🇿🇦 Johannesburg, South Africa
Fairlawns Hotel
📍 1, Alma Road, Johannesburg
Photo: official website
Your stay — Fairlawns Hotel
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Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Fairlawns Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5th floor) to minimize street noise from Alma Road. Avoid rooms near the lift, as the Fairlawns Hotel is a 3-star property and the lift may be less efficient, potentially causing more noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors) may be noisy due to the potential for frequent use and less efficient operation.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address on Alma Road does not provide a clear indication of scenic views. However, rooms on the north or south sides of the hotel might offer a view of the surrounding neighborhood.
Quietest floors
Floors 6 and above are likely to be quieter due to the potential distance from the street and lift
🔊 Noise notes
As the hotel is located on a main road, guests can expect some traffic noise, especially during peak hours. The hotel's location in Johannesburg means it's likely to be surrounded by the sounds of a busy city.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask about parking options, as the hotel may have limited spaces. Request a room with a private balcony or patio if available, as this can provide a quiet retreat amidst the bustling city.
- 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 — Fairlawns Hotel
Complimentary, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but some stairs-only sections exist in the historic wing
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers available in the lobby
Check-in from 14:00, early arrivals accepted from 10:00, late check-out by 12:00 noon with a R 250 fee
Available from 08:00 to 22:00 at R 50 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrances and rooms, but some structural limitations in the older sections
On-site parking available at R 100 per night, nearest public car park at approximately R 50 per day, and no EV charging facilities
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R 15 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: R 500 advance deposit and a R 500 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Alleluia Ministries International (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
The Wedge — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Ernest Ullman Park — 478 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Clicks — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
Travellers can exchange currency at major banks, such as Standard Bank, or at currency exchange offices at OR Tambo International Airport, but be aware that rates may be unfavourable. Avoid exchanging at airports for better rates.
Major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted, and contactless payments are becoming increasingly common, especially in shopping malls and restaurants. Mobile payment methods like SnapScan are also popular.
Tipping in South Africa is customary, with 10% to 15% expected in restaurants and bars, and R10 to R20 (10-20 ZAR) for taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local street vendor or a convenience store for around R15-20 (1-2 USD)
A cheap lunch option is a traditional South African braai (barbecue) or a take-out meal from a local eatery for around R30-50 (2-3 USD)
A budget-friendly dinner option can be found at a mid-range restaurant serving local cuisine, with a main course costing around R80-120 (5-8 USD)
The area around Braamfontein and the inner-city is known for its vibrant street food scene, with many vendors offering traditional South African snacks and meals.
The most common budget supermarket chains in this area are Pick n Pay and Spar, with a range of affordable options available.
Affordable high-street shopping can be found at the nearby Braamfontein Mall, which offers a range of local and international brands.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the Gautrain bus service, which offers a day pass for around R50 (3 USD), or by using the Rea Vaya bus service, which costs R4.50 (0.30 USD) per ride.
Take advantage of the Gautrain bus service, which offers a cheaper alternative to taxis and Uber.Eat at local eateries or street vendors for a more affordable meal option.Shop at local markets or second-hand stores for unique and affordable fashion finds.
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 Fairlawns Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk — pharmacy · Clicks — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
🚐 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 Fairlawns Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5th floor) to minimize street noise from Alma Road. Avoid rooms near the lift, as the Fairlawns Hotel is a 3-star property and the lift may be less efficient, potentially causing more noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Fairlawns Hotel?
Rooms near the lift (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors) may be noisy due to the potential for frequent use and less efficient operation.
Is Fairlawns Hotel noisy?
As the hotel is located on a main road, guests can expect some traffic noise, especially during peak hours. The hotel's location in Johannesburg means it's likely to be surrounded by the sounds of a busy city.
Which rooms have the best views at Fairlawns Hotel?
Unfortunately, the address on Alma Road does not provide a clear indication of scenic views. However, rooms on the north or south sides of the hotel might offer a view of the surrounding neighborhood.
What are insider tips for staying at Fairlawns Hotel?
When checking in, ask about parking options, as the hotel may have limited spaces. Request a room with a private balcony or patio if available, as this can provide a quiet retreat amidst the bustling city.
What time is check-in at Fairlawns Hotel?
Check-in at Fairlawns Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Fairlawns Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Complimentary, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Fairlawns Hotel?
R 15 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Fairlawns Hotel?
A cheap lunch option is a traditional South African braai (barbecue) or a take-out meal from a local eatery for around R30-50 (2-3 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from Fairlawns Hotel?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the Gautrain bus service, which offers a day pass for around R50 (3 USD), or by using the Rea Vaya bus service, which costs R4.50 (0.30 USD) per ride.
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.