Discover what’s new before everyone else:

Get our free on-the-go African hotspot map!

The African Voyager

Johannesburg, South Africa

Stay by area: our top hotel picks in Sandton, Johannesburg

Southern Africa • Stay • Stay by area: our top hotel picks in Sandton, Johannesburg

The curated list of top hotels in Sandton, Johannesburg

Planning a trip to Sandton and want to stay in style? We’ve got you covered. Sandton, known as Africa’s richest square mile, is packed with towering office blocks, luxury malls and fine dining. But after a busy day, where you stay makes all the difference and this area is home to some of the finest luxury hotels. We’ve curated a list of top hotels that are sure to leave you impressed with their luxury amenities, beautiful art-filled interiors and signature spas. This guide will help you choose the perfect base for your Johannesburg adventure.

Overview: Sandton’s best hotels

01 Saxon Hotel

02 Athol Place Hotel & Villa

03 Seven Villa Hotel & Spa

04 Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

05 DaVinci Hotel

Saxon Hotel

The Saxon Hotel is an elegant hotel that’s an icon in South Africa and plays a vital part in Johannesburg’s story. Nelson Mandela stayed here after his release and wrote part of Long Walk to Freedom here, surrounded by the hotel’s lush gardens. The Saxon Hotel features refined interiors and carefully curated art pieces throughout, creating a setting where luxury feels effortless yet deeply connected to South African heritage. The standouts for us were the Saxon Spa, offering top-notch holistic treatments and hydrotherapy and the Qunu Restaurant – their upscale fine-dining restaurant – where we experienced one of the best high-tea offerings in the city!

Saxon Hotel
36 Saxon Rd
Sandhurst
Johannesburg
South Africa

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Photography courtesy of Saxon Hotel

Athol Place Hotel & Villa

Athol Place Hotel & Villa is a boutique sanctuary hidden within a leafy suburb that’s a stone’s throw away from the buzzing Sandton Centre. The property has just nine suites and a private villa, making it ideal if you prefer a quieter setting. We love the homey yet refined atmosphere here, with curated interiors that blend modern design and warm hospitality. For us, the highlights of this hotel are the temperature-controlled swimming pool and the cosy bar with its built-in fireplace – ideal for visits in the summer or winter! If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, the four-bedroom Athol Place Villa, with its private pool and landscaped garden, is the perfect choice – ideal for family gatherings or intimate celebrations.

Athol Place Hotel & Villa
90 Pretoria Ave
Atholl
Johannesburg
South Africa

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Photography courtesy of Athol Place Hotel & Villa

Seven Villa Hotel & Spa

Seven Villa Hotel & Spa emphasizes wellness alongside its luxury offerings, with tranquil spaces that feel a world away from the city’s hustle. The rooms here are more than just functional – they’re designed for travellers who appreciate the attention to detail. Large windows let in plenty of light and the neutral tones feel calm without being boring. The outdoor spaces, including landscaped gardens and the pool area, give you a sense of serenity despite being close to the city. This hotel’s standout feature is its luxurious spa. We love their African-inspired massages – they make use of natural oils and traditional techniques, resulting in a massage experience that soothes muscles and leaves you relaxed and ready to take on an adventurous day out in the city.

Seven Villa Hotel & Spa
160 Helen Rd
Strathavon
Sandton
Johannesburg
South Africa

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Photography courtesy of Seven Villa Hotel & Spa

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

If you’re looking for a hotel with character, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa really nails that boutique feel – it’s luxurious with just the right amount of quirk. Each suite here has its own unique design and some of them are truly bold, with themed decor inspired by places like Bali or Provence, so no two rooms feel the same. The spa is worth the visit alone, designed in an open-air Balinese style with a peaceful courtyard that feels worlds away from Johannesburg. This hotel also boasts an acclaimed Amuse-Bouche restaurant serving imaginative, refined plates with hints of traditional South African flavours.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
1 Alma Rd
Morningside
Sandton
Johannesburg
South Africa

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Photography courtesy of Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

DaVinci Hotel

DaVinci Hotel is right in the heart of Sandton, which is perfect if you want to be steps away from Johannesburg’s top shopping and business hubs. We found the location unbeatable – you can literally walk straight into Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City Mall, which is a big plus if you like having everything at your fingertips. This sleek hotel features art deco influences and is part of the prestigious Legacy Hotel Group, modern luxury touches are a given. We love the rooftop pool overlooking the city and the on-site Maximillien Restaurant is excellent!