Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg offers a wide range of self-catering accommodation options, from stylish city lofts and secure suburban apartments to spacious family homes and guest houses with kitchen facilities. Self-catering accommodation provides travellers with the freedom and flexibility to explore Johannesburg on their own terms, with the convenience of preparing meals and living like a local. This guide presents the top 10 self-catering options in Johannesburg, based on current availability, guest ratings, and unique features.
Top 10 Self Catering Accommodation In Johannesburg
Quick Reference Summary
| Property Name | Area | Capacity | Key Features | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim’s Cottage | Fairland | 2 guests | Swimming pool, braai area, meeting lounge, desk | 15% off weekend stays |
| Earthy and Organic | Oakdene (Johannesburg South) | 4 guests | Full kitchen, washing machine, balcony, communal pool, braai | 15% off weekend stays |
| Maboneng Spacious Loft | Maboneng (City Centre) | 2 guests | Full kitchen, fireplace, TV, secure parking | 10% off weekend stays |
| Gold Crown Apartment | Johannesburg South | Up to 4 adults | Private balcony, kitchenette, Netflix, YouTube | Not specified |
| Curiocity Pads | Maboneng (City Centre) | 2 guests | Heritage-themed studios, Wi-Fi, secure parking | Not specified |
| Orangerie Guest House | Northcliff | 2+ guests | City views, kitchenette, uncapped Wi-Fi | Not specified |
| Golden Gate Guest House | Bryanston | Varies | Self-catering units, pool, BBQ, kitchen access | Not specified |
| Lala-Nathi Guest House | Midrand | Varies | Free breakfast, pool, free WiFi, valet parking | Not specified |
| Angelica Guest House | Boksburg | 3 guests | Outdoor pool, kitchenette options, BBQ facilities | Not specified |
| Greenwoods Self-Catering | Pretoria area | Varies | Outdoor pool, free WiFi, free parking, laundry facilities | Not specified |
Top 10 Self Catering Accommodation
1. Jim’s Cottage – Fairland
Jim’s Cottage offers self-catering accommodation on the host’s Cape Dutch-style property in Fairland, Johannesburg. The owner-run guest house is the ideal base from which to visit surrounding areas and their attractions.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness | 5.0 |
| Location | 5.0 |
| Value | 4.8 |
| Service | 5.0 |
| Safety | 5.0 |
This 1-bedroom unit is ideal for a single or business traveller. The bedroom is furnished with a double bed and its en-suite bathroom is fitted with a shower. Guests can also hire an executive meeting, entertainment, and hosting lounge suitable for up to 10 people, including an HD screen with selected DStv channels, a boardroom table, a bar area, couches, and a private bathroom.
Best for: Single travellers, business travellers, couples seeking a quiet retreat.
2. Earthy and Organic – Oakdene (Johannesburg South)
Earthy and Organic is a lovely self-catering apartment situated in a secure building in Johannesburg South. It is ideal for business and leisure travellers who are looking for a peaceful and convenient homebase from where they can explore and enjoy the surrounding areas.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 55 Oakdene Park Drive, Oakdene Central Park Unit 204, Johannesburg South, 2190 |
| Capacity | 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms |
| Key Features | Air-conditioning · Full kitchen (fridge-freezer, gas stove, oven, microwave) · Washing machine · TV · Wi-Fi · Balcony with outdoor seating · Communal swimming pool & braai facilities · Children’s play area · Secure parking |
| Special Offer | 15% off stays between Friday–Sunday (minimum 2 nights) · Valid 27 Feb 2026 – 26 Apr 2026 |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 1 week before arrival |
| Check-in/out | Check-in: 15:00–23:00 · Check-out: 10:00 |
The apartment comprises 2 bedrooms both furnished with double beds. The first bathroom is fitted with a bath and shower, while the second bathroom contains a shower. Linen is provided, however guests are required to bring their own bath and swimming towels.
Local amenities such as shops and restaurants are within close proximity, with O.R. Tambo International Airport being approximately 34 km away. Attractions in the area include Gold Reef City Theme Park, the Apartheid Museum and the FNB Stadium.
Best for: Families, small groups, business travellers.
3. Maboneng Spacious Loft – Maboneng (City Centre)
Maboneng Spacious Loft is a charming self-catering holiday apartment located in the heart of Maboneng, accommodating up to 2 guests seeking a centrally located retreat.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 24 Albrecht Street, Maboneng, Johannesburg, 2043 |
| Capacity | 2 guests · 1 bedroom · En-suite bathroom |
| Key Features | Full kitchen (stove, oven, bar fridge, microwave) · Dining table for 2 · Fireplace · TV · Secure parking · Swimming pool · Braai |
| Special Offer | 10% off stays on Friday & Saturday · Valid 3–4 April 2026 |
| Child Policy | No children allowed |
| Check-in/out | Check-in: 14:00–18:00 · Check-out: 11:00 |
The bedroom is furnished with a queen-size bed and offers an en-suite bathroom fitted with a shower, bath, toilet, and basin. Downstairs provides a variety of amenities, including a coffee shop, massage services, a restaurant, poolside lounging, and hair and nail salons. As guests explore Maboneng, they will find a wide range of activities to enjoy amidst the area’s unique charm.
Best for: Couples, solo travellers, city explorers.
4. Gold Crown One Bedroom Self-Catering Apartment – Johannesburg South
This modern 4-star apartment is located strategically in Johannesburg South, placing guests near interesting attractions and dining options. The property offers a one-bedroom unit complete with a private balcony.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 5 Victoria Road, Johannesburg South, 2197 |
| Capacity | Up to 4 adults · Deluxe Family Suite option available |
| Key Features | Private balcony · Kitchenette with refrigerator · Netflix & YouTube · Free Wi-Fi · Free parking · Air conditioning |
| Cleanliness Rating | 10.0/10 (verified guests) |
| Location Rating | 10.0/10 (verified guests) |
| Check-in/out | Check-in: 14:00 · Check-out: 11:00 |
The apartment features a full kitchenette with a refrigerator, allowing guests to store and prepare their own meals. Entertainment is well catered for with Netflix and YouTube available on the television. The bathroom is stocked with complimentary toiletries, fresh linen, and comfortable towels.
The property is located 3.8 km from Maboneng Precinct, 4.8 km from SAB World of Beer, 5.1 km from Gold Reef City, and 5.6 km from the Apartheid Museum. O.R. Tambo International Airport is approximately 21 km away.
Best for: Couples, small families, travellers seeking modern amenities.
5. Curiocity Pads – Maboneng (City Centre)
Curiocity offers 16 self-catering studios which are located in the Main Street Life building, one block down the street from the main hostel. Each of the Curiocity Pads pays homage to a different decade of the city’s 130-year history.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Main Street Life building, Maboneng, Johannesburg (one block from Curiocity hostel) |
| Capacity | 2 guests per studio |
| Key Features | Heritage-themed studios · Wi-Fi · Secure parking · Rooftop tent camping option available at main location |
| Unique Feature | Each studio themed to a different decade of Johannesburg’s history |
| Payment | Visa credit cards only |
A favourite is room 1946-1956 titled “A part love A part hate”, designed by Love Jozi, the must-have Joburg T-shirt brand created by Bradley Kirshenbaum. Referencing the official start of Apartheid in 1948 and its proscription of love across the colour bar, the room has a number of witty rejoinders to the Nationalist Party’s atrocious policies.
This is a great location from which to experience the “johustle” of the city and the hip district of Maboneng. The founder of Curiocity is also the man behind the MainStreetWalks walking tour company who run walking and cycling tours from the hostel.
Best for: Solo travellers, couples, design enthusiasts, history buffs.
6. Orangerie Guest House – Northcliff
Orangerie Guest House offers self-catering accommodation or breakfast on request in the room. Each room has a balcony with amazing city views over Johannesburg. The property features easy gate access with a regular cell phone call and uncapped Wi-Fi in the rooms is free.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Northcliff, Johannesburg |
| Guest Ratings | Facilities: 9.2 · Cleanliness: 9.6 · Comfort: 9.4 · Value: 9.3 · Location: 9.4 |
| Key Features | City-view balconies · Fully equipped kitchenette (microwave, electric frying pan, bar fridge) · Free uncapped Wi-Fi · Secure parking · Air-conditioning |
| Nearby | Rand Park Golf Course (3 km) · Cresta Shopping Centre (2 km) · Sandton City (14 km) |
| Special Note | Uber Eats available for easy food delivery |
Each room is air-conditioned with a fully equipped kitchenette with microwave, electric frying pan and a bar fridge. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. The bathrooms are fitted with bath tub and separate shower, except for the two garden studios that have shower only. Other facilities offered include dry cleaning and laundry facilities close by. An array of activities can be enjoyed in the surroundings, including golfing and canoeing.
The guest house is 3 km from Rand Park Golf Course, 7 km from Park View Golf Course and 2 km from Cresta Shopping Centre. Sandton City Shopping Centre and the Gautrain Sandton Station are both within 14 km of the property, while O.R. Tambo International Airport is 38 km away.
Best for: Business travellers, couples, medical tourists (close to Johannesburg Eye Hospital).
7. Golden Gate Guest House – Bryanston
Golden Gate Guest House offers spacious self-catering units alongside individually decorated guest rooms. All suites have modern amenities including Wi-Fi internet access, satellite DSTV and bar fridges. For those seeking luxury, beautifully appointed double suites come complete with plush king beds and deluxe Jacuzzi baths.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 291 Bryanston Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg |
| Key Features | Self-catering units · Swimming pool · BBQ facilities · Kitchen access · Free parking · Free Wi-Fi |
| Nearby | Riverside Shopping Centre (500 m, includes Woolworths & restaurants) · Sandton City · Fourways · Randburg · Rivonia restaurants |
| Check-in/out | Check-in: 14:00 (flexible) · Check-out: 11:00 |
| Payment | Cash only (no credit card machine) |
| Languages Spoken | German · English · Italian |
The property is just a stone’s throw away from a range of shopping malls like Sandton City, Fourways, Randburg and Rivonia restaurants, as well as the zoo, game parks and the Cradle of Humankind. Riverside shopping centre is half a kilometre away with Woolworths supermarket and several restaurants. For those looking to explore more of the region, Pretoria is just a few kilometres away and Sun City is 120 km away.
Best for: Families, business travellers, those seeking luxury self-catering.
8. Lala-Nathi Guest House & Self Catering – Midrand
Lala-Nathi Guest House is located in Midrand, offering self-catering accommodation with a range of modern amenities. The property has received a Very Good rating of 8.4 out of 10 from verified guests.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 105 East St, Midrand, Gauteng, 1686 |
| Guest Rating | 8.4/10 · Very good |
| Key Features | Free cooked-to-order breakfast · Outdoor pool · Free Wi-Fi (500+ Mbps) · Free secured covered valet parking · Laundry facilities · Garden · Outdoor entertainment area |
| Check-in/out | Check-in: 10:00 · Check-out: 10:00 |
| Nearby | Mall of Africa (2 min drive) · Gallagher Convention Centre (3 min drive) · O.R. Tambo International Airport (19 min drive) |
The property offers a bar/lounge, 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Room amenities include a flat-screen TV with cable channels, separate dining area, electric kettle, air conditioning, desk, and separate sitting area. Private bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub or shower and hair dryer.
Best for: Business travellers, families, conference attendees.
9. Angelica Guest House – Boksburg
Angelica Guest House is located in Boksburg, offering self-catering accommodation with kitchenette options in select rooms. The property has earned an Excellent rating of 9.1 out of 10 based on 169 ratings.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 36 Smuts Avenue, Libradene, Boksburg, 1459 |
| Guest Rating | 9.1/10 · Excellent |
| Key Features | Outdoor pool · BBQ facilities · Shared kitchen · Free Wi-Fi · Free parking · Laundry service · Luggage storage · Safety deposit boxes |
| Room Amenities | Kitchenette options · Microwave · Refrigerator · Tea/coffee maker · Television with cable TV · Desk · Telephone · Room safe |
| Nearby | N17 highway (1 min) · O.R. Tambo International Airport (11.8 km) |
The guesthouse is strategically located just one minute from the N17 highway, offering quick connections to Johannesburg and other key areas. Guests can unwind by the inviting outdoor pool or utilize the barbecue facilities for a relaxing and enjoyable experience in the garden setting. The property offers a welcoming environment for families, with amenities designed to ensure a comfortable stay for all ages.
Best for: Families, budget-conscious travellers, those needing airport access.
10. Greenwoods Self-Catering – Pretoria Area
Greenwoods Self-Catering offers comfortable accommodation with a range of amenities for self-catering travellers. The property has earned a rating of 8.8 out of 10.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Guest Rating | 8.8/10 · Excellent |
| Key Features | Outdoor pool · Free Wi-Fi · Free parking · Laundry facilities · Garden · Library · Business centre · Meeting rooms · BBQ facilities · Picnic area |
| Room Amenities | Cookware/dishes/utensils · Separate bathtub & shower · Television · Patio |
| Reception Hours | Limited hours |
The property features a library, safe at reception, and a business centre for guests who need to work during their stay. The garden and patio areas provide outdoor space for relaxation.
Best for: Business travellers, couples, those seeking a quiet retreat.
Self-Catering Accommodation Comparison Table
| Name | Area | Capacity | Key Features | Special Offer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim’s Cottage | Fairland | 2 guests | Pool · Braai · Meeting lounge | 15% off weekends | Business · Couples |
| Earthy and Organic | Oakdene | 4 guests | Full kitchen · Washing machine · Balcony · Pool | 15% off weekends | Families · Small groups |
| Maboneng Spacious Loft | Maboneng | 2 guests | Full kitchen · Fireplace · TV | 10% off weekends | Couples · Solo travellers |
| Gold Crown Apartment | Johannesburg South | 4 adults | Kitchenette · Netflix · YouTube | None | Couples · Small families |
| Curiocity Pads | Maboneng | 2 guests | Heritage-themed studios · Wi-Fi | None | Solo · Couples · Design lovers |
| Orangerie Guest House | Northcliff | 2+ guests | City views · Kitchenette · Uncapped Wi-Fi | None | Business · Medical tourists |
| Golden Gate Guest House | Bryanston | Varies | Pool · BBQ · Kitchen access | None | Families · Luxury seekers |
| Lala-Nathi Guest House | Midrand | Varies | Free breakfast · Pool · Valet parking | None | Business · Conference |
| Angelica Guest House | Boksburg | 3 guests | Pool · BBQ · Shared kitchen | None | Families · Airport access |
| Greenwoods Self-Catering | Pretoria area | Varies | Pool · Laundry · Business centre | None | Business · Quiet retreat |
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: What is the best self-catering accommodation in Johannesburg for families?
A: Earthy and Organic in Oakdene is an excellent choice for families, with 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, washing machine, and access to a communal swimming pool with braai facilities and a children’s play area. It accommodates up to 4 guests. Golden Gate Guest House in Bryanston also offers spacious self-catering units with kitchen access and a swimming pool.
Q: Which self-catering options are best for couples or solo travellers?
A: Jim’s Cottage in Fairland is ideal for a single or business traveller, with a double bed, kitchenette, and access to a swimming pool and braai area. Maboneng Spacious Loft offers a romantic city-centre retreat with a fireplace and queen-size bed. Curiocity Pads provide unique heritage-themed studios perfect for couples.
Q: Are there self-catering options in Johannesburg’s city centre?
A: Yes. Maboneng Spacious Loft is located in the vibrant Maboneng Precinct, with easy access to coffee shops, restaurants, massage services, and hair and nail salons. Curiocity Pads are also located in the Main Street Life building in Maboneng.
Q: Do these properties offer free Wi-Fi?
A: Most properties listed offer free Wi-Fi, including Jim’s Cottage, Earthy and Organic, Gold Crown Apartment, Orangerie Guest House, Golden Gate Guest House, Lala-Nathi Guest House, and Angelica Guest House.
Q: Which properties have swimming pools?
A: Several properties feature swimming pools: Jim’s Cottage, Earthy and Organic (communal pool), Maboneng Spacious Loft, Golden Gate Guest House, Lala-Nathi Guest House, Angelica Guest House, and Greenwoods Self-Catering.
Q: Which properties are pet-friendly?
A: Based on available information, none of the properties listed explicitly state they are pet-friendly. It is advisable to contact the individual properties directly to inquire about pet policies.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for these properties?
A: Cancellation policies vary by property. Earthy and Organic offers free cancellation up to 1 week before your stay. For other properties, it is best to check the specific cancellation policy at the time of booking.
Q: Which properties offer special discounts?
A: Jim’s Cottage offers 15% off for weekend stays. Earthy and Organic offers 15% off for weekend stays (minimum 2 nights). Maboneng Spacious Loft offers 10% off for stays on Friday and Saturday (limited dates).
Tips for Choosing Self-Catering Accommodation
Consider Your Needs: Think about the size of your group, required amenities, and preferred location. Families may appreciate properties with communal pools and braai areas, while business travellers might prioritise Wi-Fi and workspace.
Check the Kitchen Equipment: Review what is included in the kitchen. Some properties offer full kitchens with ovens and stoves, while others provide kitchenettes with basic appliances. Ensure the facilities match your self-catering plans.
Verify Security Arrangements: Look for properties with secure parking and good security ratings. Earthy and Organic is in a secure building with secure parking. Golden Gate Guest House offers free parking.
Read Recent Reviews: Guest ratings can reveal important details about cleanliness, comfort, and host responsiveness. Orangerie Guest House has excellent ratings across multiple categories.
Confirm Check-in Procedures: Some properties have specific check-in windows—Jim’s Cottage requires check-in between 14:00 and 19:00. Understanding check-in procedures in advance prevents arrival issues.
Consider Location Relative to Activities: If visiting specific attractions like Gold Reef City, choose accommodation in Johannesburg South. For hospital visits, Northcliff properties are ideally situated.
Ask About Loadshedding: With ongoing power outages, properties with backup power or generators offer greater comfort and convenience.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s self-catering accommodation market offers diverse options to suit every traveller’s needs. From the urban energy of Maboneng lofts to the tranquil suburban retreats of Fairland and Bryanston, from secure apartments in Johannesburg South to heritage-themed studios in the city centre, there is something for everyone.
Properties range from compact studios for solo travellers to spacious homes accommodating families of four or more. Many offer special discounts, including weekend specials and promotions. Essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, secure parking, and fully equipped kitchens are standard across most properties, while some offer luxury additions like Netflix, private balconies with city views, and swimming pools.
When choosing self-catering accommodation in Johannesburg, consider your specific needs regarding location, space, amenities, and budget. Read recent reviews, verify cancellation policies, and confirm security arrangements before booking. With careful planning, self-catering accommodation provides an excellent base for exploring all that Johannesburg has to offer.
Note: All information is current as of time of publishing. Rates, availability, and special offers are subject to change. Please verify details with individual properties before booking.