Where to Stay in Johannesburg 2025: City of Gold Hotels from R200-5,000 Per Night
Complete Johannesburg accommodation guide 2025. From Sandton luxury hotels to Maboneng hostels, business districts to cultural precincts. Covers safety, best areas, and urban Africa stays.
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Where should I stay in Johannesburg, South Africa?
The best area to stay in Johannesburg, South Africa depends on your budget and interests. Sandton is ideal for Business travelers and luxury seekers prioritizing safety with prices around R1,200-3,500/night ($66-193). Budget travelers should consider hostels in Rosebank (R200-400 ($11-22)/night), while luxury seekers will find excellent options in Melrose & Illovo (R2,000-5,000+ ($110-275+)/night).
Related questions:
- • What's the cheapest area in Johannesburg?
- • Is Johannesburg safe for solo travelers?
- • When should I book hotels in Johannesburg?
Essential Johannesburg Accommodation Info
TL;DR: Stay in Sandton for first-time visitors, book 2-3 months ahead, budget R400-800 ($22-44)-R800-2,000 ($44-110) per night for good value.
- 1 Budget accommodation in Johannesburg ranges from R200-400 ($11-22) for hostels to R400-800 ($22-44) for budget hotels
- 2 Best neighborhoods include Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose & Illovo
- 3 Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates, especially during September-November & March-May
- 4 Mid-range hotels (R800-2,000 ($44-110)) offer the best value for most travelers
- 5 Consider location carefully - staying centrally saves on transport costs
💰 Johannesburg, South Africa Accommodation Prices 2025
Prices vary by season, location, and booking timing. Peak season rates can be 50-100% higher.
Johannesburg, South Africa's City of Gold where accommodation ranges from R200 ($11) urban hostels to R5,000 ($275) luxury hotels in Africa's economic powerhouse. Built on the world's richest gold reef, Joburg has transformed from mining camp to continental financial capital, offering accommodations as diverse as its dramatic history. From Sandton's gleaming towers dubbed "Africa's richest square mile" to regenerated Maboneng's artistic lofts, from leafy northern suburbs hiding boutique hotels to Soweto's cultural homestays, Johannesburg challenges every expectation. Whether you're exploring the powerful Apartheid Museum, discovering vibrant street art in Newtown, shopping in massive malls, or using the city as gateway to nearby safari adventures, I'll guide you through Joburg's neighborhoods to find your perfect base in South Africa's most misunderstood metropolis for 2025.
Best Johannesburg Hotels by Category
👑 Ultimate Luxury Experience: Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
R4,000-8,000/night ($220-440) • Where Nelson Mandela finished his autobiography
Location: Sandhurst
Why it's great: Historical significance, world-class African art collection, award-winning restaurants, ultimate privacy
🌺 Best Views & Gardens: Four Seasons The Westcliff
R2,500-5,000/night ($138-275) • Hillside luxury with city panoramas
Location: Westcliff
Why it's great: Nine acres of gardens, multiple pools, panoramic city views, peaceful escape in the city
🎨 Best Urban Hostel: CURIOCITY Joburg
R200-400/night ($11-22) • Hip hostel in arts precinct
Location: Maboneng
Why it's great: Rooftop bar, heart of creative district, organized Soweto tours, perfect for young travelers
💼 Best Business Hotel: The Michelangelo
R1,500-3,000/night ($83-165) • Renaissance luxury in business district
Location: Sandton
Why it's great: Nelson Mandela Square location, walk to offices and mall, business facilities, consistent luxury
Quick Comparison of Top Accommodations
Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Four Seasons The Westcliff
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
CURIOCITY Joburg
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
The Michelangelo
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
| Accommodation | Price | Location | Features | Pros | Cons | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa ★ 4.5 | R4,000-8,000/night ($220-440) | Sandhurst | Historical significanceworld-class African art collectionaward-winning restaurantsultimate privacy |
|
| Ultimate Luxury Experience | View |
| Four Seasons The Westcliff ★ 4.5 | R2,500-5,000/night ($138-275) | Westcliff | Nine acres of gardensmultiple poolspanoramic city viewspeaceful escape in the city |
|
| Views & Gardens | View |
| CURIOCITY Joburg ★ 4.5 | R200-400/night ($11-22) | Maboneng | Rooftop barheart of creative districtorganized Soweto toursperfect for young travelers |
|
| Urban Hostel | View |
| The Michelangelo ★ 4.5 | R1,500-3,000/night ($83-165) | Sandton | Nelson Mandela Square locationwalk to offices and mallbusiness facilitiesconsistent luxury |
|
| Business Hotel | View |
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Johannesburg, South Africa
💎Sandton
Africa's richest square mile with corporate headquarters and malls
Best for:Business travelers and luxury seekers prioritizing safety
Average cost:R1,200-3,500/night ($66-193)
Vibe:Manhattan-meets-Africa with gleaming towers and extreme wealth
Pros:
- Safest area
- Gautrain station
- Shopping malls
- Business facilities
🎭Rosebank
Hip neighborhood with galleries, rooftop market, and cafes
Best for:Culture seekers wanting local flavor with safety
Average cost:R800-2,500/night ($44-138)
Vibe:Creative district with Sunday markets and sidewalk dining
Pros:
- Sunday rooftop market
- Art galleries
- Restaurant variety
- Gautrain access
🏡Melrose & Illovo
Upmarket residential areas with boutique hotels
Best for:Travelers seeking peaceful suburban stays
Average cost:R700-2,000/night ($39-110)
Vibe:Leafy suburbs with local restaurants and relaxed atmosphere
Pros:
- Quiet streets
- Boutique hotels
- Local dining
- Residential safety
🎨Maboneng Precinct
Revitalized downtown district with lofts and street art
Best for:Young urbanites and creative types (with caution)
Average cost:R500-1,500/night ($28-83)
Vibe:Brooklyn-meets-Johannesburg with converted warehouses and creativity
Pros:
- Street art
- Cool factor
- Weekend markets
- Authentic urban
Staying in Sandton
Pros
- Safest area
- Gautrain station
- Shopping malls
- Business facilities
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Staying in Rosebank
Pros
- Sunday rooftop market
- Art galleries
- Restaurant variety
- Gautrain access
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Johannesburg
Johannesburg offers better luxury value than coastal cities. Business hotels competitive. Always prioritize safety over savings when choosing accommodation.
Top Hostels (R200-400 ($11-22)/night)
Once in Joburg
Student area hostel with young vibe
Backpackers Ritz
Suburban hostel with pool and garden
The B-Hive
Eastern suburbs with local atmosphere
Budget Hotels (R400-800 ($22-44)/night)
Protea Hotel Parktonian
Reliable chain near universities
Garden Court Sandton
Budget option in premium area
Road Lodge Rivonia
Basic but safe accommodation
When to Book: Seasonal Price Guide
Johannesburg has ideal climate year-round at 1,753m elevation. Summers bring afternoon thunderstorms while winters are dry and sunny but cold at night.
🔥 High Season: September-November & March-May
Perfect weather with warm days and cool evenings. Spring (Sept-Nov) brings purple jacaranda blooms citywide. Autumn (March-May) offers golden light. Ideal for combining city with nearby safari. Business travel peaks during these months affecting rates.
💰 Low Season: June-August & December-February
Winter dry and sunny but cold nights (can approach freezing). Bring warm clothes. Summer has dramatic afternoon thunderstorms but mornings perfect. December quiet as businesses close. June-August ideal for safari combinations with excellent game viewing.
Essential Booking Tips for Johannesburg
⚠️ Safety Determines Everything
Choose accommodation in Sandton, Rosebank, or Melrose for maximum safety. These areas have visible security, safe restaurants, and walkable zones. Avoid CBD hotels unless for specific events. Never compromise safety for savings.
ℹ️ Use as Safari Gateway
Many use Joburg for 1-2 nights before/after safari. OR Tambo Airport convenient for connections. Some lodges offer Joburg pickups. Combine city culture (Apartheid Museum, Soweto) with bush. Store luggage at hotels during safari.
💡 Book Business Hotels on Weekends
Business hotels in Sandton and Rosebank offer weekend discounts when corporate guests leave. Same luxury for less. Many include breakfast and Wi-Fi. Check for weekend packages including spa or dining.
✅ Consider Boutique Guesthouses
Northern suburbs hide excellent boutique guesthouses in Melrose, Parktown, and Saxonwold. Often better value than hotels with personal service, local insights, and home-cooked breakfasts. Many in historic homes with gardens.
Getting Around Johannesburg
Johannesburg requires careful transport planning - this is not a walking city. Uber is essential and works brilliantly - safe, affordable, and reliable. Use exclusively, especially at night. Gautrain connects OR Tambo Airport to Sandton and Rosebank efficiently. Rental car useful for flexibility but traffic challenging and GPS essential. Never use minibus taxis. Most hotels provide shuttles to nearby malls and attractions. Organized tours best for Soweto, Apartheid Museum, and cultural sites. Walking limited to specific areas like Sandton City, Rosebank Mall, or Melrose Arch during daylight. City sprawls over huge area making distances deceptive. Hotel concierges arrange reliable drivers for day hire. Red Bus city tour good for orientation. For game drives, many lodges collect from hotels. Download Uber before arriving and keep phone charged. Most importantly, never walk anywhere after dark regardless of distance - always Uber.
Frequently Asked Questions About Johannesburg Accommodation
1 Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Johannesburg requires more caution than coastal cities. Stay in Sandton, Rosebank, or Melrose - these areas are safe with visible security. Always use Uber, never walk at night, avoid CBD unless with guides. Hotels provide security. Organized Soweto tours are safe and recommended. Follow local advice.
2 Why visit Johannesburg instead of just Cape Town?
Joburg offers authentic urban Africa - not prettified for tourists. Powerful history at Apartheid Museum and Soweto. Vibrant cultural scene in Maboneng and Newtown. Gateway to Pilanesberg and Kruger safaris. Business hub energy. Better value luxury hotels. Real South African city life experience.
3 Which area should I stay in Johannesburg?
First-timers should stay in Sandton - safest with hotels, malls, and Gautrain. Rosebank suits those wanting local flavor with safety. Business travelers choose Sandton or Illovo. Maboneng for young travelers seeking arts scene (with caution). Avoid CBD hotels unless for specific events.
4 How many days do I need in Johannesburg?
2-3 days covers essentials: Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Soweto tour, and local dining. Add a day for Cradle of Humankind or Lion Park. Many use Joburg as 1-2 night stopover between Cape Town and Kruger. Week allows day trips to Pilanesberg or Pretoria.
5 Can I use Johannesburg as a safari base?
Yes! Pilanesberg (2.5 hours) offers Big Five day trips. Flights to Kruger take 1 hour. Many lodges offer Joburg pickups. Stay 1-2 nights before/after safari. OR Tambo Airport is Africa's hub, making Joburg convenient for safari connections. City-safari combos work well.
Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Why visit Johannesburg instead of just Cape Town?
Which area should I stay in Johannesburg?
How many days do I need in Johannesburg?
Can I use Johannesburg as a safari base?
Final Thoughts
Johannesburg defies every expectation - this isn't pretty Cape Town or beachy Durban but rather raw African energy built on gold and dreams. Your accommodation becomes sanctuary in a city requiring street smarts: luxuriate in Sandton's bubble of wealth, discover creative rebirth in Maboneng's galleries, or find suburban peace in Melrose's leafy streets. Yes, Joburg demands caution, but rewards with authenticity absent from tourist-polished destinations. The Apartheid Museum will shake you, Soweto will inspire you, and the city's resilient spirit will surprise you. Whether you're power-lunching in Sandton, gallery-hopping in Rosebank, learning history in Constitution Hill, or using Joburg as safari springboard, this city reveals South Africa's complex present and ambitious future. Don't expect beauty - expect truth. The favorable exchange rate makes luxury affordable while business standards ensure quality. This is Africa's New York, not its Paris, where fortunes are still made and dreams still chased. Pack street awareness, open mind, and prepare for a city that challenges comfortable assumptions. Welcome to Jozi - where gold built the past but creativity and courage build the future. In the City of Gold, your accommodation isn't just where you sleep - it's your secure base for discovering what makes Africa's powerhouse pulse.
Next stop on your journey? Check out our guide to where to stay in Pretoria !
Helpful Resources
About the Author
Amara Okonkwo
Amara's journey from Lagos to becoming an award-winning travel journalist spans 12 years of solo female travel across Africa and the Middle East. She's passionate about changing perceptions of African travel and empowering women to explore independently. Her cultural insights and safety tips have helped thousands discover Africa's incredible diversity.
