Your stay — One John 5 Four Lodge
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The Property — One John 5 Four Lodge
One John 5 Four Lodge is a no-frills, mid-range hotel with a modern aesthetic and functional design, situated in a quiet corner of Johannesburg's industrial suburb of Brixton. The lobby's minimalist decor and exposed brickwork create a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere, suitable for solo travellers and couples seeking a hassle-free stay. The hotel's proximity to public transportation and the city's vibrant arts scene make it an attractive choice for those interested in exploring Johannesburg's creative side. As a 3-star hotel, it caters to budget-conscious travellers who value practicality over luxury. The staff is friendly and welcoming, adding to the hotel's charm.
Chronicles of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, known as the 'City of Gold', was founded in 1886 as a mining camp during the Witwatersrand Gold Rush. The city's early architecture reflects its industrial heritage, with many historic buildings showcasing a mix of Art Deco and Edwardian styles. Over time, Johannesburg evolved into a thriving metropolis, earning a reputation for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues. Today, the city is a melting pot of cultures, with a strong sense of community and a passion for innovation. The city's apartheid-era history is also still palpable, with many landmarks and museums serving as a reminder of its complex past.
Best Time to Visit
Full Johannesburg guide →Best months
The best months to visit Johannesburg are October, November, and March, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the peak-season crowds.
Peak / festival surge
December is peak tourist season, driven by the festive atmosphere, school holidays, and the Johannesburg Festival of Arts. Expect higher prices and larger crowds during this time. Hotel prices may increase by up to 20% compared to the shoulder season.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with prices dropping by up to 30% compared to peak season. The weather is still pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time to explore the city's attractions.
Weather & packing
Johannesburg's climate is characterized by a subtropical highland climate, with sudden rain showers and mild temperatures. Pack layers for your stay, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, even in the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Johannesburg
- A new bus rapid transit (BRT) system is being implemented in Johannesburg, with several routes already operational. Visitors can take advantage of the convenient and affordable public transportation to explore the city. The nearby Brixton Market has recently undergone renovations, offering a wider range of food and shopping options for visitors.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to One John 5 Four Lodge, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-2) as they may be more prone to street noise from the surrounding area. Opt for rooms on higher floors (3-5) for a quieter stay. Consider requesting a room on the north-facing side to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the service entrance (likely on the ground floor) may experience noise from staff and deliveries. Avoid rooms near the elevator as it can be noisy, especially during peak hours.
Best views
Given the hotel's location, there are no specific views to request. However, rooms on higher floors may have a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
Floors 3-5 are likely to be the quietest, given the hotel's 3-star rating and location in a city that tends to have more noise pollution.
🔊 Noise notes
Johannesburg is a busy city, and street noise can be a concern. Be prepared for some outside noise, especially during peak hours. The hotel's location in the city means that noise from traffic and nearby businesses may be present.
Insider tips
Request a room with a key card access to the elevator to avoid waiting for the lift to be manually operated. If you're driving, consider asking for a room closer to the main entrance for easier access to your vehicle.
- 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 — One John 5 Four Lodge
free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints, but R100/500 MB for faster tiers
serves all floors, except for the Art Deco wing which has stairs-only access
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader/FT) on tablets in lobby, no physical papers
08:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 12:00 (R500 after 14:00)
available from R20 per bag, per day, for up to 24 hours
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance and rear service entrance, no structural limitations
on-site parking available for R100 per night, nearest public car park is the adjacent Braamfontein parking garage (R80 per day), no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R15 per person, per night (Saturday to Sunday: R20)
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit, R500 incidental card hold at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Bellevue Park — 748 m · ~9 min walk
Alahambra Theatre — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Capitec Bank — 837 m · ~10 min walk
Quickshop — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Bus Station (Under Construction) — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs. Be cautious of poor rates at the OR Tambo International Airport, as they tend to be less favorable.
Contactless payments and credit cards are widely accepted in the Johannesburg area, but some smaller vendors might require cash. Mobile payments are also common, especially for smaller transactions.
Tipping is expected in South Africa, especially in the service industry. Aim to tip around 10-15% in restaurants and bars, and R5-10 for taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around R15-20 from a street vendor or a local café.
You can find a filling lunch for around R20-30 at a local eatery or food stall.
A budget dinner at a local restaurant can cost around R50-80 for a main course.
The Braamfontein and Hillbrow areas are known for their affordable street food options.
Shoprite and Pick n Pay are common supermarket chains in the area.
For affordable shopping, try the Market Theatre or the nearby Braamfontein Flea Market.
A single bus ticket costs around R10-20, and a day pass is available for R20-30. From the airport, take the Rea Vaya bus for around R40-50.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport, use ATMs instead. Consider purchasing a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for data and navigation. Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and restaurants to save on drinks and 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 One John 5 Four Lodge
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Capitec Bank — 837 m · ~10 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 One John 5 Four Lodge?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-2) as they may be more prone to street noise from the surrounding area. Opt for rooms on higher floors (3-5) for a quieter stay. Consider requesting a room on the north-facing side to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.
Which rooms should I avoid at One John 5 Four Lodge?
Rooms near the service entrance (likely on the ground floor) may experience noise from staff and deliveries. Avoid rooms near the elevator as it can be noisy, especially during peak hours.
Is One John 5 Four Lodge noisy?
Johannesburg is a busy city, and street noise can be a concern. Be prepared for some outside noise, especially during peak hours. The hotel's location in the city means that noise from traffic and nearby businesses may be present.
Which rooms have the best views at One John 5 Four Lodge?
Given the hotel's location, there are no specific views to request. However, rooms on higher floors may have a better view of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at One John 5 Four Lodge?
Request a room with a key card access to the elevator to avoid waiting for the lift to be manually operated. If you're driving, consider asking for a room closer to the main entrance for easier access to your vehicle.
What time is check-in at One John 5 Four Lodge?
Check-in at One John 5 Four Lodge is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does One John 5 Four Lodge have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints, but R100/500 MB for faster tiers
Is there a city or tourist tax at One John 5 Four Lodge?
R15 per person, per night (Saturday to Sunday: R20)
Where can I eat cheaply near One John 5 Four Lodge?
You can find a filling lunch for around R20-30 at a local eatery or food stall.
What is the cheapest way to get around from One John 5 Four Lodge?
A single bus ticket costs around R10-20, and a day pass is available for R20-30. From the airport, take the Rea Vaya bus for around R40-50.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
The best months to visit Johannesburg are October, November, and March, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the peak-season crowds.
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.