Johannesburg is South Africa’s big, bustling city. It’s the capital of the country’s Gauteng province and has all the features of a fast-paced lifestyle. Informally referred to as Joburg, it’s a melting pot of African culture. You’ll find museums, galleries, local markets, and other cultural attractions spread all over the city.
If you’re looking for local accommodation to base your next trip, guesthouses in Johannesburg are the best choice for lodging. They’re totally one-of-a-kind and offer loads of great perks you wouldn’t normally find at a hostel or hotel. They’ll perfectly complement your trip and fully immerse you into the local vibe of the city.
Joburg has guesthouses in almost all areas of the city. To make things a bit easier, we’ve narrowed down the list – making sure to include options for every type of vacationer. Whether you’re a couple on honeymoon, a family with kids, or a solo backpackers, we’ve got some great guesthouses for you!
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Johannesburg for One Night
Private Room in Melville
This guesthouse is in the stylish suburb of Melville, one of Joburg’s most hip areas. When you’re not out exploring, just laze around the outdoor pool, or enjoy complete privacy in your room.
- Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
- The lively 7th Street
- Lindfield Victorian House Museum
Is this amazing Johannesburg Guesthouses booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
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Staying in a Guesthouse in Johannesburg
Guesthouses provide travelers with a home-away-from-home experience. Unlike hotels, which often lack personality, guesthouses are totally unique and reflect the local lifestyle. This creates a more personal travel experience.
Guesthouses are for vacationers and laid out to host multiple groups of travelers at one time. They can have between 4 and 25 rooms. The houses are usually quite large, so you won’t have to worry about others infringing on your privacy.
The owner of the guesthouse lives on the property, but you’ll rarely see them. Unlike a homestay, they don’t have interaction with their guests.
This is why guesthouses are so popular with travelers to Joburg. Not only does the population grow, but Johannesburg is also getting more tourists every year. Guesthouses give these vacationers a homey experience while maintaining their privacy and being able to explore the amazing city.
What to Look for in a Guesthouse
There are certain features that all guesthouses offer. The first one being a social space outside of your room. This is usually a shared lounge or an outdoor area. This can be a fun place to hang out and maybe make a few new friends!
They also usually include some sort of designated food area, like a communal kitchen or an in-room kitchenette. If there aren’t any food prep areas, you’ll most likely receive breakfast from your host.
All these features may seem a bit similar to a hostel. However, hostels mainly offer shared dorm rooms whereas guesthouses only offer private rooms. They almost always include ensuite bathrooms – the only exception being the super-budget rooms, which sometimes have shared bathrooms.
Some guesthouses in Johannesburg have an outdoor swimming pool or BBQ facilities. This can be a nice treat for South Africa’s warmer days. Enjoy a sunny, social BBQ (also called a braai in South Africa) and cool off in the pool!
The best online accommodation platforms to use when searching for guesthouses are booking.com and Airbnb.com. We’ve taken the best places across these platforms and categorized them, so you can easily see what type of property you’d prefer. In addition, we’ve made sure to include all of the amazing highlights!
Before you go off, make sure you’ve got your suitcase packed for your South Africa trip. Guesthouses aren’t hotels, so you can’t expect them to offer you shampoo or other free goodies. Be prepared and take all the necessities with you!
Private Room in Melville
- > $
- > 1 – 2 Guests
- > Fully equipped kitchen
- > Laid-back atmosphere
Kamp David Lodge
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Pool access
- > 24-hour front desk
33 on First Guesthouse
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Breakfast offered for a fee
- > Easy access to nightlife
84 on Fourth Guest House
- > $$$
- > 2 – 4 Guests
- > Breakfast included
- > Lots of social areas
Over the Moon Guesthouse
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Breakfast included
- > Solar-powered
Linden Guest House
- > $$$
- > 5 Guests
- > Pool access
- > Spacious grounds
Ghandi Backpackers Lodge
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Breakfast included
- > Quiet location
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Johannesburg!
15 Top Guesthouses in Johannesburg
It’s time to get into our list of the top 15 guesthouses in Johannesburg. Whether you’re looking for a quiet property that caters to couples, a budget place for backpackers, or a lively location to base a friend’s trip, it’s all here. You might even discover a few fun spots you wouldn’t even think to consider before!
Best Overall Value Guesthouse in Johannesburg – Private Room in Melville
- $
- 1 – 2 Guests
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Laid-back atmosphere
This guesthouse is our pick for the overall best value accommodation in Johannesburg. The house is on the small side – which gives it a nice intimate charm. And, you’ll have access to all of the shared spaces. Whether you feel like making a meal in the kitchen, relaxing in the living room, or swimming in the pool, you’ll have free reign.
Back in your room, complete with an ensuite bathroom, you’ll have complete privacy.
This guesthouse is in a charming suburb of Melville, within walking distance of 7th Street and other top places to visit in Johannesburg. You’ll find loads of eateries in this area. We recommend the Lucky Bean Restaurant for South-African cuisine in a cozy setting.
Best Budget Guesthouse in Johannesburg – Kamp David Lodge
- $
- 2 Guests
- Pool access
- 24-hour front desk
Kamp David is one of the cheapest guesthouses in Johannesburg, and it has a great social atmosphere. Hang out in the lounge and play a round of billiards. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool. Or, have a drink at the on-site bar.
Save even more money using the shared kitchen to prepare your meals. But don’t worry about breakfast, your host can prepare that for just USD $3.00!
Two of Johannesburg’s most popular attractions, the Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City, are less than six miles away. This place is the total package!
Budget Tip: Dorms in Johannesburg start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Guesthouse for Couples in Johannesburg – 33 on First Guesthouse
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Breakfast offered for a fee
- Easy access to nightlife
This guesthouse perfectly caters to couples. It’s in the suburb of Melville, the bohemian section of the city. It’s full of trendy cocktail bars and restaurants – perfect for date night! We suggest the Six Cocktail Bar for drinks and The Countess for dinner.
When you’re not out exploring the city, relax in the swimming pool, complete with sun loungers and an adjacent covered terrace. Or, chill out on your king-sized bed while watching your flat-screen TV.
Wake up to an English breakfast in the dining room. Or, if you’d prefer something lighter, opt for fresh fruit, cereals, muesli, and yogurt.
Best Guesthouse for a Group of Friends in Johannesburg – 84 on Fourth Guest House
- $$$
- 2 – 4 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Lots of social areas
This guesthouse has a spacious two-bedroom suite that’s perfect for groups of friends or families.
After a long day out, wind down watching a movie on your flat-screen TV. Or, chill out on your private patio. Want to keep the good times going? Grab a few cold ones from your refrigerator and fire up your grill for a BBQ.
Recharge the next day with free breakfast, then head out to the scenic Melville Koppies Municipal Nature Reserve. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the property.
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View on Osprey View on REIOver-the-Top Luxury Guesthouse in Johannesburg – Over the Moon Guesthouse
- $$$$
- 2 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Solar-powered
The affluent suburb of Northcliff is an oasis of calm in the busy city – and it houses the most luxurious guesthouse Johannesburg offers. Each area of the property oozes extravagance. The outdoor swimming pool is beautiful and spacious and the lounge and library are comfortable and inviting.
When you retire to your suite for the night, grab a few complimentary refreshments from your minibar and relax outside on your private balcony. From your seat, you’ll be able to watch the Joburg skyline sparkle in the distance.
Best Guesthouse for Families Visiting Johannesburg – Linden Guest House
- $$$
- 5 Guests
- Pool access
- Spacious grounds
If you’re a family looking for cheap guesthouses in Johannesburg, this option is great value for money. The property features a separate two-bedroom house that’s the ideal size for families, and your kids won’t be confined to just a single room!
It has all of your typical homey comforts, like a full-sized kitchen and a family room with sofas and a TV. There’s also a swimming pool the kids will appreciate, and a bar for the parents!
The guesthouse is in the upmarket suburb of Randburg, close to family-friendly attractions, like the Northcliff Ridge Ecopark, and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.
Best Guesthouse for Backpackers in Johannesburg – Ghandi Backpackers Lodge
- $
- 1-2 Guest
- Breakfast included
- Quiet location
Ghandi Backpackers Lodge offers something different than your typical loud and large party hostel in Johannesburg. Set in a historic 1889 mansion, it’s on the small side and has an exceptionally laid-back atmosphere.
There’s an on-site bar with a pool table that opens up onto the outdoor swimming pool. Grab a cold one and chill out with your fellow backpackers. When you’re ready to head out for the day, you’ll be just two miles from the city center.
Technically this is a hostel, but it has a homey vibe similar to a guesthouse. It’s a fun option for unique accommodation in Johannesburg and a great place if you’re backpacking in South Africa.
Amazing Luxury Guesthouse in Johannesburg – Houghton Place
- $$$
- 1 – 2 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Bathtub in every room
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation without the crazy price tag, this is your place! It’s in the affluent suburb of Houghton Estate, close to art galleries and golf courses. The Killarney Golf Club and the Everard Read Gallery are both less than a five-minute drive away.
With only three rooms on the property, you’ll enjoy an exceptionally intimate and peaceful vacation. All rooms feature a private patio that faces the pool and garden. Grab a cold drink from your minibar, or make a hot one with the coffee machine and enjoy the views – and the silence!
The complimentary made-to-order breakfast will call you out of bed every morning.
Best Guesthouse for Views in Johannesburg – 12 on Hillel Guest Manor
- $$
- 1 – 4 Guests
- Breakfast included
- 24-hour front desk
This scenic guesthouse is on the eastern slope of Northcliff Hill. It boasts incredible views that will make you appreciate Joburg like never before. Soak in the skyline on your private patio. Or, head down to the pool and rooftop terrace for more exceptional city scenes.
You’ll appreciate the view inside your room too – each showcases the work of South-African artists.
There is also a spacious lounge that provides a relaxing setting for drinks, as well as your complimentary breakfast in the morning.
Most Beautiful Guesthouse in Johannesburg – Six Sandton
- $$$
- 2 Guests
- 24-hour security
- Room service
This picture-perfect guesthouse boasts a lush garden, complete with koi pond and local birdlife. The rooms are one with nature and will make you feel as if you’re in another world.
In fitting with the theme, the spacious lounge and bar feature soft colors to complement the surroundings. When you’re not out exploring the city – or the property, you can relax in your room with a few cold drinks from the minibar.
Wake up to a complimentary, made-to-order breakfast before heading out for the day. You’ll be close to the popular Nelson Mandela Square, so you might as well make that your first stop!
Another Great Budget Guesthouse in Johannesburg – Waverley Guest House
- $$
- 1 – 4 Guests
- Seasonal swimming pool
- Spacious grounds
Looking for more budget Johannesburg guesthouses? The Waverley Guest House is perfect for money-conscious travelers. Not only are the rooms reasonably priced, but you’ll save even more money using the shared kitchen to prepare your meals.
Hang out in your room and kick back while watching your flat-screen TV. If you pick up some snacks or drinks you can store them in your fridge. If it’s a warm day, enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool and fire up the grill for a BBQ.
Two of Johannesburg’s most popular attractions, the Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City, are less than a 10-mile drive away!
Best Guesthouse for Honeymooners in Johannesburg – Lucky Bean Guesthouse
- $$$
- 2 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Walkable area
Located in the suburb of Melville, close to the hip 7th Street, Lucky Bean Guesthouse sets the perfect scene for a romantic honeymoon.
Your spacious and stylish room offers gorgeous garden views – which you’ll be able to fully appreciate from your private patio.
Around the property, you can enjoy a leisurely swim in the pool. Or, wander around the serene gardens, hand in hand. In the morning, enjoy a complimentary breakfast on the terrace or in the breakfast room. In the evening, pop into the on-site bar for a drink!
A Guesthouse in Johannesburg with an Epic Location – Zietsies Guest House
- $$$
- 1 – 2 Guests
- 24-hour security
- Great city views
This modern guesthouse is in Auckland Park. You’ll be less than a 15-minute drive from several popular Joburg attractions, including the vibey Melville, the hip Neighborhoods Market, and the always entertaining Gold Reef City.
Before you start your day, head down to the elegant glass dining room and enjoy a complimentary breakfast. With floor to ceiling windows, you’ll be able to admire epic views of the city while you wake up with a fresh cup of coffee.
After an adventurous day of sightseeing, head back to your room for some TV time and tea. Or, swing by the lounge for a nightcap from their fully-stocked bar.
Best Guesthouse for a Weekend in Johannesburg – Melville Turret Guesthouse
- $$
- 1 – 2 Guests
- Breakfast offered for a small fee
- Easy access to nightlife
This Melville guesthouse is just a 2-minute walk from the always lively 7th Street. This area offers loads of bars and late-night restaurants, it’s the perfect setting for a fun weekend in Joburg.
The Anti-Social Social Club is a nice casual place for cocktails. But, if you’re feeling a little more high-energy, head to Six Cocktail Bar. Your spacious room and flat-screen TV will be an inviting place to return to.
In the morning, recharge with breakfast. Freshly brewed coffee is available all day! We suggest enjoying a hot cup on the outdoor terrace with a lovely view of the garden.
Best Guesthouse for Solo Travelers in Johannesburg – Oscar Wild room
- $$
- 1 – 2 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Close to 4th Avenue Parkhurst
This guesthouse is one of the most stylish places in Johannesburg to spend the night. With a homey touch and an intimate charm, It will make any solo trip totally relaxing and stress-free!
The shared lounge and enclosed wooden deck are the perfect places to catch up on some reading. Want to get active? The guesthouse offers a Wednesdays and Fridays pilates class at 8:30 am (for a small fee).
During your downtime, use the lap-top friendly workspace in your room to check your social media, or watch a movie on your TV.
FAQ about Guesthouses in Johannesburg
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Johannesburg.
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Final Thoughts on Guesthouses in Johannesburg
Guesthouses are the perfect form of home-away-from-home accommodation. Aside from your usual inclusions, each individual property will offer even more fun perks. This can include things like an on-site bar, gorgeous city views, and private patios.
It’s little touches like this that can make a big difference. They’ll make your trip extra memorable and add even more value to your vacation! With this guide of the best guesthouses in Johannesburg, you’ll be more than ready for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
