REVIEW: The Four Seasons Johannesburg – The Perfect Post Safari Hotel

The Four Seasons in Johannesburg is a unique property, built into a hillside right in the middle of Johannesburg, and ripe with colonial inspired architecture. As a newly remodeled property (as of this writing in 2017), it is absolutely gorgeous, and is very much in line with other top Four Seasons properties throughout the world.

Nestled into the side of a hill, this expansive property does not fail to impress
My stay here was just for one night, and if you are in South Africa for one of the famed safaris, this should be your preferred hotel while you’re waiting for transfer to your next destination.

Johannesburg is a bustling city, and unfortunately, it also has one of the highest crime rates in South Africa, and in the world. This shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting, but it should be of concern when selecting a property.

When you enter, you’ll notice that there is armed security at the front entrance of the hotel, and diligent staff ensuring the safety of the premises. Once you are inside the gates, the hotel amazes at once.

The hotel is a large complex, and it spans multiple buildings in the side of the Westcliff hills, encompassing two pools, a massive spa complex, and rooms with some incredible views of the surrounding city.

My single most favorite part of this property was the spa, which I spent half a day at

The rooms are classically Four Seasons, luxurious and modern but with refined touches that will age well. Nothing was amiss in my room, and the bed was especially comfortable (dare I say, more so than any other Four Seasons bed i’ve slept in!).

I loved the newly decorated rooms and enjoyed an amazing night of rest here!

At the top of the hill is the premier restaurant on the property – Flames – which offers stunning views, and some pretty awesome local cuisine.

Flames restaurant has impressive decor, amazing views, and delicious cuisine
I had the pleasure of both dining there for brunch and dinner, and am happy to report that it is definitely the place to eat at if you’re staying here.

There is a lot to like about this property, including the welcoming and warm staff, the impressive spa, and the beauty of the gardens and architecture. If I were to visit Johannesburg again, transit or otherwise, I wouldn’t think twice about staying at the Four Seasons here!

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?)

It’s right in the center of Johannesburg, so if you’re looking to get around town, it doesn’t get any closer

10/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean? How good is maid service here?)

Extremely well put together, and very well maintained

9/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

Just remodeled, this is the time to come to this new property!

10/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

Great public spaces including a hillside terrace, rose gardens, multiple pools, and relaxation spaces

9/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

Wonderful service, representative of Four Seasons

9/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

Great food on site, I highly recommend the in room dining as well!

8/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

The concierge service did a great job helping me handle some personal errands including shipping packages back to the US

10/10

TOTAL: 65/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

Lovely spa spaces
Just remodeled!
The views from Flame restaurant are outstanding
CONS:

It is sort of tough to get up the hill unless you can find a golf cart to take you, but just consider it the exercise!
SECRETS:

Be sure to check out the free spa relaxation area near the gym