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5-star hotels in Johannesburg
A shortlist of 5-star hotels in Johannesburg, drawn from guest ratings out of 5 and the facilities each property lists. It suits couples, families and business travellers who want a top-class base in Sandton, Rosebank, Houghton or Parkwood.
Staying in Johannesburg
Johannesburg mixes urban energy with history and culture. The Apartheid Museum and Soweto give powerful insight into South Africa's past, while Sandton and Rosebank are modern hubs for shopping and business, and OR Tambo International Airport is the main entry point for many travellers.
These hotels sit in the northern suburbs: Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa on Saxon Road in Sandhurst, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa on Pretoria Avenue, The Parkwood on Worcester Road in Parkwood, Sanctuary Mandela on 13th Avenue in Houghton Estate, and a cluster of Sandton addresses, including Maude Street, West Street, Fifth and Alice Streets and Melrose Arch. The Houghton Hotel sits further out on Lloys Ellis Ave, Palazzo Hotel on Montecasino Boulevard, Fairlawns on Alma Road and 54 on Bath in Rosebank. The mix suits couples, families and business travellers, and works for a short break given the short distances to the centre.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa
36 Saxon Road Sandhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereSet on Saxon Road in Sandhurst, this 5-star property pairs a garden and outdoor pool with a spa and fitness center, 2.1 km from the centre. Guests rate it 4.8 from 2058 reviews. Suites with kitchen and kitchenette suit longer stays, and free parking and wifi remove the small daily frictions. It best fits travellers who want quiet, space and a full resort-style range of facilities on site.
See Saxon Hotel Villas & SpaSanctuary Mandela
4 13Th Avenue Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereOn 13th Avenue in Houghton Estate, Sanctuary Mandela offers massage, a salt water pool and an outdoor pool within its grounds, 3.6 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel holds a 4.8 rating from 290 reviews, and a garden plus golf course add to the setting. Guests have a restaurant and room service for meals without leaving. It suits those who want a smaller, highly rated address with wellness facilities and a calmer pace than the business districts.
See Sanctuary MandelaThe Michelangelo Towers
8 Maude Street Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereThe Michelangelo Towers on Maude Street in Sandton puts an indoor pool and outdoor pool alongside a sauna, spa and fitness center. Rated 4.7 from 973 reviews, the 5-star hotel sits 1.7 km from the centre. Apartments include kitchen, microwave, refrigerator and oven, so self-catering is easy, while restaurants and room service cover the rest. It fits families and longer stays, with family rooms, babysitting service and a shuttle service available.
See The Michelangelo TowersAtholPlace Hotel & Villa
90 Pretoria Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereAtholPlace Hotel & Villa on Pretoria Avenue combines an outdoor pool and swimming pool with a fitness center and massage, 1.5 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel is rated 4.7 from 287 reviews. Family rooms, a garden and special diets catered for make it practical for guests travelling with children or with particular meal needs. Free parking and wifi are included. It suits those who want a boutique-scale property close to the city centre.
See AtholPlace Hotel & VillaThe Parkwood
72 Worcester Road Parkwood, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe Parkwood on Worcester Road has a spa and massage among its facilities, plus an outdoor pool, garden and patio, 3.6 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel scores 4.8 from 119 reviews. Rooms with balcony, fireplace and sofa bed give more living space, and special diets are catered for. Breakfast in room is available. It suits guests who prefer a small, top-rated property with wellness facilities and gardens over a large corporate hotel.
See The ParkwoodSandton Sun and Towers
Corner Fifth And Alice Streets Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereSandton Sun and Towers, at Fifth and Alice Streets, offers a fitness center and Jacuzzi along with bars and a lounge, 1.6 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel holds a 4.6 rating from 6209 reviews. Family rooms, babysitting service and cots make it workable for guests with children, and car rental service plus currency exchange help with onward plans. It suits travellers who want extensive facilities and a busy, connected Sandton location.
See Sandton Sun and TowersSandton Towers
Corner Of Fifth And Maude Streets Po Box 784902 Sandton 2146 Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Internet access
Why stay hereSandton Towers, at Fifth and Maude Streets in Sandton, provides a restaurant, shops and a barber/beauty salon within the property, 1.6 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel is rated 4.6 from 6209 reviews. Wifi, parking and laundry service are on hand, and a reception area and medical service cover the basics. It suits guests who want a straightforward 5-star base with dining and shopping steps away.
See Sandton TowersThe Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf
Lloys Ellis Ave, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf, on Lloys Ellis Ave, brings a golf course together with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, spa and fitness center, 5.5 km from the centre. Rated 4.6 from 3394 reviews, the 5-star hotel provides family rooms, cots and high chairs for those travelling with children, plus free parking and wifi. Kitchenettes and microwaves appear in the room facilities. It suits guests who want wellness, golf and family space in one address.
See The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & GolfPalazzo Hotel
Montecasino Boulevard, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay herePalazzo Hotel on Montecasino Boulevard has a casino, entertainment activities and a spa among its facilities, 11.5 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel is rated 4.6 from 3191 reviews. Barber/beauty salon, fitness center and family rooms sit alongside babysitting service and a garden. Breakfast is served and breakfast in room is available. It suits guests who want dining, entertainment and children's facilities in one large property.
See Palazzo HotelDavinci Suites
Corner Maude And 5Th Street Sandton Gauteng 2146, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereDavinci Suites, at Maude and 5th Street in Sandton, offers an outdoor pool and fitness center with massage, 1.7 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel holds a 4.6 rating from 2829 reviews. Suites include kitchen, dishwasher, microwave and oven, and babysitting service is available. Room service and a business center cover work needs. It suits longer-staying guests and families who want to self-cater in central Sandton.
See Davinci SuitesDavinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square
2 Maud Street C O 5Th Street, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Car parking
Why stay hereDavinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square has a spa, steam room and fitness center, plus an outdoor pool and swimming pool. The 5-star hotel, 1.6 km from the centre, is rated 4.6 from 2829 reviews. Babysitting service, a business center and wheelchair accessible facilities widen who it suits, and a terrace and lounge add to the public areas. Shops and restaurants are part of the address, with parking and wifi available.
See Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela SquareFairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa
Alma Road, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereFairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa on Alma Road pairs massage and a gymnasium with an outdoor pool, garden, patio and picnic area, 5.1 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel is rated 4.6 from 1667 reviews. Family rooms, cots, a restaurant and breakfast in room are among the facilities, with free parking. It suits guests who want a garden setting and spa facilities away from the immediate city centre.
See Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and SpaAfrican Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection
1 Melrose Square Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereAfrican Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection, at 1 Melrose Square, offers a fitness center, gymnasium and outdoor pool with a pool bar, 2.0 km from the centre. Rated 4.6 from 1302 reviews, the 5-star hotel has family rooms, a garden and restaurants on site. Parking, wifi and room service are provided. It suits guests who want to stay within the Melrose Arch precinct with leisure facilities close at hand.
See African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph CollectionThe Michelangelo Hotel
West Street Nelson Mandela Square Sandton 2146 Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Car parking
Why stay hereThe Michelangelo Hotel on West Street at Nelson Mandela Square has a gymnasium, sauna and massage, with an outdoor pool. It sits 1.8 km from the centre and is rated 4.6 from 1273 reviews. The 5-star hotel offers restaurants, room service, a business center and conference and meeting rooms, plus shops and a barber/beauty salon. It suits guests combining business with shopping and dining in Sandton.
See The Michelangelo Hotel54 on Bath
54 Bath Avenue Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay here54 on Bath, on Bath Avenue in Rosebank, combines a gymnasium and massage with an outdoor pool, garden and patio, 3.0 km from the centre. The 5-star hotel is rated 4.6 from 1175 reviews. Bedrooms include balcony, bathrobe and minibar, with a business center and parking available. Restaurants and room service cover meals. It suits guests who want a well-rated Rosebank address with leisure facilities and easy access to the area's shops.
See 54 on Bath
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa | ★★★★★ | 4.8 | 2,058 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.1 km |
| Sanctuary Mandela | ★★★★★ | 4.8 | 290 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.6 km |
| The Michelangelo Towers | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 973 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.7 km |
| AtholPlace Hotel & Villa | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 287 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.5 km |
| The Parkwood | ★★★★★ | 4.8 | 119 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.6 km |
| Sandton Sun and Towers | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 6,209 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.6 km |
| Sandton Towers | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 6,209 | – | – | – | 1.6 km |
| The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 3,394 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.5 km |
| Palazzo Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 3,191 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 11.5 km |
| Davinci Suites | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 2,829 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.7 km |
| Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 2,829 | Yes | – | Yes | 1.6 km |
| Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,667 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.1 km |
| African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,302 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.0 km |
| The Michelangelo Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,273 | Yes | – | Yes | 1.8 km |
| 54 on Bath | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,175 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.0 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These hotels list family rooms and cots: The Michelangelo Towers, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, Sandton Sun and Towers, The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf, Palazzo Hotel, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa and African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection. Several add babysitting service or high chairs.
The Michelangelo Towers · AtholPlace Hotel & Villa · Sandton Sun and Towers · The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf · Palazzo Hotel · Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa
For business
Sandton Sun and Towers, Sanctuary Mandela, Sandton Towers, Palazzo Hotel, Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square and The Michelangelo Hotel list a business centre, meeting or conference rooms and internet access, and most sit close to the centre, between 1.6 and 11.5 km away.
Sandton Sun and Towers · Sanctuary Mandela · Sandton Towers · Palazzo Hotel · Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square · The Michelangelo Hotel
For wellness
Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa, The Parkwood, Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa and The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf list massage or spa facilities; The Houghton Hotel also has a gymnasium and golf course.
Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa · The Parkwood · Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square · Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa · The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf
Top rated
Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa, Sanctuary Mandela and The Parkwood all score 4.8 out of 5 from guests, the highest on this shortlist. Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa has 2058 reviews, Sanctuary Mandela 290 and The Parkwood 119.
Where to stay in Johannesburg
Sandton
Sandton is Johannesburg's financial and commercial centre, home to many corporate offices, the Sandton City shopping complex and numerous upscale hotels, and it is a convenient base for business travellers and those using the Gautrain. The Michelangelo Towers, Sandton Sun and Towers, Sandton Towers, Davinci Suites, Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square and The Michelangelo Hotel all sit on Sandton streets.
Our picks here: The Michelangelo Towers · Sandton Sun and Towers · Sandton Towers · Davinci Suites · The Michelangelo Hotel
Rosebank
Rosebank is a trendy neighbourhood with a mix of art galleries, boutiques and restaurants, as well as a Gautrain station, and appeals to visitors looking for a more relaxed, walkable area with easy access to the city. 54 on Bath sits on Bath Avenue in Rosebank.
Our picks here: 54 on Bath
Houghton Estate
Sanctuary Mandela sits on 13th Avenue in Houghton Estate and The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf on Lloys Ellis Ave, 5.5 km from the centre. Both are 5-star addresses in this quieter, leafy part of the city.
Our picks here: Sanctuary Mandela
Melrose Arch
African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection sits on Melrose Square in Melrose Arch, 2.0 km from the centre, and lists an outdoor pool, gymnasium, restaurant and parking among its facilities.
Our picks here: African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Most visitors arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, which is about 30-40 minutes by car from Sandton and central Johannesburg, depending on traffic. The Gautrain offers a direct rail link from the airport to Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available. Within the city, a car is often the most practical way to get around, as attractions are spread out. The Gautrain and Metrobus system serve some areas, but coverage is limited. Plan for traffic during peak hours.
When to go
The best time to visit Johannesburg is during the dry winter months from May to August, when days are sunny and mild, though nights can be cold. Summer, from November to February, brings warm weather and afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures. The city is a year-round destination, but outdoor activities are most enjoyable in the drier months.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre?
AtholPlace Hotel & Villa is 1.5 km from the centre, followed by Sandton Sun and Towers, Sandton Towers and Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square at 1.6 km, and The Michelangelo Towers and Davinci Suites at 1.7 km.
Do these hotels have parking?
Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa, Sanctuary Mandela, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, The Parkwood, Sandton Sun and Towers, The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf, Palazzo Hotel, Davinci Suites, Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa and 54 on Bath list free car parking.
Which hotels have a pool?
Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa, Sanctuary Mandela, The Michelangelo Towers, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, The Parkwood, The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf, Davinci Suites, Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa and African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection list a pool.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Michelangelo Towers, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, Sandton Sun and Towers, The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf, Palazzo Hotel, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa and African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Autograph Collection list family rooms, and several add cots or babysitting service.
Do any of these hotels have a spa or massage?
Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa, The Parkwood, Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa and The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness & Golf list massage or spa facilities.
Which hotels are best for a business trip?
Sandton Sun and Towers, Sanctuary Mandela, Sandton Towers, Palazzo Hotel, Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square and The Michelangelo Hotel list business centres and meeting or conference rooms, and most are close to the centre.
Which hotels are the top rated?
Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa, Sanctuary Mandela and The Parkwood score 4.8 out of 5 from guests, the highest on this shortlist; Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa has 2058 reviews, Sanctuary Mandela 290 and The Parkwood 119.
Do any hotels allow pets?
None of the hotels on this shortlist lists pets among its facilities in the data provided.