Southern Sun’s iconic luxury boutique hotel, 54 on Bath is celebrating 25 years since it originally opened as The Grace in 1997.

Built with meticulous care for the discerning guest, it has been the hotel of choice for luxurious city escapes, unforgettable celebrations, and fine dining experiences ever since. 

Formerly opened by the Brand family, modelled on a stately old-London manor house and designed by architect Guy Steenekamp, the striking red-brick building is a landmark on the corner of Bath and Tyrwhitt Avenues in Joburg’s upmarket suburb, Rosebank.

Following its sale by the Brands in 2007 and subsequent closure in 2011, Southern Sun’s acquisition of the hotel ten years ago, saw it receive a new lease on life with a refurbishment of the interiors and re-opening in 2012.

Southern Sun’s R110 million investment transformed it into the award-winning luxury boutique hotel that it has become renowned for over the last decade. The refurbishment was undertaken by David Muirhead Interiors, who restored many of the hotel’s original furniture items and introduced complementary new pieces in a fusion of art-deco chic.

In tribute to The Grace, items such as the original Tinus de Jongh painting in reception remain as key features at the hotel today.

Synonymous with celebrations, the hotel’s Maison Perrier-Jouët Champagne bar, is renowned as the most intimate bar in Joburg serving a variety of fine Champagne, signature cocktails and wines.

Adjacent is the Level Four restaurant where executive chef Kalpesh Hansjee serves an exceptional fine dining menu, including the restaurant’s famous high tea buffet.

The recent re-opening of the hotel’s Lobby Lounge Bar, known for serving fine whiskeys, represented a return to the hotel’s full suite of offerings following its temporary closure during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

On Wednesday, 2 November 2022, close friends of the hotel, dignitaries, longstanding guests, members of the opening team, and founders Mr. and Mrs. Chippy Brand gathered to celebrate the hotel’s milestone anniversary at an elegant cocktail party at Level Four.

Guests were entertained from arrival by the hotel’s resident pianist, Will Sibeko, followed by a performance from local music duo Allegro Soul in Level Four.

The evening’s headline performance was delivered by Louise Carver who entertained guests with well-known favourites and new music from her recently released 2022 album.