Top 20 Best Hotels in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, affectionately known as Jozi, is South Africa’s vibrant economic hub, blending rich history, cultural diversity, and modern sophistication. Whether you’re visiting for business, a safari layover, or to explore landmarks like the Apartheid Museum, choosing the right hotel can elevate your experience. From luxurious five-star retreats in Sandton to boutique gems in trendy Maboneng, Johannesburg offers accommodations for every traveler. This evergreen guide lists the top 20 best hotels in Johannesburg, selected based on guest reviews, amenities, location, and value. Each entry includes key details to help you find the perfect stay, ensuring comfort and convenience in this dynamic city.

List of 20 Best Hotels in Johannesburg

1. The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

  • Location: 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 9.3/10 (Booking.com)

  • Price: From $350/night

  • Key Features: Set in a 10-acre oasis, this historic hotel offers opulent suites, a world-class spa, and dining at Qunu. Nelson Mandela once resided here while writing Long Walk to Freedom.

  • Why Stay Here?: Ideal for luxury seekers and history enthusiasts, with proximity to Sandton’s business district.

2. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

  • Location: 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 9.1/10 (Forbes Travel Guide)

  • Price: From $210/night

  • Key Features: Perched on a hillside with panoramic city views, it boasts lush gardens, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.

  • Why Stay Here?: Perfect for those seeking elegance and proximity to Johannesburg Zoo.

3. The Peech Hotel

  • Location: 61 North Street, Melrose, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 9.1/10 (LuxuryHotel.world)

  • Price: From $111/night

  • Key Features: An eco-friendly boutique hotel with quirky African-inspired décor, a pool, and a bistro. Located between Rosebank and Sandton.

  • Why Stay Here?: Great for couples and eco-conscious travelers wanting a vibrant, intimate stay.

4. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

  • Location: Alma Road, Morningside, Sandton

  • Rating: 8.9/10 (LuxuryHotel.world)

  • Price: From $161/night

  • Key Features: Known for its Balinese spa and farm-to-table dining, this hotel offers opulent suites in manicured grounds.

  • Why Stay Here?: A serene escape for spa lovers and foodies near Sandton.

5. AtholPlace Hotel & Villa

  • Location: 90 Pretoria Avenue, Atholl, Sandton

  • Rating: 9.1/10 (Booking.com)

  • Price: From $180/night

  • Key Features: A Relais & Châteaux property with chic interiors, a pool, and personalized service. Close to Nelson Mandela Square.

  • Why Stay Here?: Ideal for solo travelers or couples seeking a boutique experience.

See also  Top 5 Absa Branches Open on Sundays in Johannesburg (2025)

6. The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness & Golf

  • Location: 3 Llandudno Road, Houghton, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 9.0/10 (Booking.com)

  • Price: From $90/night

  • Key Features: Features an outdoor pool, spa, and golf facilities, with modern suites and free Wi-Fi.

  • Why Stay Here?: Affordable luxury near Observatory Golf Club.

7. Sandton Sun and Towers

  • Location: Cnr Fifth and Alice Streets, Sandton

  • Rating: 8.8/10 (LuxuryHotel.guru)

  • Price: From $150/night

  • Key Features: Connected to Sandton City Mall, it offers a spa, seasonal dining, and a 24-hour fitness center.

  • Why Stay Here?: Perfect for business travelers and shoppers.

8. The Residence

  • Location: 17 4th Avenue, Houghton, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 9.2/10 (Booking.com)

  • Price: From $120/night

  • Key Features: A boutique hotel with spacious suites, spa baths, and garden views. Offers a cozy, home-like ambiance.

  • Why Stay Here?: Great for those seeking tranquility in Houghton.

9. The Winston Hotel

  • Location: 6 Tottenham Avenue, Melrose, Rosebank

  • Rating: 8.7/10 (MissTourist.com)

  • Price: From $100/night

  • Key Features: Stylish rooms, free parking, and breakfast. Near Rosebank Mall via a pedestrian tunnel.

  • Why Stay Here?: Ideal for first-time visitors to Rosebank.

10. The Munro Boutique Hotel

  • Location: 63 St Patrick Road, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 8.9/10 (CN Traveller)

  • Price: From $140/night

  • Key Features: Offers Regency-style rooms, lush gardens, and an infinity pool with city views.

  • Why Stay Here?: Perfect for a romantic, secluded getaway.

11. The Leonardo

  • Location: 75 Maude Street, Sandton

  • Rating: 8.9/10 (Booking.com)

  • Price: From $170/night

  • Key Features: A skyscraper hotel with panoramic views, an outdoor pool, and concierge services. Near Gautrain Sandton Station.

  • Why Stay Here?: Suits business travelers and those wanting skyline views.

12. Clico Boutique Hotel

  • Location: 27 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank

  • Rating: 8.8/10 (The Hotel Guru)

  • Price: From $110/night

  • Key Features: Known for its haute cuisine restaurant, pool, and stylish rooms.

  • Why Stay Here?: A foodie’s delight in a prime location.

13. The Monarch Hotel

  • Location: 167 Oxford Road, Rosebank

  • Rating: 8.7/10 (Booking.com)

  • Price: From $95/night

  • Key Features: Housed in a former post office, it offers historic charm, a terrace, and a restaurant.

  • Why Stay Here?: Great for history buffs and explorers.

14. Hallmark House

  • Location: 54 Siemert Road, Maboneng, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 8.6/10 (The Hotel Guru)

  • Price: From $80/night

  • Key Features: Designed by David Adjaye, this trendy hotel features jewel-toned rooms and a vibrant artsy vibe.

  • Why Stay Here?: Ideal for creatives in Maboneng’s cultural hub.

See also  Top 20 Best Spa in Johannesburg (2025)

15. The Giglio Boutique Hotel

  • Location: 7.4 km from Observatory Golf Club, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 9.0/10 (LuxuryHotel.guru)

  • Price: From $130/night

  • Key Features: Offers a rooftop pool, American and European cuisine, and free Wi-Fi.

  • Why Stay Here?: A stylish choice for couples.

16. Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel

  • Location: Cnr Rivonia Road and West Street, Sandton

  • Rating: 8.6/10 (Holidify.com)

  • Price: From $85/night

  • Key Features: Steps from Gautrain Sandton Station, with a pool, spa, and Vivace Restaurant.

  • Why Stay Here?: Convenient for transit and sightseeing.

17. The Maslow Hotel

  • Location: 146 Rivonia Road, Sandton

  • Rating: 8.5/10 (Holidify.com)

  • Price: From $90/night

  • Key Features: Features a pool, spa, gym, and Lacuna Bistro. Near Sandton Convention Centre.

  • Why Stay Here?: Great for business and leisure travelers.

18. 54 on Bath

  • Location: 54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank

  • Rating: 8.7/10 (The Hotel Guru)

  • Price: From $120/night

  • Key Features: Minimalist rooms, a rooftop pool, and a champagne bar.

  • Why Stay Here?: Trendy and central in Rosebank.

19. Thaba Eco Hotel

  • Location: Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 8.8/10 (LuxuryHotel.world)

  • Price: From $100/night

  • Key Features: Eco-friendly suites, a spa, and dining in a nature reserve setting.

  • Why Stay Here?: Perfect for nature lovers seeking a retreat.

20. Palazzo Montecasino

  • Location: Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 8.6/10 (LuxuryHotel.guru)

  • Price: From $110/night

  • Key Features: Tuscan-style hotel with a large pool, casino, and Italian dining at Medeo.

  • Why Stay Here?: Ideal for entertainment and relaxation.

Why Choose These Hotels?

These hotels were selected based on:

  • Guest Reviews: High ratings on platforms like Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Travel Guide.

  • Amenities: Pools, spas, dining, and proximity to attractions like Sandton City or the Apartheid Museum.

  • Location: Prime areas like Sandton, Rosebank, and Maboneng for safety and accessibility.

  • Value: A balance of luxury, boutique, and budget-friendly options.

Tips for Booking a Hotel in Johannesburg

  • Book Early: Secure better rates by booking 2–3 months in advance, especially for Sandton hotels.

  • Check Cancellation Policies: Opt for fully refundable options for flexibility.

  • Use Loyalty Programs: IHG, Marriott, or Radisson rewards can offer discounts or perks.

  • Verify Airport Transfers: Essential for early flights from OR Tambo International Airport.

  • Read Recent Reviews: Ensure the hotel maintains high standards in 2025.

See also  Top 10 Bulk Clothing Suppliers in Johannesburg (2025)

Best Areas to Stay in Johannesburg

  • Sandton: The financial hub with luxury hotels like Sandton Sun and The Leonardo. Safe and close to Nelson Mandela Square.

  • Rosebank: A vibrant, walkable area with The Winston and 54 on Bath. Near Rosebank Mall.

  • Maboneng: Trendy and artsy, home to Hallmark House. Best for creatives.

  • Melrose: Quiet and upscale, with The Peech and Clico Boutique Hotel.

  • Westcliff: Elite and scenic, home to Four Seasons The Westcliff.

Things to Do Near These Hotels

  • Cultural Sites: Visit the Apartheid Museum (20 minutes from Sandton) or Mandela’s House in Soweto.

  • Shopping: Explore Sandton City Mall or Rosebank Mall for luxury and local crafts.

  • Nature: Relax at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens or Lion & Safari Park.

  • Art & Events: Attend FNB Art Joburg or Arts Alive Festival for contemporary African culture.

Safety and Travel Tips

  • Stay in Safe Areas: Stick to Sandton, Rosebank, or Westcliff for security.

  • Use Reputable Transport: Book hotel shuttles or Uber for safe travel.

  • Check Visa Requirements: Ensure your passport and visa are valid for South Africa.

  • Best Time to Visit: November to February for pleasant weather (20°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best luxury hotel in Johannesburg?

The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is often cited as the finest, with its historic charm and top-tier amenities.

Are there budget-friendly hotels in Johannesburg?

Yes, hotels like The Monarch Hotel and Radisson Blu Gautrain offer luxury at affordable rates (under $100/night).

Which hotels are near OR Tambo International Airport?

Protea Hotel by Marriott and City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo are less than a mile away, ideal for layovers.

Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?

Areas like Sandton and Rosebank are safe with precautions. Avoid wandering alone at night and use trusted transport.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 20 hotels cater to diverse needs, from the lavish Saxon Hotel to the eco-conscious Thaba Eco Hotel. Whether you prioritize luxury, boutique charm, or budget value, this guide ensures you find the perfect stay. Book in advance, verify amenities, and choose a safe, vibrant area like Sandton or Rosebank to enhance your Jozi experience. For the latest deals, check platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.