Your stay — 40 on Ilkey
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The Property — 40 on Ilkey
The 40 on Ilkey hotel is a modest, 3-star gem in Pretoria's city centre, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that suits solo travellers and couples seeking an authentic local experience. The lobby's neutral colour scheme and modern decor invite guests to unwind in a calm, sophisticated space. This boutique hotel's USP lies in its proximity to key attractions, including the Union Buildings and the National Museum, making it an excellent choice for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. As you stand in the lobby, you'll feel the relaxed, small-town vibe of Pretoria, where friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere make you feel right at home.
Chronicles of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa's executive capital, was founded in 1855 as a small Boer settlement called 'Pretorius' after the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius. The city's growth was driven by its strategic location, earning it the nickname 'Jacaranda City' due to its stunning displays of purple-flowering jacaranda trees during the spring. During the apartheid era, Pretoria became a major hub for government and politics, with the Union Buildings, a testament to its rich history, serving as the seat of government. Today, Pretoria is a vibrant city that celebrates its multicultural heritage, blending African, European, and Asian influences, with a thriving arts and cultural scene. As you explore the city, you'll discover a complex, multifaceted identity that reflects its past, present, and future.
Best Time to Visit
Full Pretoria guide →Best months
September and October are ideal months for a visit to Pretoria, with mild temperatures (average highs of 22°C) and minimal crowds, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
November is Pretoria's peak month, with the annual Jacaranda Festival (late September to early November) drawing large crowds and higher hotel prices. The festival celebrates the city's iconic jacaranda trees with music, food, and cultural events, making it a must-visit experience for any Pretoria enthusiast.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and discounted hotel rates. You can enjoy the city's attractions without the peak-season prices and chaos.
Weather & packing
Pretoria's climate is characterized by a distinct wet and dry season, with most of its rain falling between October and March. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the summer months (December to February) and be prepared for occasional rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Pretoria
- The new Pretoria Central Bus Station has opened, offering improved public transportation links and easier access to the city centre.
- The National Museum has introduced a new exhibit on the history of Pretoria, featuring artifacts and interactive displays that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage.
- The Pretoria Botanical Garden has expanded its walking trails, offering visitors more opportunities to explore the stunning gardens and scenic views.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to 40 on Ilkey, 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 Church Street. Consider rooms 601-703, which are likely to be quieter due to their distance from the lift and service entrance.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-3) and those adjacent to the service entrance, as they may be noisier due to the proximity to the entrance and potential delivery noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation, so it is unclear what view options are available.
Quietest floors
Floors 6-10 are likely to be the quietest, with fewer rooms and less foot traffic.
🔊 Noise notes
As the hotel is located on Church Street, guests may experience some street noise, particularly from pedestrians and traffic. However, this is a relatively quiet street compared to other areas of Pretoria.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a refrigerator, as this is not a standard amenity in all rooms, according to the data. Take advantage of the hotel's central location and explore the nearby attractions, such as the Union Buildings and the Pretoria Botanical Garden, which are within walking distance.
- 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 — 40 on Ilkey
Free tier with speeds up to 50 Mbps, paid upgrade to 100 Mbps for R 50 per day
Serves all floors, but one historic section on the upper floor is stairs-only
Complimentary digital newsstand and physical papers available in the lobby
14:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 (R 200 fee)
Limited availability for guests departing before 20:00 at R 50 per bag
Step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, but no elevator access to the upper floor historic section
On-site parking available for R 120 per night, nearest public car park at the nearby Brooklyn Mall for R 80 per day, EV charging available on request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R 10 per person per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit + R 200 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Geref Alkantrant (1.2 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: Church Of Christ (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
- Church: St John Fisher (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre — 513 m · ~6 min walk
Newlands Park — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Atterbury Theatre — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Dis-Chem — 495 m · ~6 min walk
Shell Select — 874 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
You can exchange currency at the OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) at a poor rate, or use a reputable exchange bureau in the city centre. Be cautious of high fees at airports and tourist areas.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most places, but some smaller shops and street vendors may only accept cash. Contactless payments are common, but not as widespread as in larger cities.
Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, around 10-15% for good service. For hotel staff, R5-10 per bag for porters and R20-50 for housekeeping. For taxi drivers, round up the fare to the nearest 5 or leave a small tip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee costs around R20-25 from a local coffee shop or café.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a take-away from a local eatery, around R30-40 for a meal.
A hearty dinner at a mid-range restaurant can cost around R80-120 for a main course.
Street food is available in the Arcadia and Church Square areas, offering a variety of affordable options.
Shoprite and Pick n Pay are common supermarket chains in the area.
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets like the Pretoria Craft Market or the Silver Lakes Flea Market.
A single Rea Vaya bus ticket costs R6.50, and a day pass is available for R18. From the airport, the cheapest option is the R20 Rea Vaya bus from the airport to the city centre.
Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, as rates are often poor.Use public transport or walk/bike whenever possible to save on fuel and parking fees.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls for affordable and delicious meals.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Pretoria, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at 40 on Ilkey
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk — pharmacy · Dis-Chem — 495 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
OR Tambo International Airport → Bohemian Hotel, Pretoria
💡 Take the Gautrain from the airport to Centurion Station, then a metered taxi for the last 12km to Bohemian. Avoid the direct airport taxi rip-offs.
Centurion Station → Pretoria Station
💡 Use a Gautrain card – single tickets are slower. From Pretoria Station, it's a 10-minute taxi to Bohemian. This option only works if you arrive before 20:30 and on a weekday.
OR Tambo International Airport → Bohemian Hotel, Pretoria
💡 Book immediately after collecting luggage. Avoid hailing from inside arrivals; walk to the ride-hailing pickup area near the parking garage to dodge the airport surcharge.
Pretoria Station → Bohemian Hotel (near Church Street)
💡 Pay with a tap card (Tshwane Smart Card) – cash isn't accepted. Get off at the 'Mears Street' stop and walk two blocks. The bus can be crowded at 07:30, so avoid rush hour with luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at 40 on Ilkey?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 5th floor) to minimize street noise from Church Street. Consider rooms 601-703, which are likely to be quieter due to their distance from the lift and service entrance.
Which rooms should I avoid at 40 on Ilkey?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1-3) and those adjacent to the service entrance, as they may be noisier due to the proximity to the entrance and potential delivery noise.
Is 40 on Ilkey noisy?
As the hotel is located on Church Street, guests may experience some street noise, particularly from pedestrians and traffic. However, this is a relatively quiet street compared to other areas of Pretoria.
Which rooms have the best views at 40 on Ilkey?
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information on the hotel's orientation, so it is unclear what view options are available.
What are insider tips for staying at 40 on Ilkey?
Consider requesting a room with a refrigerator, as this is not a standard amenity in all rooms, according to the data. Take advantage of the hotel's central location and explore the nearby attractions, such as the Union Buildings and the Pretoria Botanical Garden, which are within walking distance.
What time is check-in at 40 on Ilkey?
Check-in at 40 on Ilkey is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does 40 on Ilkey have Wi-Fi?
Free tier with speeds up to 50 Mbps, paid upgrade to 100 Mbps for R 50 per day
Is there a city or tourist tax at 40 on Ilkey?
R 10 per person per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near 40 on Ilkey?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a take-away from a local eatery, around R30-40 for a meal.
What is the cheapest way to get around from 40 on Ilkey?
A single Rea Vaya bus ticket costs R6.50, and a day pass is available for R18. From the airport, the cheapest option is the R20 Rea Vaya bus from the airport to the city centre.
When is the best time to visit Pretoria?
September and October are ideal months for a visit to Pretoria, with mild temperatures (average highs of 22°C) and minimal crowds, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Top Attractions in Pretoria
💡 Best seen on a weekday morning when the area feels alive. Stick to the square; the surrounding streets can be dodgy after dark.
💡 Go early on a weekday to walk the gardens without crowds. Security checks are quick but avoid peak times around 9am.
💡 Tucked away, so few tourists. Bring water; no cafe. Best in October when jacarandas bloom purple.
💡 Entry is 45 rand for adults. Pack lunch and use the picnic areas near the dam. Avoid weekends if you want quiet.
💡 Entry is 80 rand for adults. The climb to the top gives great views. Visit on a weekday for fewer people and cheaper parking.