Room 32 Park Hyatt Johannesburg Review

Let me set the scene: it’s a Sunday, and for once, you’re not rushing. The gates swing open, a valet in crisp white gloves opens your door and gives you that “you belong here” greeting, and suddenly the chaos of Johannesburg traffic feels like a distant bad dream. Inside, the lobby is alive, a jazz saxophone curls through the air, the soft clink of cutlery punctuates the background, and a breeze drifts through the terrace where your table is waiting. Glass roof overhead catching the light just so, greenery perfectly placed so the city outside practically ceases to exist. A chair is pulled, a napkin flutters onto your lap. Basically, you’re living your best life before you even glance at the menu.

And that, my friends, is a peek inside Room 32’s Rendezvous Brunch Affair. The pace is measured; no one’s rushing you, no one’s glancing at their watch, no one’s hinting you should finish faster. Jazz shifts into old-school classics played, and by the end of brunch, a live singer joins the saxophonist, layering sound like it’s a private concert just for your table. Families laugh nearby, couples lean in conspiratorially, friends snap selfies and through it all, there’s breathing room. Space to taste, space to linger, space to pretend you’re somewhere impossibly luxurious and far away from life’s little disasters.

Some Sundays are for errands. Some are for recovering. Then there are Sundays like this; where you slow down, sip deliberately, notice the breeze, the music, and the little details that make it feel like time has paused just for you.

Room 32 invited me to their Rendezvous Brunch Affair, running every Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00 across Room 32 and The Terrace, curated by Executive Chef Karel Jacobs and Pastry Chef Chrizelle Venter. Here’s my full honest review of the experience, the design, the food, and all the little details that actually matter.

The Atmosphere: Jazz, Breeze, and That Sunday Mood

The experience actually begins before you step inside. There’s something about driving up to the gates of Room 32 at Park Hyatt Johannesburg that immediately slows your pulse. The property sits quietly, not flashy, not screaming for attention. It’s confident. And when the gates open and a gentleman in white gloves steps forward to open your door, you feel it.

Walking in, the first thing that catches you isn’t the décor. It’s the sound. A live saxophonist playing something smooth and unhurried, the kind of jazz that makes you straighten your posture without even realising it. The notes float through the lobby and spill into the terrace, blending with the soft hum of conversation.

My table was set outside on The Terrace, overlooking the pond and pool. With a perfect view of the live music and as the afternoon unfolded, so did the music. The saxophone eased us in. Then a DJ took over with old-school classics that had the older couples nodding knowingly and the younger tables singing under their breath. Later, a live vocalist joined in with a guitar, harmonising with the saxophone. It became layered. Rich. Sunday personified.

There’s something about live music at brunch that changes everything. It stretches time. No one is rushing to leave. No one is checking their watch. Glasses are refilled. Plates arrive steadily. Conversations deepen. Families are seated next to groups of friends celebrating birthdays. You see parents explaining dishes to their kids. You see friends leaning in for selfies. It feels communal without being loud.

And the breeze; that gentle Joburg afternoon breeze moves through the terrace at just the right moments, lifting napkins slightly, brushing against your shoulders, reminding you that you’re not boxed into a typical dining room.

By the time the DJ blends into live vocals and the sun begins to soften, you realise you’ve been there for hours and it hasn’t felt long at all.

The Design: Spanish Courtyard Meets Modern Collectible

The moment you settle into your seat, you realise the space isn’t designed to impress you loudly. It’s designed to hold you comfortably. The proportions feel right. The ceilings don’t overwhelm. The tables aren’t cramped. There’s breathing room between guests, which instantly makes the experience feel intimate rather than busy.

Granite-topped dining tables anchor the room with weight and texture. They’re solid, cool to the touch, grounding the softer elements around them. The Thomas armchairs are upholstered in abstract patterns that feel artistic but not distracting, enough personality to spark conversation, not enough to compete with it.

The architecture leans Mediterranean. White Tuscan-style columns support the covered patio, forming half-circle arches that frame the terrace beautifully. When you look across the space, your eye naturally moves from arch to arch. It creates rhythm. Structure. Calm.

Cloud-shaped mirrors hang against the walls, catching natural light and bouncing it gently across the room. Sculptural vases and curated art pieces are placed with intention and not scattered, not crowded. Everything feels selected rather than filled in. There’s a quiet romance to it. A modern boho softness layered onto Spanish colonial bones.

The terrace, with its glass roof, allows sunlight to pour in during the day while keeping the atmosphere protected from harsh elements. Greenery around the pool softening the architectural lines and adding life to the structure. It feels like a courtyard in Barcelona accidentally landed in Johannesburg.

One of my favourite details is the slate tile flooring, I later learned, is the only element left untouched from the property’s previous hotel The Winston Hotel before redevelopment transformed it into a luxury Park Hyatt property. Everything else was reimagined, but the floors remain. There’s something poetic about that; history literally under your feet while everything above it represents a new chapter.

Inside the main dining area, dark-framed glass doors create separation without closing the space off. You can see movement. You can see chefs at work. It keeps the energy flowing between rooms.

Even the cigar lounge and conference spaces within the property follow the same design language—polished but warm, luxurious but not intimidating. It’s cohesive without feeling repetitive.

What I appreciated most is that the design doesn’t fight for attention against the food or the music. It supports the experience. It allows conversation to shine. It encourages you to stay longer and let your Sundays stretch a little longer than usual.

The History: It All Began Near An Airport In LA

The name Room 32 sounds mysterious at first. Almost private, like something you need to be invited into. But the story behind it is actually simple and quite clever. Room 32 is located inside Park Hyatt Johannesburg, which has 31 guest rooms. The restaurant becomes the 32nd room and an extension of the hotel itself.

Park Hyatt Johannesburg is part of the global portfolio under Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The brand was founded in 1957 by Jay Pritzker, who initially purchased a motel near Los Angeles International Airport. What began as a single acquisition quickly grew into a North American hospitality company under Jay and his brother Donald Pritzker, who played a key role in early expansion.

In 1968, Hyatt International was formed as a separate entity, and over time the businesses evolved, eventually uniting under Hyatt Hotels Corporation in 2004 before going public in 2009. Today, Hyatt operates more than 1,400 hotels and all-inclusive resorts across over 80 countries and six continents.

But Park Hyatt as a brand has always positioned itself slightly differently. It leans into intimacy rather than scale. Art rather than excess. Chef-led culinary direction rather than generic hotel dining. The idea is to create spaces that feel residential, curated, almost gallery-like.

You feel that philosophy at Park Hyatt Johannesburg. The property itself was once The Winston Hotel before it underwent redevelopment and rebranding. It’s a small hotel by design. Thirty-one rooms means privacy, discretion and a more personal rhythm. What this really means is that when you dine there, you’re participating in a broader hospitality story; one that started decades ago near an airport in Los Angeles and now lands, elegantly, in Johannesburg.

The Food: Four Courses

Now let’s talk about the real reason we were all there. The Rendezvous Brunch is structured into four courses: eggs, starters, mains, and desserts. Which, on its own, is a lot, making it family-friendly and sharing-friendly. Do not eat before you go. Honestly, maybe don’t eat the night before. Or two days before. Definitely consider this as your reward after Lent or Ramadan.

The food is a mix of South African cultures—curries, chakalaka, vetkoek, short ribs—all refined for luxury dining. The menu invites sharing. Plates come out in waves, and the table naturally becomes communal. You taste off each other’s forks. You debate favourites. You reorder what you loved. It’s interactive in a way that makes the four-hour window make sense.

One thing I realised quickly: these plates are designed as full compositions. If you isolate ingredients, you miss the point. When you combine everything in one bite, that’s where the magic sits.

Eggs : 1/4

The eggs course is essentially breakfast. You have your Benedict option, breakfast bun, smashed avo toast, and the Mzansi shakshuka but nothing feels basic.

The smashed avo toast with poached eggs and salsa looked promising. The salsa was fresh and added brightness, but the sourdough had an oily centre that tasted exactly as heavy as it looked. Which I found unnecessary, It didn’t need that much gloss. The salsa saved it for me; bright, fresh, with a subtle chilli kick that cut through the creaminess.

The beef brisket Benedict (you can also opt for salmon) was technically perfectly done. The meat was soft, tender, and beautifully cooked. But again, sweet, which I personally don't like, a benedict shouldn’t be sweet.

The Mzansi shakshuka surprised me the most. I was hesitant about the boerewors at first, but it worked. The red pepper chutney added sweetness again, and while that sweetness is a recurring theme across some dishes, the boerewors brought depth and balance.

And then there was the breakfast bun with beef short ribs and caramelised onion. That one stood out. The caramelised onion tied everything together, adding richness without overwhelming the palate. Baby spinach and chipotle mayo gave it freshness and heat.

Overall, the eggs course was good not mind-blowing. And if you don’t enjoy sweet-leaning savoury dishes, best to skip this course.

Starters: 3/5

The starters are where things finally sharpen, portions were generous and flavour was present. The beef short rib with butternut cubes and sauce quickly became a table favourite. The meat was tender with just enough fat to carry flavour. The butternut sauce elevated the dish entirely. It definitely had everyone at the table pause for a second. The lamb empanadas are strong too. Crisp exterior, well-seasoned filling, just enough kick. Balanced.

The smoked snoek pâté with vetkoek brought nostalgia. The vetkoek were golden and fluffy, the pâté bold and flavourful. It felt proudly local and unapologetically South African. The carpaccio (kudu served cold with beetroot chutney) is a polarising one. It’s either your thing or it isn’t. For me, it leaned into the 50/50 category.

The mussel laksa coconut curry was fragrant and layered. The curry changed the mussels’ natural texture and flavour, which threw me off, because I was expecting the traditional mussel flavour. Not bad. Just not harmonious.

Mains: 3/6

By the time the mains arrived, I was full, properly full. But somehow, I still had space; or maybe I made space.

The swordfish with pap and chakalaka was one of the most interesting plates. Pap in a fine-dining setting can feel risky, but this was executed beautifully. The texture was smooth, the chakalaka vibrant, and the pickled elements added brightness.

The smashed beef burger was comforting in the best way. Perfectly cooked patty, juicy without being messy, soft bun holding everything together. The hand-cut chips were crisp on the outside and fluffy inside exactly how chips should be.

The lamb bunny chow was the refined cousin of the street version. Smaller, composed, flavourful. Slightly chewy for my liking, it doesn’t quite land emotionally. The wings were underwhelming. Sweet with mild chilli, but lacking flavour. I wanted more punch, more heat.

Dessert: 4/5

Now here’s where the kitchen redeems itself properly. The Dutch-inspired stroopwafel with pistachio ice-cream and caramel reset everything. The temperature contrast was perfect. The sweetness balanced. The pistachio ice cream added depth. It was one of those desserts that makes you wanna cry.

The tiramisu was classic and beautifully balanced. Coffee-forward without being bitter. Creamy without being heavy. The fruit platter with mascarpone cream surprised me. Fresh, clean, and honestly a welcome moment of lightness. The cream paired beautifully with the grapes.

The French toast with cinnamon was the only real disappointment for me. The cinnamon was a bit overpowering, and it didn’t hit the same high notes as the others.

And then the vanilla cheesecake. This was the standout. Full stop.I don’t even like cheesecake. I eat it because everyone in my life loves it. But this one changed my stance entirely. The story behind it makes it even better: Chef Karel Jacobs once tasted a cheesecake in Dubai that he considered the best in the world and returned determined to recreate it. Pastry Chef Chrizelle Venter reportedly went through around 40 iterations to perfect it. It shows. Silky. Balanced. Not aggressively sweet. It feels luxurious without being heavy. It’s the kind of dessert you want to reserve for special occasions so you never get tired of it.

Drinks: 5/5

Let’s talk drinks because no brunch worth its salt leaves this out. The drinks menu is surprisingly thoughtful, especially for non-alcoholic options, which is a rarity in fancy brunch spots.

I stuck mostly to mocktails, and let me tell you, they actually delivered. The Jacaranda Mocktail is a must-try; balanced, refreshing, and not that watered-down syrupy stuff you usually get. II also tried the Sir Winston Black Tea, and honestly, it made me pause mid-sip just to appreciate how good it was. Smooth, flavorful, and somehow fancy without trying too hard.

That said, I was a bit disappointed they were out of iced tea, which I had been really looking forward to tasting. It’s a small miss in an otherwise strong drink lineup, but it did leave me room to try a variety of other mocktails instead and honestly, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

For those who prefer wine, champagne, or cocktails, there’s a solid selection, classic options alongside some creative twists. But the best part? The staff takes care of you here, if you’re indecisive, they make suggestions that make you feel like they actually know your taste!

The Staff : Professional & Warm

The staff at Room 32 are professional but warm, and you can tell everything is planned so the experience feels effortless. They’re kind, polite, and not in-your-face at all. They make you feel taken care of without being pushy or over the top.

The lady who was serving us was amazing. She paid full attention to our table the whole time, refilling drinks, clearing plates, making sure we knew what was coming next. She was always around, but never hovering. And apparently, this is on purpose; each waiter only serves three tables at a time, which explains why it felt like we had someone there just for us. It was super intentional and really made the experience smooth.

From the gate staff to the valet to the waiters inside, everything is planned and thought out. Everyone knows what they’re doing, and it shows. The chef even came over to our table to check on us. When I gave feedback about the avo toast, he received it with grace, genuinely interested in our experience

When we caught glimpses of the kitchen in action, the team was bubbly and approachable, clearly enjoying what they do, which adds a layer of warmth to the experience. Meeting Pastry Chef Chrizelle Venter was honestly the best part of the day for me—I had already fallen in love with her cheesecake. When we told her how much we loved it, she got a little teary and said it made her day, which then made my day too.

The Price : Justifiable

The Rendezvous Sunday Brunch at Room 32 isn’t cheap. At R1,595 per person, it’s definitely a splurge. You’re not just paying for food; you’re paying for the whole experience, the music, the atmosphere, the flow of courses, the meticulous plating, and yes… the cheesecake that will haunt your dreams.

For that price, you get four courses that will stretch over a few hours. You can taste a range of dishes, from traditional South African flavours to elevated breakfast and mains, culminating in desserts that are, for the most part, next-level. You can repeat any dish you like, which helps justify the cost

The honest bit is that the price is only justifiable if you’re fully present in the experience. If you’re going in for a quick brunch or a rushed bite, R1,595 will sting. The price only really makes sense if you commit to the full experience. This isn’t a quick Sunday brunch or a stopover on the way to something else. You need to go hungry, take your time, and enjoy the full experience. That’s the value here, not just the ingredients on the plate.

So yes, R1,595 per person is steep. But for those who can appreciate the full experience; the food, the music, the space, the service; it’s mostly worth it. Just go hungry, go patient, and prepare to spend a few hours letting Sunday stretch luxuriously around you.

Now, I do have a little gripe: I don’t get the pricing. Why not just round it off to R1,600 or make it a clean R1,500? Why R1,595? It just feels unnecessarily fussy and makes no sense.

Rating: 8/10

I give Room 32’s Rendezvous Brunch an 8/10. First, the highs are genuinely high. The food, when it hits, is exceptional; the beef short ribs, lamb empanadas, swordfish with pap, and that cheesecake will make you rethink everything you thought you loved about brunch. The atmosphere is effortless yet sophisticated, with live performances that make you feel like the day is unfolding just for you. The service is polished, consistent, and intentional

Unfortunately perfection falters in the details. Some dishes lean unnecessarily sweet and certain mains don’t deliver the same punch as the starters. Carpaccio? Forgettable. The French toast was over-spiced. Wings? Underwhelming. And the no leftovers policy is a hard miss; after all that food, having to leave even the food you have eaten behind feels cruel. Price also factors in: at R1,595 per person, you’re investing heavily in the experience, and when a few dishes fall short, it chips away at the sense of value.

Still, despite these flaws, the experience sticks with you. The atmosphere, the carefully curated dishes, the attention to detail in service; these things elevate it. You leave thinking, “I want to do this again,” even if your stomach protests.

So 8/10 feels fair. Room 32 isn’t flawless. The highs are memorable; the lows are noticeable. For a true foodie willing to forgive some missteps in favour of standout moments, it’s worth every rand just don’t expect perfection on every plate.