The Orion Devonshire Hotel

- A 75-year tradition of hospitality

The Orion Hotel Devonshire, situated in Braamfontein on one of the main arteries leading into the heart of the Johannesburg city centre, has been a Johannesburg landmark with a tradition of hospitality since the 1930s.

In the early 1930s, the hotel’s pub was popular with beer lovers and during the 40s, it was a fashionable dining and dancing venue for military officers on weekend leave. Through the years the ‘Dev’, as it was affectionately known by students who patronised the pub in the 70s and 80s, has been host to fortune seekers, mining magnates, business people, musicians, students and dignitaries.

The Hotel was eventually totally rebuilt on the original site but retained its unique character and charm. The Orion Group obtained the hotel in March 1999 and today, although it is a 63-room modern hotel it still has an elegant and gracious ambience and staff who are committed to providing guests with a memorable experience.

"Our management and staff strive to provide guests with comfort, service and a pleasant stay," says John Netshizwa, the hotel’s friendly and knowledgeable General Manager who has a wealth of experience gained over the last 30 years in the hospitality industry.

The "AA Highly Recommended" Orion Devonshire Hotel in Braamfontein is ideally and centrally located in the heart of Johannesburg’s cosmopolitan business, cultural and academic district, making it an ideal hotel for the discerning business traveller, conference delegate or tourist.

As part of general urban upgrades and redesign as well as preparation for the 2010 World Cup Johannesburg is well on the way to becoming a world-class city. Perhaps because of its uniqueness and strong mixed-use aspects Braamfontein has responded well to the changes. The area operates on many levels but it has a distinctive and unique synergy - recent initiatives have turned this once neglected area into an attractive, well-managed, secure, accessible, mixed-use district that accommodates diverse economic activities and interests.

The area is Johannesburg’s largest commercial property node and is home to a wide range of institutions and organisations as well as local government, a corporate sector with several multinational companies, upmarket entertainment venues including the world-class Civic Theatre, retail outlets and restaurants, museums, parks and piazzas, art galleries, the National Ballet School and the University of the Witwatersrand. Strategically linking Newtown and Braamfontein to form a 'Cultural Arc’ is the majestic Nelson Mandela Bridge, an iconic award-winning gateway into the city centre.

All this translates into a wide range of opportunities for Orion Hotel Devonshire' guests to explore Braamfontein and Johannesburg's fascinating fusion of art, culture, history, business and sport. "I do believe that what we offer in and around Braamfontein is unique," says Netshizwa.

The conference facilities and an experienced and dedicated team will ensure a memorable function, conference or wedding at the two main air-conditioned conference venues that can seat up to 200 people.

The hotel also manages the Orion Group Training Centre at their head office premises adjacent to the hotel. Orion Business Solutions, the Group’s training company, plays a pivotal and critical role in the organisation’s ongoing success. Regular training and coaching is aimed at optimisation of services, operations and each individual’s unique potential. Emphasis is not only on individual training but team coaching as well. “We believe in the synergistic power of teamwork, as teams mobilise and facilitate resources to achieve our collective goal of providing all our guests with friendly service and a good hospitality experience,” says Netshizwa.

The 63 elegantly decorated en suite rooms with bath, shower and toilet have satellite TV, air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, direct dial phones, electric razor plugs, hair dryers, satellite TV and a 24-hour room service. Services include secure basement parking and a complimentary airport shuttle. Gym or health facilities, golf and swimming are available by arrangement.

South African hospitality can be experienced at one of the hotels three restaurants, three bars and two lounges – the Corner Restaurant, Taverna Vasco da Gama, the Piano Lounge (with a resident pianist) and the Long Bar.

The Orion Hotel Devonshire is a relaxed, elegant yet professional venue. "We are committed to making each guest feel special whether here on business, a conference or holiday. We will do everything we can to make your stay comfortable, enjoyable and memorable," says Netshizwa.