Crowne Plaza Johannesburg Rose, Johannesburg

I was charged additional ZAR 5,323 on top of ZAR 3,180 I paid for my 2 nights stay. Called the hotel 8 times already and sent my comment thru IHG guest relations webpage, sadly no response except the creation of my case no. 19314792 (if this is running no., no surprise this hotel receives so many complaints!). Thru IHG, a response from Rachelle Mediana and confirmed this matter has been forwarded to General Manager of the hotel and I should expect a response within 48 hours. Now has been more than a week!!! Then, a reply from Rufus McCarthy, claimed to be the Guest Relations Manager. I replied to his email and no response. I made my 8th call and with various excuses waiting for this guy, that lady etc and the best part is, “I will CERTAINLY call you after 11am today after talking to that lady”. Guest what? I should have known the kind of promises from crowne plaza rosebank from my previous 7 calls. CERTAINLY means who cares! (Oh! but I’m Guest Relations Manager). I provided all information; my hotel booking, the room no. stayed, the date of check-in and out and I know the hotel has my credit card details. Also, information of my colleagues for bookings made and each of us settled our own bill. I estimated this matter can be solved within 30 minutes and now has been over a month from my 1st call. It’s not a puzzle, are you retarded? Sorry for my language but obviously somebody pushed my button. And again, the amount of ZAR 5,323 is not something yet released by the bank but charged to my account and in my statement for settlement on the due date of 7th May 2010. Please do not underestimate me, this is not the first time the card was used for pre authorization, it’s insulting. Forget about those people in crowne plaza rosebank work in service industry, but as a person, when you promise something, honour it and that makes you a person. Otherwise, you’re a LIAR! And for the service you’re providing, you’re TERRIBLE LIAR!

Mr Tony Chetty is a very helpful and thoughtful member of the staff there for whom I always wish I would meet again. If you are there this is a Thank You to oyu . Others - it is by far the best value for money and the area is great and the location is decent in the sense it is not that far awau from everytrhing yet not exactly smack in the middle of your business district. The shopping sentre is great and the place is EXCELLENT ! I would always go back there again. Thanks all ~

The Rosebank Hotel is a very nice hotel, but one that is overpriced. They have a tendancy to overcharge for their services (especially Americans), and they will also bill you for things they tell you are free (like breakfast). The hotel is very safe, and it is home to the Parktown Bar, which is probably one of the best in Johannesburg.
My personal recommendation is the Courtyard Suites just two blocks down. They have very large suites, a very friendly staff, a ten foot gated wall that surrounds the facility (something lacking at the Rosebank), and it is reasonably priced.