Johannesburg, South Africa
Stay by area: our top hotel picks in Maboneng, Johannesburg
Discover the hotels that define Maboneng’s creative spirit
Johannesburg’s Maboneng precinct is a lively neighbourhood where creativity meets culture. Once a collection of derelict warehouses and neglected streets, Maboneng has emerged as Johannesburg’s creative epicentre, seamlessly blending history with modernity. Maboneng, which fittingly means place of light in Sesotho, is where art galleries, eclectic eateries and entrepreneurial spaces thrive side by side, creating a neighbourhood that’s alive with possibility. And the hotels match the creative spirit of this neighbourhood to a tee. In this article, we’ll take you through our top picks of Maboneng’s best hotels – the top spots to rest after a day of exploring the wonders of Maboneng.
Overview: Maboneng’s best hotels
01
Hallmark Hotel
Once a 1970s diamond hub, Hallmark House Hotel now shines as a contemporary luxury getaway in the heart of Maboneng. This boutique hotel integrates local industrial materials into its sleek interiors, giving a nod to Johannesburg’s history. This reimagined heritage building houses 46 art-curated rooms, each offering captivating views over the city. We love the rooftop space – here you’ll find a bar that serves the perfect sundowner drinks, best enjoyed while lounging with the city as your backdrop! Another highlight that we love about this hotel is the downstairs restaurant and jazz bar – The Marabi Club.
Hallmark Hotel
54 Siemert Rd
New Doornfontein
Johannesburg
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Hallmark Hotel
02
Fox Street Studios
If you love all things design, like us, you will love Fox Street Studios. Here you will find a once-industrial building beautifully renovated to incorporate modern luxury that does not overpower the raw beauty of the industrial style. Each of its five floors follows a theme – Glass, Wood, Copper, Concrete and Steel. These studios are designed to reflect these elements and range from minimalist studios to expansive penthouses. Our favourite is the Copper Studio, featuring a 12-meter balcony with city views and a freestanding copper tub that acts as the vocal point of the bathroom. We love the open-plan layouts and the natural light that streams in from the large industrial windows.
Fox Street Studios
280 Fox St
Maboneng
Johannesburg
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Fox Street Studios
03
The Rand Club
The Rand Club, established in 1887, originally served as a retreat for mining magnates and has since evolved into an exclusive venue that preserves its architectural grandeur while embracing modern utility. Step inside to find a breathtaking interior that includes the famous grand staircase crowned by a glass dome. The Rand Club suites are decorated to reflect the timeless beauty of the historic building it is housed in, with touches of old-school luxury. The Main Bar, rumoured to be the longest in Africa, was a highlight for us – lots of interesting vintage touches and a great whiskey selection. We also found the library fascinating, filled with rare books and artefacts.
The Rand Club
33 Loveday St
Marshalltown
Johannesburg
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Rand Club
04
The Franklin
The Franklin is an iconic building that stands in the heart of Johannesburg’s CBD. Once the headquarters of Ernst & Young, this landmark building has been reimagined into 30 spacious loft-style apartments and penthouses, designed for both short-term guests and long-term residents. Its transformation reflects a broader revitalisation effort in the city, aiming to create a more liveable, connected urban space. The apartments at The Franklin feature contemporary design with unique decor and art, expansive layouts and high-end finishes. The Franklin’s central location places it within walking distance of Johannesburg landmarks, including the Mining District’s headgear relics and the Mandela & Tambo law offices.
The Franklin
4 Pritchard St
Johannesburg
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Franklin
05
The Reef Hotel
Set in Johannesburg’s financial district, The Reef Hotel combines industrial aesthetics with local artistic touches. The hotel’s New York loft-style rooms feature striking black-and-white photographic art, with large windows that boast expansive views of the city’s skyline. The Reef Hotel is home to two exciting restaurants: Escape and Elevate. Escape features colourful walls with artworks by local artists and the dishes they serve are just as creative as the interior – here you can enjoy a variety of South African classics like bobotie. Head up to the rooftop and you’ll find Elevate, the perfect venue to sip on a sundowner and catch the golden hour glow as the city comes to life below.
The Reef Hotel
58 Anderson St
Marshalltown
Johannesburg
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Reef Hotel
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