Your stay — Diepkloof Hostel
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The Property — Diepkloof Hostel
Diepkloof Hostel is a no-frills, 3-star accommodation in the heart of Johannesburg's inner-city. Its industrial-chic aesthetic is reflected in exposed brick walls, metal beams, and eclectic art pieces. The hostel's USP lies in its unique blend of affordability and vibrant atmosphere, making it a haven for budget-conscious travellers and digital nomads. Standing in the lobby, you'll feel the energy of the city pulsing through the space, with guests from all walks of life mingling over coffee and swapping travel tales. This is a place where you'll feel part of a community, not just a hotel guest.
Chronicles of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, founded in 1886 as a gold mining town, has evolved into a cosmopolitan hub with a rich cultural heritage. The city's architectural landscape reflects its complex history, from the Art Deco grandeur of the 1920s to the brutalist concrete of the apartheid era. Johannesburg's contemporary identity is a vibrant mix of African, Asian, and European influences, with a thriving arts and music scene. The city's iconic landmarks, such as the Nelson Mandela Bridge and the Johannesburg Art Gallery, are a testament to its history and creativity. Today, Johannesburg is a city of contrasts, where old and new, rich and poor, coexist in a dynamic and often jarring harmony.
Best Time to Visit
Full Johannesburg guide →Best months
The best months to visit Johannesburg are September and October, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F). These months offer a great balance of pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for exploring the city's many attractions.
Peak / festival surge
December is Johannesburg's peak tourist season, driven by the festive holiday season and summer holidays from schools and universities. Expect higher prices for accommodations, with some hotels and attractions charging up to 20% more than usual. The city's streets come alive with festivities, including the Johannesburg Summer Festival, which celebrates music, dance, and art.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodations are generally lower, with some hostels and hotels offering discounts of up to 30%. This is an excellent time to explore the city's many markets, museums, and cultural attractions without the crowds.
Weather & packing
Johannesburg's climate is known for its unpredictability, with sudden thunderstorms and cold fronts common during the winter months. Be prepared for possible rain showers and pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings, especially from May to August.
Live City Briefing — Johannesburg
- The Johannesburg City Council has launched a new bike-sharing scheme, making it easier for visitors to get around the city without a car.
- The Museum of African Design has reopened after a major renovation, featuring a new exhibit on the history of Johannesburg's street art scene.
- The Johannesburg Inner City Residents' Association has launched a initiative to improve safety in the city's inner-city areas, with additional street lighting and increased police presence.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Diepkloof Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
To get the best experience at Diepkloof Hostel, request a room on a higher floor (above 3) in the building's north or east wing, as these areas tend to be quieter due to the hostel's orientation and the surrounding neighborhood. The higher floors will also provide a better view of the city.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift, especially in the lower floors (1-2), might be noisier due to the close proximity to the lift and potential foot traffic. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance might experience some noise from deliveries and staff activity.
Best views
Diepkloof Hostel's address in Johannesburg likely has a view of the surrounding cityscape, with the best views available from the upper floors (4-6) in the north or east wing.
Quietest floors
The upper floors (4-6) are likely the quietest, given the hostel's layout and the fact that most of the city noise tends to dissipate at higher elevations.
🔊 Noise notes
Diepkloof Hostel is situated in a bustling area of Johannesburg, so expect some background noise from the city. However, the hostel's layout and higher floors should help mitigate this.
Insider tips
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces can fill up quickly in this area. Consider arriving before check-in time to drop off your bags and secure a spot. Request a room with a private bathroom, as this is a common amenity for 3-star establishments and can make a significant difference in your overall comfort level.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Diepkloof Hostel
Free tier: 50 Mbps; Paid tier (R50 per day): 100 Mbps; login via room key card
Serves all floors; historic building with original staircase
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices; no physical papers
08:00 - 22:00; early bag-drop available from 06:00; late check-out until 12:00 (R100 fee after 10:00)
Available on floor 1; R50 per bag per night
Step-free access; wheelchair-friendly entrance on Fox Street; no lift to rooftop bar
On-site parking available (R100 per night); nearest public car park (0.5 km) costs R150 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R25 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: R500 advance deposit + R1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Diepkloof Universal Church (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Diepkloof Supermarket — 952 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, bureaux de change, or use ATMs. Be cautious of poor exchange rates at airports and tourist areas.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, with many businesses also accepting contactless payments. Mobile payment options like SnapScan and Zapper are also popular.
Tipping is generally 10% in restaurants and bars, and R10-R20 for taxi drivers. Hotel staff may not expect tips, but rounding up the bill or leaving R10-R20 is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around R15-R20 at a local café.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a take-out meal from a street vendor or a casual eatery, costing around R20-R30.
A filling dinner at a budget restaurant can cost around R50-R70 for a main course.
Street food is commonly found at the Johannesburg Market, Braamfontein, and the Rosebank Mall.
Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Spar are common supermarket chains in this area.
Affordable high-street shopping can be found at the Eastgate Shopping Centre and the Rosebank Mall.
A single R15 taxi ride is a common way to get around, or use the Rea Vaya bus system for R8.50 for a single trip.
Use public transport or walk/bike whenever possible to save on taxi fares.Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and restaurants to save on food and drinks.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, and use ATMs or banks for better rates.
Emergency Contacts
JohannesburgWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Johannesburg, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Diepkloof Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Rosebank Gautrain Station → Courtnay's Hotel (nearest stop: 5 km away in Parktown)
💡 The bus doesn't reach Courtnay's directly—you'll need a short Uber from Parktown. Cheaper than a taxi but adds 20 minutes. Time it with the train from the airport: R195 for the full journey.
O.R. Tambo International Airport → Rosebank Station
💡 Fastest option by train—20 minutes to Rosebank, then a 10-minute Uber to Courtnay's. Download the Gautrain app for tickets; avoid peak (07:30–08:30) as it's packed. No luggage restrictions.
O.R. Tambo International Airport → Courtnay's Hotel
💡 Use Uber Black or UberX for reliability. Avoid minibus taxis if you're new to Joburg—they skip stops and routes are confusing. Always check the licence plate matches the app.
O.R. Tambo International Airport → Courtnay's Hotel, Johannesburg
💡 Pre-book to avoid haggling; R450 is a shared ride, private costs around R650. Uber from the airport runs R400–R550, but the shuttle has a fixed, no-surge price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Diepkloof Hostel?
To get the best experience at Diepkloof Hostel, request a room on a higher floor (above 3) in the building's north or east wing, as these areas tend to be quieter due to the hostel's orientation and the surrounding neighborhood. The higher floors will also provide a better view of the city.
Which rooms should I avoid at Diepkloof Hostel?
Rooms near the lift, especially in the lower floors (1-2), might be noisier due to the close proximity to the lift and potential foot traffic. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance might experience some noise from deliveries and staff activity.
Is Diepkloof Hostel noisy?
Diepkloof Hostel is situated in a bustling area of Johannesburg, so expect some background noise from the city. However, the hostel's layout and higher floors should help mitigate this.
Which rooms have the best views at Diepkloof Hostel?
Diepkloof Hostel's address in Johannesburg likely has a view of the surrounding cityscape, with the best views available from the upper floors (4-6) in the north or east wing.
What are insider tips for staying at Diepkloof Hostel?
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces can fill up quickly in this area. Consider arriving before check-in time to drop off your bags and secure a spot. Request a room with a private bathroom, as this is a common amenity for 3-star establishments and can make a significant difference in your overall comfort level.
What time is check-in at Diepkloof Hostel?
Check-in at Diepkloof Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Diepkloof Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free tier: 50 Mbps; Paid tier (R50 per day): 100 Mbps; login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Diepkloof Hostel?
R25 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Diepkloof Hostel?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a take-out meal from a street vendor or a casual eatery, costing around R20-R30.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Diepkloof Hostel?
A single R15 taxi ride is a common way to get around, or use the Rea Vaya bus system for R8.50 for a single trip.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
The best months to visit Johannesburg are September and October, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F). These months offer a great balance of pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for exploring the city's many attractions.
Top Attractions in Johannesburg
💡 Start at the Arts on Main building (264 Fox Street) and explore the side alleys – there’s a hidden mural by Faith47 in a parking lot off Albertina Sisulu Road. Best done in daylight; it’s safe in the precinct but don't wander far.
💡 Bring your own cooler box and braai wood – the grills are free. Go on a Saturday morning between 07:00 and 09:00 to watch the rowing club practice. Parking is free on the street but fills early on weekends.
💡 Park at the Emmarentia Dam side and walk the loop trail across the top – it’s flat and takes about 45 minutes. Weekday mornings are dead quiet, but Sunday afternoons get busy with families and informal soccer games.
💡 Entry is R10 (about 50p) for South Africans; R30 for foreign visitors. Go on a weekday when the court is sitting – you can sit in on a real hearing from the public gallery.
💡 Entry is by donation (suggested R20). The guided tour, offered at 11:00 and 14:00, adds context about how apartheid-era South Africa interacted with Nazi Germany – well worth the extra time. Allow 90 minutes.