O.R. Tambo International Airport has earned itself the title of Africa’s Busiest Airport and has even been called The Gateway to Africa. This is not surprising if you consider it to be many an international traveller`s first (or only) encounter with Africa. Whether you are fulfilling business obligations in Sandton, have a layover en route to or from other airports in South Africa, or touch base at O.R. Tambo to explore South Africa`s northern attractions, we encourage you to see this as an opportunity to linger a bit longer and discover what Johannesburg has to offer. TravelGround has rounded up a few convenient stays close to the airport that are perfect for every kind of visitor.
Airport Stays for Corporate Travellers
Many accommodation establishments around O.R. Tambo cater for business travellers with amenities like work desks in the rooms and business centres with office equipment. If you’re looking to organise a meeting or seminar, use TravelGround`s convenient filter to find accommodation options around the airport that offer conference facilities.
Transport options around O.R. Tambo include taxis, Uber and car rental companies, but if your accommodation provides its own transport service, it could cut out a lot of headache-worthy logistics. Some establishments offer airport shuttles that run 24 hours a day ─ convenient for those who need to catch early morning or late night flights.
Here are our top picks for business travellers:
1. African Tribes ─ 24 hour airport shuttle; conference facilities.
Other facilities: Wi-Fi; breakfast; Jacuzzi; day rate for travellers needing a place to relax between flights.
2. Africa Paradise – OR Tambo Airport Guest Lodge ─ Free airport shuttle; conference facilities.
Other facilities: Wi-Fi, breakfast; heated pool; Jacuzzi.
3. Afrique Boutique Hotel ─ Airport shuttle; conference facilities;
Other facilities: Wi-Fi; breakfast; tours; 24 hour reception.
4. Avon Road Guest House & Tours ─ Shuttle to airport and surroundings; work desk in room.
Other facilities: Wi-Fi; breakfast; solar heated swimming pool.
5. Sonyador Guesthouse ─ Shuttle to airport and various destinations; conference facilities; work desk in room.
Other facilities: Wi-Fi; breakfast; heated pool.
6. The Aviator Hotel ─ Free airport shuttle; conference facilities for up to 200 delegates; 2 breakaway venues.
Other facilities: Wi-Fi, breakfast.
7. The Mannah Executive Guest Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre ─ Shuttle to airport, main shopping areas and Gautrain; 3 conference venues for 30 to 180 delegates.
Other facilities: Wi-Fi; breakfast.
Speaking of business trips ─ have you heard of our new business accommodation website? WorkTripper.co.za is built exclusively for business travellers and will ensure your next trip is anything but hard work.
Airport Stays for Tours or Safaris
Some guesthouses and hotels around O.R. Tambo offer tours to interesting destinations in Gauteng and beyond, such as Soweto, Pretoria, the Lion Park, Elephant Sanctuary, De Wildt Cheetah Wildlife Centre and many more. Outlook Lodge offers guests the opportunity to book day excursions to all that Gauteng has to offer, and operates safaris to the Kruger National Park with their own professional safari guides.
Here are our top picks with tour options:
Acre of Africa Guesthouse – Airport shuttle; Wi-Fi; breakfast (additional).
Outlook Lodge – Airport shuttle; WiFi; breakfast.
Destiny Exclusive Hotel – Airport shuttle; WiFi; breakfast (additional); conference facilities; spa, 24 hour reception.
For the Spa Addict
It is not hard to find accommodation around O.R. Tambo with heated pools or Jacuzzis. These spoils are essential between long flights or after draining days filled with business meetings. The discerning traveller or honeymoon couple might appreciate the extensive offerings of Witwater Guest House & Spa which include a Roman bath, spa treatments for couples, aromatherapy in an infrared cabin, manicures and pedicures.
Other facilities at Witwater Guest House & Spa: Wi-Fi; breakfast; conference venue; business corner.
O.R. Tambo is not just a gateway, but a sought after destination in its own right. Once you’ve booked your stay in its vicinity, be sure to treat yourself to some inner city entertainment.
The approximately 20 km radius around O.R. Tambo presents a festivity of metropolitan indulgence. Visitors can try their luck at the casinos at Emperor`s Palace and Carnival City, or shop ‘til they drop at East Rand Mall, Lakeside Mall, Sandton City, or Melrose Arch with its fine dining splendour. Even though Johannesburg is far inland, you can still take the kids for beach-like fun at Wild Waters in Boksburg.
Whatever your reason for passing through O.R. Tambo International Airport, we trust this roundup will help you choose accommodation that best fits your needs!
Feature image: Sandton Gautrain Station, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa by South African Tourism (Flickr)
