Johannesburg Hotels

The hotels below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over R2,000)
$$$ (R1,000 to R2,000)
$$ (R500 to R1,000)
$ (up to R500)
These rates are the starting prices for double rooms, excluding breakfast but including VAT, unless otherwise specified. 

By law, VAT, which currently stands at 14%, is included in all hotel prices. Porters are generally tipped around R10 but this is not obligatory if the service does not warrant it.

The Palazzo Montecasino
This extravagant hotel is part of the Montecasino gambling, leisure, entertainment and shopping complex in Fourways, just 30 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. It is also in close proximity to the Sandton Convention Centre, one of South Africa's premier convention facilities. In keeping with the 'Tuscan Village' theme, the hotel attempts to look like an Italian palace, while the setting does manage a surprising resemblance to the real thing. Luxurious accommodation includes two presidential suites, 10 suites, 21 deluxe rooms and 213 elegantly appointed standard rooms, each with en-suite bathroom and separate shower, and all overlooking the lush, landscaped Tuscan gardens. All rooms have one king-size or two double beds, custom air-conditioning, telephone with voicemail link and automatic wake-up call facility, modem point, hairdryer and refreshment centre. There is also a fully equipped fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and a business centre, while at the new 1,900-seater Montecasino Theatre, The Lion King is currently playing.

Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Sandton
Tel: 011 510 3000.
Website: www.southernsun.com
Price: $$$$

The Westcliff
This claims to be 'Johannesburg's most luxurious hotel' and with unique services and features such as private courtyards and Johannesburg's best sunset and moonrise viewing spot, it probably is. The hotel clings to a steep mountainside in the manner and design of a Mediterranean hillside village and is likely to meet and exceed the expectations of the most experienced and particular of travellers. The breathtaking views from the hotel, to the far-off Magaliesberg Mountains or to the elephants browsing in the zoo just below, have made it a sought-after rendezvous for everything from traditional afternoon teas to astronomical sightings under the intense African night sky. There are 115 spacious guest rooms and suites, all individually furnished, with a full range of business services and luxurious facilities - most feature charming terraces, balconies or private courtyards. Facilities include a business wing, complete with IT butlers, offering a range of services for business travellers, conference rooms, a magnificent hilltop heated swimming pool, tennis court, health and beauty spa, signature restaurant, Polo Lounge & Bar, a conservatory and poolside terrace. The Westcliff is just 20 minutes' drive from the airport and is near upmarket shopping districts and three major golf courses (preferred tee-off times can be arranged by hotel staff). Famous guests at The Westcliff have included Sir Peter Ustinov, Dame Margaret Thatcher, Sting, U2, Jane Fonda, Stephanie Powers and Sir Antony Sher, to name but a few.

67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff
Tel: 011 481 6000.
Website: www.westcliff.co.za
Price: $$$$

Backpackers' Ritz
The city's most established backpackers' hostel in a good location within walking distance of Hyde Park Corner Mall. Set in a rambling old house with good views of the northern suburbs, there are tidy dorms with plenty of shared bathrooms, a communal lounge with TV and Internet access, lovely gardens and swimming pool, and a few self-contained rooms. They run their own excellent tour company for half- and full-day tours all over Johannesburg, and arrange airport transfers. For those on a budget, this is one of the cheapest places to stay. Breakfast and a set dinner is on offer.

1A North Road, Dunkeld West
Tel: 011 325 7125.
Website: www.backpackers-ritz.com
Price: $

The Quatermain Inn
The epitome of gracious living and a home-from-home atmosphere, The Quatermain, located in the upmarket suburb of Morningside, provides the travel-weary businessperson or leisure tourist with a convenient and tranquil base close to Sandton and Johannesburg. Set in manicured indigenous gardens with oak trees and swimming pool, from its welcoming lounge to its luxuriously appointed rooms, The Quatermain offers sophisticated service and assistance. Details like heated towel rails, Zimbabwean teak furniture and queen- or king-size beds in all 114 rooms are designed to make one feel pampered. Rates include breakfast and there's Wi-Fi access.

137 West Road South, Morningside, Sandton
Tel: 011 290 0900.
Website: www.quatermain.co.za
Price: $$$

StayEasy Eastgate
While this hotel certainly suits the budget bracket, with air-conditioning, work desks with modem points, swimming pool and secure parking, it is certainly not 'cheap'. This is an ultra-modern hotel, built from concrete and glass and despite offering relatively small rooms, the no-nonsense Eastgate really is amazing value for money. The hotel is situated just 15 minutes' drive from OR Tambo International Airport and a mere 10 minutes' walk from the Eastgate Shopping and entertainment complex (10 cinemas). An added advantage is that the Eastgate is located just off the start of the N12/R24 freeways, making destinations such as Sandton, Pretoria, Durban and the Kruger National Park easily accessible. There's no restaurant but a continental breakfast is available in the lobby and guests can order meals delivered from local restaurants.

8 South Boulevard, Bruma
Tel: 011 622 0060.
Website: www.southernsun.com
Price: $

Protea Hotel Gold Reef City
Situated just off the M1 freeway, 20 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, this grandiose Victorian-styled (to match the adjacent Gold Reef City complex) hotel opened in March 2000 and has accommodated celebrities from Miss Universe to Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. Its 74 luxurious, 'old-world' bedrooms are aimed at the corporate and conference markets, as well as tourists. There are conference rooms at the adjacent Gold Reef City, which include the 30-seat exclusive President's Room, the 500-seat Platinum Room and a 1,400-seat arena, all with modern facilities and conference aids. The hotel's Barney's restaurant and bar has recently been refurbished and there's an attractive swimming pool with a waterfall cascading down a rock feature. Next door is the celebrated Globe Theatre (the original opened in the early 1890s), which is a popular venue for cabaret.

Shaft 14, Northern Parkway, Ormonde
Tel: 011 248 5700.
Website: www.proteahotels.co.za
Price: $$$

Sunnyside Park Hotel
Built in 1895 as a gracious country residence for mining engineer Hennen Jennings, and the official residence of the Governor of the Transvaal during the Anglo-Boer War, the Sunnyside Park Hotel has been proclaimed a National Monument Site. The hotel's rich history is reflected in the original magnificent balustrade, gleaming wooden-panelling, historic fireplace and glittering chandeliers. Although now situated among business parks, the building is still set in glorious English gardens and has been extensively refurbished to provide all the modern touches required by today's traveller. Located just off the M1 freeway in the exclusive suburb of Parktown, it is a few minutes' drive to cinemas, banks and shops at the Killarney Mall or to Rosebank, Sandton City and the Sandton Convention Centre, and just 30 minutes to the airport. The Sunnyside Park Hotel is able to host banquets, conferences or small, intimate functions for between 10 and 200 people. Milners Restaurant on site is all starched linen and quiet elegance with a British bent in food, tempered to suit all tastes, while the Penny Pub with its long bar and outside deck offers drinks and light meals.

Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown
Tel: 011 640 0400 or 806 6888 (reservations).
Website: www.legacyhotels.co.za
Price: $$