Gold and the history of Johannesburg are intertwined. The discovery of gold in the late 1890s led to a gold rush by prospectors from all over the world to the area now known as Johannesburg. A mere 6km from Johannesburg's bustling city centre lies Gold Reef City Village, a unique reminder of that bygone era. Centred around shaft No. 14, which was started in 1887, Gold Reef City is an inimitable combination of a theme park, a living museum of Victorian architecture and lifestyle and Africa's most unique hotel - the Protea Hotel Gold Reef City. Part of the prestigious Premier Protea Hotels portfolio, Protea Hotel Gold Reef City offers the chance to escape the pressure of modern day living in a safe and secure environment of fun and Old World elegance. There is a choice of 6 restaurants to delight the palate, from stylish restaurants to the more casual eateries. The hotel offers 74 elegantly appointed rooms in classic Victorian decor, all with en-suite bathrooms. Conference facilities cater for up to 180 delegates and a chapel is on hand for "spontaneous weddings".