The Saxon Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg
More photosExpert reviews
“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.
“After the private residence transformed into one of the city’s most sought-after boutique hotels, Mandela continued to be a regular guest. Photos of the leader adorn the hotel, and Saxon even dedicated a room — the African-influenced Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite — in his honor.”
“A historic Johannesburg hotel, set in a 10-acre oasis of manicured gardens, attracting a well-heeled mix of guests and locals. Nelson Mandela lived here when it was a private home and wrote his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.”
“If you’re not bowled over by features such as private elevators, personal attendants and the country’s finest day spa, you certainly will be by the nifty pool, the exclusively designed suites and the top-notch restaurant presided over by famed Cape Town chef Luke Dale-Roberts.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Friendly staff
All you need to know
The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is a luxurious and ritzy 5-star hotel, a haven for those looking for a restful and rejuvenating stay in the city. This hotel is situated in the affluent suburb of Sandhurst, offering easy access to the Johannesburg CBD and its many attractions.
The Saxon offers a range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms to villas and suites. All rooms are stylishly decorated and come equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, living and dining rooms, minibars, butler service, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The villas and suites are spacious and offer extra luxuries such as private balconies, terraces, kitchenettes, and private pools.
Guests of the Saxon can enjoy a range of activities, such as relaxing in the hotel’s spa, taking in the views from the infinity pool, or going for a stroll in the lush gardens. The hotel has several in-house restaurants, including Qunu, serving dishes made with seasonal and homegrown ingredients, along with a wine cellar and a spot for afternoon tea.
For those looking for a bit of pampering, the onsite spa offers a range of beauty and wellness treatments, such as massages, manicures, hydrotherapy, and pedicures. The Saxon also has a business center, a gym, and a 24-hour concierge service.
Overall, the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is an excellent option for those looking for a luxury stay in Johannesburg. With its lovely location, stylish rooms, and excellent facilities, the hotel is sure to make your stay a memorable one.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
We partner with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Both booking websites offer the lowest price guarantee, so you can be certain you will always get the best deal for this hotel. If you have seen a better price elsewhere, all you need to do is contact the booking website, and they will refund you the difference immediately. You can price match right up until the day before check-in.
Location
Recent guest reviews
1 January 2023
fantastic weekend
location
not applicable
24 December 2022
amazing, luxurious place
absolutely perfect, makes me feel I’m not in Johannesburg
nothing, I love my stays at the Saxon
23 December 2022
It's simply a stunner. They say the Saxon is the best hotel in Africa - and from my point of view that is absolutely
all
nothing
22 December 2022
exceptional would definitely do it again
everything
nothing
25 November 2022
Lovely stay and looking forward to many more
Good environment, I was only staying for a night so I don't have much to say. I'll visit the restaurant with my whole family for special occasion because I like the area. The rooms are perfect but I like traveling so compare to want I've seen so far some of my hotel matches this one and but some are far better but it's different countries. I don't like the TV set. Breakfast was amazing and dinner too
none
3 November 2022
home away from home
the staff interaction
the feeling that you are not in the city
17 October 2022
what a beautiful hotel , stuff are all well Trained . l will not stay anyway else in future .
the out door pool and the spa
the duck poop on out door pool, the ducks where lovely
though ☺️.. the room we got moved too after having a problem with tv there was no sunshine coming though , it felt very Dark and cold ..
27 September 2022
Exceptional
Everything
Nothing
26 September 2022
Luxury. Comfort. Service
The hotel is a great luxury facility. The staff are friendly and are there to make life easy for guests. Their attention to detail and their can do attitude was also appreciated.
The hotel comes at a significant price, which I assume is aimed at the overseas market. However, I believe that pricing can be adjusted especially for South Africans.
19 September 2022
if you’re looking for luxury and amazing staff look no further!
there is nothing I didn’t love about this property. I hope to stay here again and again.
5 September 2022
Excellent place to stay
Everything
nothing
4 September 2022
They took care of me from the minute I arrived, including driver and tours, to the minute I left!
gorgeous, safe
20 June 2022
spectacular
Spectacular property, great staff and fantastic rooms. exceptionally well appointed and well kept and very clean. if you can afford a stay really recommend it. Hope to return soon.
27 March 2022
Exceptional city getaway! Highly recommended for the discerning traveler
everything is exceptional at the Saxon
nothing
12 February 2022
Relaxing with Mitchelin quality food
The terrace with the retractable roof and the food was really good. Brian is an awesome sommeliers
They used to have Molton Brown products but have switched to an in house brand. The service could be improved around the pool.
10 January 2022
AMAZING!!!
everything, very friendly staff
4 January 2022
EXCEPTIONAL!!! Undoubtfully 10-star experience!!!
Everything was superbly immaculate. Breakfast divine. Staff incredibly helpful and friendly. The Spa treatment / journey was the best I've ever experienced and exceeded all previous treatments at other facilities. Spa is an absolute must when at the Saxon - deep relaxation at it's best!!! :) :)
The Villa's were not available, but we were informed that they are under renovation since Covid.
14 December 2021
Classy, beautiful Hotel and friendly phenomenal staff & service makes this a truly South African Gem
A truly remarkable experience, we were pampered throughout our stay, Staff are phenomenal and nothing is too much of an issue and all is done with a smile.
Most amazing Dinner and even better breakfast
Happy with everything
6 November 2021
Exceptional venue for special occasions
The room was fantastic. Everything works and it is top end. The spa is top class and good value for money. Grounds and pool are pristine. There is a very nice terrace for cocktails. Good service and the staff know you name.
Everything is exceptional as expected. Service in the restaurant was a bit slow, but it is fine dining, so do not expect to rush through dinner.
16 October 2021
Paradise in a concrete jungle
Staff are amazing ( especially Onias and Ashwin, very friendly and helpful. Food is divine, peaceful setting.
I didn’t stay longer
28 September 2021
beside the pool everything was exceptional
Everything and the hospitality
the Pool was not clean
27 September 2021
The dinner spoilt an otherwise fantastic stay.
Beautiful hotel and certainly made to feel welcome. Room was great and good breakfast.
The dinner was a rip off. Prices were not cheap and we left hungry. Very disappointed as it did spoil an otherwise beautiful stay.
25 September 2021
Excellent
Everything
Nothing
21 September 2021
Loved it!
Undoubtedly the best hotel in South Africa. The incredible team makes The Saxon stand out. Also loved the fact that they have innovative vegan/vegetarian options for breakfast and other meals.
The noisy neighbours/guests next door to my room :(
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Hammam (additional charge)
- - Beauty Services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Make up services
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Hair cut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Game drives (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping (additional charge)
Parking
- - Parking garage
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Higher level toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
Pool and wellness
- - Infinity pool
- - Heated pool
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming Pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up
- - Airport drop off
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
Other Johannesburg hotels
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg
Fodors“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.”
Ten Bompas, Johannesburg
Lonely Planet“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.”
54 on Bath Hotel, Johannesburg
Lonely Planet + 2 more“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.”
Clico Boutique Hotel, Johannesburg
Fodors“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.”
5 January 2023
It was truly magnificent.