AFRICANPENTHOUSES
Embark on an authentic City Centre experience 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 epitomise urban luxury; a stay here "feels like an African Manhattan", as blogger 2Summers describes it. Owned and managed by Ade Ashaye and his partner Priscilla Tandu, these four rooftop apartments, named after politicians, redefine city living with character-rich interiors and mind-boggling panoramic views. Each of the four penthouses, all listed on Airbnb, offers a unique charm, complete with a private rooftop jacuzzi or access to a communal rooftop pool. They accommodate four to six guests and provide an ideal retreat in the heart of Joburg's City Centre. Each apartment (except the Willie Brandt Penthouse) has back-up power for the main interior lights and Wi-Fi; the building itself doesn't have a generator.
COURTYARD HOTEL WATERFALL CITY
Nestled in Waterfall City in Midrand – between Johannesburg and Pretoria – Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City stands out as a sophisticated 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, adorned with king-size beds and sleek finishes, radiate modern style. The hotel's commitment to sustainability is underscored by its eco-friendly practices, earning it a coveted Green Star 4-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 on-site Skin Renewal branch for rejuvenating treatments. Explore the Mall of Africa and more of what Midrand has to offer with our Gautrain day trip guide.
FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA
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-m 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 like Kensington Trading, The Troyeville Hotel, Maboneng and Victoria Yards.
HALLMARK HOUSE HOTEL
PABLO HOUSE
@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 around 480 leased apartments with a 561-room hotel, spanning from studios to a Presidential suite and a covetable penthouse creating a comprehensive urban retreat. Its distinguishing feature lies in the sweeping views towards the west of Joburg, 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 that prioritise first-class concierge services. @Sandton Hotel's compact spa gives you quick and basic services while the @Deli stocks everything from cool gifting ideas to Illy coffee on the run. It also has an extensive wine and liquor section. Being so close to Sandton, you'll have access to the Gautrain for easy travel in and around the economic, shopping and leisure hub; read our Sandton day trip guide with Gautrain for more.
THE CLIFFSIDE BOUTIQUE GETAWAY
THE HOUGHTON HOTEL
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 two acres of lush gardens, has 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. Chef James Diack at Basalt, the hotel's restaurant, offers a refined tasting menu that mirrors the hotel's commitment to exceptional guest care, creating a genuine 'home away from home' experience. Despite its proximity to Melrose Arch and the M1 highway, the hotel's serene environment offers guests a blissful staycation escape from the urban grind.
VOCO HOTEL THE BANK
voco Hotel The Bank features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of Rosebank's cityscape and the surrounding tree-covered suburbs. voco Hotel The Bank 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 that buzzes with atmosphere. Strategically located, voco Hotel The Bank Rosebank is a transport hub, with the Gautrain at its doorstep and easy access to the Rosebank Art & Craft Market, City Sightseeing bus, Rosebank Sunday Market and more. From Proud Mary restaurant and Proud Coffee in the lobby to Workshop17's art-filled co-working spaces, voco Hotel The Bank is a feast for the senses. Treat yourself; it's worth it. Find out how to make the most of your time in Rosebank with our Gautrain day trip guide.
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 and 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. #YourGautrainJourneyStartsHere
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