In recent years, Johannesburg has lacked a distinguished larger hotel. (I recommend two boutique properties, Saxon and Fairlawns, both hideaways located in the city’s northern residential suburbs.)
Orient-Express (now Belmond) sold The Westcliff in July 2012, and after a $56 million renovation, the hotel has reopened as a Four Seasons. Set on a leafy, eight-acre hilltop estate, the 117-room property comprises nine low-rise buildings linked by courtyards and walkways. Relatively close to downtown — which, after years of being off-limits to foreign visitors, is showing renewed signs of life — and about 30 minutes from the international airport (depending on traffic), The Westcliff is a conveniently located urban sanctuary. The spacious rooms are decorated in a fresh modern style and come equipped with the state-of-the-art baths you would expect from Four Seasons. View serves seasonal South African cuisine and offers a spectacular panoramic terrace. Other amenities include two heated swimming pools and a spa with nine treatment rooms.
The large, bright rooms; the garden setting; the prevailing atmosphere of calm.
Rooms located at the top of the hill can be slightly inconvenient.
One of the swimming pools is dedicated to use by families; it is extremely difficult to predict how long it will take to get to the international airport, so allow plenty of time.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
