We went to SA in September and had 2 separate nights in JNB for flights.
One night we stayed at the SA Safari Club - about 10 mins drive from airport, they provided free shuttle transfer. It is located in a light industry area, has secured fencing and a neat garden. Accommodation is in lodges around the garden. Room is spacious, and bathroom is clean but basic. Breakfast was OK.
One night we stayed at the Mondior Concorde at the Emperor's Palace. Room is standard hotel room, clean and bathroom - although small - has a separate bath from a good water pressured shower. The bed was very comfortable with white crisp sheets. Breakfast was a little better than at the SA Safari Club. Free bus shuttle was provided.
The cost of the SA Safari Club was half that of the Mondior Concorde.
The Intercontinental at the airport looked very nice and convenient - as you don't waste time in travelling between airport and accommodation places. But, I believe the room rate at ICH is the most expensive.
Regarding tips in SA we were warned by SA friends that we needed to tip - so they gave us their coin bag containing R5 and R2 coins - total about R100. They said to bring the coin bag back so they can use it when they go back to SA next. This actually helped us on our arrival in JNB as everyone wanted to do things for you the minute you arrived. Upon our arrival we were able to change some notes for coins for use during our trip. We tipped transfer drivers, maids, and staff serving breakfasts.
It was rather funny when we arrived back to JNB from Vic Falls, Zimbabwe and needed to take a domestic flight to CPT. A person spotted hubby looking very lost, so he grabbed our bags and walked us straight to the checkin BUSINESS class counter to check us in. And, we only travelled economy. Hubby gave him a tip and he was happy to leave us alone!
And, tipping on safaris is another thing. Our tour agents gave us the guidelines on whom we would need to tip and how much. Overall, for our 3 weeks trip, hubby said we tipped a total of R3,000.