There are a number of hotels right by the Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. All hotel rooms have a/c, telephone, TV, hairdryer, free Wifi, safe, fridge, and laundry service (extra charge).
You can walk to the Intercontinental and City Lodge. Southern Sun and Protea have free shuttles between the airport and hotel. To find the hotel shuttles, after exiting security, follow signs for the Bus Terminal, past the airport hotels. Go outside, and all hotel buses are lined up in one parking lot. Look for a shuttle with the name of your hotel. The people there will help you find the right one.
See also:
1) Intercontinental
This is a luxury hotel an easy walk from the airport. After immigration and customs, follow signs for Exit and Hotels. Follow signs for Intercontinental — go outside and it is on your left. A porter can be arranged to escort you as well.
The Intercontinental has a sophisticated and calm feeling to it. The hotel has 138 rooms — classic, classic with balcony (4), executive (corners), and presidential suite (1). Rooms come with robes, slippers, iron/ironing board, and coffee station.
On the ground level is the restaurant, small bar, lounge area, and business center. Breakfast is partially buffet and hot items off a menu.
On the 8th floor is the medium sized indoor heated pool, large gym, and full spa.
2) City Lodge
Walk from the airport. By the Intercontinental sign which takes you outside, instead follow the City Lodge signs up 2 escalators. Go down the long hallway along the parking ramp to the end. Take the hotel elevator to Level H.
The hotel has a huge restaurant but no separate bar. It has a medium sized outdoor pool with fountains and a small gym.
In the lobby, there are screens with flight schedules, scale for weighing luggage, and a water station. Expect long lines to check in and out.
3) Southern Sun
A quick shuttle from the airport, departing every 15 minutes. It is nicely decorated, but feels a bit sparse.
There are 366 rooms — either standard, superior, or executive. Standard and superior come with 1 king or 2 twin beds. Executive rooms only come with 1 king and also have robes and slippers. There is 1 double room for families. Only some rooms have a mini-fridge, but they can be requested.
The hotels has a restaurant, bar, and many separate lounge areas for gathering. Breakfast and dinner are a buffet.
There is also a business center, big gym, medium sized outdoor pool with nice garden area. The pool is accessed off the restaurant, which is a little odd.
4) Protea OR Tambo (Marriott)
This is a 5-minute shuttle from the airport. The bus leaves the airport at 15 and 45 minutes after the hour. It leave the hotel for the airport at 00 and 30 minutes after the hour.
The Protea is a Marriott property that was remodeled in early 2024. It has an interesting airplane theme throughout. There is a nice restaurant and separate bar area. Outside is a large pool and spacious garden area with seating.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable. The toilet has a door, but the shower and sink are open to the room except with a curtain. There is a coffee/tea station with instant coffee but real creamers.
Breakfast is buffet. Lunch and dinner are also served in the dining room.
See also: