There are many hotels in South Africa, and it can be difficult to decide where to stay. Here are hotels in three of South Africa’s most popular destinations that offer comfort, safety, and stability, with a unique South African touch.
Johannesburg
Sanctuary Mandela: 4 Thirteenth Avenue, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198
Owned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, this former home of Nelson Mandela is now a luxury hotel that celebrates the legendary human rights leader’s life and contemplative spirit. Surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil retreats, this hotel offers a place to relax, unwind and meditate. There is also an outdoor heated swimming pool.
There are nine beautiful rooms in four categories from the Deluxe Studio to the Presidential suite. Each art room is unique and tells a story about Mandela. In each room, one will find graffiti from the prison, unique pictures, and artwork inspired by this freedom fighter.
Renovated in the early 2000s, bricks from the original building now form the reception desk, and the original woodwork forms the walls.
The hotel’s restaurant, Insights, has delicious dishes inspired by Mandela’s favorite dishes. Although the powerful leader did not drink alone, there is an impressive wine list that showcases South African wines.
Every Sunday, the hotel hosts jazz and 3-piece live music and live music.
voco Johannesburg Rosebank, An IHG Hotel: 24 Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
American guests will love the recognition of the IHG brand and the unique experience of voco Johannesburg Rosebank.
Recently renovated, this stylish and luxurious hotel is located in the Rosebank area. Decorated with over 800 pieces of art, and surrounded by luxury shopping, specialty markets, world-class restaurants, and hip bars, this hotel is right in the middle of it all.
The top floor of the hotel.
The rooms here are modern, spacious, and comfortable with all modern amenities. There is also a new and well-equipped gymnasium, an inviting staff area and a large staff. For those looking for a quick refresher, there’s a barber and a magician attached to the white-and-black-tiled lobby.
The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Proud Mary, has excellent cuisine, an extensive wine list, and a fitness center.
Durban
Oyster Box: 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The hotel’s Penthouse Suite. Image: Oyster Box
The Oyster Box is a luxury 5-star hotel and spa and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. A national treasure, this colonial beauty straddles the coast and overlooks the Indian Ocean. The local red and white lighthouse provides a coastal theme that echoes throughout the property. Decorated with antiques such as a chandelier from London’s The Savoy, rare men’s watches, first editions and preserved furniture, there are also Zulu art and antiques.
The Oyster Box has hosted celebrities from South Africa and beyond and was featured in a 2014 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
There are 86 rooms in three categories, the largest of which is a two-room Presidential Suite. Each room is unique and offers a view of the sea or a beautiful garden with a hot tub from a private balcony or outside on the ground floor.