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SUMMERTIME SPECIAL AT FARMHOUSE58
As a treat for Johannesburg In Your Pocket readers, enjoy 15% off all rooms at Farmhouse58 in the Cradle of Humankind from early Dec 2025 – end Jan 2026. Book here or use the promo code SUMMERINYOURPOCKET.
1. 54 on Bath
Loved by those who live in Joburg and travelling visitors alike, 54 on Bath is an elegant retreat in the heart of busy Rosebank that cracked the nod for the best boutique hotel in the Best of Joburg Awards for 2024. It boasts a cool and uber-chic grey, black and white interior palette along with a photography collection that references and celebrates contemporary Johannesburg. There's a lush rooftop terrace with a lawn overlooking the city and the exceptional Level Four restaurant and bar offers fine dining as well as one of our favourite afternoon and high tea experiences. The best part? It’s connected to Rosebank Mall via a private passageway, with The Zone @ Rosebank and The Firs just steps away.
2. AfricanPenthouses
Take advantage of what the city has to offer with AfricanPenthouses, a beacon for those seeking short-stay gems. Situated at 87 Commissioner Street, directly opposite the Rand Club and close to Maboneng and Braamfontein, AfricanPenthouses epitomises urban luxury; a stay here "feels like an African Manhattan", as blogger 2Summers describes it. These four rooftop apartments, named after politicians, redefine city living with character-rich interiors and mind-boggling panoramic views. All listed on Airbnb, each penthouse offers a unique charm, complete with a private rooftop jacuzzi or access to a communal rooftop pool. They each accommodate four to six guests and provide an ideal retreat in the heart of Joburg's city centre.
3. Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City
Nestled in Waterfall City in Midrand – between Johannesburg and Pretoria – Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City is a haven for business and leisure. A stone's throw from the Mall of Africa, South Africa's biggest mall, this upmarket City Lodge Hotel Group property boasts 168 rooms, catering to both corporate travellers and weekend leisure seekers. The spacious rooms, complete with king-size beds and sleek finishes, radiate modern style.
The hotel's commitment to sustainability is underscored by its ecofriendly practices, earning it a coveted four-star Green Star Custom Design certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa. We also love the panoramic rooftop restaurant and bar – The Highline, an elegant space with a menu of shared plates and refreshing cocktails. For the ultimate refreshment, there is an onsite Skin Renewal branch for rejuvenating treatments.
4. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa
Just a short drive from Sandton, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa effortlessly combines luxurious tranquillity with city sophistication. Originally a four-hectare family home with sporting stables, it has transformed into a boutique hotel, inviting guests to feel like they're part of the uber-elite (we can dream, after all!). It's all about opulence here, with king-sized beds, fireplaces, underfloor heating and spacious bathrooms. The private Villa Moji offers 470 square metres of luxury, including a pool, dining room, lounge, and two expansive double suites. For something truly unique, the Ardmore Satara Suite is a knockout, with a hand-painted mural by Ardmore artists and the label's signature designs.
Amuse-Bouche, the on-site restaurant, boasts contemporary cuisine on a patio overlooking tranquil gardens and an inviting swimming pool. Fairlawns Spa, surrounded by bamboo groves, extends into a private outdoor oasis; its heated outdoor pool provides a Balinese-style view, and the spa, with its traditional Japanese baths, private Thai pavilions and bamboo-grove treatment rooms promises an intimate staycation.
5. Fishbird Art Deco Villa
Crafted around a wooden sculpture of a mythical "fish bird", this petite villa combines elegance with artistic allure. Owned by a delightful French couple, each room of Fishbird Art Deco Villa in Kensington has been thoughtfully renovated, boasting Art Deco fittings, pressed ceilings, and Oregon pine flooring. Located on historic Highland Road, this suburban four-bedroom haven is conveniently located just 20 minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport and is a quick 10-minute drive from the city centre.
Behind its unassuming yellow gate lies a garden paradise, featuring a deck with spectacular views and a 15-metre-long swimming pool. Operating on solar energy and borehole water, you can leave your load-shedding and water-shortage woes at home. The French-inspired breakfast, featuring fresh croissants and brioche from Sweet Baguette, adds a delightful touch. The villa's location also puts you within a short drive of attractions including Kensington Trading, The Troyeville Hotel, and Victoria Yards.
6. Hotel Sky Sandton
The bold and tech-savvy Hotel Sky Sandton brings a splash of fun to the business district with its wild jungle-meets-glam décor, three fabulous restaurants, self-playing piano, and a robot concierge named Lexi. Its smart rooms, family-friendly atmosphere, and weekend entertainment at Eclipse restaurant and bar are perfect for unwinding or celebrating. The pool (the largest in Sandton) is one of the hotel's standout features, adjoining a guests-only bar and sun deck.
7. Pablo House
Perched on a ridge overlooking the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, Pablo House exudes rock 'n roll chic. Its unassuming entrance leads to a sleek hideout with glamorous interiors, luxurious accents, and a staircase descending to a private pool, all framed by panoramic Joburg views stretching towards the Magaliesberg mountains. Defined by relaxed luxury, Pablo House has seven uniquely decorated suites and a loft. From in-house spa treatments and crisp white linen to bamboo mattresses and Netflix, every detail has been considered. Pablo House is a city staycation with a twist, where sophisticated design, thoughtful amenities, and personalised local encounters converge. It also has a restaurant, Pablo Dos Manos, renowned for great wood-fired pizza and small plate Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Explore the neighbourhood and read our guide to Melville's 7th Street and surrounds.
8. @Sandton Hotel
Despite the corporate veneer of "multi-use", @Sandton Hotel pleasantly surprises, providing a distinctive urban living (or staying) encounter. This towering complex integrates about 480 leased apartments with a 561-room hotel, spanning from studio rooms to a presidential suite and a covetable penthouse, which creates a comprehensive urban retreat. Its distinguishing feature lies in the sweeping views towards the west of Joburg, which are particularly captivating from the upper floors.
Upon check-in, guests unlock access to the complex's offerings: a private gym, a heated pool within a clubhouse, a children’s play area, a whisky and cigar lounge, and the hotel’s restaurant. At ground level, an expansive foyer beckons for relaxation or meetings, complemented by approachable staff who prioritise first-class concierge services. @Sandton Hotel's compact spa offers quick and basic services, while the @Deli stocks everything from cool gifts to Illy coffee on the run. It also has an extensive wine and liquor selection.
9. The Great Gatsby
Travel back to a bygone era at The Great Gatsby guesthouse in Houghton, where Victorian elegance meets modern comfort. Perched on scenic Munro Drive, this gem boasts charming rooms like Juliet’s Secret and The Library, alongside private options such as the Coach House and Bachelor Pad with vast city views. The house was built in 1926, and the secret to the wow-factor guest experience – from spending a night to visiting for one of the parties owner and hostess Gina Gabriel throws – is how the house's original character has been maintained. Plus, Gabriel is a triumph in the kitchen, and we highly recommend you arrange for breakfast and dinner to be included.
10. The Cliffside Boutique Getaway
Atop the historic Northcliff Ridge, The Cliffside Boutique Getaway provides a captivating view of the city and beyond, blending contemporary trimmings with nature. The Cliffside, a converted suburban residence with five bedrooms, emanates warmth and contemporary charm, boasting a delightful pool, sauna, and meandering stone paths through a kilometre-long garden. Sundowners reveal a panorama of city lights and the distant Magaliesberg mountains. An ideal choice for group getaways, families or even a solo retreat, The Cliffside offers a number of accommodation options. Some suites are equipped with self-catering facilities, although we think the culinary offerings are exceptional. For the adventurous, activities such as rock climbing, abseiling lessons or a walk up the Northcliff Ridge await, making The Cliffside a staycation that really feels like a vacation.
11. The Houghton Hotel
Indulge in a weekend retreat at The Houghton Hotel, a luxurious oasis in the heart of Joburg. Overlooking the prestigious Houghton Golf Club, this resort-style complex promises an unforgettable experience that's akin to being on an urban cruise ship. Boasting fine dining restaurant Cyra, a spa, and an inviting lounge with a Champagne bar, leaving may prove to be a challenge. In a city where hotels often prioritise business over leisure, The Houghton Hotel stands out as a rare gem nestled within the lush greenery of an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and forming part of an upscale residential complex. Beyond the glamour, The Houghton Hotel impresses with vast outdoor spaces, including an abundance of swimming pools and expansive parklands.
12. The Leonardo
Perched high on Sandton’s skyline, The Leonardo is the ultimate destination for a luxurious staycation in Johannesburg. From its rooftop pool and the highest bar in Africa, Alto234, to its world-class dining options at Aurum and Akido, this 234-metre-tall marvel has it all. Relax with a spa day, enjoy unparalleled city views, or sip cocktails as the sun sets over Joburg. With stylish serviced apartments, exceptional art, and endless amenities, The Leonardo offers the perfect blend of leisure and sophistication, making it a go-to spot for a memorable Joburg escape.
13. The Peech Hotel
The Peech Hotel is an exceptional staycation destination located in leafy Melrose North. A brief stroll from Melrose Arch, this boutique gem has thrived since its establishment in 2004. Noteworthy for its commitment to eco-conscious values, the hotel, spanning almost a hectare of lush gardens, has been transformed from a heritage house into a suburban Eden, offering a peaceful retreat filled with birdsong. Situated near James and Ethel Gray Park and founded by James and Vicky Peech, The Peech Hotel's every detail is considered in its 32 thoughtfully designed rooms. It is also the Joburg home for Chef Luke Dale Roberts' restaurant, The Pot Luck Club.
14. Hyde Hotel Rosebank
Hyde Hotel Rosebank features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of Rosebank's cityscape and the surrounding tree-covered suburbs. Hyde Hotel redefines hotel experiences with sexy sophistication and glamorous Art Deco inspiration with four different types of rooms. The hotel also boasts an incredibly beautiful bar and restaurant, Proud Mary, that buzzes with atmosphere. Strategically located, Hyde Hotel Rosebank has the Gautrain on its doorstep and easy access to the Rosebank Art & Craft Market, City Sightseeing bus, Rosebank Sunday Market, and more.
15. A little further afield, but lovely: Farmhouse58
Not quite a staycation, but absolutely worth the drive. Set on rolling farmland adjoining NIROX Sculpture Park, Farmhouse58 is built for immersive, slow living. Think barefoot comfort, natural fabrics, meditation beneath a hidden waterfall, organic meals, and long, restorative walks and hikes. There are no carpeted corridors here – rooms open directly into the garden and surrounding fields, placing you as close to the land as it gets.
For Johannesurg In Your Pocket readers: Trade the city for stillness at Farmhouse58 and enjoy 15% off any room when you use the promo code SUMMERINYOURPOCKET. Book here. Offer valid until Jan 31, 2026.Get there with Gautrain
Some of these hotels are near Joburg's Rosebank, Sandton or Midrand Gautrain stations. See our guide to the Gautrain here. Download the Gautrain app for real-time updates on when the next Gautrain and Gautrain midi-bus are due. Visit www.gautrain.co.za for more information on the timetable and fares.
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