When I told my teenage niece I was going to stay at the Saxon hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, she said she loved the place.It’s not as if she’s actually been inside; she hung around outside waiting, with a friend (and others) on the off-chance that they could spot singer Justin Bieber, who was staying there at the time.That’s the thing about the Saxon. It’s as much about what you get as about what you don’t get. You don’t get to go inside unless you have a booking (to stay, for a meal or for tea). You don’t hear people closing doors all around you or stomping through the hallway when you’re in your room. Staff are courteous and friendly, but not quite as personal or forthcoming as at some other boutique hotels — which you either like or don’t. The word that fits like a pair of well-tailored white gloves is “discreet”.This might not mean that much to someone who’s not high profile, but it sure would count for a whole lot when you are.From the long driveway to the hotel, there’s space...
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