Best hotels in Johannesburg

AtholPlace Hotel is a smart boutique hotel in one of Johannesburg’s most prestigious suburbs, just a short distance from Sandton Centre and conveniently close to the Gautrain railway station. The hotel has an understated elegance throughout, with nine spacious suites set within sprawling gardens – a calm sanctuary in the heart of this fast-paced city. Décor is a cosmopolitan African style, with gentle natural tones and splashes of ethnic-inspired bold designs. The atmosphere is very much one of modern comfort and contemporary design which one might expect of a large private residence. A great choice for a short city break.

If tree-lined streets and sunshine-dappled gardens are your cup of tea, then the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg's affluent suburb of Sandhurst is for you. Every bit of your stay will exude indulgence, from the delectable meals and scrumptious afternoon teas to the relaxing spa and comfortable suites and villas. Enjoy evening or morning walks around the 10 acres of beautiful gardens and, when you've had about as much relaxation as you can handle, head to the stylish Olive Bar for sundowner cocktails and a laugh with friends.

As the name might give away, this Marriot-managed hotel is just five minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport – and comes complete with a complimentary shuttle service from the terminal. Mostly used by travellers as a comfortable stopover on the way to other destinations in southern Africa, the hotel is well-equipped with all the amenities one might need, from an outdoor pool and spa, sauna and fitness area to a 24-hour restaurant, and good Wi-Fi. The hotel is also close to the Mall of Africa and the Eastgate Shopping Centre should you need to stock up on anything for your travels.

Keeping things simple, professional and classy, DaVinci Hotel & Suites offer travellers a consistent go-to in the greater Johannesburg metro area. Located in Nelson Mandela Square, a half-hour train ride from O.R. Tambo International, it's the perfect option for businessmen, travellers en route to region's more remote areas, or anyone in need of a good night's rest and reliable service. With excellent restaurants and exclusive shopping just an easy stroll from its front doors, there are several urban attractions nearby. Touted as four-star, the hotel's amiable staff and meticulous attention to detail push it all the way to the top.

Located in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg’s newest developing suburb, the modern African Pride Melrose Arch is an urban traveller’s ideal stopover. Whether you’re visiting for work or pleasure, this trendy inner city stay is the perfect base from which you can explore this vibrant city, or host formal business lunches. Head to the library bar for a game of snooker, or watch movies and presentations in the fully equipped sound room. Enjoy the excellent dishes offered at the recently refurbished March Restaurant, where the Slow Food menu, made with the freshest of local produce, offers something delicious for everyone.

Step off the bustling streets and into a world where vintage charm meets contemporary cool in the leafy northern suburbs. This architectural gem in the Art Deco district offers a delightful respite from city madness without sacrificing an ounce of urban sophistication. The earthy design elements drawn from the African savannah create a space that feels both grounded and stylish – perfect for the discerning traveller who wants substance with their style. With the Gautrain Station a stone's throw away and the Sandton Convention Centre just a 10-minute ride, you're ideally positioned to explore all the Big Smoke has to offer. When you're done adventuring, retreat to the all-day eatery, Proud Mary, or tap away on your laptop in the premium co-working space.

Escape to the Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace, and experience the contemporary convenience this 3-star gem has to offer. The hotel’s modern façade is complimented by a private pool terrace, set in a beautifully manicured garden. Guests can enjoy an early morning swim followed by breakfast at the F.L.A.G Café, or enjoy a sundowner at the 21 Degrees cocktail bar. Even business guests will feel at home with a boardroom and business centre available for their exclusive use. The hotel offers 348 stylish and comfortable rooms and is the Peermont Metcourt Hotel is ideal for corporate, convention and leisure guests, as well as groups. The Peermont Metcourt Hotel annex includes the grand Capri Suite, comprising of a private lounge and dining area balcony overlooking the pool terrace, additional seating to the existing F.L.A.G. Café, an extra guest lift, a sky bar, a 24 hour gymnasium and enhanced access to the offerings of the entire Emperors Palace resort.

Experience warm hospitality, free uncapped WiFi, spa, gym, outdoor pool, steak-house dining, business amenities, and service excellence at the Southern Sun Rosebank hotel. Perfectly positioned just two blocks away from The Rosebank Mall and Gautrain station our hotel is as equipped for business as it is for a leisure break in the city.

Hidden in Morningside's leafy streets, Fairlawns delivers old-world grandeur without the stuffiness that often comes with it. This former private residence has morphed into something rather special – 41 suites that hop between design themes from French provincial to Far Eastern, all wrapped up in manicured gardens that make you forget you're 20 minutes from Africa's financial heartbeat. The Balinese-inspired spa sits tucked amongst bamboo gardens, while Amuse-Bouche restaurant takes French-African fusion seriously enough to win awards but not so seriously that you can't rock up in smart-casual attire.