Your stay — The Talking Feather
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 — The Talking Feather
The Talking Feather, a 3-star hotel in Pretoria, is a mid-range gem with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The lobby features a mix of modern and colonial-style decor, with dark-wood accents and vibrant artwork. This unassuming hotel is ideal for budget-conscious travellers and families, offering comfortable rooms and a relaxed, laid-back vibe. The friendly staff and relatively small size make it easy to get to know fellow guests and local tips.
Chronicles of Pretoria
Pretoria, founded in 1855 by Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, has evolved from a small Boer settlement to a thriving city. The city's early architecture reflects its colonial past, with many buildings showcasing a mix of Victorian and Edwardian styles. Today, Pretoria is a hub for politics, education, and culture, with a strong sense of community. The city is home to the University of Pretoria, one of the largest universities in South Africa, and the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Best Time to Visit
Full Pretoria guide →Best months
September to November and March to May are ideal months for good weather and manageable crowds. These periods offer mild temperatures, averaging around 20°C, and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
Peak / festival surge
December is peak tourist season in Pretoria, driven by the summer holidays and school breaks. Expect higher prices, larger crowds, and long queues at popular attractions. Hotel prices may increase by up to 20% during this time.
Budget shoulder season
April and May offer a great value for budget-conscious travellers, with discounts of up to 30% on hotel rooms and lower prices for activities. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
Weather & packing
Pretoria's climate is known for its sudden rain showers, so pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Be prepared for warm days and cooler evenings, especially in the evenings, and dress in layers for a comfortable stay.
Live City Briefing — Pretoria
- The City of Tshwane (Pretoria's metropolitan municipality) has introduced a new bike-sharing system, making it easier to get around the city without a car.
- The National Museum of Natural History in Pretoria is currently undergoing renovations and will be closed until the end of 2026.
- The Pretoria National Botanical Garden has extended its opening hours to 18:00 during the summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful gardens later in the day.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Talking Feather, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize potential street noise from Kgosi Mampuru Street and surrounding traffic. Additionally, opt for a room at the back of the hotel to avoid any potential disturbances from the service entrance.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first and second floors due to potential noise from the service entrance and nearby traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, The Talking Feather's location in Pretoria doesn't offer any notable views from the hotel's rooms, given its urban setting.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Guests should be aware of potential noise from the service entrance, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, and from traffic on Kgosi Mampuru Street.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's location by walking to the nearby National Museum, which is a short distance away. Use the hotel's lift, as the stairs can be a bit narrow and may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- 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 — The Talking Feather
Free, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary PressReader digital newsstand, physical papers available in lobby
08:00-22:00, early bag-drop from 06:00, late check-out until 14:00 for R250
Available 24/7, R10 per bag per day
Wheelchair-accessible entrance, step-free access to all areas, some rooms reserved for guests with disabilities
On-site parking available, R120 per night, nearest public car park is at the nearby Arcadia Centre, R100 per day, no EV charging on-site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: R22.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 50% deposit due at booking, R500 incidental card hold at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Maroela Street Park — 638 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 909 m · ~11 min walk
Clicks — 866 m · ~11 min walk
Quickshop — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Silverton — 3.2 km · ~40 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
You can exchange currency at the OR Tambo International Airport, but the rates are poor. It's better to exchange at a local bank, such as Standard Bank or ABSA, or use an ATM.
Most major credit and debit cards are accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless payments are widely accepted, and mobile payments like Snapscan and Zapper are also popular.
Tipping in South Africa is generally 10-15% in restaurants and bars, and R10-R20 for taxi drivers. Hotel staff and porters expect R20-R50 per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found for around R10-R15 at a local café or coffee shop.
A budget lunch can be had for around R30-R50 at a street food stall or a local eatery.
A cheap dinner can be found for around R50-R80 at a local restaurant serving traditional South African cuisine.
The Hatfield and Arcadia areas have a variety of street food options, including braai (barbecued meat) and traditional South African dishes.
Local grocery stores like Pick n Pay and Spar are common in the area, offering affordable prices on essentials.
Affordable clothing options can be found at local markets like the Pretoria Market or at high-street stores like Mr Price.
A single trip on a MyCiTi bus costs R15, and a day pass can be purchased for R29. From the airport, take the RAPID bus service to the Hatfield or Arcadia areas for around R40.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport, as the rates are poor.Use public transportation instead of taxis or Uber for short trips.Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls for affordable 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 The Talking Feather
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 909 m · ~11 min walk — pharmacy · Clicks — 866 m · ~11 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 The Talking Feather?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize potential street noise from Kgosi Mampuru Street and surrounding traffic. Additionally, opt for a room at the back of the hotel to avoid any potential disturbances from the service entrance.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Talking Feather?
Avoid rooms on the first and second floors due to potential noise from the service entrance and nearby traffic.
Is The Talking Feather noisy?
Guests should be aware of potential noise from the service entrance, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, and from traffic on Kgosi Mampuru Street.
Which rooms have the best views at The Talking Feather?
Unfortunately, The Talking Feather's location in Pretoria doesn't offer any notable views from the hotel's rooms, given its urban setting.
What are insider tips for staying at The Talking Feather?
Take advantage of the hotel's location by walking to the nearby National Museum, which is a short distance away. Use the hotel's lift, as the stairs can be a bit narrow and may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
What time is check-in at The Talking Feather?
Check-in at The Talking Feather is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Talking Feather have Wi-Fi?
Free, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Talking Feather?
R22.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near The Talking Feather?
A budget lunch can be had for around R30-R50 at a street food stall or a local eatery.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Talking Feather?
A single trip on a MyCiTi bus costs R15, and a day pass can be purchased for R29. From the airport, take the RAPID bus service to the Hatfield or Arcadia areas for around R40.
When is the best time to visit Pretoria?
September to November and March to May are ideal months for good weather and manageable crowds. These periods offer mild temperatures, averaging around 20°C, and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
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.