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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Gauteng, South Africa

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

Diverse Choices

  • Hotels

    International chains and boutique hotels with standard amenities.

  • Guesthouses & Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Popular choices, often with personalized service and home-like comforts.

  • Self-catering Apartments

    Book through platforms like Vrbo for longer stays or families.

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, with communal areas. Explore Hostelworld for options.

Unique Local Accommodation

  • Charming Guesthouses

    Many are converted suburban homes with gardens, reflecting local character.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Limited within the city, some nature reserves offer basic facilities.

  • Booking Platforms

    Use Booking.com or Agoda for global options, SafariNow for local.

  • Specialized Stays

    Explore house/pet sitting exchanges like TrustedHousesitters.

Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood defines your Pretoria visit. Each area has a distinct character.

Central & Lively

Arcadia
  • Central, near Union Buildings & embassies.
  • Good for sightseeing, mix of hotels.
  • Central location, close to landmarks.
  • Walk to Union Buildings.
Pretoria CBD
  • Historic buildings, government offices.
  • Busy daytime, quieter or less safe at night.
  • Tourist accommodation limited.
  • Close to Church Square and museums.

Student & Convenient

Hatfield
  • Near University of Pretoria.
  • Good Gautrain access.
  • Lively dining and nightlife.
  • Lively atmosphere, good dining.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy.
  • Catches student population focus.
  • Noise levels can be high.
  • Exercise caution after dark.

Upscale & Amenities

Brooklyn/Menlyn
  • Upscale, leafy suburbs.
  • Large malls, modern amenities.
  • Family-friendly, good shopping/dining.
  • Considered safe, modern amenities.
Considerations
  • Further from historical sites.
  • Transport needed for most attractions.
  • Quieter, relaxed ambiance.
  • Requires short drives.

Safety and Proximity

General Safety

Suburban areas like Brooklyn, Menlyn, Waterkloof, and Hatfield offer more safety for daytime walking than parts of the CBD.

Transportation

Use ride-sharing services for evening transport. Arcadia allows walking to Union Buildings.

Booking Strategies

Secure your stay by planning bookings effectively.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season: Book well in advance for Jacaranda season, public, and school holidays.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: More flexibility, but a few weeks' notice for popular guesthouses.
  • Early booking secures preferred accommodation and rates.
  • Direct booking with guesthouses often yields better rates.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda are reliable.
  • Local Platforms: SafariNow.com and LekkeSlaap.co.za focus on South African establishments.
  • Policies: Deposit and cancellation policies vary. Check carefully before booking.
  • Understand terms to avoid unexpected charges.

Accommodation Comparison

Considerations
  • Type
  • Neighborhood/Focus
  • Pros
  • Cons
Price Indicators
  • Budget: R200 - R400
  • Mid-Range: R500 - R1500
  • Luxury: R1500+
  • Self-Catering: R600 - R2000

Important Note

Property Variance

Policies vary greatly by property. Always verify directly with the accommodation for the most current information.

Check Inclusions

Confirm what is included in the price (e.g., breakfast, Wi-Fi) to avoid surprises.

Read Reviews

Consult recent guest reviews on booking platforms for practical insights.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top picks for various budget levels and travel styles.

Budget to Mid-Range

Budget-Friendly Hostels

Backpackers at Koedoespoort (Hatfield), 1322 Backpacker's International.

  • Affordable stays.
  • Social opportunities.
  • Communal areas.
  • Private rooms available.
Mid-Range Hotels & Guesthouses

City Lodge Hotel Hatfield, Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Capital, and Court Classique Suite Hotel.

  • Comfort and good value.
  • Personalized service.
  • Good amenities.
  • Often well-located.

Luxury & Extended Stay

Luxury Experiences

The Maslow Time Square (Menlyn) and Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection (slightly outside city).

  • Premium experiences.
  • High-end facilities.
  • High comfort.
  • Enhanced security.
Self-Catering & Long-Stay

Apartments via Airbnb or City Lodge apartments.

  • More space.
  • Kitchen facilities.
  • Home-away-from-home feel.
  • Good for longer durations.

Family & Solo Traveler

  • Family-Friendly

    Hotels in Menlyn, like Southern Sun Pretoria, with pools and proximity to malls.

  • Solo Traveler

    Hostels in Hatfield for social opportunities, guesthouses in safe areas like Brooklyn or Arcadia.

  • Apartments

    Self-catering apartments are suitable for families requiring more space and kitchen access.

  • Safe Areas

    Consider guesthouses in Brooklyn or Arcadia for a comfortable and secure base.

Cultural & Historical Significance

  • Historic Guesthouses

    Some guesthouses stand in historic buildings, offering unique charm.

  • Architectural Gems

    Research specific guesthouses for those with renowned architectural or historical backgrounds.

  • The Blades Hotel

    While outside Pretoria, this hotel showcases significant regional architecture.

  • Unique Charm

    Such properties offer a connection to the area's heritage.

Booking Considerations

Booking Platforms

Consider using Booking.com for diverse options globally, or Agoda for an Asian focus.

  • Global reach for varied selections.
  • User reviews for informed choices.
  • Price comparison tools.
  • Secure payment options.
Vacation Rentals

For self-catering, Vrbo is a good platform to find houses and apartments.

  • More space and privacy.
  • Kitchen facilities for longer stays.
  • Family-friendly selections.
  • Authentic local living.

Additional Accommodation Types

IHG Hotels

Explore various properties under the IHG Hotels umbrella for comfort and loyalty benefits.

Hostelworld

Specialized in budget accommodation, Hostelworld is useful for finding hostel options.

TrustedHousesitters

Consider house and pet sitting for unique, longer-term stays through TrustedHousesitters.