A couple of weeks ago I visited Hallmark House, a hip hotel in downtown Joburg, for my friend Gilda’s birthday celebration.
Hallmark House has an interesting story. It was built a few years ago (at great expense) by Propertuity, the real estate company that created the Maboneng Precinct, and designed by acclaimed architect David Adjaye, who also designed the Smithsonian Museum of African American History. Hallmark went up for auction last year when Propertuity abruptly went out of business. The building is now owned by Steyn Investments.
Most interestingly for me, the top of Hallmark House has the best view of downtown Joburg in the city. (Okay, maybe the view from the top of Ponte City is better. But only just.) The Hallmark rooftop has now become a bar with the hottest sundowner party in town happening every Sunday.
I had already been to the top of Hallmark a couple of times before it was renovated, but this view never ceases to enthrall me. I’m so glad the rooftop is now open to the public. (Most of the best downtown rooftops are open only for private events.)
Hallmark Rooftop Sundays is an all-day-into-the-evening affair, with a fancy bar, brunch specials, and a DJ from 1 p.m. onward. I wasn’t super blown away by the food and the wine was overpriced. But those flaws were greatly outweighed by the elegant surroundings, the hip but unpretentious clientele, and of course the view. With a view like this I don’t really care what I’m eating or drinking.
Good times. Be sure to book in advance for Hallmark Rooftop Sundays.
Hallmark House is at 54 Siemert Street in downtown Joburg.
Amazing photographs, I need to get here sometime soon.
Yes! It’s just the best view.
Those sunset views are amazing.
The best ????
Beautiful photos! I wonder what magic you could do on Cape Town’s rooftops with your camera. Although they’re perhaps not as hip as the Hallmark Rooftop.
Oh, and by the way, I think you ARE cool on that pic!
Hahaha, thanks! I’ve been on a couple of nice CT rooftops but they generally aren’t as high 🙂
Excellent lighting! And beautiful dress 🙂
Thank you! My friend brought me that fabric from Senegal last year, and I finally went and had it made into a dress using the pattern of another dress I like. I need to do that more often 🙂
That’s a great idea. I should do that too. Love the print, bright colors, and it’s a good fit on you 🙂