hi Monte is advertised as an affordable hotel that challenges traditional temporary accommodation. The hotel promotes minimalism with a contemporary take on having only what you need in a comfortable, modern space. I was intrigued by this positioning and decided to book a night at this out-of-the-ordinary hotel. Below are my thoughts on the experience.

Where Is It?

As you might have guessed by the name, the hotel is located on the Montecasino premises in Fourways (Johannesburg). To access the hotel directly, guests can enter at the circle closest to the Teatro Theatre and follow the street right around to the hi Monte security checkpoint. Guests can be dropped off at the lobby, and cars can be parked safely in the undercover parking of the hotel.

From Montecasino, the hotel is accessible through the outdoor restaurant area (the Montecasino Piazza), behind the clock tower and Col’Cacchio restaurant.

The Lobby

The modern, industrial “living lobby” of hi Monte is one of the most impressive aspects of the hotel. You walk in to a high-ceiling room with massive windows on either side. There is tasteful furniture configured in seating areas in the space, with beautiful local artworks all around. It really is a feast for the eyes with several Instagramable spots. You’ll also notice a Tuktuk in the foyer, which is actually a deli where guests can buy a variety of sandwhiches, salads, beverages and more. Attached to the foyer, is a deck where guests can socialise, eat, or work while appreciating the view.

The Rooms

Firstly, you’ll be impressed by the numbering of the rooms, which is a shadow of a metal cut-out of the number that is cast on the wall outside of your room. Inside, you’ll find a compact coffee area, a beautiful bathroom, and the living space. There is a bed (or beds, depending on the room you booked), side tables, safe, TV, desk, mirror, and exposed closet with shelves. The idea of the rooms is to optimise space, which comes through clearly, while not being cramped. Rooms are a very comfortable size and decorated to match the modern, industrial look of the lobby.

The bathroom has a beautiful lit mirror installed – perfect for getting ready and selfies if you so wish. Of course, there’s also a toilet and a shower.

You are able to login to your Netflix account on the TV in the room, making it easy to continue watching the series you’ve been binging. For anything you might need from room service or the concierge, you can contact the front desk via the hotel’s WhatsApp service, which is easy and convenient to use.

Who Should Consider hi Monte?

  1. People in town for business – hi Monte has all the necessities to make your stay comfortable. There’s a desk and plug points in the rooms and lobby area that make working anywhere in the building a pleasure. Montecasino is also located close to William Nicol and the N1 highway, making getting to and from the hotel easy. The deli in the lobby makes grabbing a quick breakfast or lunch convenient. If you’d like something more substantial, you’re within walking distance of all the restaurants Montecasino has to offer.
  2. Big night out visitors – Montecasino boasts numerous entertainment options including gambling, shopping, eating, movies, live shows, and more. Beyond this, there are several nightlife venues in Bryanston and Fourways as well, which makes hi Monte ideally located. If you aren’t from the area and would rather avoid getting an Uber at the end of a big night, hi Monte is a great option.
  3. People who don’t plan on being in their room much – That sounds disparaging, but hear me out. If all you’re looking for is a place to keep your belongings, sleep, and freshen up, then hi Monte is perfect! The rooms have the necessities to keep you comfortable, as well as the option to use the living lobby. If you’re planning on spending most of your time out and about, then hi Monte is ideal.

How Do You Book?

You can book your stay at hi Monte on their website or call +27 11 461 9744 or 0861 44 77 44.

Final Thoughts

I was very impressed by hi Monte and would absolutely recommend it. It has all the necessities, with easy access to anything else you could possibly need. The place is impecably decorated, which makes your stay enjoyable simply because of the surroundings.

Find Out More

Check out the hi Monte website to see more or visit their Instagram and Facebook social media accounts.