As we celebrate World Architecture Day October 7th, let’s take a moment to appreciate the architectural treasures that shape Sandton’s skyline. Known for its energy, innovation, and sleek high-rises, Sandton has grown into Johannesburg’s bustling economic hub, but nestled among the skyscrapers is a piece of living history—the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month.
A Journey Back in Time: The Balalaika Hotel
The Balalaika Hotel has been a cornerstone of Sandton since 1949, starting as a simple outspan stop along the old wagon road between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Back then, Sandton wasn’t the urban powerhouse it is today; instead, it was a quiet countryside where weary travellers would rest and let their oxen graze. At the heart of this outspan stop was a humble tearoom, believed to have been established by Gerard Le Grand, a British Royal Marine Officer, and his wife. Together, they built a few rustic rondavels to house travellers coming to town—a far cry from the luxury hotel it has become today.
What’s amazing about the Balalaika is how it has not only survived but thrived alongside Sandton’s transformation. From those early days of rondavels and tea gardens, the Balalaika has grown with Sandton, adapting to its shift from a rural outpost to one of the most sought-after business districts in Africa. Yet, even as Sandton has become synonymous with glass-and-steel high-rises, the Balalaika has managed to preserve its charm and elegance, offering a unique mix of historic warmth and modern luxury.
Sandton’s Changing Skyline
While the Balalaika Hotel stands as a symbol of Sandton’s rich past, it’s also a reminder of how much the district has evolved. Sandton is home to some of the most iconic buildings in Johannesburg, each representing different eras of design and urban development. From the sleek, modern lines of the Leonardo—Africa’s tallest building—to the futuristic curves of Sandton City Mall, Sandton’s skyline is a visual timeline of architectural innovation.
What sets Sandton apart is the way it blends heritage and modernity. The Balalaika Hotel is one of the few places in Sandton where you can still feel the whispers of the past, even as the world rushes by. Its architecture has been carefully preserved, with recent refurbishments ensuring that the Balalaika meets the demands of the modern traveller without losing the timeless charm that has made it a beloved institution for 75 years.
Balalaika’s 75-Year Legacy: More Than Just a Hotel
So, what’s in a name? Well, in the case of the Balalaika, the name itself reflects a long-standing connection to music and culture. Legend has it that the hotel was named after the 1939 film Balalaika, a nod to its roots in entertainment and hospitality. Over the years, the Balalaika has hosted a diverse range of guests, from international dignitaries to famous musicians, all adding to the history of stories woven into the hotel’s legacy.
But it’s not just about the past—the Balalaika continues to evolve. With each renovation, it finds a way to blend the best of both worlds: the old-world charm of its original design and the contemporary features that cater to today’s business and leisure travellers. As Andrew Visagie, COO of the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, notes, “The Balalaika’s enduring legacy is distinguished by every traveller that has spent a night in the Hotel. It has served a cross-section of guests from all over the world, including many famous—and even infamous—characters.”
Celebrating the Balalaika’s Jubilee
To mark its 75th anniversary, the Balalaika is inviting everyone to join in the celebration. This October, the hotel is running a special Jubilee competition, where followers on Facebook and Instagram can share their memories of the Balalaika for a chance to win a diamond worth R30,000! All you have to do is post a picture of your favourite Balalaika memory, tag the hotel, and use the hashtag #BalalaikaJubilee. Whether it’s a nostalgic photo from a family event or a snapshot from a memorable stay, this is your chance to be part of the hotel’s incredible story.
World Architecture Day: A Time to Reflect on Design and Heritage
World Architecture Day is a time to reflect on how architecture shapes our lives. In Sandton, the blend of heritage and innovation is evident in every corner. From historic buildings like the Balalaika Hotel to cutting-edge skyscrapers, the district’s architecture tells the story of its transformation from a quiet outspan stop to a global business hub. The Balalaika serves as a beautiful reminder that while cities may change, there’s always room to preserve the past and carry its stories into the future.
So, whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply love the unique mix of old and new that defines Sandton, take a moment this World Architecture Day to appreciate the landmarks that make this district special. And don’t forget to join in the Balalaika’s 75th anniversary celebrations—because nothing says “timeless” quite like a hotel that has seen it all.
Happy World Architecture Day, Sandton!
