current best hotel in JNB
Apr 3, 2009, 9:29 am
#16
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA LT PLT, DL PLT, HH DIA, IHG PLT, Hertz PLT, Bonvoy GLD, Avis Pres Club
Posts: 1,265
So, I'm in a similar position to the OP, but actually have only a relatively quick stopover (arriving ~4 PM, leaving next morning at ~10 AM). Mostly I'd like a fairly nice place to stay near (or containing) somewhere to get a nice meal, ideally without a ridiculous amount of travel to/from JNB (the airport).
Apr 3, 2009, 9:45 am
#17
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
And although airport hotels are convenient, the stop's long enough to do *something* other than just sleeping, and I think I'd find it depressing to spend the whole layover cooped up next to the airport. I'm just trying to avoid suggestions that are an hour or more away.
Apr 4, 2009, 2:50 pm
#18
Join Date: May 2005
Location: JNB / HEL
Programs: too many...
Posts: 327
With your schedule there is plenty of time to enjoy the Saxon. As others suggested, get an early check-in and book something in the spa ^^^(look it up on their web site).
Make yourself a nice afternoon with a mall (Hyde Park or Rosebank) and a stroll in the Zoo ^ and ask them for a good dinner recommendation somewhere in Sandton (depends on what food you prefer...).
Breakfast in the Saxon is included in the room (and take it there) and plan a nice programme for the day. Check-in times are slightly different for international or domestic connections, but on a Sunday it shouldn't take more than 25 minutes from the airport to the hotel.
BTW, the weekends in JNB are normally pretty quiet, so don't be surprised if there is little buzz...
JNBHEL
PM me if I can help you with my trusted driver and other tips. Would be my pleasure.
Make yourself a nice afternoon with a mall (Hyde Park or Rosebank) and a stroll in the Zoo ^ and ask them for a good dinner recommendation somewhere in Sandton (depends on what food you prefer...).
Breakfast in the Saxon is included in the room (and take it there) and plan a nice programme for the day. Check-in times are slightly different for international or domestic connections, but on a Sunday it shouldn't take more than 25 minutes from the airport to the hotel.
BTW, the weekends in JNB are normally pretty quiet, so don't be surprised if there is little buzz...
JNBHEL
PM me if I can help you with my trusted driver and other tips. Would be my pleasure.
Last edited by JNBHEL; Apr 4, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Apr 4, 2009, 2:58 pm
#19
Join Date: May 2005
Location: JNB / HEL
Programs: too many...
Posts: 327
So, when I said "nice meal", I meant "I only have one night in Johannesburg and I want to eat somewhere that I'll remember", not "I don't want to throw up". Quills (the restaurant in the IC) looks better than the average hotel restaurant, perhaps, but isn't a place that it seems like anyone would suggest as a standalone dining recommendation.
And although airport hotels are convenient, the stop's long enough to do *something* other than just sleeping, and I think I'd find it depressing to spend the whole layover cooped up next to the airport. I'm just trying to avoid suggestions that are an hour or more away.
And although airport hotels are convenient, the stop's long enough to do *something* other than just sleeping, and I think I'd find it depressing to spend the whole layover cooped up next to the airport. I'm just trying to avoid suggestions that are an hour or more away.
JNBHEL
May 5, 2009, 5:34 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: ZRH
Programs: LX HON Circle
Posts: 3,251
Just wanted to give you a quick update. I've followed JNBHEL's recommendation and booked a nice Suite at the AtholPlace. Unfortunately the Saxon was a bit too expensive for such a short stay.
I will report on this thread once I'm back.
Thanks for all the comments.
I will report on this thread once I'm back.
Thanks for all the comments.
May 5, 2009, 7:55 pm
#22
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
Suggest you take the Westcliff. But depends a bit if you come in during the week or towards weekend. You should be in fairly quickly. Outbound depends a bit on the day and were you are connecting to. Wouldn't eat in a hotel in JNB if I don't have to. Go for Mandela Square in the evening. And just don't stay in the IC.
JNBHEL
JNBHEL