We will be in Johannesburg for 2 nights prior to safari at Singita and in Botswana. We have been offered accomodations at the Grace, Westcliff and Intercontinental Sandton. They all look nice but I was wondering if any have particularly good locations if we plan to do some shopping while we are there. Also, any insights on the comparisons between the hotels would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Shopping for ??????

After my very long tedious flight to JNB from California this Sep I enjoyed simply sleeping whenever for a night and the next day and night. (Nine hour time change). I stayed at the Metcourt Laurel in the Emperors Palace complex a short free shuttle ride from JNB. Price was right also, less than $150 per night with great buffet breakfast. Didn't do any shopping but the Emperors complex has gambling, simple shops, lots of restaurants.

regards - tom

Hi, The Grace is actually attached to the Rosebank Mall. I haven't stayed at the others, so cannot comment there, but I have enjoyed 4 stays at The Grace, and will return. They also have a shuttle that will take you to the Sandton Mall if you wish.... Their spa is wonderful after those long flights- I make reservations with the spa for my arrival day, then eat in the hotel and crash for the night.
Suzi

On my first trip, I stayed at the Westcliff, but its not near any shopping (the hotel shuttled us to Sandton Square). I think the Intercontinental is attached to Sandton Square, so it would be well situated for shopping and dining.

But, to me, the Intercontintal seems like an anonymous, international chain, while the Westcliff has some charm, and is a more personal hotel.

On my second trip through JNB, I stayed at the airport (the Southern Sun -- less than a third of the Westcliff, and fine for a stopover).

You don't say when you are going to be in Johannesburg. We've just finished booking our trip for June 2009. Because of the Federation Games, large blocks of hotel rooms have been booked - we couldn't get rooms at any of the Southern Suns or the Emperor's Palace. Even Cape Town at the beginning of July was tough finding accomodations.
We're heading straight to Botswana.

Thanks for all the information and advice. We'll be in Johannesburg in mid-August, so I guess it's time to start making these decisions to ensure availability.