Where to stay in Johannesburg
Jul 19, 2022, 2:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 29
Where to stay in Johannesburg
Mid-September I'm heading to SA on holiday and I'm spending the first 3 days in Johannesburg. There is a lot of negativity about this city on the internet, but I believe it is essential to spend there a couple of days if you want to learn about South African culture and history.
I'm not a fearful traveler, but since I will be alone, security is one of my highest priorities. So I'm looking for hotels in areas that are considered the safest. I believe these neighborhoods are Rosebank, Sandton and Melville. Am I right?
Which is the neighborhood that offers the best balance between safety, nightlife and things to visit according to you?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I'm not a fearful traveler, but since I will be alone, security is one of my highest priorities. So I'm looking for hotels in areas that are considered the safest. I believe these neighborhoods are Rosebank, Sandton and Melville. Am I right?
Which is the neighborhood that offers the best balance between safety, nightlife and things to visit according to you?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jul 19, 2022, 3:06 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, UA Silver, HHDmd, MBvLTPLT, PCAmb/Dmd, HYT Dis
Posts: 1,579
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Rosebank. Had a great stay and met all our needs including security.
If you search several good threads here on FT with guide and/or things to see recommendations.
Jul 20, 2022, 1:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Second star to the right and straight on 'till morning
Programs: SkyMiles
Posts: 175
54 on Bath is another Rosebank hotel to consider.
We've stayed there for 2 nights each on two separate visits before heading out on safaris.
Our rooms were comfortable, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the included breakfast was plentiful and good. There was also afternoon tea in the lobby.
The hotel is next to the Rosebank Mall and within walking distance of a large African crafts market.
The Gautrain station is nearby.
We hired a driver( in advance of our stay) to take us to the Apartheid Museum and to tour Soweto. On our second stay, we had a driver take us to the Cradle of Humankind which is about 30 miles outside Johannesburg.
We've stayed there for 2 nights each on two separate visits before heading out on safaris.
Our rooms were comfortable, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the included breakfast was plentiful and good. There was also afternoon tea in the lobby.
The hotel is next to the Rosebank Mall and within walking distance of a large African crafts market.
The Gautrain station is nearby.
We hired a driver( in advance of our stay) to take us to the Apartheid Museum and to tour Soweto. On our second stay, we had a driver take us to the Cradle of Humankind which is about 30 miles outside Johannesburg.
Aug 14, 2022, 5:12 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 29
And thank you everyone for your replies!
Apr 21, 2023, 8:15 am
#7
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,234
In case acnev and Roccardo92 don't come back, there's a review thread for the hotel on the Hyatt board.
Apr 21, 2023, 8:34 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 380
I don't know what your budget is, but I strongly believe the Saxon is hands down the best in the Joburg. It is a bit out of the way (probably a 30-45 min. drive to the Apartheid museum), but it's an absolute oasis and a really beautiful hotel. The service was incredible as well. Again, not sure if fits your budget but if it does, I would highly recommend starting your trip there.
Edit - haven't had coffee and totally missed the date of the OP. I stand by my comment though lol
Edit - haven't had coffee and totally missed the date of the OP. I stand by my comment though lol
Jun 20, 2023, 11:57 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Oxford, UK
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 132
Hijacking the thread for a suggestion about the Hilton Sandton? It's currently top of our list due to a corporate discount that usually makes Hilton the best quality/price. I read it's not the flashiest but as long as it's decent and in a safe area we'd prefer to spend more on the Safari and the food/nights out than the hotel.
Any leads welcome
Any leads welcome
Jun 21, 2023, 9:09 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,438
The Hilton is just fine and used by a couple of airlines for their crews (including, until recently, BA). You can easily walk to Sandton City or Mandela Square and it’s not that sketchy. They also have a shuttle bus too. The hotel is a bit old but actually in a good state of repair. No complaints from me on stays over the last 18 months.
Sep 14, 2023, 10:26 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 62
The Hilton is just fine and used by a couple of airlines for their crews (including, until recently, BA). You can easily walk to Sandton City or Mandela Square and it’s not that sketchy. They also have a shuttle bus too. The hotel is a bit old but actually in a good state of repair. No complaints from me on stays over the last 18 months.
Sep 14, 2023, 1:28 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA LT PLT; HH Diamond; AS 75K
Posts: 2,879
I’ve stayed at the Hilton a number of times and always been upgraded. A few times we’ve had a high clearance bush camper and they reserved a space in front of the hotel to park. The Marc is close with shops and food if you’ve forgot anything. Across the street from the Marc (by the banks) is a doctor’s office where you can get prescriptions if you need those (SA prices are much cheaper then other countries).
Sep 14, 2023, 7:31 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 92
I'm staying 3 days before heading out to other places. Decided to stay in Waterkloof. Close to restaurants and bars. Menlyn, Brooklyn, etc... Will rent a car to check out other parts of the area. Will be staying at the Waterkloof Guest House. Maybe an option for you?
Sep 17, 2023, 2:40 pm
#15
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,438
Ummm that's Pretoria and not Joburg. Yes they are fairly close but if you drive at the wrong time it's a gonna be a slow boring journey.