Your stay — Protea Hotels
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The Property — Protea Hotels
Protea Hotels in Johannesburg is a reliable, no-frills choice for the budget-conscious traveller. The lobby's modern design and consistent service make for a quiet, efficient stay. This 3-star hotel caters to business travellers and tourists alike, with clean rooms and a central location. The hotel's proximity to the airport and major highways allows for easy access to the city's attractions, but don't expect opulent decor or a lively atmosphere. For those seeking a hassle-free, no-nonsense place to rest their heads, Protea Hotels delivers.
Chronicles of Johannesburg
Johannesburg was founded in 1886 during the Witwatersrand Gold Rush, when gold was discovered on a farm called Langlaagte. The city's early years were marked by rapid growth and the development of a unique cultural identity shaped by its African, Asian, and European influences. Johannesburg's architectural landscape reflects this diversity, with a mix of Art Deco, neoclassical, and modern buildings. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, including the Apartheid Museum and the Johannesburg Art Gallery. Today, Johannesburg is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant arts scene and a strong sense of community.
Best Time to Visit
Full Johannesburg guide →Best months
The best months to visit Johannesburg are October and November, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F). These months also offer a break from the peak tourist season, making it easier to explore the city's attractions without the crowds.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak tourist month in Johannesburg, driven by the festive season and the holiday period. Expect higher hotel prices, larger crowds, and a more lively atmosphere. Popular events like the Johannesburg Festival of Motoring and the Joburg Theatre's festive productions draw visitors from across the country.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Prices are generally lower, and the city's attractions are less busy, making it an ideal time to explore the city's museums, parks, and cultural institutions.
Weather & packing
Johannesburg's climate is subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms during the summer months by packing lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof jacket.
Live City Briefing — Johannesburg
- The Johannesburg Metro Police have launched a new app to report traffic congestion and parking issues, making it easier for visitors to navigate the city.
- The Nelson Mandela Bridge, a major route connecting the city's central business district to the northern suburbs, is currently undergoing renovations and may cause traffic delays.
- The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, a popular tourist attraction, has re-opened its historic glasshouse after a major renovation, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's natural heritage.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Protea Hotels, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally 5th floor or above, to minimize potential street noise from the surrounding area. This hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more modest building, and the floors are concrete, which can help reduce noise. Additionally, rooms on the higher floors may offer better views of the Johannesburg cityscape.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as they may be noisier due to frequent use. Also, rooms near the service entrance or bar areas may experience more noise from staff and patrons.
Best views
North-facing rooms on higher floors (5th floor and above) may offer a view of the northern part of the city, while south-facing rooms may look out onto the surrounding buildings.
Quietest floors
4th floor to 7th floor
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the surrounding area may be a concern, especially during rush hour or late at night. Additionally, the hotel's location may be subject to some ambient noise from nearby businesses and traffic.
Insider tips
Request a room with a fridge, as it's not a standard amenity in all rooms, but it's available in some rooms for a surcharge. If you have a car, consider requesting a room with parking, as the hotel has limited parking spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 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 — Protea Hotels
Free Wi-Fi, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital newsstand with PressReader, no physical papers
Check-in from 15:00, bag drop from 07:00, late check-out until 14:00 (R200 fee)
Available, R20 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, accessible rooms available
On-site parking available, R120 per night, valet parking also available; nearest public car park is at the adjacent Oxford Corner Shopping Centre, R20 per hour; electric vehicle charging available at the hotel
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R20 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: R500 advance deposit and a credit card hold for incidentals
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Illovo Junction — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
James and Ethel Gray Park — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
Burger King — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Clicks — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Bonjour — 252 m · ~3 min walk
Rosebank — 2.7 km · ~33 min walk
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 Protea Hotels
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Clicks — 1.9 km · ~24 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 Protea Hotels?
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally 5th floor or above, to minimize potential street noise from the surrounding area. This hotel's 3-star rating suggests a more modest building, and the floors are concrete, which can help reduce noise. Additionally, rooms on the higher floors may offer better views of the Johannesburg cityscape.
Which rooms should I avoid at Protea Hotels?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevator) as they may be noisier due to frequent use. Also, rooms near the service entrance or bar areas may experience more noise from staff and patrons.
Is Protea Hotels noisy?
Street noise from the surrounding area may be a concern, especially during rush hour or late at night. Additionally, the hotel's location may be subject to some ambient noise from nearby businesses and traffic.
Which rooms have the best views at Protea Hotels?
North-facing rooms on higher floors (5th floor and above) may offer a view of the northern part of the city, while south-facing rooms may look out onto the surrounding buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Protea Hotels?
Request a room with a fridge, as it's not a standard amenity in all rooms, but it's available in some rooms for a surcharge. If you have a car, consider requesting a room with parking, as the hotel has limited parking spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What time is check-in at Protea Hotels?
Check-in at Protea Hotels is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Protea Hotels have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Protea Hotels?
R20 per person per night
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
The best months to visit Johannesburg are October and November, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F). These months also offer a break from the peak tourist season, making it easier to explore the city's attractions without the 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.