Latest news with #CarltonHotel
Mail & Guardian
5 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
Three stays that prove the Joburg CBD still has style
Reflecting the past?: The Rand Club is filled with history. Johannesburg's woes are well known — even more so those of the inner city. So why would you want to stay there for business or pleasure purposes? Surely, hotels there are rundown too … or have gone the way of the mothballed Carlton and Johannesburg Sun hotels? And while I can attest to many dodgy establishments (see sidebar), the three destinations below show it's both possible and desirable to stay in Jozi's city centre. In fact, your room could give you a much-needed view of optimism — that it's not all doom and gloom. But with an obvious warning — when exploring the areas surrounding these establishments, look like you belong there and not like some hapless tourist waiting to be relieved of your precious belongings. The Reef Hotel A bit rough around the edges. Heaps of soul and potential. No, I'm not self-promoting again. I'm describing the appeal of The Reef Hotel. Yes, there's room for improvement (the hotel is refreshingly open to feedback on what it can do better), which is to be expected as it's undergoing a process of transformation that includes the training of its many young staff members. They all epitomise the youthful vitality and can-do ambition of the city, including acting general manager Hazel Sibanda. What was once an office block is now a 120-room hotel in Marshalltown, the part of the CBD where security and the potential for rejuvenation is strongest. The pioneering spirit that built Johannesburg is alive and well, both in ethos and the industrial touches throughout the building. These extend to the rooms with their exposed concrete ceilings and the photography on the walls behind the beds. Each floor has its own theme with corresponding information on the city. My deluxe double room, including a bathroom with a shower and a bath, was super spacious. Just what I needed to counter a recent bout of cabin fever. Standard double, standard twin and deluxe twin rooms are available, too. I tested room service (an effective way to gauge things), which was prompt and friendly. The recently opened Premier Lounge on the third floor brings a touch of airport VIP-lounge glamour and personalised attention. And then onto the Elevate Rooftop Bar on the 16th floor, with its incredible urban views. If this doesn't take your breath away, sorry for you, please check your pulse. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it has a vibe, even when not busy. Apparently, it rocks on Friday evenings when staff from the nearby banks knock back a few. Need imbibement of a different sort? The Standard Bank Gallery, literally around the corner, should oblige with its exhibition It's Woven Into Who We Are, featuring tapestries from the bank's collections and artists such as William Kentridge and Penny Siopis. Being upgraded: The Reef Hotel in downtown Johannesburg. Rand Club Okay, so not strictly a hotel. But as good, if not better, for all the history, heritage and contemporary relevance it provides. In a city obsessed with reinvention, The Rand Club stands as a rare constant. Founded in 1887, just a year after Johannesburg's own birth, this grand historic institution has witnessed the city's highs and lows. The Edwardian building, completed in 1904, has endured everything from political intrigue — such as the Jameson Raid in 1895, which saw members charged with high treason — to urban decline and even a major fire in 2005. But survival in Joburg demands more than a celebrated past. Today's Rand Club members are diverse — black and white, male and female, straight and openly gay — drawn from professions ranging from law and banking to architecture and the arts. Preserving the five-storey building is a monumental effort, especially given municipal rates that border on extortion. Like many old institutions, the club has adapted, opening its doors to events, offices and accommodation for non-members, without compromising the allure of membership. I stayed two nights in Room 4, a minimalist yet elegant space. While the rest of the club boasts ornate detailing, this room is designed for restful simplicity — think sash windows, monochromatic bathroom and a minibar. Swankier choices include the deluxe room and luxury suite. Since my stay included a Sunday, the club's restaurant and bars (including Africa's longest) were closed and I had the place mostly to myself. This gave me time to explore highlights like the original 1904 lift, staircase and the dome above it. The Rhodes Room (and other colonial relics) could trigger some people. But as a history graduate, I see immense value in confronting uncomfortable legacies rather than erasing them. If a picture is worth a thousand words, rather see the club as an opportunity for a history lesson via the numerous portraits and photos, including of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa, adorning its walls. The good, the bad, the ugly. Beyond its walls, the Rand Club is well positioned for exploration. There's a good chance you'll recognise the streets around it from many an advert. In fact, my stay coincided with a shoot on the Fox Street side for a betting company ad. Blue-plaque buildings, ranging from restored gems to derelict classics, echo Johannesburg's complex, evolving story. And if you're still not convinced, the Woolworths Food store down the road should allay any fears that you're in a complete no-man's land. City Lodge Hotel Newtown Room to explore: There is plenty to discover in the area surrounding City Lodge Hotel Newtown. Photos: Richard Goller Don't let the clinical office-building exterior put you off. Once inside, it's far more inviting than it looks. Part of the nationwide City Lodge Hotel Group, it's encouraging to see a chain with a presence in the historic Newtown area. With its easy highway access, this City Lodge attracts a business clientele (a good sign) and assorted leisure-seekers (keep an eye out for regular promotions such as the '40th birthday 40% off weekends' in August, for example). The third floor is the centre of activity with its #Café restaurant and fitness room. The pool area, in its urban setting, is particularly attractive for a cocktail or three. The entry-level standard double room I stayed in, thankfully not a symphony in beige, featuring a queen-size bed and en suite walk-in shower, was comfortable and more spacious than it sounded. Other accommodation options in the 148-room hotel include double rooms with sleeper sofas, interleading double rooms, double rooms with facilities for disabled guests and twin rooms, among others. Reception handled my request to be moved to a room with a balcony in an efficient and friendly manner. As enjoyable as the hotel is, views from various angles will tell you there's a world right outside to explore, including the Newtown Cultural Precinct with landmarks such as The Market Theatre, Museum Africa, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and Turbine Hall within walking distance. Newtown Junction Mall will give you a glimpse of young Johannesburg at work and play. Most of all, this walkabout that takes in a hodgepodge of architectural styles — from industrial and Victorian to corporate — will provide a snapshot of a dynamic city that keeps going, thanks to the relentless efforts of those who still care about it.
Daily Record
07-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Popular Ayrshire hotel under new ownership after keys officially handed over
The venue had been owned by the RAD Hotel Group since 2008. A much loved Ayrshire hotel is under new ownership. The Carlton Hotel in Prestwick was officially handed over to independent hotelier Henry Fitzsimmons today. The hotel had been owned by the RAD Hotel Group for the last 17 years, but it will remain in local hands with The Fitzsimmons Group also being owners of The Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine. The transfer of ownership will see all 57 existing staff at The Carlton retained, with wages, benefits, and roles fully protected. Gift vouchers bought under RAD Group will be honoured for the value at any of the RAD Group's hotels. Aaron Kyle of The RAD Hotel Group said: 'The Carlton has been an important part of our journey, and we are incredibly proud of the team and reputation we've built here. 'We are confident that the hotel will continue to thrive under Henry's ownership and remain a valued part of the Prestwick community.' Henry Fitzsimmons of the Fitzsimmons Group added: 'We're honoured to take ownership of The Carlton. This is a hotel with a great community and a fantastic team. 'Our goal is to build on the trust and loyalty The Carlton has earned over the years and continue delivering the warm, welcoming service that guests know and love. We're excited to invest in the future of the hotel and further strengthen our commitment to Ayrshire hospitality.' All existing bookings, including weddings and events, remain fully secure with deposits under new ownership. The Carlton Hotel will honour the value of any Carlton Hotel-labelled gift vouchers, while RAD Group-branded gift vouchers will be honoured across the RAD Hotel Group portfolio.
Bangkok Post
05-08-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Cybersecurity workshop with Israel launched
Thailand and Israel have jointly launched the largest government-to-government cybersecurity workshop between the two nations, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and boosting cybersecurity resilience. Officially kicking off on Tuesday, the Thailand-Israel Cybersecurity Workshop is being organised by Thailand's National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and the Israeli embassy in Bangkok. The three-day event, held at the Carlton Hotel in Bangkok, brings together around 200 Thai cybersecurity professionals from both the public and private sectors. The workshop focuses on emerging cyber threats, best practices, and strategic solutions to safeguard national and economic interests in a rapidly digitising world, with Israeli cybersecurity experts leading the sessions. At the opening ceremony, Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Orna Sagiv emphasised Israel's longstanding experience in defending against cyberattacks targeting its critical infrastructure. She highlighted the need for global collaboration in cybersecurity, noting that "cyber threats know no borders, and Thailand is no exception". This workshop stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the NCSA and Israel's National Cyber Directorate (INCD), which promotes bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity through training, information sharing, and capacity building. "The cyber threat has no borders and requires more collaboration. Otherwise, we all stand to lose," Ms Sagiv stated. When asked about future cooperation, the ambassador pointed to another existing MoU between the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) and Thailand's National Innovation Agency (NIA), signed in July 2018. She noted that projects under both the cybersecurity and innovation MoUs could be integrated, as many initiatives are interconnected. Looking ahead, the Israeli embassy plans to take around 40 Thai chief information security officers (CISOs) to Israel in December for a specialised seminar, which is part of the Cyber Week 2025 event, at Tel Aviv University. "We are designing a tailor-made programme for the Thai delegation," Ms Sagiv said. "We're working closely with the NCSA to turn every new idea into an opportunity," she added. "This platform proves that both our nations view cybersecurity as a shared challenge. It's a great opportunity -- and we are committed to taking it forward," the ambassador added.
Irish Times
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Driving test confusion: ‘Multiple candidates' miss appointments due to mix-up over two centres
Confusion over the location of two west Dublin driving test centres has resulted in learner drivers missing appointments and the centres having higher than average 'no show' rates. The centres in Mulhuddart are at Maple House in Rosemount Business Park, and at Carlton Hotel on the old Navan Road. Thomas Hand, a 17-year-old learner driver from Portrane, Co Dublin, got a cancellation appointment on June 26th for his test and arrived at Maple House centre. 'Despite being on time, I was informed I had missed my appointment,' he said. He arrived at the wrong test centre because his GPS defaulted to the main centre 'with no listing for the Carlton Hotel location'. READ MORE He was deemed a 'no show' and told he would have to apply again for his test. 'Staff told me this is a recurring issue and that multiple candidates miss tests because of this confusion,' he said. His 'no show' appointment was his third test. He had previously secured cancellations for his first test in Finglas on May 16th and his second in Tallaght on June 5th. The teenager said he needed to pass his test by August when his insurance was due for renewal as he would not be able to afford the learner driver premium next time. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said the test appointment confirmation 'clearly states the address and eircode of the chosen location' and applicants should 'read the communication that issues to them'. The RSA 'has not received a significant level of complaints on this issue. Nevertheless, to avoid possible confusion, we will include 'Mulhuddart' in the Maple House Google Maps entry'. Dublin West Fine Gael TD Emer Currie said one of the centres 'could easily be renamed to avoid confusion, but since 2023 the RSA hasn't done so'. She said 'this is one of a number of simple things the RSA could do to make the testing system more efficient and reduce no-shows', which in 2023 and 2024 totalled 15,103. In a parliamentary reply, Ms Currie received figures showing tens of thousands of learners are 'pausing' their applications rather than pushing for a test date. Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 166,975 driving-test applications were 'paused' including 51,538 last year alone. She said the figures needed to be investigated because they represented about 18 per cent of applications and they indicated that learners were using the driving-test confirmation to renew their learner permit and pause their application instead. Susan Gray, of road safety campaign group Parc, said it shows 'how easy and how many can game the system'. She said 8,600 failed to show last year for their test, but 'people don't even have to select a date. They just apply to go on a waiting list and then use that letter to renew their permit'. The RSA and Department of Transport have agreed legislative changes to reduce the number of long-term learner permit holders on Irish roads, although no date has been given for implementation. The RSA said: 'Third or subsequent permits will only be issued if the applicant has taken a driving test within the previous two years – booking a test will no longer be sufficient. 'No more than four consecutive learner permits will be allowed. After the fourth, the individual must restart the entire process' including the theory test and lessons.
TimesLIVE
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Cape Town launch of 'Hollywood on the Veld' by Ted Botha (July 19)
ABOUT Hollywood on the Veld In 1913 a secretive American millionaire who lived on the top floor of the famous Carlton Hotel had a crazy idea: to make movies in Johannesburg. Not just any movies but the biggest in the world, huge spectacles with elaborate sets, thousands of extras and epic story lines. Isidore Schlesinger, better known as 'IW', built a studio on a farm called Killarney, where he set out to challenge a place in America that was in its infancy: Hollywood. The glamour, gossip and high drama of IW's studio fit perfectly into a city experiencing an intoxicating golden age. There was as much action on the movie sets as there was on screen, from political intrigue and the clashing of huge egos to public outbursts, fiery judicial inquiries, disaster and death. Behind the mad enterprise was a maverick, a tycoon, a recluse, a friend of the famed and the connected. IW could have held his own in California but he chose as his base the City of Gold, and his indomitable ambition saw his 'Hollywood on the Veld' soar. This is the never-been-told-before story of the rise and fall of the strangest and most unique movie empire ever.
