Johannesburg, South Africa
The 5 best boutique and luxury hotels in Johannesburg
Johannesburg’s best boutique and luxury hotels
If you’re planning a stay in Johannesburg and crave a place with style, warmth and that special something, our guide to the city’s top boutique and luxury hotels will inspire you. Our hand-picked selections take you beyond standard hospitality and invite you to discover what makes Joburg’s boutique & luxury hotel scene truly worth exploring. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these gems brings to the table – trust us, you’ll want to check in.
Overview: Johannesburg’s best boutique and luxury hotels
01
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
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Photography courtesy of Saxon Hotel
02
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
Four Seasons The Westcliff sits on a hillside overlooking Johannesburg and the views alone make it worth considering. The property feels almost like a mini resort, with gardens, terraces and lots of outdoor dining spaces – a bit of a nature escape while still being close to the city’s action. The spa here is top-notch, with treatments inspired by African botanicals. You can’t stay here and not try the hotel’s outdoor terrace restaurant, Flames, which serves up local flavours with a fine-dining twist.
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
67 Jan Smuts Ave
Westcliff
Johannesburg
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
03
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
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Photography courtesy of Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
04
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!
DaVinci Hotel
Corner 5th Street & Maude St
Sandton
Johannesburg
South Africa
Photography courtesy of DaVinci Hotel
05
The Peech Hotel
The Peech Hotel is Johannesburg’s go-to for those who love a more grounded, eco-friendly experience without sacrificing style. This hotel is set within a green, leafy neighbourhood and offers understated elegance through minimalist design. We especially liked the natural, open design of the rooms, with lots of light and calming neutral tones. The gardens are beautiful and peaceful, a bit like a secret garden in the middle of the city and there’s even a small pool if you want to cool off. Be sure to visit the on-site Basalt Restaurant for an unforgettable fine-dining experience.
The Peech Hotel
61 North St
Melrose North
Johannesburg
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Peech Hotel
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