31-Room Park Hyatt Johannesburg Opens, As Brand’s Smallest Hotel

In June 2022, we learned how the Park Hyatt brand would be returning to South Africa, with the conversion of an existing property in the city. At the time, the plan was for the Park Hyatt to open in early 2023. After a delay of well over two years, it looks like this hotel is finally opening, and will welcome guests in the coming days.

The Winston Hotel becomes Park Hyatt Johannesburg

The Winston Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg, is joining Hyatt’s portfolio. The hotel has undergone an extensive renovation, and is being rebranded as the Park Hyatt Johannesburg. The hotel is opening on July 1, 2025, and it’s my understanding that this is now a firm opening date.

New hotel opening delays are common, but this property’s delayed opening was particularly bad. As of mid-August 2024, the hotel was supposed to open as of October 15, 2024. So to then see an additional delay of over eight months sure makes you wonder what was going on. It’s my understanding that most of the work was done quite some time ago, so I’m not sure what the holdup was.

It’s interesting how the Park Hyatt brand has come full circle in Johannesburg. Back in the day, there was the Park Hyatt Johannesburg, but then in 2007 it was rebranded as the Hyatt Regency Johannesburg. Now a new property is carrying the Park Hyatt branding, though it’s much more boutique.

The refurbishment of the hotel was overseen by Yabu Pushelberg, a design firm that previously worked on properties like the Park Hyatt New York, Park Hyatt Shenzhen, and Park Hyatt Bangkok. As it’s described, the redesign “revitalises the hotel while celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of its locale.”

Below are some pictures of the Park Hyatt Johannesburg accommodations.

Speaking of which, I’ve gotta say that the renderings that were released when this property was first announced looked quite a bit different… or is it just me? Did they have a change of heart when it comes to design, were there budget issues, or…?

In terms of size, the Park Hyatt Johannesburg has only 31 rooms. All 31 rooms at the property feature king beds and workstations. There are only two categories of guest rooms (with the difference being the views), plus four categories of suites.

The Park Hyatt Johannesburg also has a restaurant with a dining room and outdoor terrace. Then there’s a bar, as well as an event space for conferences and meetings, which can accommodate up to 60 guests. With just 31 rooms, this is the world’s smallest Park Hyatt in terms of the number of keys.

Note that while the hotel will eventually have a spa, it won’t be available at the time of opening, so only expect to see that some time down the road.

Park Hyatt Johannesburg rates & points requirements

With the Park Hyatt Johannesburg opening, what are rates like?

For those redeeming points, this is a Category 6 World of Hyatt property, meaning a free night redemption in a standard room costs 21,000-29,000 points per night. Meanwhile a free night redemption in a standard suite costs 36,000-44,000 points per night. Annoyingly, this was supposed to be a Category 5 property, but with the delayed opening, the category has increased.

Cash rates at the Park Hyatt Johannesburg are on the steep side, but that’s not surprising when you consider how small and high-end this property is. Rates seem to start at somewhere around $500 per night, give or take. I imagine those rates could get a bit more attractive with the hotel now opening (and actually needing to fill rooms), but we’ll see.

If you are looking to book a cash stay here, I’d recommend doing so through the Hyatt Privé program, which offers extra perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and a hotel credit.

My take on the Park Hyatt Johannesburg

First of all, I can’t believe there was a hotel named The Winston and I didn’t even know about it (Winston is also my dog’s name!). And I’m extremely disappointed that this is simply being rebranded as the Park Hyatt Johannesburg, rather than as The Winston Johannesburg, a Park Hyatt Hotel. Right, Winston?