When I pulled up to the matte black building that houses the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank, I was instantly intrigued. What lay beyond those imposing walls? The façade gives very little away, but step inside and you will find a hotel as vibrant and cool as the neighbourhood it’s in.
The lobby is a striking tribute to Johannesburg’s emerging talent, featuring a curated art collection. At its heart is Hyde’s iconic endless sofa, set against a dramatic six-metre custom screen adorned with over 1,200 handcrafted ceramic beads. Written on some of the beads, you’ll find popular song titles offering a glimpse into Hyde’s musical roots.
Why stay at Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank?
Hyde might be new to Joburg, but the brand has been setting the mood since 2005. It all started on LA’s legendary Sunset Strip, where Hyde Lounge redefined nightlife with its electric atmosphere and velvet-rope mystique. Since then, Hyde has grown into a global lifestyle brand with hotels, beach clubs, mixology lounges, and residences, each one designed to keep that signature spirit alive.
While every Hyde property shares the brand’s vibrant, bohemian-inspired DNA, each one is uniquely shaped by its surroundings, so no two are ever quite the same. The majority of the brand’s hotels are located in leisure destinations, which makes total sense when you consider that “The freedom of a festival” is one of their brand pillars, but as the first hotel in Africa, Hyde Hotel Rosebank hits the sweet spot between urban sophistication and effortlessly cool, earthy design.
But it’s more than just a stylish place to sleep; Hyde is a hotel with a pulse. Tapping into the city’s rhythm, it often comes alive through local music gigs and DJ sets that echo the energy of Rosebank’s buzzing social scene. On the weekend we checked in, we were pleasantly surprised to catch the Winter Run Club gathering outside the hotel for one of their regular Saturday morning runs, a 5km or 10km loop through the neighbourhood that ended back at Hyde with a live DJ set and the kind of feel-good energy that lingers long after the last track plays.
What are the rooms like at Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank?
The Hyde Johannesburg has 131 rooms spread across 2 floors, all with a view of the vibrant streets of Rosebank and beyond. The boho-chic vibe from the lobby is reflected in the rooms, creating a serene escape for guests. The blend of neutral textures with earthy tones and bold patterns creates a perfect balance of comfort and style.
Once again, at the forefront of the room décor is the hotel’s commitment to local art and artists, with all rooms featuring boho-inspired pieces on the walls. The bathrooms are brought to life with bold colours and playful patterns, adding a festival-inspired, summery feel to the space.
The hotel offers 6 room types: General Admission King, VIP King (the room we stayed in), VIP Twin, Platinum King, Platinum Double and the All Access King. The first thing that struck me about our room was how serene and roomy it was, even with a deluxe-king-sized bed, a dedicated desk and make-up station and two sofa chairs with a little table in it.
My favourite in-room discovery was the Sony wireless party speaker. I checked with management, and they fully expect you to use the speaker if you’d like to, which to me is just one way they’re walking the talk with their “festival vibe” brand pillar. Being able to bring your own music into a space with you in that way helps set the tone for your entire stay, and it worked to get us pumped up for our escape in the city the following day.
What is the restaurant like at the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank?
Sharing the building with the Hyde is the best hotel restaurant in the country. No, seriously, the hotel’s restaurant, Proud Mary, secured that honour in the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards.
Proud Mary brings a refined yet relaxed energy to the hotel’s ground floor. With its chic interior, warm lighting and thoughtful design, it’s the kind of place that effortlessly transitions from breakfast meetings to indulgent dinners.
During our stay, we tucked into crispy fried squid to start (light, golden and perfectly seasoned, and one of my favourite dishes on the menu), followed by the caper butter sole and a juicy Wagyu cheeseburger that hit all the right notes. To end things on a sweet note, the peaches and cream panna cotta was a standout: silky, delicate and beautifully balanced. With polished service and a menu that celebrates modern comfort food with flair, Proud Mary is a destination in its own right.
The seasonal menus and strong relationships with small wine and spirit producers help to keep things fresh. Proud Mary also champions organic wines and works directly with family-run farms, so it’s not just beautiful food, it’s thoughtful, too.
What is the service like at the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank?
Checking in at the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank is a breeze; the hotel reception area is visible from the door, so there’s no chance of you getting lost. Upon arrival, I was greeted warmly by the concierge, who arranged for the complimentary valet service while we got checked in. Across the hotel, from the security at the front gate to the staff at the front desk, everyone was warm, enthusiastic and welcoming.
Over at Proud Mary, the service is warm, attentive, and impressively well-informed. The staff know the menu inside out, and every recommendation feels spot-on. Courses arrive with just the right pacing, giving you time to savour each dish while keeping anticipation high for what’s coming next.
A standout facility, the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank
While the freedom of a festival is a major pillar for the Hyde brand, there is also an emphasis on wellness. Not only this reflected in the complimentary in-room snacks (expect biltong, crackers and nuts instead of the usual sweet treats, although they do provide a little caramel at bedtime for sweet dreams), but also in the uber cool hotel gym.
The Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank manages to combine state-of-the-art equipment, a clean and motivating environment, and plenty of space to work out with an underground nightclub aesthetic that just works, making this one of my favourite hotel gyms in Johannesburg.
What’s the area like around the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank
Rosebank is one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant and well-connected neighbourhoods, a smart choice for visitors looking to stay somewhere that blends convenience with culture. It’s centrally located with easy access to the Gautrain, making airport transfers and trips to Sandton or Pretoria a breeze.
The area is known for its upmarket shopping at Rosebank Mall and The Zone (the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank is located right next to both, so no transport needed to enjoy everything they have to offer), buzzing restaurants, stylish rooftop bars, and regular art and craft markets that draw a trendy, diverse crowd.
From world-class sushi spots to local wine bars, there’s no shortage of great food and drink options all within walking distance of the hotel. The vibe is polished but creative, a mix of business, leisure and urban energy, and its proximity to attractions like the Keyes Art Mile, Joburg Zoo, and Constitution Hill makes it a great base for exploring the city.
Why you should book a stay at the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank
Our stay at the Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank was anything but ordinary - it felt like plugging into the pulse of the city. With its bold design, immersive music moments, standout service and unbeatable location, the hotel doesn’t just offer a place to rest, it recharges you. By the time we checked out, we weren’t winding down; we were energised, inspired, and ready to keep exploring. Hyde had us feeling like the adventure was just beginning.
Address: 24 Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Price: From R3 800 per night
Closest transport link: Rosebank Station (6-minute walk)
Book now: Here
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