MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Johannesburg

Where to Stay in Johannesburg

Johannesburg Gauteng, South Africa Travel Guide

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

Johannesburg features a comprehensive array of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to opulent luxury hotels.

Accommodation Types

  • Hostels

    Affordable dormitories and private rooms popular among backpackers. Curiocity Backpackers in Maboneng and Once in Joburg in Braamfontein have social atmospheres.

  • Guesthouses and Guesthouses (B&Bs)

    Owner-managed establishments offering first-hand accounts, from budget to upscale, often with breakfast.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish hotels with one-of-a-kind designs and personalized service. The Peech Hotel and Ten Bompas Road.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Five-star properties with extensive amenities, fine dining, and exceptional service. The Saxon Hotel, The Michelangelo Hotel, and Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff stand out.

Unique Local Accommodation

  • Apartment Hotels

    Combine hotel services with self-catering facilities, ideal for longer stays or families.

  • Safari Lodges (Nearby)

    Lodges in nearby wildlife reserves like Lion & Safari Park or Dinokeng Game Reserve for an unique safari experience.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments and houses widely obtainable on platforms like Booking.com, Vrbo, Airbnb for space and privacy.

  • Homestay and Camping

    Some guesthouses in Soweto offer cultural immersion. Camping typically outside of urban limits, e.g., Dinokeng Game Reserve.

Neighborhood Guide

Johannesburg's diverse neighborhoods each possess distinct characters. Where you remain shapes your urban experience.

Sandton

Pros
  • Luxury amenities, relative safety, proximity to business, shopping.
  • Gautrain access to airport and city.
  • Modern, international face of Johannesburg.
  • Upscale environment.
Cons
  • Can feel impersonal, less "authentic" Johannesburg experience.
  • Generally expensive.
  • Focused on business.
  • Can be traffic-heavy.

Rosebank

Pros
  • Trendy, good dining and art scene.
  • Excellent Gautrain access, Sunday market.
  • Balanced atmosphere.
  • atmosphere.
Cons
  • Can be busy, especially during peak hours.
  • Higher foot traffic.
  • Some areas noisy.
  • More commercial.

Maboneng Precinct

Pros
  • Arts and culture district, galleries, studios, cafes, restaurants.
  • Lively on weekends.
  • Creative hub.
  • Dynamic energy.
Cons
  • Needs more vigilance, safety can be a concern, especially at night or off main streets.
  • Best explored with local guidance or during daytime.
  • Vigilance needed at night.
  • Guided visits beneficial.

Safety & Proximity Overview

Generally Safe Areas

Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose Arch are generally safe during the day and within commercial centers. The usual precautions for a city.

Considered Areas

Braamfontein and Maboneng are safe during the day. Use ride-sharing services at night. Soweto tour areas are generally safe with a guide.

Booking Strategies

Consider booking strategies for your accommodation for desired options and value.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Dec-Jan, Easter): Book 3-6 months out. High demand means limited availability and higher prices for popular places.
  • Shoulder and Low Season: Booking 1-3 months in advance is generally adequate. More flexibility and better prospects for deals.
  • Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, Agoda. Local systems Safarinow.com and Nightsbridge.co.za.
  • Direct Bookings: Sometimes direct bookings with properties offer special rates or inclusions.

Payment & Policies

  • Deposit Policies: Policies vary; review deposit requirements prior to confirming your reservation.
  • Cancellation Policies: Cancellation fees often apply if you cancel within a specific period before arrival.
  • Prices That change with the season: Highest prices during peak season (Dec-Jan, Easter) and major events. Lower during winter (June-Aug).
  • Walk-in Rates: Negotiating walk-in rates is not common for established hotels. Online platforms often have good prices.

Travel Planning Considerations

Important Information
  • Always check specific property details on their websites.
  • Property websites and booking platforms feature detailed policies.
  • Review all terms and conditions before final booking.
  • Confirm all inclusions and exclusions.
Flexibility
  • Consider flexible reservation choices if your travel plans are uncertain.
  • Look for free cancellation policies when possible.
  • Travel insurance can offer additional protection.
  • Plan for contingencies.

Affiliate Resources for Booking

Global Booking

Booking.com - Global accommodation booking platform.

Asia-focused

Agoda - Accommodation booking site with Asian strength.

Hotel Brands

IHG Hotels - Diverse hotel brands.

Accommodation Recommendations

Johannesburg features top-tier choices across all budget levels and for various traveler types.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Options

Affordable and social places for travelers mindful of costs.

  • Once in Joburg (Braamfontein): Modern hostel with dorms and private rooms.
  • Melville House (Melville): Charming guesthouse in bohemian Melville.
  • Curiocity Backpackers (Maboneng): Known for its social scene.
  • Various guesthouses in suburbs like Melville or Norwood.
Mid-Range Options

Comfortable and convenient stays with good amenities.

  • The Parkwood (Rosebank): Well-regarded guesthouse in a prime location.
  • Home Suite Hotels (various locations): Stylish, comfortable stays.
  • The Peech Hotel (Melrose North): Boutique luxury that occasionally provides mid-range rates.
  • City Lodge Hotel Group (various): Consistent quality across the city.

Luxury & Specialized

Luxury Options

Indulgent stays with exceptional service and amenities.

  • The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa (Sandhurst): Ultra-luxury retreat.
  • Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff: Panoramic city views and unparalleled luxury.
  • The Michelangelo Hotel (Sandton): Iconic hotel on Nelson Mandela Square.
  • Palazzo Montecasino (Fourways): Mediterranean-style luxury.
Family & Long-Stay Options

Flexible and spacious accommodations for groups or extended visits.

  • Southern Sun Hyde Park: Hotels with pools and larger rooms/suites.
  • City Lodge Hotel Apartments: Self-catering facilities for families.
  • Serviced Apartments (BlackBrick, The Capital): Flexible, fully equipped for extended stays.
  • Vacation Rentals (Vrbo, Airbnb): Home-away-from-home feel with full kitchens.

Traveler-Specific Recommendations

  • Solo Traveler Focus

    Social atmosphere or safe, walkable areas. Hostels like Hostelworld's listings: Curiocity or Once in Joburg. Hotels in Rosebank or Sandton with good transport links. Guesthouses in Melville for a local feel.

  • Historically Rich Stays

    Properties with unique cultural or historical connections. Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square: First luxury hotel in Soweto, cultural immersion. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff: Landmark hotel with a symbolic location.

  • Boutique Experience

    For a curated experience, consider stylish hotels in areas like Melrose North.

  • Full Service

    Chain hotels like IHG Hotels offer a wide range of services from budget to full-service luxury.

Affiliate Insights

  • Global Coverage

    Platforms like Booking.com feature a wide selection of accommodation types in Johannesburg.

  • Local Focus

    Agoda can offer strong options, particularly for Asian-influenced travel preferences.

  • Budget Stays

    Hostelworld focuses on budget-friendly hostels for solo and backpacker travelers.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Vrbo provides vacation rental options, ideal for families or long-term stays.

Explore Diverse Hotel Chains

International Brands

Johannesburg features a strong presence of international hotel brands, offering consistent quality and global standards.

  • Hilton, Radisson, Marriott offer extensive services.
  • These brands feature options from business to luxury.
  • Often located in business and tourist areas.
  • Amenities include pools, gyms, and conference facilities.
Local Hotel Groups

South African hotel groups also have a significant presence, providing the welcome from locals with a broad spectrum of properties.

  • Southern Sun and Tsogo Sun are prominent local brands.
  • Their properties range from budget-friendly to luxury.
  • Often found throughout major city districts.
  • These groups highlight local design and culinary influences.

Alternative Accommodation

Safari-Style

For an unique experience, consider nearby safari lodges like those near the Lion & Safari Park or Dinokeng Game Reserve.

Self-Catering

Apartment hotels or vacation rentals are a good idea for longer stays or families seeking self-catering options.

Community Stays

Some guesthouses within Soweto provide a more immersive cultural experience, engaging directly with the local community.