Hotel Prices in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant City of Gold, is a bustling hub for business, culture, and tourism, offering a wide range of hotels to suit every budget. From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious five-star retreats, understanding hotel prices in Johannesburg for 2025 is essential for planning a cost-effective stay. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of accommodation costs across star ratings, neighborhoods, and amenities, sourced from trusted platforms like KAYAK, HotelsCombined, and Tripadvisor. Whether you’re visiting for a business trip, exploring landmarks like the Apartheid Museum, or transiting through O.R. Tambo International Airport, this evergreen article delivers reliable, actionable insights to help you find the best hotel deals. Discover affordable options, booking tips, and factors affecting prices to ensure a memorable stay in Johannesburg’s dynamic urban landscape.

Hotel Prices in Johannesburg

Cost Breakdown for Hotels in Johannesburg

Hotel prices in Johannesburg vary by star rating, location, and amenities. Below is a comprehensive 2025 price breakdown per night, based on a one-night stay for two adults, with conversions to USD using the exchange rate of ZAR 18.70 = $1 (May 2025). Prices are sourced from KAYAK, HotelsCombined, and Tripadvisor, reflecting averages across multiple booking platforms.

  • 1-2 Star Hotels (e.g., Road Lodge Sandton, Johannesburg Youth Hostel):

    • Price Range: ZAR 182–565 ($10–$30)

    • Examples:

      • Road Lodge Sandton: ZAR 565 ($30)

      • Johannesburg Youth Hostel: ZAR 182 ($10)

      • Sun1 Berea: ZAR 449 ($24)

    • Details: Ideal for backpackers or budget travelers. Basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking, often in areas like Berea or Melville.

  • 3-Star Hotels (e.g., Inn & Out Sandton, Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park):

    • Price Range: ZAR 328–1,112 ($18–$59)

    • Examples:

      • Inn & Out Sandton: ZAR 419 ($22)

      • Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park: ZAR 778 ($42)

      • Garden Court Milpark: ZAR 935 ($50)

    • Details: Offers comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and amenities like pools or airport shuttles. Popular in Sandton and Rosebank.

  • 4-Star Hotels (e.g., The Reef Hotel, Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel):

    • Price Range: ZAR 692–1,865 ($37–$100)

    • Examples:

      • The Reef Hotel: ZAR 1,122 ($60)

      • Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel: ZAR 1,496 ($80)

      • Southern Sun O.R. Tambo: ZAR 1,865 ($100)

    • Details: Modern decor, on-site dining, and city views. Located near key areas like Sandton City or the airport.

  • 5-Star Hotels (e.g., Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Saxon Hotel):

    • Price Range: ZAR 2,244–4,038 ($120–$216)

    • Examples:

      • Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff: ZAR 3,366 ($180)

      • Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa: ZAR 4,038 ($216)

      • Johannesburg Marriott Melrose Arch: ZAR 2,805 ($150)

    • Details: Luxury amenities like spas, infinity pools, and fine dining. Found in upscale areas like Westcliff and Sandton.

  • Additional Fees:

    • Taxes and Service Fees: 10–15% of the room rate, typically ZAR 50–300 ($3–$16).

    • Airport Shuttle: ZAR 200–400 ($11–$21) one-way, though some hotels (e.g., Southern Sun O.R. Tambo) offer free shuttles.

    • Parking: Free at most hotels; valet parking at 5-star hotels may cost ZAR 50–100 ($3–$5) per day.

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Tip: Book during low season (March–May) to save up to 44% on rates, with 3-star hotels as low as ZAR 328 ($18).

Where to Find Affordable Hotels in Johannesburg

Johannesburg offers diverse accommodation options across its neighborhoods. Below are key areas and providers for budget-conscious travelers in 2025:

  • Sandton:

    • Details: A business and shopping hub near Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. Budget options include Inn & Out Sandton (ZAR 419/$22) and @Sandton Hotel (ZAR 1,122/$60). Luxury options like Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel (ZAR 1,496/$80) offer proximity to the Gautrain.

    • Contact: radissonhotels.com (Radisson Blu), hotelscombined.com (@Sandton Hotel).

  • Rosebank:

    • Details: Vibrant area with access to Rosebank Mall and the Gautrain. Budget-friendly hotels like The Wantage Suites (ZAR 935/$50) and luxury options like HYDE Johannesburg Rosebank (ZAR 1,496/$80) are popular. Free Wi-Fi and parking are standard.

    • Contact: hyatt.com (HYDE Johannesburg Rosebank).

  • O.R. Tambo Airport (Kempton Park):

    • Details: Ideal for early/late flights, with hotels like Southern Sun O.R. Tambo (ZAR 1,865/$100) and Protea Hotel Transit O.R. (ZAR 1,122/$60). Budget options include Sun1 O.R. Tambo (ZAR 449/$24).

    • Contact: southernsun.com, marriott.com (Protea Hotel).

  • Melville and Berea:

    • Details: Affordable areas with guesthouses like Sun1 Berea (ZAR 449/$24) and Johannesburg Youth Hostel (ZAR 182/$10). Close to cultural sites like the Joburg Theater.

    • Contact: hotelscombined.com (Sun1 Berea).

  • Soweto:

    • Details: Cultural hub with budget options like Soweto Hotel & Conference Center (ZAR 778/$42), near Mandela House. Offers twin rooms and suites.

    • Contact: sowetohotel.co.za.

Tip: Use comparison sites like KAYAK (za.kayak.com) or HotelsCombined (hotelscombined.com) to find deals across multiple providers. Book directly with hotels for loyalty perks like IHG One Rewards.

Factors Affecting Hotel Prices

Several factors influence hotel costs in Johannesburg:

  • Star Rating: 1-2 star hotels (ZAR 182–565/$10–$30) are cheapest, while 5-star hotels (ZAR 2,244–4,038/$120–$216) offer premium amenities like spas and fine dining.

  • Location: Sandton and airport hotels cost more (ZAR 1,122–1,865/$60–$100) than Berea or Soweto (ZAR 182–778/$10–$42) due to proximity to business districts or transport hubs.

  • Seasonality: Low season (March–May) offers rates as low as ZAR 328 ($18); high season (November–February) sees prices rise by 58%, with averages up to ZAR 4,505 ($241).

  • Amenities: Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, or airport shuttles can increase rates by ZAR 100–300 ($5–$16). Luxury hotels with pools or spas charge premiums.

  • Booking Time: Early bookings (1–2 months in advance) save up to 30%. Last-minute deals are available on lastminute.com but may have limited availability.

  • Length of Stay: Weekly rates reduce daily costs by 10–20%. A 3-day stay averages ZAR 3,037 ($162).

Tip: Stay on Sundays for the lowest rates (ZAR 2,842/$152) and avoid Saturdays (ZAR 3,613/$193) for savings.

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Why Choose a Hotel in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg’s hotels offer unique advantages:

  • Affordability: Average prices (ZAR 880/$47 per night) are 50–70% lower than in the US or UK, with budget options as low as ZAR 182 ($10).

  • Accessibility: Hotels near O.R. Tambo (25 minutes from downtown) and Gautrain stations simplify travel to Sandton, Rosebank, or Pretoria.

  • Cultural Proximity: Stay in Soweto for access to Mandela House or in Melville for vibrant nightlife and the Joburg Theater.

  • Amenities: Budget hotels offer free Wi-Fi and parking; luxury options like Four Seasons The Westcliff provide spas, pools, and fine dining.

Testimonial: “Stayed at Inn & Out Sandton for ZAR 419 a night. Clean, central, and perfect for my business trip near Sandton City!” – Thabo M., Johannesburg.

Budgeting for Your Hotel Stay

To plan your Johannesburg hotel stay:

  • 1-2 Star Hotels: Budget ZAR 1,274–3,955 ($68–$211) for a week. Save ZAR 100–300 ($5–$16) monthly.

  • 3-Star Hotels: Allocate ZAR 2,296–7,784 ($123–$416) weekly, ideal for families or mid-range travelers.

  • 4-Star Hotels: Plan for ZAR 4,844–13,055 ($259–$698) for a week, with amenities like pools and dining.

  • 5-Star Hotels: Budget ZAR 15,708–28,266 ($840–$1,512) weekly for luxury stays.

  • Extras: Factor in ZAR 200–400 ($11–$21) for shuttles, ZAR 50–100 ($3–$5) for parking, and ZAR 100–300 ($5–$16) for taxes.

  • Dining: Budget ZAR 150–300 ($8–$16) per meal if not included; many 3-star hotels offer free breakfast.

Tip: Book in March or April for rates as low as ZAR 1,906 ($102) and use loyalty programs like IHG One Rewards for discounts or free nights.

Comparing Hotel Options

Here’s how Johannesburg hotels compare by star rating:

  • 1-2 Star (e.g., Sun1 Berea): ZAR 182–565 ($10–$30). Basic, clean rooms with Wi-Fi and parking. Best for backpackers or short stays.

  • 3-Star (e.g., Garden Court Milpark): ZAR 328–1,112 ($18–$59). Comfortable with breakfast and pools, ideal for families or business travelers.

  • 4-Star (e.g., The Reef Hotel): ZAR 692–1,865 ($37–$100). Modern decor, city views, and dining, great for mid-range travelers.

  • 5-Star (e.g., Saxon Hotel): ZAR 2,244–4,038 ($120–$216). Luxury spas, fine dining, and butler service for premium experiences.

For budget travelers, Sun1 Berea or Johannesburg Youth Hostel offers the lowest rates, while Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel balances cost and amenities.

Finding Deals on Hotels

To secure the best hotel prices in Johannesburg:

  • Comparison Sites: Use KAYAK (za.kayak.com), HotelsCombined, or Trivago to compare rates across 2,585+ hotels.

  • Direct Booking: Book via hotel websites (e.g., southernsun.com, marriott.com) for loyalty points or discounts up to 10%.

  • Low Season: March–May offers rates as low as ZAR 328 ($18) for 3-star hotels.

  • Promotions: Check lastminute.com for last-minute deals or IHG’s offers page for special packages.

  • Social Media: Follow hotels like Southern Sun or Radisson Blu on Facebook for flash sales.

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Tip: Join IHG One Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy for points redeemable for free nights or upgrades. Book 1–2 months in advance for savings up to 30%.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Johannesburg’s neighborhoods cater to different preferences:

  • Sandton: Business-friendly with access to Nelson Mandela Square. Budget: @Sandton Hotel (ZAR 1,122/$60); Luxury: Johannesburg Marriott Melrose Arch (ZAR 2,805/$150).

  • Rosebank: Vibrant with malls and Gautrain access. Budget: The Wantage Suites (ZAR 935/$50); Luxury: HYDE Johannesburg Rosebank (ZAR 1,496/$80).

  • Soweto: Cultural hub near Mandela House. Budget: Soweto Hotel & Conference Center (ZAR 778/$42).

  • O.R. Tambo Airport: Convenient for transit. Budget: Sun1 O.R. Tambo (ZAR 449/$24); Luxury: Southern Sun O.R. Tambo (ZAR 1,865/$100).

  • Melville/Berea: Affordable and central. Budget: Johannesburg Youth Hostel (ZAR 182/$10).

Tip: Stay near the Gautrain (Sandton, Rosebank) for easy city access without a car. Use hotelscombined.com to filter by neighborhood.

Amenities to Look For

Key amenities enhance your stay:

  • Free Wi-Fi: Standard in most hotels, essential for remote work or navigation.

  • Free Breakfast: Offered at 3-star+ hotels like Holiday Inn Sunnyside Park, saving ZAR 150–300 ($8–$16) daily.

  • Airport Shuttle: Free at Southern Sun O.R. Tambo; otherwise, ZAR 200–400 ($11–$21).

  • Pool and Gym: Common in 4-5 star hotels like Four Seasons The Westcliff, ideal for relaxation or fitness.

  • Family-Friendly: Hotels like Holiday Inn Johannesburg offer kitchenettes and pools for kids.

Tip: Check for free cancellation policies on Booking.com or Expedia to maintain flexibility.

Why Johannesburg Is Ideal for Hotel Stays

Johannesburg’s hotel market is diverse and affordable, with average prices (ZAR 880/$47) significantly lower than global cities like London or New York. The city’s 2,585+ hotels, from budget hostels to luxury retreats, cater to all travelers. Proximity to O.R. Tambo Airport (25 minutes from downtown) and cultural landmarks like the Apartheid Museum or Gold Reef City enhances convenience. With competitive rates, free amenities, and loyalty programs, Johannesburg offers exceptional value for 2025 visitors.

Conclusion

Hotel prices in Johannesburg for 2025 range from ZAR 182 ($10) for 1-2 star hostels to ZAR 4,038 ($216) for 5-star luxury stays. Budget options like Sun1 Berea and Johannesburg Youth Hostel start at ZAR 182–449 ($10–$24), while 4-star hotels like The Reef Hotel (ZAR 1,122/$60) and 5-star options like Four Seasons The Westcliff (ZAR 3,366/$180) offer premium amenities. Book in March–May for savings up to 44%, use comparison sites like KAYAK or HotelsCombined, and join loyalty programs for discounts. With diverse neighborhoods and affordable rates, Johannesburg ensures a memorable stay for every traveler.