Thirteen was opened to a standing ovation – 400 press members and an enormous fireworks display that was a throwback to the days of Sol Kerzner and his showmanship at Sun City. Where screed and galvanized pipe finish has become pandemic in local design, Thirteen reverts back to an age of opulence and grandeur – and brings back style. With its 10m long marble bar and basins, Italian fittings, handmade Indian silk chandelier, and its backdrop of bronzed vintage beveled mirrors, its become the ‘Jewel of Braamfontein’ and an influential component in Johannesburg’s inner-city renewal.

It’s panoramic city views overlooking the Nelson Mandela bridge and the entire CBD are without doubt the best in the city along with it’s 400 m² open-air rooftop.