Your stay — Times Square
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The Property — Times Square
The 3-star Times Square Hotel in Johannesburg is a no-frills, unpretentious option that prioritizes comfort and convenience. Its lobby exudes a utilitarian charm, with a modern aesthetic that blends functionality with a hint of African flair. The hotel's 24-hour front desk and on-site restaurant make it an ideal choice for business travelers and tourists alike, particularly those on a tight schedule. Its central location in the heart of the city means that guests are within walking distance to the bustling streets of Braamfontein and the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge. It's not a luxurious retreat, but a solid, dependable choice for those looking for a hassle-free stay.
Chronicles of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, founded in 1886 during the Witwatersrand Gold Rush, has evolved from a small mining town into a cosmopolitan metropolis. The city's architecture reflects its complex history, with Art Deco buildings alongside modern skyscrapers and traditional African structures. Johannesburg's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums showcasing local talent. The city is home to the iconic Constitutional Hill, a former prison turned human rights landmark, and the vibrant Maboneng Precinct, a hub for art, fashion, and food. Johannesburg's rich history and cultural diversity make it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Best Time to Visit
Full Johannesburg guide →Best months
The best months to visit Johannesburg are from September to November and April to May, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). These periods offer pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making them ideal for exploring the city's attractions.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak tourist month in Johannesburg, driven by the festive season and the city's numerous holiday events. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds, especially in the popular areas of Sandton and the Rosebank Gautrain station. The city's events calendar is filled with festive markets, concerts, and fireworks displays, making it a great time to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season for Johannesburg is from March to May and September to November, when prices are lower and the weather is still pleasant. These periods offer a great balance between budget and comfort, making them ideal for travelers looking to save on accommodation costs.
Weather & packing
Johannesburg's climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers, with occasional thunderstorms in the summer months. Be sure to pack layers for your visit, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, even during the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Johannesburg
- The Johannesburg Gautrain has introduced a new route connecting the city to the OR Tambo International Airport, making it easier for visitors to get to and from the airport.
- The Maboneng Precinct has undergone significant renovations, with new restaurants, bars, and shops opening in the area.
- The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation has launched a walking tour program, offering visitors a unique perspective on the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Times Square, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 10th floor) for minimal street noise, such as those located on floors 11-12, as the hotel's elevator is located on the ground floor and is likely to be a primary entry point for guests and staff.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-5) as they may be more prone to street noise from the busy roads in Johannesburg.
Best views
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address being in Johannesburg, it's unlikely to have a notable view. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
Floors 11-15 are likely to be the quietest, given their higher elevation and distance from the street.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests can expect some background noise from the city, particularly at night, but it's unlikely to be excessive, given the hotel's 3-star rating and location.
Insider tips
1. Consider requesting a room with a balcony, as they may offer a bit more natural light and a slight breeze. 2. If you're sensitive to noise, it's worth asking for a room change if you're initially allocated a room on a lower floor or near the elevator.
- 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 — Times Square
free fibre-optic internet; login via room key card
serves all floors and wings
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader); no physical papers
14:00-00:00; early bag-drop 08:00; late check-out until 14:00 (R 200.00 fee)
available 24/7; R 50.00 per bag per day
step-free access; wheelchair-accessible entries; some rooms have limited mobility access
on-site parking available (R 150.00 per night); nearest public car park is the Braamfontein Parking Garage (R 150.00 per day); no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R 6.00 per person per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: R 500.00 advance deposit + R 1,000.00 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Synagogue: The Chabad Goodness and Kindness Centre (1.2 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: St. John The Evangelist United Church (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
- Synagogue: Bet David Progressive Jewish Congregation (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
- Church: Rivers Church (1.5 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Grayston Centre — 627 m · ~8 min walk
Mushroom Farm Park — 896 m · ~11 min walk
Theatre on the Square — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 250 m · ~3 min walk
Medifam Family Medical Centre — 676 m · ~8 min walk
Pick n Pay Express — 291 m · ~4 min walk
Sandton — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices (e.g. Travelex) or at airports, but be aware that rates at airports and tourist bureaux may be poor. Try to exchange at a bank for a better rate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most places, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. Contactless payments are also common, but mobile payment options like Apple Pay are not as widespread.
Tipping is expected at restaurants and bars, around 5-10% of the total bill. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding 5-10 ZAR is sufficient. Hotel staff, like porters and housekeeping, expect around 20-50 ZAR per bag or service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a typical cup of coffee for around 15-20 ZAR at a local café or street vendor.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a meal at a local restaurant or eatery, costing around 50-75 ZAR for a main course.
A budget-friendly dinner option is a meal at a local restaurant or eatery, costing around 100-150 ZAR for a main course.
Street food is available in areas like Braamfontein and Maboneng, offering affordable options like braai (barbecued meat) and traditional South African dishes.
Popular supermarket chains like Pick n Pay and Shoprite have stores throughout the area.
Affordable high-street shopping can be found at stores like Cotton On and H&M, while markets like Neighbourgoods Market offer a variety of local and second-hand clothing options.
A single trip on a minibus taxi costs around 10-20 ZAR, while a day pass on the Gautrain costs around 150 ZAR. The cheapest way to get to the area from the airport is by taking a taxi or minibus taxi, which costs around 200-250 ZAR, depending on traffic.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, opt for local eateries instead. Use public transport or walk/bike when possible to save on transportation costs. Consider buying groceries at local markets or stores instead of shopping at high-end supermarkets.
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 Times Square
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 250 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Medifam Family Medical Centre — 676 m · ~8 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 Times Square?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 10th floor) for minimal street noise, such as those located on floors 11-12, as the hotel's elevator is located on the ground floor and is likely to be a primary entry point for guests and staff.
Which rooms should I avoid at Times Square?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-5) as they may be more prone to street noise from the busy roads in Johannesburg.
Is Times Square noisy?
Guests can expect some background noise from the city, particularly at night, but it's unlikely to be excessive, given the hotel's 3-star rating and location.
Which rooms have the best views at Times Square?
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address being in Johannesburg, it's unlikely to have a notable view. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Times Square?
1. Consider requesting a room with a balcony, as they may offer a bit more natural light and a slight breeze. 2. If you're sensitive to noise, it's worth asking for a room change if you're initially allocated a room on a lower floor or near the elevator.
What time is check-in at Times Square?
Check-in at Times Square is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Times Square have Wi-Fi?
free fibre-optic internet; login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Times Square?
R 6.00 per person per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Times Square?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a meal at a local restaurant or eatery, costing around 50-75 ZAR for a main course.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Times Square?
A single trip on a minibus taxi costs around 10-20 ZAR, while a day pass on the Gautrain costs around 150 ZAR. The cheapest way to get to the area from the airport is by taking a taxi or minibus taxi, which costs around 200-250 ZAR, depending on traffic.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
The best months to visit Johannesburg are from September to November and April to May, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). These periods offer pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making them ideal for exploring the city's 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.