dreaming

I have one night in Jo'burg prior to my return home.... I'll be arriving in Jo'burg on a Sunday evening around 5 from Zambia and departing Monday night around 8:30. I think I want to arrange a tour to the Cradle for Monday daytime.

I had thought I'd go in to Sandton/Rosebank/other, but now I'm wondering if it might be more convenient to stay at an airport hotel and arrange for the tour company to pick me up and drop me off there - then I don't need to hassle with where my bags go & etc. I'm flying business to LHR (FF) so can get a shower at the airport.

So, if it were you, which area would you stay in, which hotel would you chose and why?

Roccco

dreaming,

You are not going to find a better deal than the 5* Westcliff Hotel.

www.westcliff.co.za

It is part of the prestigous Orient Express chain and by booking one of their internet specials, you should be able to get a room for about $130 USD (not per person, but rather for the room).

dreaming

Thanks Rocco - I thought about the Westcliff, I stayed there last year and really liked it. But, unless I'm reading the details incorrectly, the special internet rate is for two night minimum stays. Otherwise their rate is around 300 and at that range I can get either the Michelangelo or the Grace - both of which seem more conveniently located to restaurants and shops. I'd also like to spend less...

Thanks for the help

Roccco

Dreaming,

Yes, you are correct. But, there is another special at the Westcliff for $200 per night and that rate is good for even a single night.

It is called the "Absolutely Affordable" special:

http://www.westcliff.co.za/web/ojnb/...cfkmdffkdffj.0

dreaming

Thanks Rocco - going to look at it now....

luangwablondes

An alternative is the Senator Hotel at Caesars Casino in Kempton Park. It is only 5 kms from the airport and can keep you amused and fed while you wait. www.caesars.co.za I believer the rate is about $125

luangwablondes

At Caesars in The African Forum Tourist Center in case you don't take a room.
Located within The Emporium. An airport style lounge with bar and catering facilities, showers and bathrooms, two business meeting rooms, Internet facilities and a ABSA ATM.
Comfortable lounge complete with essential business services, shower amenities and catering.
Hours : Mondays to Fridays 08h00 to 22h00, Saturdays & Sunday 08h00 to 20h00
Tel : (011) 928 1343

dreaming

Thanks LB -

I was wondering about the Senator at Caesars - seems reasonably priced and certainly convenient with the free airport shuttle. I just wasn't sure if it was nice or if I'd be able to get a day tour from there.... Have you stayed there?

Also great to know about the lounge...

luangwablondes

here is another choice at $101/nite- Have never been, but Proterais an excellent chain of hotels. Protea Hotel Gold Reef City Johannesburg
Situated in the heart of the City of Gold, Protea Hotel Gold Reef City is only 6 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg and 30 minutes from the international airport. The hotel is in the secure environment of a mining theme park and has excellent connections to motorways. Just across the road is the Gold Reef City Casino.

Each of the 74 rooms at the hotel, ranging from standard rooms to the luxury suites, combines elegantly appointed, classical Victorian decor with matchless comfort and style. There is also a choice of 6 restaurants to delight the palate, from stylish restaurants to the more casual eateries.
Address: Protea Hotel Gold Reef City Johannesburg
Shaft 14, Northern Parkway
Ormonde - 2091
South Africa

luangwablondes

I checked with Caesars and they do have a tour desk.I've stayed there and enjoyed it everytime.
[email protected]
The Cradle tour only takes about 1 hour plus the time-about another 1hr.to get to Krugersdorp and 1 to get back. So, being in the North Suburbs should consider adding something on.