Hotels In Johannesburg

Johannesburg; “Jozi,” “Joburg,” or “the City of Gold” is that slightly ragged, fiercely ambitious metropolis that hits you first in your ears, with horns, sirens, street vendors, and music; then in your lungs, with dust, warm city air, green belts, and pulsating energy. It’s not quietly majestic, it’s loud, proud, gritty, reinventing itself under new murals, gleaming skyscrapers, and buzzing neighborhoods. For many travelers, hotels in Johannesburg aren’t just places to crash, but they are stages where the city’s contradictions play out: old vs new, wealth vs struggle, sunshine vs shadow. Johannesburg grew on mining and hope, and even now its heart beats in its mix, in leafy suburbs, in high‑rise towers in Sandton, in darkened inner city alleys that are being reimagined, in galleries and street art, in jazz bars and township tours. You can feel it in the smell of braai smoke in a backyard, in the laughter echoing in a market, in the echo down a stairwell in a colonial building turned boutique hotel. Travelers searching for the best hotels in Johannesburg often discover that each neighborhood delivers a completely different stay experience.

When you choose hotel Johannesburg, every decision changes your pipe into the city: do you want views of skyline + cranes? Do you want to wake up to birds in a garden suburb? Do you crave the hum of city traffic outside your window? Or silence? The luxury hotels in Johannesburg offer spectacular service, great restaurants, rooftop pools, curated design. The cheap hotels in Johannesburg or 2 star hotel Johannesburg and budget guesthouses, often humble, sometimes charming, give you core comfort and more of the street life just outside your door. And somewhere between lies your sweet spot, the mid‑range, boutique, or hotel apartments in Johannesburg that feel homey yet polished. Many travelers find that good hotels in Johannesburg balance location, safety, and comfort without losing character.

Experience the dynamic spirit of South Africa with our Johannesburg tour packages, blending rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable urban adventures. Most visitors rely on Johannesburg hotel booking platforms to bundle stays with tours and airport transfers.

Johannesburg airport Address

• Name: O. R. Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International)

• Address / Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa

• Airport Code: JNB / FAOR

• Operator / Contact: Airports Company South Africa; general contact through their official website.

Notes: It is Johannesburg’s main international and domestic gateway; many Johannesburg airport hotels cluster around it for convenience.

These nearby properties often feature spacious hotel rooms in Johannesburg designed for short overnight stays.

The Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

• Spring (Sept–Nov): Gorgeous. Jacaranda trees bloom, skies are crisp, and there are few heavy rains. Great time for walking the city.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot, occasional thunderstorms. The city gets lush; parks, rooftop bars, pools buzz. But mid‑January can be torrential.

• Autumn (Mar–May): Calm, clear days, golden light. This is my favorite.

• Winter (June–Aug): Dry, chilly mornings and evenings, but often blue skies. Daytime is comfortable.

Seasonality affects prices at even the best hotels in Johannesburg, especially during festivals and conferences.

For Johannesburg hotel price comparison, your best bet is shoulder seasons (spring, autumn), you’ll find cheap hotels in Johannesburg deals around then, and fewer tourists. This is also the best time to spot an affordable hotel in Johannesburg without compromising on location.

How to reach Johannesburg

By air:

You’ll land at O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). From there, you can take taxis, shuttles, rideshares, or prearranged transfers to your hotel in Johannesburg. Many Johannesburg airport hotels offer free shuttle service. These airport-area stays often include efficient hotel rooms booking in Johannesburg options for late arrivals.

By rail:

Johannesburg is connected by national rail; also the Gautrain links parts of the city and the airport to Sandton, Rosebank, etc. Use that for a fast, relatively smooth trip especially to central/suburban zones. Travelers staying in good hotels in Johannesburg city often use the Gautrain for daily commuting.

By road:

Driving in South Africa is common; highways approach Jozi from multiple directions. If you’re road tripping, expect to use the N3, N1, and other major freeways. Public buses also operate.

Things to do in Johannesburg

1. Visit the Apartheid Museum – heart-stirring.

2. Walk through Maboneng Precinct for art, cafes, murals, local markets.

3. Visit Constitution Hill & Old Fort to soak in history.

4. Ride the Gautrain, see station design, and travel comfortably.

5. Spend time in Soweto – Mandela House, Vilakazi Street, township tours.

6. Go up the Johannesburg Tower / Hillbrow Tower for city views.

7. Explore Gold Reef City, or the mining heritage museums.

8. Browse art galleries (e.g. in Rosebank, Braamfontein).

9. Lose yourself in Botanical Gardens / Emmarentia.

10. Shop at Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square.

11. Take a day trip to Pilanesberg or Sun City (if you have time).

12. Visit Cradle of Humankind / Sterkfontein Caves.

13. Eat your way through markets / food halls in neighborhoods.

14. Catch live jazz / township music in a local bar.

15. Rooftop bars at sunset – see Jozi light up, sip something cold.

Many attractions are just minutes away from the best hotels in Johannesburg, making sightseeing easier.

Shopping in Johannesburg

1. Sandton City / Nelson Mandela Square

2. Rosebank Mall / Rosebank Art & Craft Market

3. Eastgate Shopping Centre

4. Braamfontein boutiques / galleries

5. Maboneng Market

6. Maponya Mall (Soweto)

7. Cresta Shopping Centre

8. Clearwater Mall

9. Mall of Africa

10. Norwood Craft Market

11. Melrose Arch luxury shops

12. Stationery / design shops in Braamfontein

13. Local markets in neighborhoods (food, crafts)

14. High street shopping on Jan Smuts Avenue

15. Secondhand / vintage stores in Village Deep / inner city

Staying close to malls often means choosing good hotels in Johannesburg city for walkability.

Famous Restaurants in Johannesburg

1. Marble (rooftop, meat & fire)

2. DW Eleven-13 (fine dining, creative)

3. The Grillhouse (classic steak)

4. Soweto’s Msibisibisi traditional spots

5. Moyo Zoo Lake (ambience + food)

6. The Living Room at The Peech (jazz + eats)

7. Marble Restaurant & Bar

8. Pata Pata (Soweto vibe, local music + food)

9. Saint Restaurant (in Norwood)

10. The Crypt Jazz Restaurant (intimate, live music)

11. Tashas (cafés, brunch spots)

12. Chez Frederick (French + South African fusion)

13. Little Addis (Ethiopian / African flavors)

14. Izulu (African gourmet)

15. Gems in suburbs: hidden cafés, local braai joints

Dining access is one reason travelers prefer the best hotels in Johannesburg near food hubs.

Popular Hotels in Johannesburg

1. InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport

2. City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport

3. Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport

4. Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport

5. Southern Sun O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel

6. Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, O.R. Tambo Airport

7. Palazzo Hotel Montecasino

8. Sandton hotels

9. Rosebank boutique hotels

10. The Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton

11. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

12. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

13. 54 on Bath (Rosebank boutique)

14. Emperors Palace / Peermont d’Oreale Grande

15. Bryanston

These properties are frequently listed among the best hotels in Johannesburg for both leisure and business travelers.

Popular Resorts in Johannesburg

1. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

2. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

3. Palazzo Montecasino

4. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

5. The Maslow Hotel, Sandton

6. African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel

7. Thaba Eco Hotel

8. Emperors Palace Hotel Resort

9. Mount Grace Hotel & Spa

10. Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre

11. Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa

12. Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge

13. Glenburn Lodge & Spa

14. Zulu Nyala Country Manor

15. Riverstone Lodge

Many resorts also qualify as good hotels in Johannesburg for extended stays.

Where to Stay in Johannesburg

• Airport / East Rand (Kempton Park, Boksburg): for the convenience of Johannesburg airport hotels especially if you arrive late or depart early.

• Sandton: business hub, malls, luxury hotels. A favorite zone for many.

• Rosebank: artsy, well-connected, good middle ground.

• Westcliff / Parktown / Houghton: for leafy luxury, old gold‑era mansions turned boutique hotels.

• Fourways / Northriding: suburban, a bit further out but good for resort escapes.

• Inner city / CBD / Braamfontein: edgy, cheap hotels in Johannesburg, local color, short distances to downtown attractions.

Location plays a huge role in finding the best hotels in Johannesburg for your travel style.

Match your hotel in Johannesburg to your priorities: nightlife, shopping, museum walking, business, safety, or quiet. If you’re planning a cost-effective trip, budget hotels in Johannesburg provide convenient locations and essential amenities.

Places to Stay in Johannesburg near Popular Attractions

• Near Sandton City / Nelson Mandela Square – choose a Sandton hotel

• Near casinos or entertainment – Emperors Palace / Peermont hotels

• Close to museums / constitutional hill – stay in central or Braamfontein hotel

• Near botanical gardens, parks, or suburbs – Westcliff / Parktown hotels

• If your first or last flight timing is critical – airport hotels Johannesburg in Kempton Park / OR Tambo clusters

Smart Johannesburg online hotel booking helps lock in these prime locations early. Budget hotels in Johannesburg offer affordable comfort for travelers who want to explore the city without overspending.

Budget Hotels in Johannesburg

If you’re saving your rands for safari or steaks, there are plenty of cheap hotels in Johannesburg that are clean, comfy, and well-located. Look for 2 star hotel Johannesburg options around inner-city neighborhoods like Braamfontein, Melville, or Kensington. You’ll also find hotel apartments in Johannesburg that offer great value, especially for longer stays. Bonus: some budget spots even throw in breakfast! Just check reviews and transport access before booking.

Many travelers compare budget hotels in Johannesburg to find the best budget hotel in Johannesburg for short trips.

Johannesburg Hotels by Star Rating 

• 5 star hotels in Johannesburg / Johannesburg 5 star hotel: full luxury: spa, gourmet restaurants, concierge, flawless design (Sandton, Westcliff, The Saxon).

• 4 star hotels in Johannesburg: solid comfort, good amenities, often in business zones or nice suburbs.

• 3 star / boutique / mid-tier: balance between cost and comfort; many hotel apartments in Johannesburg fall here.

• 2 star hotel Johannesburg: basic rooms, clean, minimal services. Good for crash & go or short stays.

• Cheapest hotel in Johannesburg: hostels, budget guesthouses, not many frills, but sometimes perfect location is the win.

Some 3-star properties rank among the best cheap hotels in Johannesburg based on reviews alone.

When doing a Johannesburg hotel prize or Johannesburg hotel price comparison, always check whether breakfast, parking, and transport are included, these little extras shift value a lot. Using Johannesburg online hotel booking tools makes it easier to compare hotel rooms in Johannesburg side by side.

Best Hotels in Johannesburg based on Location

Location is everything in Jozi! For business trips or luxury shopping, you can’t go wrong with hotels in Johannesburg based in Sandton, it’s the glitzy heart of the city. Rosebank is perfect for artsy travelers and weekend market hoppers. Want nature with your room service? Westcliff and Parktown have leafy vibes and boutique comfort. For quick airport access, pick from top-rated Johannesburg airport hotels in Kempton Park. Location decides your city experience, choose wisely.

These zones consistently host the best hotels in Johannesburg across all budgets. Many tourists choose budget hotels in Johannesburg to stay close to major attractions while keeping expenses low.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Johannesburg 

Traveling with kids? Look for family-friendly hotels in Johannesburg with space, safety, and fun extras. Many hotels in Johannesburg offer family suites, kiddie pools, or even babysitting services. Suburbs like Rosebank, Westcliff, or Fourways have great family amenities and parks nearby. Some luxury hotels in Johannesburg also cater surprisingly well to kids, think welcome packs, kids’ menus, and plenty of green space. Bonus tip: check if the hotel’s near the zoo or a mall with indoor play areas.

Family travelers often prioritize spacious hotel rooms in Johannesburg with flexible bedding. The best budget hotel in Johannesburg combines affordable rates with comfortable rooms and great locations.

Johannesburg Hotels Tariff

• Cheapest hotel in Johannesburg / 2 star hotel Johannesburg: can start from low budgets (varies by suburb & season)

• Mid-range / 3–4 star: often in range of modest comfort

• Luxury / 5 star hotels in Johannesburg: high end, might jump steeply in peak times

• Evening rates, weekends, holiday seasons push tariffs up

• Always consider extras: parking, wifi, breakfast, airport shuttle – what looks cheap sometimes hides charges

Many visitors secure an affordable hotel in Johannesburg by booking weekday stays. Travelers looking for value often choose the best budget hotel in Johannesburg for quality stays without high costs.

If you run a Johannesburg hotel price comparison across booking sites, you’ll see the same hotel showing big swings in rate depending on day, room type, view.

Using Johannesburg hotel booking engines early helps lock in stable pricing for hotel rooms booking in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg Travel Tips

1. Book Your Flight Early: Johannesburg flight tickets can vary wildly in price depending on the season and airline. To snag the best fares, it’s smart to book cheap flights to Johannesburg well in advance, especially if you’re flying in for a holiday or major event.

2. Always Use Registered Taxis or Ride-Hailing Apps: Stick to Uber, Bolt, or hotel-arranged transport. Avoid hailing random taxis on the street, it’s not the safest move here.

3. Don’t Flash Valuables: Johannesburg is vibrant but has its share of petty crime. Keep your camera, phone, and jewelry low-key, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas.

4. Learn a Few Local Words: South Africa has 11 official languages, but a few phrases in Zulu or even local slang like “howzit” (how’s it going?) can open hearts and doors.

5. Tap Water? Yes, You Can Drink It (Mostly): In most urban parts of Joburg, the tap water is safe to drink. But if you’re unsure or have a sensitive stomach, bottled water is cheap and everywhere.

6. Plan Your Transport, Don’t Just Wing It: Public transport here isn’t tourist-friendly. Use apps or hotel shuttles, and avoid walking long distances unless you know the area well.

7. Tipping is a Thing: 10–15% is the norm at restaurants. Parking guards and petrol attendants (yes, they pump your gas for you!) also appreciate a small tip.

8. Layer Up As Weather Changes Fast: Jozi can go from sunny and blazing to chilly and rainy in an hour. Pack a light jacket even in summer, and always wear sunscreen because the African sun is strong!

9. Avoid Peak Traffic Hours: From 6:30–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM, the roads are packed. If you’re driving or Ubering, plan around rush hour or you’ll be inhaling fumes, not fresh air.

10. Carry Some Cash: While cards are widely accepted, some small vendors or taxi drivers prefer cash, especially at markets or roadside stops.

11. Explore Beyond the Malls: Yes, the malls here are enormous and shiny, but don’t miss the street art in Maboneng, the hustle of Soweto, or the café vibes of Melville.

12. Visit the Apartheid Museum First: It’s heavy, moving, and incredibly important. Understanding the city’s past makes the present come alive in a deeper, more respectful way.

13. Be Street Smart, Not Scared: Jozi has a rep for being dangerous, but with common sense and local insight, you’ll likely have an amazing time. Don’t isolate yourself out of fear, explore, but wisely.

14. Try Local Foods, Just Not in a Rush: From bunny chow to boerewors rolls, the food is wild and wonderful. Street food is worth trying, but pick busy stalls for freshness and turnover.

15. Travel Insurance Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential: Things go wrong, flights get missed, and bags vanish. Johannesburg is a big city, and having coverage gives peace of mind so you can actually relax. Smart planning, early Johannesburg hotel booking, and choosing from the best budget hotel in Johannesburg options can make the trip smoother.

You can easily apply for your South Africa visa online through Akbar Travels for a hassle-free and smooth application process from the comfort of your home.