We list the best hotels and accommodations in Johannesburg as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews, and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Johannesburg: The Garden Court Sandton City
Best boutique hotel in Johannesburg: The Peech Hotel
Best luxury hotel in Johannesburg: The Westcliff Four Seasons Hotel
“In the exclusive suburb of Sandhurst, adjacent to the commercial and shopping center of Sandton, the Saxon Hotel has repeatedly received awards for its excellence. Heads of state have stayed here, including Nelson Mandela, who came here after his release from prison and to work on his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Johannesburg.
“Best described as ‘urban chic’, this sexy number is a short amble from Rosebank’s shopping malls. The 75 rooms are spacious and elegantly restrained, and the uber-cool 4th-floor garden terrace and pool deck is a great place to decompress.”
“An eco-friendly spread in the suburb of Melrose — not far from the Melrose Arch shopping development — the Peech Hotel has 16 rooms clustered around a lush garden. Tribal masks, animal-hide rugs and patterned armchairs add warmth to the hotel’s industrial-chic look.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Johannesburg.
“The iconic Westcliff, now under the Four Seasons banner and with a $56-million revamp has been transformed into the paragon of a luxurious urban resort, while renowned chef Dirk Gieselmann has been whisked from France to oversee both the new View and Flame restaurants.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Johannesburg.
“With Johannesburg’s inner city booming in recent years, the only thing missing was a luxury hotel catering to high-end travelers not keen on staying in the tony suburbs. Last year’s opening of the Hallmark House changed that: The 46-room hotel, which occupies two floors of a building designed by David Adjaye, has stellar skyline views and is close to all the action in the Maboneng Precinct.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Johannesburg.
“Johannesburg is all about the right vibe, and this funky little guesthouse, located in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, has it in spades. With elevated views, well-appointed rooms and a great atmosphere, the excellent-value rate is the final clincher.”
“A wonderful urban sanctuary, Satyagraha is built around the Kraal, a 1907 traditional African-style thatched house where Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi lived between 1907 and 1908 with the owner and his friend Herman Kallenbach. This innovative guesthouse offers seven chic minimalist rooms.”
“In the upmarket neighbourhood of Dunkeld West, and within walking distance of several nice places to eat and shop, is this sleek hotel with ten spacious, elegant rooms. Dark wood and savannah hues colour an exquisite private collection of African art. Its restaurant, named the Winehouse after Amy Winehouse, is secretly one of the top fine-dining restaurants in Jo’burg.”
“Located in a residential area, this gracious boutique hotel was once a private home owned by the Oppenheimer family. Each individually decorated suite mimics classic Eastern and European style with large windows that overlook the manicured gardens that are spread across 5.7 hectares (14 acres). The large grounds, with their sweeping lawns and rose beds, play host to picnics in the summertime and romantic private dinners after sunset.”
“This small, upmarket guesthouse in central Rosebank is an old Cape Dutch house with a gracious garden that offers good value in an area known for expensive accommodation. It has an engaging mix of old and new—Oregon pine floorboards, antique inlaid-wood side tables from Morocco, custom-made couches, and modern, whimsical sculptures like one by Anton Smit, of a woman floating above water.”
Recommended by:
Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, New York Times
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
Fodors
For a 3-star hotel, you have to pay around $80 per night and for a 4-star hotel, you would be looking at $130 per night. If you’re after a luxury 5-star Johannesburg hotel, then you can expect to pay around $250 per night.
The best areas to stay in Johannesburg are: CBD, Sandton, Melville, Melrose Arch or Rosebank. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in Johannesburg. It offers a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each area.
If you are on the hunt for an affordable hotel, then you should consider reserving The Garden Court Sandton City. It is a great option for those on a budget, as it provides good value for your money. Additionally, the hotel is in a suitable location, and professional travelers have given it their approval. Moreover, the guests who have stayed at the hotel have shared positive reviews. We also have a list of the best cheap hotels in Johannesburg.
If you fancy a bit of extravagance but prefer to stay away from the well-known chain hotels, then The Peech Hotel in Johannesburg is an excellent option for you. This hotel has been very well-reviewed by travelers and experts alike. For more information on other cool hotels, take a look at our list of the best boutique hotels in Johannesburg.
If cost is not an issue, The Westcliff Four Seasons Hotel is a great option for those seeking a luxurious hotel in Johannesburg. This establishment offers exceptional customer service, is situated in an ideal location, and has garnered high reviews from customers and travel experts alike. To discover more 5-star hotels, take a look at our selection of the top luxury hotels in Johannesburg.
If you're searching for a well-priced private room or comfy dorm in Johannesburg, Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers is worth a look. The hostel has been highly praised by backpackers. Additionally, we have compiled a shortlist of the finest hostels in Johannesburg based on thousands of reviews from backpackers.
When it comes to planning a romantic getaway, there is nothing more important than choosing a cozy hotel. We recommend Sanctuary Mandela if you want to make your stay in Johannesburg truly memorable.
To begin the day on a positive note, the 54 on Bath Hotel is a great choice if you're seeking accommodations in Johannesburg with a fantastic morning meal. Those who have recently stayed there have provided magnificent reviews about the breakfast provided at the hotel.
If you and your family are considering a holiday getaway to Johannesburg, travelers who have gone there with their families have had excellent feedback about voco Hotel Johannesburg.
There are many things to do in Johannesburg and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Johannesburg:
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari
Visit Pilanesberg Game Reserve on a full-day safari from Johannesburg, where over 7000 animals roam freely. Have the chance to see the big 5 animals (elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, and lions). Enjoy 2 extensive game drives in a jeep with a guide and a delicious lunch. Price: $172. More info.
Soweto Guided Bicycle Tour with Lunch
Embark on a fun and unique tour experience as you explore the urban complex of Soweto on a bicycle. Get to experience the township like a local. Get a glimpse of Hector Pietersen Museum, Mandela House and Tutu House. Price: $37. More info.
2-Day Kruger National Park Safari from Johannesburg
With an afternoon safari and a morning safari, this adventure not only gives you an opportunity to see the BIG 5, but also takes you to the most respected national park in the whole world. The drivers and guides are well-trained to give you the safari of a lifetime. Price: $526. More info.
More things to do in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, also known as Jozi, Joburg, eGoli, and even the “city of gold,” is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng. As the economic and financial hub of South Africa, this city is the most populous urban area in the country. Classified as a megacity, Johannesburg has a population of over 14 million people and is on the list of the largest 100 cities in the world. Johannesburg is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture, making it a popular destination for museumgoers and history buffs.
Founded in 1886, Johannesburg was the first major city of the Transvaal Republic. Originally a mining town, this city’s growth was driven by gold discovery in the late 1800s. Johannesburg rapidly grew into a major industrial and commercial center as the gold rush continued. This area became heavily developed during the apartheid era, when people of different races became heavily segregated.
Today, Johannesburg is an important cultural, financial, and commercial center. It is home to a large number of corporate headquarters, multinationals, and financial entities, as well as a range of educational institutions. This city boasts several attractions, such as the Apartheid Museum, the Johannesburg Zoo, Constitution Hill, the SAB World of Beer, and the Johannesburg Botanical Garden. In recent years, there has been an increased effort in Johannesburg to rejuvenate the inner city, especially in the Maboneng District, also known as the southeastern portion of the Central Business District. In addition to its vibrant art scene, this area has expanded to include several restaurants, shopping, hotels, and entertainment venues.
Johannesburg has a diverse population, comprising people from over 100 different nationalities. The city is home to many cultures, religions, and languages, with English being the most widely spoken language. The city’s large population and cultural diversity have resulted in the emergence of various cultural events and festivals, such as the Johannesburg International Film Festival, the Joburg Fringe Festival, and the Jozi Book Fair.
Johannesburg offers a wide range of sports teams and events. Some of the most popular sports in Johannesburg are soccer, rugby, cricket, and athletics. The city has hosted several international sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
Johannesburg is an essential hub for transportation in South Africa, which makes it easy for international travelers. It is home to two major airports, OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport. Locals and tourists can also use the Gautrain Rapid Rail system, which connects Johannesburg to other cities in Gauteng. The city also has a well-developed road network consisting of several highways and freeways.
Johannesburg is a bustling transportation hub, commercial center, and vibrant city in South Africa with one-of-a-kind culture and diversity, a rich history, and an exciting future. With a range of attractions, events, and festivals, as well as a variety of sports teams and events, Johannesburg is truly a city of exploration and opportunity. No matter how long you stay here, you’ll never get bored!
Get to know the city even better by reading our guide about the best areas stay in Johannesburg.
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