ghypse

I will be spending one night in Joburg before my return flight home the next AM. Are there any clean, quiet(?)hotels in proximity to the airport and/or with shuttle service? Any good (or bad) experiences/recommendations will be appreciated.

Roccco

No personal experience, but this hotel does belong to the reputable Legacy Hotels group of hotels (Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton, Portswood Hotel in Cape Town, Commodore Hotel in Cape Town).

Airport Grand Hotel

http://www.legacyhotels.co.za/content.aspx?h=6

It is only five minutes from the airport and features a free shuttle bus to/from the airport and very reasonable rates.

matnikstym

we stayed at the Intercontinental Sun Airport hotel, right at the airport. no shuttle needed, 2 minute walk to the international terminal. Nice, elegant room, huge bathroom, shower, tub t.v, very comfortable beds and the restaurant downstairs "Quills" served the best steak dinner I have ever eaten. Being so close to the airport, we didn't hear any outside noise. I'd recommend this place.

Roccco

The I/C Sun Airport is an excellent hotel but is about triple the price of the Airport Grand.

Perhaps I am reading too much into the original post, but it did seem by requesting a "clean" hotel that the original poster was looking for a good value without compromising too much quality.

For a more luxurious experience, however, both the I/C Sun Airport and the D'Oreale Grande would be great choices (the D'Oreale Grande is 15 minutes away from the airport but with free shuttle service and is a 5* casino hotel but still a pretty good value).

Treepol

I've stayed at the Airport Grand on two different trips and recommend it.

Very clean, helpful staff and the shuttle runs every 30 minutes.

Cheers,

Pol

bhaskartanna

Aiport Grand is good hotel.I stayed there before 10 days.They have shuttle service.The staff ios co-operative

Angler973

We have stayed at both Intercontinental Sun and Airport Grand hotels. I/C Sun is right across from the terminal, very comfortable, luxurious, and has good food at the restaurant. Airport Grand is less expensive, requires a shuttle, is clean and a good value. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

ArthurSA

See this thread for suggestions and links:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34735912

atravelynn

Stayed twice at Holiday Inn-Airport and will be there in 7 weeks for another overnight. There is a shuttle. It is 5-10 minutes from the airport. I found it very nice with a restaurant even an afternoon wine & cheese welcome when I was there. You can walk around the grounds to stretch your legs.

I think you have many suitable options.

trvlcrzy

Because of an arrival time change on SAA, we now need to spend our first night in JBG because we can't make our connection to Livingstone. We arrive at noon and depart the next day around 11:30am. We will have some jet lag, of course, but I'm not thrilled w/ the idea of just staying at an airport hotel. I would prefer to stay in the Sandton area so that we could see or do "something" nearby if we are so inclined. At the same time, I'm not thrilled with the idea of spending $700 on our 1st night (we need 2 rooms), and this was the quote I received from the Michaelangelo. Does anyone know anything about the Holiday Inn at Sandton or do you have other recommendations? Also, the Michaelangelo quoted a R450 one way private car fee; they didn't mention a free shuttle, but I have seen that mentioned on other postings. Bottom line: should we stay at the airport and pay to take a taxi to and from Sandton/Mandela Square if we so choose OR do we stay in the Sandton area and have the freedom to have things nearby?

Roccco

trvlcrzy,

Have you checked to see if there is a flight into Victoria Falls (VFA) that you can catch in time??? A transfer would be pretty simple from VFA to Livingstone.

Given that you will be returning to the airport anyway, it really would not cost you anything extra to take a taxi from the airport to Sandton. The Airport Grand seems like a great budget option (without compromising too much quality) but if you did want more luxury and entertainment, the D'Oreal Grande hotel is a 5* casino hotel that is not too far from the airport and should be better priced than the Michelangelo Hotel. However, let it be known that the Michelangelo is an excellent hotel and has one of the best breakfast buffets I have ever had anywhere.

trvlcrzy

This is why I love this board!! Had never even thought of flying to VFA and transferring!! Our flights may already be booked though, so will check on that first.
Rocco: how does The Grace at Rosebank compare location-wise?? I know it is a 30 min ride from the airport, but would we be more likely to enjoy Sandton or Rosebank in this situation?

Roccco

Rosebank is more likely to close down earlier, while at Sandton you would be able to enjoy more nighttime entertainment and dining options. Sandton is a beautiful place and even a 2 night stay would not be wasted if staying at a place like the Michelangelo.

I stayed almost next door to the Grace on a prior visit at the Rosebank Hotel (a 4* hotel, as opposed to the 5* Grace) and there was not much happening after dark and I am sure this was a weekend night, although things may have changed since then (2002).

trvlcrzy

What would be a good 4* recommendation in Sandton? Sounds like we might like Sandton better than Rosebank, even though we may be too tired to enjoy "nightlife"!

Roccco

trvlcrzy,

The Intercontinental Sandton Sun would be about $100 less (for the room, not pp) than the Michelangelo. No personal experience with this hotel, but the I/C usually offers a very reliable hotel experience.

The D'Oreale Grande Hotel is nearly half the price of the Michelangelo and does offer free airport shuttles. It really does look beautiful from its website:

http://www.doreale.com/emperorspalace/default.asp

Roccco

(Note: The D'Oreale Grande is NOT in Sandton, but it would, more than likely, be able to hold your attention for a few hours).

African_Hilton

Hi All

Sandton is definitely a good choice. However don't forget to have a look at Melrose Arch which is probably one of Johannesburg's latest happening spots. There is the Melrose Arch Hotel - Absolutely awesome ! Host of restaurants to choose from including famous Moyo's and Butcher Grill - all within in walking distance and completely safe. A great locality to use if you are looking at a Johannebsurg overnight and not wanting to be at the airport, bt still be about 20 minutes away.

trvlcrzy

Received a reply from a Sandton hotel saying that it could take as long as 1 1/2 hours to get from airport to hotel. Is this likely???? Now I really don't know if it would just be better to stay near the airport and possibly do nothing for our 1st 20 hours on our trip (seems like such a waste of time) or pay more to be in the Sandton area but spend that amount of time in taxi/car to and from the airport. We certainly don't have time for anything other than breakfast before our departure the next morning. (11:20 flight to LVI) Suggestions? To be honest, my brain is fried between working on these final details of our trip AND 2 graduations this weekend....in different states! I just need someone to help me think through this clearly!