accommodate up to 100 delegates while a beautiful new Okavango private dining room caters extensively for groups and incentives business.
Ten years on…this is true testimony to The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo’s longevity. It’s home for people away from home.
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