We have only one night in Johannesburg before departing on the 10:00 am flight to Maun the next morning. I had planned to just stay out at the airport since our SAA flight does not get to JNB until 4:45 pm on Saturday, and then we depart the next morning (Sunday). However, I am now thinking that it might be nice to stay somewhere that we could actually walk around a bit that night after the long flight, rather then being strictly stuck in one hotel.

I am thinking about the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel or the Melrose Arch Hotel. Has anyone stayed at either of these? Are there safe areas at either of these to walk after dark (this is in June), anything open for shopping, or any musesums open in the evening in close proximity?

Since it will already be arond 6:00 pm by the time we get to a hotel, is there any point of going into the city at all? Would we be stuck inside one hotel no matter where we stay?

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

I had a similar experience last trip, although I got in to JNB at 0650am. I stayed at The Grace, in Rosebank, which is attached to an open air mall, with some wonderful restaurants. My sister and I did go walking after dinner, through a small park like area, and the mall. We never felt unsafe, and it helped get some sleep before that early morning wake-up call for the Maun flight. Sorry I haven't stayed at either hotel you mention... so can't help there. I will be staying at the Grace again this June, and I will spend a couple of days pre and post safari, so I get to do some Joberg sightseeing also. I think anywhere in Sandton or Rosebank would be your best bets for safe walks at night.
suzi

I've stayed at the Fairlawns Hotel twice and found it to be excellent. It is owner managed, so there is attention to quality and service. On one occasion when we had a late flight, they gave us a late check out time which extended several hours beyond the normal checkout. The restaurant is also excellent.

Thanks Safarilover, the Fairlawns Hotel does look nice on the website, but it's always good to have a recommendation.

Suzi, I have read some old threads since I posted, and the Rosebank Grace definitely looks like I should consider it. However, it appears that the attached Mall is closed in the evening, so still not sure if there would be much to do or to walk around. I wish we had the entire day instead of just that night.

I am also now considering staying at the Emperor's Palace (old Ceasers) near the airport, not becasue I'm interested in the Casino, but thinking that this may have the most shops, and areas to actually stroll through in the evening.

Suzi, where are you going on safari in June?

I am going to Selinda for four nights (June 3-7), then onto a mobile safari (Moremi and Khwai- June 7-12). Vic Falls (Ilala June 13-15), Matusadona (Rhino Lodge, on the banks of Lake Kariba- June 15-17), Mana Pools Canoeing Safari Vundu Camp + 3 nights mobile- (June 17-20), then back to Vundu (Mana Pools for an additional 4 nights- June 21-25), then onto Hwange (Somalisa- where I hope to meet up with Dennis's guide "Foster"- June 25-30), then back to Joberg for 2 nights, then back to LA via LHR. That will be very sad flights as I already know I will not want to come back home-LOL!
suzi

How about your itinerary????

We stayed at the Emperor's Palace for our one night.It really made good sense as there were places to eat as well as allowed us a long walk which was badly needed after the flight. Further they have a shuttle bus so transit is easy.

I would recommend the Emperor's Palace complex as well. Doesn't seem worth it to go all the way into town for so short a time. We stayed at the D'Oreal Grande, the most expensive of three hotels there. You catch a free shuttle (comes every 20 minutes) from the Intercontinental hotel within walking distance of the main terminal. We liked the D'Oreale OK. It's very comfortable and has a lavish buffet breakfast. Plus there's anough in the large complex to keep you entertained for a few hours when you're not sleeping. Of the restaurants, I'd recommend Tribes, a fun, popular place with modern African decor, a menu filled with great fish, steak and game oprions, and friendly, efficient service. We liked it so much we went back on our return to Joburg.
Next October we'll spend less money on one of the other two less expensive Emperor's hotels in the complex, both less ostentatious than the D'Oreale but looked fine. And both have access to the same entertainments.

LAleslie,
Thats good to know about the Emperor's Palace Complex. We will be staying at the Metcourt Laurel which is one of the cheaper hotels in the complex in late May. I will write a trip report on what it is like.

Georgie2007,
Excellent, and thanks! That's one we're considering for October so would love to know how it rates. I'd rather spend my money on safaris that a plush bed for one night.
Leslie

LAleslie,
Exactly. We just wanted a reasonably priced hotel as it is just to sleep. We are making the Metcourt Laurel our base for our 4 week trip. On our arrival to Africa we will stay there the first night. We then go to Victoria Falls and Botswana for 15 days, leaving our hard suitcases and beach clothes we dont need at the hotel. We come back to Metcourt stay another couple of nights to connect to flights to Pemba for our week on Quilalea Island. We leave our suitcases full of dirty safari clothes at Metcourt Laurel. Then sadly on 24th June we arrive back, stay the night again, collect all our baggage and fly home.

We stayed at the Melrose Arch last August. Hotel is in a gated complex with restaurants, galleries, offices. Had dinner across the street at Moyo, a well-known African restaurant with entertainment. Lots of fun. Hotel itself is very nice. Design is modern but comfortable. Pool looked great but it was too cold to swim when we were there.

The Fairlawns was where we spent the last 2 nights of our SA adventure - absolutely loved it. Beautiful grounds to walk around, wonderful restaurant, very large and well appointed suites, friendly staff and very accommodating owners. You won't be disappointed with a stay at the Fairlawns.
Cheers!
Viv
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