A modern hotel with colonial themed design, Protea Hotel Balalaika consists of two separate wings set in lush, landscaped gardens. Located in the centre of Sandton in Johannesburg's Northern suburbs, the hotel is adjacent to a large shopping and commercial centre. The 330 air conditioned guestrooms feature light contemporary decor in warm, neutral colours. All are equipped with satellite television, direct dial phones, modem connections, minibars, safes and bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Guests can lounge beside the two outdoor swimming pools or relax with a drink and the paper in front of the open fire in the lounge. The fitness centre boasts a state of the art gym and separate steam rooms in the changing rooms. Wood and bare brickwork create a warm atmosphere in the restaurant, which specialises in meats and seafood and opens out onto a terrace where guests can sip cocktails, while light meals are on offer in the coffee shop and on the poolside terrace. Guests can enjoy drinks and meals in the privacy of their rooms thanks to 24 hour room service and knowledgeable staff can provide local information and tour advice. The front desk is open round the clock and meeting and conference rooms are available for business use. Those arriving by car can make use of onsite garage parking. The hotel adjoins the Village Walk shopping complex, with a wide range of shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants as well as a multiplex cinema, and Sandton's convention centre is within 200 metres. Randburg Waterfront and the Newtown cultural precinct are 15 kilometres away. Johannesburg International Airport is 25 kilometres and about a 45 minute drive from the hotel.