Jetting into Johannesburg? Kate Ferreira rates the best hotels near OR Tambo airport.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from near OR Tambo, from budget to boutique to luxury.
Hotels near OR Tambo airport
Budget hotels near OR Tambo airport
Even if your budget doesn’t stretch past R600, you can find comfortable options near OR Tambo. Sunrock Guesthouse in Kempton Park about four kilometres from the airport, has en-suite rooms from R595 a person. www.sunrock.co.za.
Four-star Aero Guest Lodge, also in Kempton Park and just under three kilometres from the airport, has lush gardens, shuttle options and single rooms from R495. www.aeroguestlodge.co.za.
Alternatively, find affordable accommodation near OR Tambo airport here
City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo
* Affordable convenience *
The setting
Accessed via the airport parkade, you can’t get closer in this price range. The trade-off is the naturally limited grounds, swapping strolling space for proximity.
The vibe
The three-star City Lodge has the look we’ve come to expect of a modern hotel: elegant in a neutral way. This one – with its sunken dining area and curved feature walls – makes the most of the limited space available within the airport parking complex.
The crowd
Families and travelling business people will feel right at home. There’s a mix of international and local accents in the communal areas, giving the space a cosmopolitan air.
The rooms
The 303 rooms include a mix of queen and twin beds, as well as interleading rooms for families. White linen and dark wood add warmth and the thoughtful use of space – deep drawers and narrow hanging space – makes for quick unpacking.
The food
The breakfast area doubles as a dining room. The menu is geared towards light bites, but hearty daily dinner options are available. The airport food court is a stroll away, so there’s a large selection available for room service.
Highlights
Arrivals and departures info is displayed in real time at reception, so you can minimise time spent in the terminal if your flights are delayed. Rather grab a coffee and relax around the pool in the central courtyard.
Need to know
Although the Wi-Fi is fast and ubiquitous, you only get 15 minutes free, which is less than that offered by competitors. Luckily, because it’s provided by AlwaysOn, you can always buy more, or sign in using a linked account.
Contact
Tel 011-552-7600, www.citylodge.co.za.
Sunrock Hotel and City Lodge Hotel are affordable options near OR Tambo.
The Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre
* Built for business *
The setting
Ten minutes from the airport on the N12, the three-star Birchwood Hotel is in busy Boksburg, giving easy access to the many factories in the surrounding area.
The vibe
Despite its proximity to industry, the sprawling hotel is leafy and quiet. The main building houses a central reception and conference area, while rooms are spread out in separate sections. Design is simple but comfortable, with a nod to doing business throughout.
The crowd
Groups of conference-goers stand out in branded shirts, while the coiffed, suited and booted business people enjoy breakfast, smartphones in hand.
The rooms
The 665 nicely sized rooms have generous bathrooms, including a large bath and separate shower. The decor is comfortable and simple, but without any dramatic flair.
The food
A Local Grill restaurant in the complex is a fun alternative to standard, dull dining-room fare. The burger is excellent, but there could be a bit of a wait for a table as the restaurant caters to both guests and the public.
Highlights
Business-inclined guests will approve of free Wi-Fi and the full-sized ironing board and iron in each room. The mini-mall next door – with quick pedestrian access – means there’s time to shop on even the snappiest stopover.
Need to know
It knows its market and caters to it, but this does mean the complex can feel a little corporate.
Contact
Tel 011-897-0000, www.birchwoodhotel.co.za.
African Rock Hotel in Kempton Park
* Boutique bliss *
The setting
In suburban Kempton Park and 11 km from OR Tambo, African Rock is close enough to be easily accessible but not in the flight path. Take advantage of the shuttle or dig out the GPS.
The vibe
A converted private home, this five-star African-inspired hotel takes its inspiration from local rock such as crystal quartz and incorporates it into the room design. It has the feel of an exclusive lodge but with hotel amenities, including 24-hour reception.
The crowd
American and European honeymooners use it as a comfortable base between flights to safaris or island holidays. Occasional local guests, often businessmen, come here for an exclusive, personalised hotel experience.
The rooms
There are just nine large rooms, with generous beds and swimming-pool-sized bathtubs taking centre stage. The design is minimal but warm, nuanced and charming.
The food
A small dining room and tiny bar overlook a garden and pool, and an open patio for al fresco dining on warm nights. The food is excellent and head chef Christine Agumba is charming and knowledgeable.
Highlights
Attentive staff who know your name before you arrive and the chef’s flambe’ fillet.
Need to know
Its location in Kempton’s suburbia means you’re quite isolated from outside entertainment.
Contact
Tel 011-976-3486, www.africanrockhotels.com.
The Birchwood Hotel has the fun Local Grill Restaurant while the African Rock Hotel has the feel of an exclusive lodge.
Protea Hotel OR Tambo
* Urban cool *
The setting
The Protea Hotel OR Tambo is just across the highway from the airport, a 3 km drive to be precise.
The vibe
The design is a chic mix of industrial and aviation themes. It works surprisingly well. Think double-volume ceilings with exposed light fixtures and faux-shipping-crate wall treatments. Bottom line: funky.
The crowd
American empty-nesters and regional business folk congregate at this four-star establishment for the ease of access to flights and other transfers.
The rooms
The 213 rooms are decorated in warm neutrals – grey, cream and brown – with flight-themed art on the walls. I loved watching the bustle of the airport from the window, but note you can also sometimes hear it. This became white noise to me, but it depends on your sensitivity.
The food
Guests in the hotel restaurant can choose between a buffet or a’ la carte dinner. The chocolate brownie is a rare beast: a hotel dessert that lives up to – and exceeds – expectations.
Highlights
The quirky aviation theme, friendly staff … and that brownie!
Need to know
This hotel is not to be confused with the Protea Transit Hotel (set behind passport control in the airport building itself). Skip the drive through industrial Kempton Park and walk 800 m from the Rhodesfield Gautrain Station.
Contact
Tel 011-977-2600, www.proteahotels.com.
Intercontinental OR Tambo
* Lux lifestyle *
The setting
A 68,7 m stone’s throw from the terminals.
The vibe
Classic with African elements dotted throughout. The gold leaf pillars, glass facade and attentive doormen immediately set the five-star tone.
The crowd
International businesspeople, local CEOs and the elite – diplomats and occasional film stars. John Travolta, anyone?
The rooms
There are 138 deluxe (in twin- or king-bed configurations) and executive rooms, and two presidential suites. Rooms are opulent, offering separate bathrooms, desks, seating areas, and double-glazed windows for excellent noise control. Check your flight details from bed on a dedicated TV channel.
The food
The 24-hour Quills restaurant and bar is open to guests and visitors, and the menu akin to any fine-dining experience. The pork belly and salmon dish is excellent, and the deepfried caramel ice cream a real indulgence.
Highlights
The eighth-floor gym and indoor pool have an amazing view of the airport happenings, plus a branch of the Camelot Spa chain is located in-house. The Nespresso machine, with pods, in each room is an inspired touch.
Need to know
The price, while justifiable given the amenities, excludes this gorgeous hotel from the reach of your average South African traveller.
Contact
Tel 011-961-5400, www.intercontinental.com.
Experience urban cool at OR Tambo’s Protea Hotel or indulge in five star luxury at the Intercontinental.
Shuttles to and from OR Tambo
Most hotels and B&Bs that market themselves as airport hotels offer free shuttles, so ask before you book. If not, they should be able to provide the name of a preferred supplier.
There’s also always Airport Link which does pre-booked transfers to most areas of Joburg. www.airportlink.co.za.
