If you are looking for the best hotels in Johannesburg, then look no further. Johannesburg is the economic capital of South Africa and prime destination for many a visitor, whether business or recreational. It is the most known city in South Africa to and is 30 minutes drive from the South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria. Whether you are visiting to work or to play, we have listed the best hotels for you to stay in while you are visiting the city of gold.
How To Choose A Hotel In Johannesburg
There are 3 main factors you will want to consider when you are choosing a hotel to stay in.
Location
You might be visiting Johannesburg for a few days or a stop-over to other places outside of the city. The most popular area for travellers to stay is in Sandton, which is the business hub of the city and a popular destination in itself. Sandton also works well because of the easy of public transport. Other options that are nearby and offer similar levels of convenience and an option of superior lodgings are Rosebank and Melrose.
Transport
If you are driving youself, you have a wider range of choice in terms of location and only need to check that the place you are staying has on-site parking. If you are planning to go to neighbouring cities like Pretoria or Midrand and want to use the Gautrain, you will wasnt something that is closer to Sandton station. This is particularly the case if you are travelling on a budget you will want something that is closer. If budget is not a great concern, then you have more leeway of choice as you can Uber around.
Budget
Johannesburg is a tier 1 city and the commercial hub of South Africa, so there is accommodation across the spectrum to fit different needs. Whether you are looking for a 5 star hotel with the ultimate in luxury, or an affordable lodging to make your resting place on your visit, you can find what you are looking for. So for that reason, we have separated the list into the best hotels you can find, and then specifically included a value-for-money section for more affordable actions.
5 Star Hotels in Johannesburg
The Saxon Hotel
The Saxon Hotel is a 5 star hotel located in Sandhurst, which is the most exclusive and affluent suburb in Johannesburg. It is a perfect mix of cultural history and modern design. The decor in the hotel is distinctly African, with great attention to detail.
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is a highly respected patron of the arts with an inspired vision of the creative arts and as a guest, you get to experience that taste. Every room in the Saxon is elegantly finished and contains select pieces of African art.
Each room also has a balcony overlooking the pool for those refreshing wakes in the morning. What sets The Saxon apart is that it gives you the best of both worlds. It is located in a tree-lined quiet suburb that gives you a retreat, while still being a 5 minute drive away from Sandton Central.
The hotel looks like laid in a park-like environment that could make you forget that you are in the middle of the city. The hotel is a mainstay in international and local awards for the best hotels in South Africa.
When you want to unwind, or have a snack of beverage, there are a plethora of options for you to choose from. The establishment boasts 6 restaurants and bars which run the gamut from an easy afternoon tea to fine dining.
As far as amenities go, you have it all at The Saxon. Standard inclusions with a room at The Saxon include free breakfast and a complimentary full minibar with snacks. You also have high speed WiFi, use of a hydro facility and 24-hour butler service.
When you arrive there you will get a free bottle of sparkling wine, a daily newspaper and access to the fitness facility. The porters at the front desk provide service of the highest order and you are made to feel like royalty during your stay.
The cap things off, if you want to unwind, the award-winning Spa at the Saxon is one of the finest you will find in the city.
Four Seasons Hotel: The Westcliff
The Four Seasons Hotel: The Westcliff is located in the middle of Johannesburg, in the opulent suburb of Westcliff. What sets The Westcliff apart from other hotels in Johannesburg on our list is the classical charm that it has.
Despite being in the middle of the city, the hotel feels more like a hillside village akin to a boutique guest house in the south of Spain, but The Westcliff is distinctly South African. Perched upon the Witwatersrand, the hotel has panoramic views of Johannesburg, that can be soaked in while enjoying a meal at the restaurant that is aptly named View.
Rather than one building, the hotel is draped across the hillside in 9 expansive villas. The room are well-appointed with bathrooms that are pretty big but all standards. Everything in the hotel screams luxury and old world charm. The staff on hand is professional, always friendly, and will make you feel special.
You can pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which is inspired by nature and located outdoors in the garden. You can add a light sandwich and snacks on to the treatment to perfectly compliment the lazy day at the spa. The Westcliff is 1km away from Johannesburg Zoo and Zoo lake, a recreational park which hosts Moyo’s the popular restaurant the specializes in African cuisine.
Hyatt House Rosebank
The Hyatt House is located in the popular suburb of Rosebank, just north of Johannesburg city centre. It is a 5 Star establishment with luxurious accommodation. It’s location is also convenient fro travel, being 25km from the airport and a mere 100m from the Gautrain station in Rosebank. There is also a shuttle service between the airport and the hotel on request.
The decor in the hotel is African inspired, and the rooms are spacious, with air-conditioning, an iPod docking station and a work desk. The courtyard is also an ideal place to sit and take in the fresh air while you have a morning coffee.
In-house facilities that you have access to include an outdoor pool and a fitness centre where you can get a workout. When you get hungry you can dine at the oneNINEone restaurant which often throws Kitchen Parties where guests are invited to come experience an open kitchen celebration of good food and great wine. After all the activity, you can relax and recline at the Amani Day Spa which offers an array of treatments. Best of all, the hotel is situated right next to Rosebank mall where you can get your retail fix.
54 On Bath
54 on Bath is located in the eclectic suburb of Rosebank, giving guests touch of classical elegance in the urban area. The hotel is located on Bath Avenue, which is one of the main commercial streets in the area. The hotels boasts a 5 star rating and is renowned for its warm hospitality and professional services.
Rooms
The rooms are decorated in a chick style that is a perfect blend between classic luxury and modern sensibilities. You have the choice between deluxe standard rooms, executive rooms or luxury suites, all of which accommodate 2 adults and one child. All of the rooms include 24-hour room service.
Location
Being on bath avenue, everything that you will need is close by. The Gautrain station which is 400 metres away and provides easy access to nearby points of interest like Sandton and O.R. Tambo International airport. One of the favourites for guests is direct access to the Mall of Rosebank and to The Zone shopping centre.
Amenities
If you want to get your workout while on your stay, guests to 54 Bath get access to a fully equipped fitness centre. For your dining requirements, the on-site Level Four Restaurant offers some of the best fine dining in the area. You also have direct access to the adjacent Rosebank mall which hosts a wide range of eateries for you to choose from.
The hotel features an outdoor terrace with a swimming pool where you can enjoy a light snack or sundowners after a long day.
There is complimentary uncapped WiFi available per room on a daily basis. If you are driving yourself, there is free parking available on-site.
Overall
54 On Bath oozes elegance and gives a great feeling of pomp and adornment while still being modern. The colours in the hotel create a contrast that adds drama the aesthetic. The furniture pieces are purposefully selected pieces like the white baby grand piano on a black checkered carpet create impact to give a sense of luxury. Being in Rosebank, a cultural district of Johannesburg, you get to experience the unique Johannesburg vibe.
The Houghton
The Houghton is a top contender for the best hotel in Johannesburg. It is part of the “Leading Hotels Of The World” group along with The Saxon from this list.
It is located in the leafy suburb of Houghton which has tree-lined streets all while being a stone’s throw away from Johannesburg’ city centre.
The hotel is a 5 star establishment and The apartments are built to the highest specification
You have a choice between luxury apartments of varying sizes all with large double beds. Even the smaller rooms are quite spacious and present good value for money. The junior and standard suites can accommodate two people while the penthouse can accommodate a whopping 8 guests.
There is no shortage of facilities available on the property.
If you get hungry, there is a restaurant on-site. The H, as it is called, serves an a la carte menue for lunch and dinner with an international menu with South African, Mediterranean and Asian influences.
There is also a good selection of vegan and vegetarian options available. If you really want the exclusive touch, there are four private dining rooms where the chef can serve up custom dishes.
For breakfast, A buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel.
The 5 Star hotel has a bar and a shared lounge where guests can recline. There is an indoor pool, as well as an outdoor swimming pool with a lounging area if you want to take in some rays.
There is a golf course on the property. It is however, not owned by the hotel so there are green fees applicable if you wish to have a round of golf.
The hotel is centrally located with regards to Johannesburg. Sandton City is 10km away, and O.R. Tambo International airport is 23km away, a 15-minute drive. Airport transfers are available on request and if you are driving yourself, there is free parking available.
Michelangelo Towers
Situated in the heart of Sandton, right next to Nelson Mandela Square, the Michelangelo Towers is one of the most famous hotels in Johannesburg and in South Africa at large. It has been a jewel in the skyline of Sandton’s skyline for years and is synonymous with the upper echelon of Johannesburg.
The hotel has 194 fully equipped suites with en-suite bathrooms and offers both short and long term stays. The room vary from 1 to 2 bedroom units all the way up to the 600 square meter Cupola suite, which is the most “crowning glory”of the Michelangelo Towers.
In the higher suites in the Michelangelo Towers, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Johannesburg, all the way to the Magaliesberg mountain region. Additional facilities in the hotel include the Pac Ferme restaurant for fine dining, Renaissance day spa where you can unwind and settle your energies, and a gym. You also have direct access to Michelangelo Towers Mall, which is its own associated mall and directly opposite to Sandton City and Nelson Mandela.
Good Value For Money
African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection
The African Pride Melrose Arch is a chic 5 Star hotel, in the Melrose Arch precinct. The hotel specializes in luxury, with no compromise for the discerning guest. The guest rooms are all spacious and come with mood lighting so you can set the atmosphere just right for your preferences.
Service from the staff is excellent and the rooms are spotless. The hotel also has a garden in is courtyard with a swimming pool. The there are also loungers available so it is the perfect place to relax and take in the sun while having a cocktail.
The African Pride has its own restaurant, March, which promises a gastronomic experience that is a perfect balance of wholesome, natural ingredients and innovative flavors. Being in the middle of Melrose Arch, there is no shortage of things to get up to.
Melrose Arch is considered the home of Johannesburg’s boutique shopping and you can find world-renowned designers stores. There is a great selection of restaurants and pop up cafes that you can walk to, in this “city within a city”. The precinct is monitored by 24-hour security patrol and surveillance cameras so you can enjoy peace of mind. The hotel is 26km from the airport (with a shuttle service available to and from the airport) and a mere 5km from Sandton.
The Hilton Sandton
The Hilton hotel group is well known throughout the world, so the Hilton in Sandton gives guests from a broad a familiar experience.
The Rooms
The decoration at the hotel has a more classical and subtle aesthetic, making us of neutral colours and natural materials. The rooms come in a variety of sizes, from standard guest rooms with queen a queen bed that accommodates two, to the king suite with a king suite or connecting rooms that can accommodate up to four adults. The rooms feature either garden views or city views toward the South.
Location
The Hilton Sandton is located right in Sandown, right in the middle of the action. It is a literal stone’s throw away from some of the most trendy places in Sandton, such as the newly built and stylish MARC shopping complex, right down the road. Also a similar walking distance away, is 24 Central and the heart of Sandton’s nightlife. All the popular points of interest in Sandton are within 1km from the hotel.
Amenities
Throughout the day, there are complimentary shuttles to the Gautrain Station and to the Nelson Mandela Square (adjacent to Sandton City.). The restaurant facilities at the hotel include a buffet and a la carte menu at the on-site Tradewinds Restaurant. There is a also a Lotus Teppanyaki and Sushi bar, located in the restaurant, that serves a variety of popular sushi dishes. If you need assistance in planning your activities of finding away around, there is a concierge to assist you.
All the basics like Free Wifi are available to guests. On-site parking is available subject to availability at a nominal fee.
Overall
The Hilton Hotel Sandton is part of the international chain of hotels and comes with the requisite quality that goes with the name. It is located adjacent to Sandton’s city centre and is ideal for the business traveller. The hotel has a warm ambience and a refined aesthetic that will bear extra appeal to the refined traveller.
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel provides good value for money and is one of the best hotels for the business traveler. As the name suggests, it is located in Sandton Centre, in the middle of the action and directly opposite from the Gautrain station.
Each room comes with free WiFi and in-room coffee and tea facilities. You will ideally be using public transport here. As it is suited for business travelers the rooms are compact, with the standard rooms coming in at 28 square metres, and able to accommodate 2 adults. The biggest is the 60 square metre suite which comes with a view over the Sandton skyline and can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child.
The rooms are neat and decorated in a modern style. There is a good variety of styles that range from warm African design to the lighter and more minimalist aesthetic.
This in is for travellers on the move. The Sandton Convention Centre and Sandton city are 500 metres way which is 5-minute walk.
For your dining requirements, there is an on-site restaurant and bar called Central One Bar, which serves up South African cuisine as well as international dishes.
Additional amenities include a multi-floor fitness facility where you can get your daily training. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and lounging area with a view over the city that is ideal for unwinding at the end of a busy day.
Radisson Blu Gautrain hotel has 10 meeting rooms that are available on request. The largest of the meeting rooms can accommodate up to 220 people and is fully dected out with audio-visual equipment and free Wifi.
The Maslow Hotel, Sandton
The Maslow, Sandton is one of the most popular hotels in Johannesburg.
It is popular with international visitors and locals alike. It is part of South Africa’s leading hotel group, Sun International.
Rooms
The décor in the rooms comprises neutral linens with pops of colour brought in by the furniture pieces and artwork panel to add a lively touch to the room. The geometric lines from the furniture coupled with select glass and metallic finishes give clean and relaxing aesthetic to each room.
Location
The Maslow is located in Sandown across the road from Sandton’s Banking District where the major banks are headquartered. It is perfect for the fast-moving business traveller who want a luxurious and functional nest as a base to come back to.
All the key destinations are within reach in a 1km radius. There is complimentary shuttle to the Sandton Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Square, and Gautrain station which runs every 30 minutes.
Amenities
The dining happens at the upmarket Lacuna Bistro, which is one of the most exclusive restaurants in Sandton. It is famous for its gourmet breakfasts and on-the-go lunches, and is popular with the business guests. For the more exclusive experience, you can book a private dining room which comes with a butler service.
The outside lounge area is expansive, secluded from the city side of the hotel. The manicured gardens and deliberate tall trees to the north hide the urban surroundings to create a secluded retreat. Coupled with the manicured gardens and lavish pool area, it is a perfect place to relax or and take a break from your busy schedule.
The basic amenities like free WiFi and daily housekeeping are included. There is also Free parking on the site for guests, with no reservation required.
Overall
The Maslow is a good example of what some of the best in South Africa has to offer. It is a favourite of the discerning guests and used for many international figures when touring in South Africa. Service at the hotel is amazing throughout, and it is easily on of the best hotels in Johannesburg and doesn’t cost a fortune.
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