As World Cup fever mounts, so too are the prices of hotel rooms in Johannesburg, where the opening and closing soccer matches will be held at two new state-of-the-art stadiums — Soccer City and Ellis Park.
As a burgeoning cultural capital, this city of seven million people (known by locals as Jozi or Jo’burg) and South Africa’s largest metropolis, has emerged from the dark era of apartheid with a pumping urban African culture.
If you haven’t already booked your accommodation, get on it now, as many hotels, B&Bs, and hostels are already booked solid for the World Cup.
Here are a few cheap and cheerful places to stay that still have room around Johannesburg:
BOB’S BUNK HOUSE
Located in Gauteng, this hostel is close to the airport and offers two large dormitory-style rooms, two single rooms as well as a double room with an en-suite washroom.
Room rates include a light breakfast. Double room with en-suite: $44 Canadian. bobsbunkhouse.co.za
0027 (0) 11 453 2294.
TOWN LODGE SANDTON GRAYSTON DRIVE
This hotel is just a three-minute drive to Sandton City, the shopping and entertainment hub of Johannesburg. It’s also conveniently located close to all the motorways, making it easy to get to-and-from stadiums. Boasting a swimming pool, tea and coffee makers in each room, breakfast and free parking, it’s a great price for what you get. Double room: $117 Canadian.
citylodge.co.za
0027 (0) 11 784 8850
SOUTHERN SUN KATHERINE STREET
Situated in the affluent Sandton neighbourhood, this friendly hotel is within walking distance of the Sandton City shopping centre, movie theatres, restaurants and bars. Aside from a swimming pool, it offers a foreign exchange service, complimentary 24-hour parking and an airport shuttle service. You can also enjoy meals and cocktails on a terrace overlooking landscaped gardens. Double room approximately: $48 Canadian.
southernsun.com
0027 (0) 11 884 8544.
AIRPORT LODGE GUEST HOUSE
Run by Coos and Phyllis Loots, this intimate bed and breakfast is just a five-minute drive from the airport and offers free airport shuttle service. Should you like to tour the city, the couple will arrange for a car and driver at a nominal rate to take you around. An English breakfast is included in the room rate and complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours. If you’re driving, there is secure parking available on the premises as well. Double room: $34 Canadian.
airportlodge.co.za
0027 (0) 11 979 2365.
SUNNYSIDE PARK HOTEL
This Victorian-style hotel, dating back to 1895 is a National Monument located in the leafy suburb of Parktown. It boasts a restaurant, terrace bar, pub, outdoor swimming pool, business centre, gym and complimentary shuttle service to and from the Killarny Shopping Mall. Standard room: $189 Canadian.
thesunnyside.co.za
