Head concierge and guest relations manager at The Palazzo Hotel, Deon Prinsloo, tells us about his Joburg neighbourhood
Having worked at The Palazzo Hotel in Montecasino for nine years, Deon Prinsloo enjoys the convenience of walking to work from his apartment in Magaliessig, where he’s lived since 2009. He loves that he’s surrounded by pretty gardens while walking to and from work and nearby areas. “Magaliessig o¬ffers an unrivalled safe and secure suburban lifestyle with an abundance of amenities within walking distance.”
As a Les Clefs d’Or Golden Keys International Concierge Society member and founder of The South African Concierge Forum, Deon is passionate about people and service excellence. He also collects items from hotel guests and donates them to children in orphanages around Johannesburg. He’s been in the hospitality industry for 31 years and can’t imagine doing anything else.
“In 2011, I qualified for the Golden Keys under the Great Britain and Commonwealth Chapter, which consists of 330 inductees, and was one of nine nominees for the Service Through Friendship Award and also the first South African hotel head concierge to be nominated for this international award.” He says the award was humbling and also confirmed that South Africa is a world-class tourist destination with hotels o¬ffering first-rate service.
Deon loves that residents in Magaliessig have everything they need at their doorsteps, from entertainment and food, to schools and shopping. Runners, walkers with dogs and moms pushing prams are all familiar sights thanks to the suburb’s safety. Merrow Down Park is a haven for fitness fanatics and there are a number of gyms nearby, including Virgin Active in Lonehill and Viva Gym at Fourways Crossing.
Soho Nail Boutique at Sandton City is one of Deon’s favourite places to visit, providing luxury beauty treatments accompanied by a glass of bubbly. He sometimes drives out to Magaliesburg or Harties for the weekend to enjoy the countryside.
With its tranquillity, greenery, security and proximity to excellent amenities, Magaliessig is a superb place to put down roots.
I love Magaliessig for its idyllic location, greenery and variety of amenities at my doorstep
- Deon Prinsloo
Dine out:
- Medeo Restaurant at The Palazzo: for elegant dining
- Mon Petit Throbb: for Mediterranean food
- Lupa Osteria: for affordable casual dining
- Society Eatery and Craft Bar: for delicious tapas and a great selection of craft beer
- Woolworths Cafe: for cafe classics
Hospitals nearby
- Life Fourways Hospital
- Mediclinic Morningside
- Mediclinic Sandton
- Netcare Sunninghill Hospital
- Netcare Olivedale Hospital
Local attractions
- Bounce Fourways: for family-friendly trampoline fun
- Bryanston Organic Market: for amazing local produce
- Fourways Farmers Market on Sundays: for wonderful food and drink
- Montecasino: for a variety of top-notch entertainment
- Jozi X: for a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
