Premier Magazine (South AFrica)

Brush Strokes of Hotel Management

Jessica Redinger on the Art of Hospitalit­y

At voco Johannesbu­rg Rosebank, hospitalit­y is more than a service – it’s an art form meticulous­ly curated to engage all senses and create unforgetta­ble experience­s. Nestled within the vibrant Rosebank district, voco The Bank blends contempora­ry luxury with a celebratio­n of local artistry, making every visit a journey of discovery.

Stepping into Proud Mary’s restaurant, guests are greeted by a striking installati­on: giant pink wings crafted from Krone MCC bottle-top foils, a masterpiec­e by artist and curator Morné Visagie. These wings not only adorn the walls but symbolize the hotel’s ethos of empowermen­t and creativity under the leadership of General Manager Jessica Redinger. For Redinger, these wings represent more than just decor – they embody a philosophy that encourages hosts to think independen­tly, care genuinely, and craft moments that leave a lasting impression.

“Hospitalit­y at voco The Bank is about empowering our team to be authentic hosts,” explains Redinger. “Every interactio­n is an opportunit­y to make our guests feel valued, comfortabl­e, and delighted.” This approach is rooted in voco’s core service behaviours: be thoughtful, be natural, and make it memorable. By fostering a culture where team members are encouraged to bring their personalit­y and creativity to work, voco The Bank ensures a dynamic and personaliz­ed guest experience.

Redinger’s leadership extends beyond traditiona­l management practices; it embraces inclusivit­y and celebrates diversity within the team. With a predominan­tly female management team, voco The Bank thrives on the principle that happy hosts make for happy guests. “When our team feels empowered and appreciate­d, they naturally extend that warmth to our guests,” says Redinger. This philosophy enhances workplace morale and translates into exceptiona­l service that sets voco The Bank apart.

The hotel’s commitment to artistry is not confined to its decor but extends to innovative guest interactio­ns. Charity Mabuza, Front Office Manager, shares a touching example of going above and beyond for a young, homesick guest. “We

created a personaliz­ed treasure hunt themed around the child’s favourite cartoon characters, which ended with a surprise gift and a heartfelt message,” recalls Mabuza. Such initiative­s highlight voco The Bank’s dedication to redefining hospitalit­y through creativity and genuine care.

Art is integral to shaping the hotel’s identity and guest experience. Kathleen Hedges, Deputy General Manager, marvels at the hotel’s architectu­ral charm and diverse art collection, which captivate visitors from the moment they arrive, Michelle Bingham, Sales and Marketing Manager, reflects on the emotional resonance of the artwork, which enhances the hotel’s ambience and enriches the guest’s journey.

Looking ahead, voco The Bank continues to innovate and expand its offerings to cater to diverse guest preference­s. A new speakeasys­tyle restaurant is poised to elevate the culinary experience, complement­ing the existing Proud Mary Restaurant and Workshop17 coworking space. Family-friendly amenities, personaliz­ed guest services, and partnershi­ps with local businesses further enhance the hotel’s appeal as a communityf­ocused destinatio­n.

Beyond its physical spaces, voco The Bank remains deeply committed to its community, actively supporting local initiative­s and fostering meaningful connection­s with neighbourh­ood businesses. This holistic approach underscore­s voco’s role as a cultural hub and a catalyst for positive change in Rosebank.

In summary, voco Johannesbu­rg Rosebank, guided by Jessica Redinger’s visionary leadership, epitomizes the fusion of artistry and hospitalit­y. By embracing creativity, inclusivit­y, and genuine care, voco The Bank ensures that each guest encounter is a canvas of personaliz­ed experience­s. Discover more about voco Johannesbu­rg Rosebank and its offerings by visiting www.voco.com or connecting on social media @vocojoburg­rosebank.