The 13 best hotels in Johannesburg

Located in Houghton, Sanctuary Mandela is a stay which is rooted in South Africa’s history and gives you a glimpse into the life of the man himself.

Once the former President’s personal home, it’s now a boutique hotel operated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Each of the nine rooms is inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy and decorated in shades of springbok green and mustard. Here, you’re not greeted with ‘Good afternoon’ as you walk through the doors, but with ‘Welcome home’ - a thoughtful touch that sums up the essence of the hotel.

Artifacts and artworks throughout the property chronicle key moments of his life, deepening the connection to Madiba for guests. Even the restaurant – referred to as the dining room – features his favourite dishes in a concise menu curated by his former private chef.

Address: 4 13th Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198

The Saxon Hotel is one of the most luxurious stays in South Africa, often hosting A-listers and royalty alike. Nelson Kubheka recently undertook an extensive redesign project, so the already super stylish interiors are even more spectacular.

Guests love the dining options, including artisanal cocktails at the Olive Bar and sublime fine dining at Qunu. Wine pairing is optional but essential since the sommeliers are second to none. The Saxon also boasts one of Joburg’s best spas, with cutting-edge wellness treatments and hydro facilities.

Feel part of history when you book the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, where the man himself completed Long Walk to Freedom. Prime location, flawless service and gorgeous surroundings make for a luxury hotel you won’t want to leave. The brand has also just opened Steyn City Hotel by Saxon.

Address: 36 Saxon Rd, Sandhurst, Johannesburg, 2196

Set within the exclusive Steyn City estate in the Greater Fourways area, this hotel is perfect for travellers looking for space and modernity outside of the madness of Sandton, but within easy reach of all the major business hubs. Instead of standard hotel rooms, it boasts 50 elegantly designed serviced apartments complete with state-of-the-art appliances. And they’re huge too!

You’re spoilt for choice food-wise, with the on-site restaurant Guild (where you’ll have breakfast), popular modern Italian eatery Café del Sol and a fine dining restaurant in Nineteen.

And just in case you need some extra peace and quiet, you can relax with treatments at the world-class spa, play a round of golf or explore the estate’s extensive walking and cycling trails, There’s even a huge man-made lagoon, where you can kayak, swim, SUP or zoom down the waterslides. Move over, Sun City.

Address: Steyn City Blvd, Midrand, Johannesburg, 2191

If views are what you’re after, you can’t do better than The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Its lofty position provides panoramic views of Johannesburg. Year-round, the vista from hotel balconies is green, but try to book in October for pops of purple as the city hits peak blooming season for its jacaranda trees.

Brilliant service and modern elegance are a given, with fine dining available at Flames restaurant. The signature dish is the Tomahawk ribeye – and for good reason. Book treatments at the spa or set off into the city to explore nearby attractions, like Maboneng or the Apartheid Museum. It’s a child-friendly stay with a family pool area, perfect for splashing away on a sunny Joburg day.

Address: 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg, 2132

Business meeting at 6pm and overnight getaway at 8pm? No problem. Thaba Eco Hotel is one of Johannesburg’s most peaceful escapes. It’s set within the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, just a 20-minute drive from Sandton. Surrounded by rolling hills and indigenous bushveld, it’s a rare place where you can wake up to the sound of birds instead of traffic. The 54 spacious suites are designed to feel part of the landscape, with natural wood finishes, earthy tones and glass doors opening onto private balconies overlooking the reserve.

There’s plenty to do - guided nature walks, eco-drives, mountain biking and even stargazing under the reserve’s clear night skies. After a day outdoors, the Sinzinani Spa is a must, with African-inspired treatments designed for deep relaxation. The Kraal Restaurant is another highlight, serving fresh, locally sourced dishes in a serene setting.

Address: 101 Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Johannesburg South, 2091

HYDE Johannesburg, in the lively district of Rosebank, is a chic urban retreat right next to every amenity you can think of. As you step into the lobby, you're greeted by warm earthy tones and contemporary decor, creating an inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for your stay. The 131 guest rooms are thoughtfully designed, featuring plush bedding and sleek furnishings. Large windows flood the rooms with natural light, offering views of the bustling cityscape below. 

The Zone@Rosebank is within a few steps, as are bars and restaurants galore - and you’re also nearby Nelson Mandela Square and the Gautrain station. As the day winds down, the rooftop pool beckons for sundowners.

In the morning, take your time over breakfast at Proud Mary, the hotel's all-day eatery and wine bar. Dripping with mid-century modern elegance, Proud Mary serves some of the city’s best cocktails and some of the most inventive egg options you could ever wish for. If your city escape comes with a side of work, the on-site co-working space, Workshop17, provides a dynamic environment where creativity and productivity thrive.

Address: 17 7th St, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196

The Peech Hotel is tucked in Melrose, centrally located and right opposite one of the city’s loveliest green spaces, James and Ethel Gray Park. It’s a family-owned-and-run hotel with 32 rooms and a villa, with buildings that date back to 1950, giving them heritage status.

Intimate without being crowded, The Peech Hotel hosts plenty of international visitors who return time and time again. The rooms are decorated with steel-cut artworks from local artists, featuring a blend of botanical and industrial elements. With plush rooms, serene gardens, a tranquil pool and stellar service, The Peech is a perfect choice for travellers who value sustainability in their hotels, thanks to their Fair Trade in Tourism certification since 2010.

While sleeping in is tempting, you won’t want to miss the delicious breakfasts. Book dinner at the renowned The PotLuck Club, which has just taken up residence on the property.

Address: 61 North St, Melrose North, Johannesburg, 2196

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel is one of Joburg’s most indulgent stays, just a stone’s throw away from Sandton. A long driveway lined with towering trees leads to an elegant Cape Dutch-style building, framed by sculpted hedges, trickling fountains and manicured gardens. Once a private residence, this five star boutique hotel now houses 41 individually decorated suites.

High ceilings, elaborate cornices and tall doors create a sense of grandeur, while textures add warmth and comfort. But no two stays are the same here. Some suites feature four-poster beds draped in luxurious linens, antique furnishings and crystal chandeliers. Others incorporate modern elements, like bold contrasting colours and abstract art.

The award-winning spa is a Balinese-inspired sanctuary with outdoor salas, koi ponds and candlelit treatment rooms designed to melt away the stress of the day. If you spent all day in the spa and never saw another soul, nobody would blame you.

Address: Alma Rd, Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2096

African Pride Melrose Arch is one of those hotels that makes you feel like you’re somehow at the centre of everything Johannesburg has to offer. Melrose Arch is a pedestrian-friendly enclave packed with designer stores, cafés and cocktail bars. You could stray only a few hundred metres at a time, and still feel like you’ve seen loads.

It’s a five-star stay, but with a stylish, modern edge. Instead of stuffy and bland, expect moody lighting, bold colours, and plenty of contemporary African design elements. Rooms are sleek and spacious, with luxe touches like velvet headboards, rainfall showers and oversized windows letting in the city’s golden light.

The outdoor pool area doubles as a social hub. While during the daytime you’ll swim in relative peace, you’ll find it comes to life in the evenings. Complete with stylish loungers and music, it’s an ideal spot to see in the weekend.

Address: 1 Melrose Blvd, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2196

Hidden away in the leafy suburb of Atholl, this five-star boutique hotel feels more like a refined private residence than a typical hotel. With only nine suites, the experience is deliberately intimate.

Step inside, and you're greeted by a blend of mid-century modern and contemporary design, with warm wood finishes. Each of the suites is designed for comfort, with oversized beds wrapped in crisp linens, soft duck-down duvets and plush, textured cushions. The en-suite bathrooms are just as indulgent, with double vanities, deep soaking tubs and walk-in rain showers.

The heart of the hotel is its library and bar, a cozy space with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, deep armchairs and a statement chandelier, perfect for unwinding with a whisky or a novel. Bring a bookworm here, and you’re guaranteed not to see them for the entire day. We’ll let you decide whether that’s a good or bad thing.

Address: 90 Pretoria Ave, Atholl, Johannesburg, 2196

A mainstay of Johannesburg’s high-end hotel scene, 54 on Bath continues to deliver effortless, quiet luxury. Undoubtedly, the pool and dining area is the hotel’s crowning glory. The lap pool, framed on one side by manicured Wimbledon-esque grass, is beautifully lit up at night.

Adjacent to the pool is the hotel’s signature champagne bar, so you’re never forced to have a swim sans a glass of bubbles. And foodies will appreciate Level Four Restaurant. This in-house fine dining venue serves a refined menu of contemporary South African cuisine. Expect beautifully plated dishes like springbok carpaccio and butter-soft beef fillet.

And once you’re done eating, drinking, swimming and shopping (the hotel is connected directly to Rosebank Mall), you can return to your spa-like room, complete with Illy coffee machine and marble bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower.

Address: 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

South Africa’s little Italy is one of the best spots to base yourself around the Fourways area. As you approach the hotel, the terracotta hues and towering cypress trees evoke thoughts of a grand (ok, very grand) Tuscan villa.

The rooms are tasteful, as you’d expect. They come with views of the gardens, which are painstakingly tended to and could have been lifted straight out of a movie. Adding even further to the feeling of a Tuscan estate are the pops of pastels and velvet in the chairs and cushions, marble bathrooms and warm, golden-toned furnishings.

And, of course, Montecasino is another big drawcard. Catch a show at the theatre, play a game of laser tag or watch a movie. Afterwards, enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the plethora of restaurants. If you’re feeling lucky, finish off the evening with a game of poker or blackjack at the casino before retiring to your room.

Address: Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055

Sitting in the revitalised Maboneng Precinct, which has benefited from huge urban regeneration efforts, Hallmark House is everything an inner-city hotel should be. This industrial-chic space was once a diamond polishing factory. Now, it’s been reimagined into a bold, design-forward stay that reflects the city’s energy. Rooms are stylishly raw, with concrete ceilings, modern art and huge windows that frame urban views.

Downstairs, the world-class Marabi Club jazz bar and restaurant is absolutely worth spending a night at. But upstairs is where you’ll find panoramic views of the CBD’s skyline from the rooftop bar and swimming pool. Located close to Maboneng's buzzing art galleries, boutiques and restaurants, Hallmark House is a great place to base yourself for the raw, authentic side of Johannesburg.

Address: 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2094