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Discover the "Big Five" as part of your South African trek
Johannesburg Hotels
Even Johannesburg's most desirable neighborhoods (Rosebank, Sandton, Melville) have hotel options ranging from high-end European-style grand hotels to budget hostels and funky B&Bs. For all-out luxury, the Grace in Rosebank (54 Bath Ave.), located in the leafy and stylish suburb of Rosebank, has one of the highest levels of service and posh in the city. Another good choice is the secluded ambiance of the Westcliff Hotel (; 67 Jan Smuts Ave.), which has attracted the likes of Charlize Theron, U2, and Sir Peter Ustinov; most of its 115 fully appointed rooms have private balconies. For value, our favorite is the Tuscan-flavored A Room With a View (1 Tolip St.), set high above trendy Melville; the natural parkland of the surrounding Koppies will resemble an Italian countryside from your room’s private balcony, and each room has a fireplace perfect for cozying up. Otherwise, head to the four-star Rosebank Hotel (Tyrwhitt and Sturdee aves.), in the heart of the stylish Rosebank neighborhood and steps away from three exclusive shopping malls (many of the stores inside give exclusive discounts to hotel guests) and the African Crafts Market, regarded as South Africa’s best flea market, where you can pick up your de rigueur African masks, wooden carvings, beaded dolls, wire baskets and other indigenous objects. If you’re doing the city on the cheap, your best budget rooms are at the Melville Turret Guest House (118 Second Ave.), within walking distance from the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve; each room has its own private entrance. Also, try the Backpackers Ritz (1A North Rd.), a well-appointed hostel set in a beautiful mansion on the edge of the bustling Rosebank neighborhood.
$537+: One-way flights to South Africa from NYC or DC South African Airways
