Your stay — Hotel Constantia
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The Property — Hotel Constantia
Hotel Constantia is a 3-star gem in the heart of Johannesburg's leafy suburb of Constantia, offering a tranquil retreat from the city's urban bustle. The hotel's colonial-style façade and lush gardens create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for business travellers and families seeking a relaxing stay. As a local favourite, it boasts a warm, welcoming service and comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Its proximity to the famous Johannesburg Botanical Gardens makes it an ideal choice for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Chronicles of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, founded in 1886 during the Witwatersrand Gold Rush, has evolved into a vibrant, multicultural metropolis. The city's architectural landscape reflects its history, with a mix of Art Deco, Victorian, and modern skyscrapers. Johannesburg's rich cultural identity is a result of its African, Asian, and European influences, making it a fascinating destination for art, music, and food lovers. The city's apartheid legacy is still visible in its architecture and museums, offering a poignant reminder of its complex past. The Johannesburg Art Gallery, Nelson Mandela Bridge, and Constitution Hill are some of the city's notable landmarks.
Best Time to Visit
Full Johannesburg guide →Best months
September and October are ideal months to visit Johannesburg, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and fewer crowds, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the city's many museums.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak tourist month in Johannesburg, driven by the festive season and the popular Johannesburg International Festival, which attracts international artists and performers. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds during this time.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild temperatures (15-20°C) and lower prices, making it an ideal time to explore the city's many attractions without the crowds.
Weather & packing
Johannesburg's climate is known for its sudden rain showers, so it's essential to pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable, versatile clothing that can be easily layered. Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen for the sunny days.
Live City Briefing — Johannesburg
- The Johannesburg Passenger Railway Corporation has launched a new bus rapid transit system, making it easier to get around the city.
- The Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein has reopened after a brief closure, offering a weekend market experience with local food, crafts, and live music.
- The Johannesburg Zoo has introduced a new elephant exhibit, featuring a large viewing area and a chance to get up close to these majestic creatures.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Constantia, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 5th floor) to minimize street noise from Illovo Road. The hotel's concrete floors will help reduce noise transmission, making the higher floors a better choice.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st to 3rd) as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Additionally, rooms near the lift (elevators) may experience more noise, so it's best to request a room at a distance from the lift shaft.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Illovo Road doesn't offer stunning views. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
The 4th to 7th floors are likely the quietest, being higher up and away from the street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that Illovo Road can be busy, especially during rush hour, which may impact room noise levels. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors may amplify the sound of footsteps and voices from adjacent rooms.
Insider tips
1. Request a room with a king-size bed, as they are more spacious and often located on higher floors. 2. If you're a light sleeper, consider requesting a room with a balcony, which may help mask some of the street noise.
- 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 — Hotel Constantia
free WiFi throughout the hotel, speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
accessible to all floors, no historic stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and Gauteng Times physical papers
16:00 - 22:00; early bag drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00 for R500
available 24/7 for R50 per bag per 24 hours
step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrance, some rooms with adapted bathrooms
on-site parking available for R120 per night, valet parking also available; nearest public car park is at the Johannesburg Zoo, R30 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R25 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: R500 advance deposit and a credit card hold for R1,000 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Seventh Day Adventist Church (446 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: 7th Day Adventists (513 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: The Cathederal of St Mary the Virgin (598 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Methodist Evangelical Serice (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Carlton Centre — 641 m · ~8 min walk
Ernest Oppenheimer Park — 830 m · ~10 min walk
Johannesburg Art Gallery — 688 m · ~9 min walk
Windybrow Theatre — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 92 m · ~1 min walk
Spar Lister Pharmacy — 361 m · ~5 min walk
Shell Select — 693 m · ~9 min walk
Fashion Square Northbound (T1) — 93 m · ~1 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
You can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices, but be aware that airport bureaux often have poor rates. It's best to use ATMs or withdraw cash in advance to get a better exchange rate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments, at most businesses, especially in the city centre. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted at some larger merchants.
Tipping is expected for good service, especially in restaurants and bars, around 10-15% of the total bill. For hotel staff, R10-R20 per bag for porters and R20-R50 per day for housekeeping is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee from a street vendor costs around R15-R20.
You can find a filling lunch at a local eatery or street vendor for around R30-R50.
An affordable dinner at a mid-range restaurant can cost around R80-R120 for a main course.
The Braamfontein neighborhood and surrounding areas are popular for street food and affordable eats.
Checkers and Pick n Pay are common supermarket chains in the area.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein.
A Rea Vaya bus ticket costs around R4.50 for a single ride or R20 for a day pass. From the airport, take the R24 highway to the city centre and then use public transport or a taxi.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or using tourist-oriented currency exchange offices.Use public transport or walk/bike when possible to save on transportation costs.Eat at local eateries or street vendors for affordable and authentic meals.
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 Hotel Constantia
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 92 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Spar Lister Pharmacy — 361 m · ~5 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 Hotel Constantia?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 5th floor) to minimize street noise from Illovo Road. The hotel's concrete floors will help reduce noise transmission, making the higher floors a better choice.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Constantia?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st to 3rd) as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Additionally, rooms near the lift (elevators) may experience more noise, so it's best to request a room at a distance from the lift shaft.
Is Hotel Constantia noisy?
Be aware that Illovo Road can be busy, especially during rush hour, which may impact room noise levels. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors may amplify the sound of footsteps and voices from adjacent rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Constantia?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Illovo Road doesn't offer stunning views. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Constantia?
1. Request a room with a king-size bed, as they are more spacious and often located on higher floors. 2. If you're a light sleeper, consider requesting a room with a balcony, which may help mask some of the street noise.
What time is check-in at Hotel Constantia?
Check-in at Hotel Constantia is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Constantia have Wi-Fi?
free WiFi throughout the hotel, speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Constantia?
R25 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Constantia?
You can find a filling lunch at a local eatery or street vendor for around R30-R50.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Constantia?
A Rea Vaya bus ticket costs around R4.50 for a single ride or R20 for a day pass. From the airport, take the R24 highway to the city centre and then use public transport or a taxi.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
September and October are ideal months to visit Johannesburg, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and fewer crowds, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the city's many museums.
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.