Looking for next-level urban stays that won’t cost you an arm and a leg? We’ve done the hard miles to find them for you

The Capital On the Park | Sandton

Don’t just choose a hotel room that’s good enough; choose one by which you’ll remember the city and its vibe. You’ll find this opulent Joburg gem just around the corner from the Sandton Convention Centre, which means it’s a lovely short walk to the Nelson Mandela Shopping Mall and a visit to the richest square mile in Africa. Here, you’ll get luxury in spades – the indoor golf practice range, heated pool, the spa (with saunas), an exclusive range of gym classes, a Technogym, as well as a convenience store. What more could you ask for?

010 443 0000
thecapital.co.za

Ilali House | Johannesburg

Slick bohemian touches, quality South African art and a fine eye for detail pervade the design of this low-key guesthouse that’s hidden behind an unmarked wall in residential Parktown North. Here, in a pair of renovated houses, owner Hannia Weber has created neat, stylish, highly individual sanctuary-like spaces, unfussy and utterly comfortable. It’s just down the road from Rosebank, where – aside
from an underground station for the Gautrain, which connects you efficiently with the airport – there’s an expansive shopping mall, at least a dozen art galleries, numerous restaurants and plenty of social haunts. 

082 567 5142
ilali.co.za

BlackBrick | Cape Town

If you have ever wanted to be part of  a members only club, you’ll be happy to know that you can get into the Black Brick club for just the price of a night’s stay. When you book your city stay here, you get access to the gym, cinema, rooftop, library, an area to work, and boardrooms if you need to squeeze in a meeting. In addition, the St. George’s building has a beautiful art gallery where you can get your culture on, and the rooftop has some of the best views in the city.

021 137 1712 
blackbrickclub.com

Curiocity | Cape Town

This apart-hotel is hand-crafted in the signature Curiocity style and set in a modernist three-storey building in the heart of Green Point. Leading South African designers collaborated with the brand to create a sophisticated design-led hybrid hotel built for the modern traveller. You can choose from premium deluxe rooms and family apartments, to shared backpacker and hostel suites. And you can enhance your stay with a visit to the pool, stunning outdoor lounge and on-site cafe-restaurant when you’re not out and about discovering the Mother City.

021 433 4310 
curiocity.africa

Rivonia Premier Lodge |  Johannesburg

If you crave a quiet oasis amid city chaos, there’s no better fit than this haven in Rivonia. They have different room options to suit every taste and budget and cater to families. The lodge is known for its country-like ambience, tranquillity, variety of birds, the warm hospitality and delectable food. We love the lush gardens and the fact that you’re just a stone’s throw away from the action of Joburg. 

011 803 2790 
rivoniabb.co.za

Tekweni Backpackers Hostel | Durban
They say Tekweni isn’t just a hostel; it’s an experience. And whoever they are, they’re right! Tekweni feels like home, but people more interesting than your family share your dorm. The hostel is located in a large colonial home built in 1896 in the heart of the vibrant Morningside suburb, just off the infamous Florida Road. This is not your average place, and you will find a bunch of quirky, eclectic and lovable tourists out there, and they’ll make your trip to Durban by the sea all the more memorable.

031 303 1433 
tekwenibackpackers.co.za

12 Decades | Johannesburg 

Set in the heart of creativity-driven urban-renewal precinct Maboneng, this self-styled art hotel is up on the 7th floor of the Main Street Life Building. Rooms were conceived by South African artists and designers, each one laid out to chronicle a different decade in the city’s history from 1886 through 2006. Aside from sleeping inside an art installation, there are wrap-around city views from the rooftop, plus restaurants, a theatre, art cinema, and galleries at ground level. 

011 614 0163
12decadeshotel.co.za

Words by Mart-marié du toit
 Photography: Courtesy Images