Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the major gateway for international travelers visiting Southern Africa. Those who are looking to spend a little time here while their body clock catches up will find excellent accommodations with spa services, exercise facilities and 24-hour dining. After a good night's rest, those wanting to experience some significant cultural offerings can arrange to see the Apartheid Museum or a production at the Market Theatre. Shoppers will want to spend time in the suburbs of Sandton and Rosebank for African art and textiles.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Sandton
Fairlawns was once the private home of the current live-in owners, John 
and Anna Thaker. Originally the 10-acres of rolling green lawns had horses and stables. Today the huge mature trees support prolific bird-life and contribute to the park-like ambience at this hidden retreat in Morningside Manor, a suburb of Sandton. There are 40 suites, all individually designed to look out at some part of the gardens. The suites have air-conditioning, in-room bars, wireless and broadband internet, international adaptors, flat screen TVs and DVD players. There is a gourmet restaurant (a member of the coveted Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Association), large swimming pool, fitness center and a Balinese inspired spa with indoor and outdoor treatment areas.
2010 - World Travel Awards, Winner for "Leading Boutique Hotel & Spa in South Africa"
InterContinental Hotel at O.R. Tambo Airport
This luxury hotel is located within walking distance from O.R. Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International Airport) and meets the needs of discerning business and leisure travelers. The hotel was renovated in 2008. The Camelot Health spa offers massage facilities, steam rooms and a fully equipped gym. The indoor heated pool on the eighth floor has spectacular views. The signature restaurant, Quills, is first-class with an informal atmosphere, offering modern cuisine, from breakfast through to late-night. The bar and lounge area features monitors with up-to-date airline arrival and departure information and is a meeting place for international travelers. In-room dining is available 24 hours. In addition to standard guest rooms, there are suites and executive suite accommodations. An emphasis is placed on tranquility and an opportunity to restore and revitalize the mind and body before your onward travel.
The Southern Sun, O.R. Tambo International Airport
The location makes this hotel a good choice for travelers who are doing a quick overnight before heading out the next morning to their first safari destination. Guest rooms and suites are spacious and there is 24-hour in-room dining. All rooms were refurbished in 2008. Bernoullis Restaurant offers an extensive selection of international dishes from both the buffet and a la carte menu, while the wine bar buzzes round the clock. There is a fitness center and an outdoor pool. Masseurs and chiropractors are on call. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from O.R. Tambo which is only 500 meters away.
D’oreale Grand Hotel
This 5-star hotel provides a unique experience with luxurious accommodations, the finest in dining and entertainment, a casino, retail concourse and beautiful grounds. There is 24-hour room service which is always nice when your body clock is adjusting. Recover from jet lag yourself at Octavia's Sensorium Health & Beauty Spa, relax on the pool deck or stroll through the Gardens of Vespasian. There is a free shuttle to transfer guests to and from O.R. Tambo International Airport, which is just a short distance away.
Melrose Arch Hotel, Melrose
The hotel is an anchor in Melrose Arch, a contemporary, mixed-use development featuring retail shops, fine restaurants and sidewalk cafes, public squares, commercial offices and urban living. The pedestrian friendly area is monitored by 24 hour security. Each of the 118 individually air-conditioned luxury bedrooms have extra-long king-sized beds, extra deep bathtubs, a separate shower, DVD player with a selection of DVD's, surround sound flat screen television, complimentary high-speed internet and a mini bar. Dine at the March Restaurant, relax in leather couches at the Library Bar, view the people on the plaza from the Veranda or enjoy the Pool Bar where the tables sit in the shallow water alongside oversized metal buckets planted with trees.
The Saxon Hotel, Sandton
The Saxon redefines the ultimate in luxurious African elegance. Once an exclusive residence in Sandhurst, the property now has 26 suites of various sizes, incorporating strong elements of African art, and overlooking either the tranquil gardens or the pool area. Each suite has a large-screen television, VCR and DVD player with surround sound systems. Workstations are fitted with multi telephone, fax and ISDN lines, providing each guest with an incomparable experience in business-orientated hospitality. The four presidential and two platinum suites feature separate lounge, dining areas and entrances.
The restaurant features personalized cuisine for the well-traveled guests which is overseen by world-class chefs. The new Saxon spa and studio offers a full menu of services and up-to-date equipment. The signature sound therapy uses gongs, cymbals, singing bowls and bells, offering a holistic experience.
The owner invited Nelson Mandela to stay at The Saxon after his release from prison. It was here South Africa's former president edited his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.
2012 - Named in Travel + Leisure's "500 World's Best Hotels" & Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List
2011 - World Travel Award for "South Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel" & Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List & named in Travel + Leisure's "500 World's Best Hotels"
2010 – Listed in the Top 10 Hotels in Africa by Travel + Leisure
2009 – Ranked #1 Hotel in Africa on Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers' Choice Awards for the "Best in the World"
The Westcliff Hotel, Westcliff
This Orient-Express property sits on a cliffside garden estate in the historic Westcliff neighborhood overlooking the zoological gardens. This elegant hotel evokes a bygone era of leisure and refinement and is a perfect stop for pre-safari or post-safari travelers. The 82 rooms and 35 suites all feature over-sized marble bathrooms and most have private balconies that offer views over the zoo gardens or the cobbled courtyards. Because the estate is built into a hillside, microbuses and club cars transport guests around the property. However, foot paths are available for guests who enjoy walking. A complimentary shuttle takes visitors to the nearby, upscale shopping districts of Sandton, Hyde Park and Rosebank. There are two heated horizon pools, tennis courts, a well-equipped gym, and mountain bikes are available for guests. The Botanica Spa offers a menu of treatments for your indulgence and relaxation. La Belle Terrasse and Loggia serves breakfast, dinner and Sunday brunch. The Conservatory & Pool Bar is open for lunch and snacks, as is The Polo Bar. And 24-hour room service is perfect for jet-lagged travelers.
2012 & 2011 - Listed in Travel + Leisure's "500 World's Best Hotels"
The Grace Hotel, Rosebank
The Grace in Rosebank is an ideal choice for guests seeking a sophisticated city hotel with the highest levels of service and luxury, as well as that personal charm found only in small establishments.
This 5-star hotel has gym, spa, business center, 24-hour room service and many other amenities. Set in the heart of stylish Rosebank, a secure, leafy suburb that is cosmopolitan and rich in eclectic restaurants, shopping, cinemas and culture. The Grace has easy access to Johannesburg's most prominent businesses and is approximately 45 minutes from the International airport. It garnered a spot in the Top 10 Africa/Middle East Hotels in Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice 2005.
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