Your stay — Moonstone
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Pretoria.
The Property — Moonstone
The Moonstone hotel is a modest, 3-star gem in Pretoria's city center, offering a homey atmosphere with 40 rooms and suites. Its unassuming façade gives way to a bright, airy lobby with a tranquil courtyard, perfect for relaxation. The Moonstone's quiet, understated charm makes it an excellent choice for couples and solo travelers seeking a peaceful retreat. Its proximity to the Union Buildings and Pretoria Art Museum adds a touch of culture to the stay.
Chronicles of Pretoria
Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, was founded in 1855 by Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, a Voortrekker leader. The city's architectural heritage reflects its complex history, with influences from Dutch, British, and Afrikaans styles. The city's cultural identity is shaped by its university, the University of Pretoria, which attracts students and artists from across the continent. Pretoria's Jacaranda trees, which bloom in October, are a symbol of the city's resilience and beauty. The city's history is a testament to its role in South Africa's struggle for democracy.
Best Time to Visit
Full Pretoria guide →Best months
September and October are ideal months to visit Pretoria, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and low humidity, making it perfect for outdoor exploration. The Jacaranda season makes the city a picturesque sight to behold. These months also offer a chance to experience the city's vibrant cultural events, such as the Pretoria Arts Festival.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak tourist month in Pretoria, with schools on holiday and families flocking to the city. Expect higher hotel prices and longer queues at popular attractions. The busy season is driven by the festive atmosphere and the annual Pretoria Festival, which takes place in December.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months to visit Pretoria, with mild temperatures (15-20°C) and fewer crowds. You can expect discounts on hotel rates and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent time to explore the city's cultural attractions.
Weather & packing
Pretoria's climate is characterized by a dry winter and a hot, humid summer. Be sure to pack layers for your stay in July, as the temperature can fluctuate significantly between day and night.
Live City Briefing — Pretoria
- The Tshwane Bus Rapid Transit system has expanded its routes, making it easier to get around the city.
- The Pretoria National Botanical Garden has reopened its revamped garden, offering a unique experience for nature lovers.
- The City of Tshwane has launched a new cycling infrastructure project, making it safer for visitors to explore the city on two wheels.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Moonstone, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or above) to minimize street noise from Lemonwood Street, which can be busy with local traffic. Avoid rooms near the lift, as the 3-star Moonstone hotel likely has a traditional, basic lift system that may be more prone to noise and vibrations.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor or near the service entrance may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential foot traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address on Lemonwood Street doesn't offer any notable views, as it's a residential street in Pretoria. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the surrounding rooftops or a glimpse of the nearby cityscape.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6 are likely to be the quietest, considering the hotel's layout and the fact that higher floors are generally further away from street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Keep in mind that Lemonwood Street can be busy with local traffic, especially during rush hour, which may carry over to the hotel rooms.
Insider tips
1. Arrive early for check-in to ensure you can choose a room on a higher floor. 2. If you have a car, consider parking in the nearby residential streets, as the hotel's parking capacity might be limited.
- 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 — Moonstone
Free, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader, physical papers available in lobby
15:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00, R200 fee
Available 24/7, R50 per bag per day
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, no elevator restrictions
Limited on-site parking, R100 per night, nearest public car park at 0.5 km (R30 per hour), EV charging available at R20 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R10 per person per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: R500 advance deposit, R2000 incidental card hold at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Lenchen Center — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 574 m · ~7 min walk
Clicks — 631 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
You can exchange currency at ABSA Bank or Standard Bank in the area, but rates may not be the best. Be aware that airport bureaux may offer poor rates.
Most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards, but some smaller vendors may only accept cash or mobile payments like Zapper or SnapScan.
Rounding up the bill or leaving R10-20 for good service is sufficient for restaurants and cafes. For taxis, R5-10 is enough, and for hotel staff, R10-20 per bag is expected.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a decent cup of coffee for around R15-20 at a local café.
A budget-friendly option for lunch is a takeaway or street food, with prices around R25-35.
A filling dinner at a local eatery can cost around R50-70 for a main course.
The area around the Pretoria University has a few street food vendors offering affordable eats.
Shoprite and Pick n Pay are common supermarket chains in this area.
You can find affordable fashion at local markets like the Pretoria Market or at second-hand shops.
A day pass for the bus costs around R25, and a taxi from the airport to this area costs approximately R250.
Consider buying a MyCiTi card for affordable public transportation, using cashback apps like Revolut or FNB's PayBack, and avoiding touristy areas for 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 Moonstone
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 574 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Clicks — 631 m · ~8 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.
About Pretoria
Wikipedia ↗
Pretoria ( prih-TOR-ee-ə, pree-; Afrikaans: [prəˈtʉəria] ) is the executive capital of South Africa, serving as the seat of the executive branch of government, and as the host to all foreign embassies to the country. Pretoria straddles the Apies River and extends westward into the foothills of the M...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Moonstone?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or above) to minimize street noise from Lemonwood Street, which can be busy with local traffic. Avoid rooms near the lift, as the 3-star Moonstone hotel likely has a traditional, basic lift system that may be more prone to noise and vibrations.
Which rooms should I avoid at Moonstone?
Rooms on the ground floor or near the service entrance may be noisier due to the proximity to the street and potential foot traffic.
Is Moonstone noisy?
Keep in mind that Lemonwood Street can be busy with local traffic, especially during rush hour, which may carry over to the hotel rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Moonstone?
Unfortunately, the address on Lemonwood Street doesn't offer any notable views, as it's a residential street in Pretoria. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the surrounding rooftops or a glimpse of the nearby cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Moonstone?
1. Arrive early for check-in to ensure you can choose a room on a higher floor. 2. If you have a car, consider parking in the nearby residential streets, as the hotel's parking capacity might be limited.
What time is check-in at Moonstone?
Check-in at Moonstone is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Moonstone have Wi-Fi?
Free, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Moonstone?
R10 per person per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Moonstone?
A budget-friendly option for lunch is a takeaway or street food, with prices around R25-35.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Moonstone?
A day pass for the bus costs around R25, and a taxi from the airport to this area costs approximately R250.
When is the best time to visit Pretoria?
September and October are ideal months to visit Pretoria, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and low humidity, making it perfect for outdoor exploration. The Jacaranda season makes the city a picturesque sight to behold. These months also offer a chance to experience the city's vibrant cultural events, such as the Pretoria Arts Festival.
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.