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The Residence Boutique Hotel: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
17 4th Avenue | Houghton, Johannesburg 1477, South Africa
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The Residence Boutique Hotel
Ranked #1 of 57 hotels in Johannesburg
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91 reviews from our community

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Traveler rating
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    3
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Date Rating
Sydney, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“A total experience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 19, 2013

What a wonderful hotel. Recommended by a colleague I was tentative - Johannesburg is not exactly short on good hotels. However this is an outstanding hotel - they don't miss an opportunity to impress. The reasonableness of free soft drinks in the mini bar compared with like hotels charging ridiculous amounts, the outstanding breakfast which must meet all tastes, outstanding dinner menu at very reasonable prices and the very best turn down service. The rooms are outstanding - the ultimate in comfort. Staff could not be any better, not one of them. All at a very reasonable price. I spend many nights in Johannesburg each year and many of my colleagues do also. We now have a new base in Jozi. Can't wait to return!

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Leanne H about The Residence Boutique Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Residence T, Owner at The Residence Boutique Hotel, responded to this review
February 20, 2013
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with such a lovely review. We really do appreciate it. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to welcoming you back.
All the very best.
The Residence team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Hague, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
25 hotel reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
“beautiful place, warm people, great rooms& the best food”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 17, 2013

This hotel deserves to be the nr1 in Joburg. It's an oases with all the comfort that you can wish for at a reasonable price and located just minutes from the central Joburg highway.
Here you will receive more than you wished for. When seating myself at the pool a complimentary fresh fruit platter was brought. Entering my room a soft music in the background. Outdoor shower and bath were placed in the patio of my room, but I understood that all rooms have their own extra's. Do not forget to visit the spa and to take a massage....

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask tmaria v about The Residence Boutique Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Residence T, Owner at The Residence Boutique Hotel, responded to this review
February 20, 2013
Thank you so much for your review. We really appreciate it and are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us. All the very best for 2013 and hope to be of service to you again in the near future.
Kindest regards
The Residence team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Best Boutique hotel in Johannesburg (and perhaps the country..)”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 16, 2013 via mobile

My girlfriend and myself spent two nights at The Residence in early January 2013, and were enormously delighted to find that the hotel lived up to, and sometimes surpassed, the numerous 5 star ratings found on the TripAdvisor and other such travel sights.

The experience, and that's what it is, an experience not a stay, is something out of Hollywood. From the moment you drive in, you are treated exqusitely - as if you are the hotels sole guest! Upon arrival, you are greeted by the doorman in his bowler hat, the concierge and a waiter with a refreshing array of welcome drinks.

You are efficiently taken on a brief tour of the establishment (useful), and escorted by the concierge to your room, where your luggage is already awaiting you. The room we stayed in had a handsome view of both the pool and the greenery that Houghton is famous for. The room lacks nothing, and the decor is exquisite, even when compared to other more expensive boutiques in Johannesburg, with Chandeliers; Persian carpets; walk-in closets and a luxurious bathroom...

The hotels restaurant is one of its hidden secrets, a true gem even when compared amongst the world class restaurants a stones throw away in Melrose and Sandton. Do yourselves a favor and try the hotel restaurant at least once whilst you stay here.

What impressed us most however was the staffs' attention to detail. My girlfriend felt a little under the weather on the Saturday night, and the staff genuinely made efforts to assist. More impressively, the day manager on the Sunday made genuine inquiries as to how my girlfriend was feeling, even though she was not there the night before! Truly left a great impression on us!

All in all, one of the best hotel visits we have ever had, and we can wholeheartedly recommend The Residence for any visit to Johannesburg.

  • Stayed January 2013
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Avibrij about The Residence Boutique Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Residence T, Owner at The Residence Boutique Hotel, responded to this review
February 20, 2013
Thank you so much for providing us with such a lovely review. We really do appreciate you taking the time to do so. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to be of serve to you again in the near future.
All the very best.
The Residence team
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“La Residence in Houghton is the bomb!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 15, 2013

My team and I stayed here because we are a small team of 6. I took the time to research them and by the time we went we had even done a safety and security onsite assessment as per company requirements. Edgar ,one of the directors was such about all the scrutiny we were subjecting his presitigious facility to. From Sanet to Warren making the arrangements was so superbly and professionally handled.
We got there and : the pics had not done justice to the splendour and hospitality we experienced here. Even my admin staff got the best of rooms because that's just the way it is here.
Highlights for me:
1.Room variety ,bedding comfort + bathroom size
2. Music is all over - it follows you to the bathroom too(you can bring own CD's to compliment theirs.
3. The Skybar is where I want o have my next birthday with a few friends. This is where I had my Spa treatments - devine with music here as well to lull you to a peaceful snore
4.Lamps on the dinner menu!! ambience nice and dimmed but you see your menu very well. Awesome food too.
5. They sell beautiful lady items & jewellery in their small shop . We all took a piece of something lovely even though Sanet told us the best had already gone
6.The small Gym was much needed to work out the brain sweat we were there for
7. The tall guys in balck n white are the best - nowhere in thsi country of mine have I experienced such sterling professionalism and care - the trining is awesome.Martin,Daniel and the gut at the gate stand out for me
8.Fridges and high standard coffee machines in rooms
9. Outside showers [and baths in some suites]

The only things slightly negative I can ever say abt this perfect place :
-Charity needs to oversee that all rooms have had a turndown service by her ladies- my 1st night just did not have and she shrivelled poor lady when she learnt of that. Nite 2 I was v pleased to see how well they do this
-Irons in rooms is becoming a standard feuture in 5* establisment and it's not a huge cost
-I missed any Magazines/books in Room 5
-Food delivery to the tables could be faster
I am taking my family for a restful time and just so they feel how hospitality should be in our country.

Room Tip: Room 5 with a jacuzzi(have to walk outside though and if rainy a bit of a schlep but they have umbre...
See more room tips
  • Stayed February 2013, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask rato_11 about The Residence Boutique Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Residence T, Owner at The Residence Boutique Hotel, responded to this review
February 20, 2013
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with your fantastic review. We really do appreciate your kind words as well as your valuable comments. We continually strive to provide the best and look forward to welcoming you back to The Residence.
All the very best.
The Residence team
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
1 review
“One of the best small hotels in the world”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2013

We chose the Residence in preference to a business hotel, because we wanted a relaxing experience rather than a 'busy' place.
The Residence surpassed our expectations in every respect, except for the food.
The staff were wonderful - very friendly and professional and eager to help, without being over-attentive. The rooms - both the bedrooms and the public rooms - are well-designed and beautifully decorated, and the gardens and water features give the hotel a lovely relaxing atmosphere.
The driver will take you wherever you want to go in the 1991 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, and pick you up again when you're done!
The dining rooms are elegantly decked out and the food is well-presented and served, but the cuisine is not always of the highest standard - shame.
That apart, I defy anyone to find a better way of spending a week in Johannesburg. This is a real gem of a hotel. We will certainly be going back

Room Tip: All the rooms are stunning - it doesn't matter which you choose
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  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Mike B about The Residence Boutique Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Residence T, Owner at The Residence Boutique Hotel, responded to this review
February 14, 2013
Good day and thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with your review. We really do appreciate it. As mentioned in the personal email we sent to you, we have noted your comment about the food and have been updating as well as training our staff so as to provide a higher standard of food to our guests.
We look forward to welcoming you back and gaining your input.

Kindest regards
The Residence team.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about The Residence Boutique Hotel

Address: 17 4th Avenue | Houghton, Johannesburg 1477, South Africa
Phone Number:
Region: South Africa > Gauteng > Greater Johannesburg > Johannesburg
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Fitness Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Kids Activities Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 57 hotels in Johannesburg
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The Residence is a five star boutique hotel which is truly one of a kind. No effort has been spared in creating a warm, luxurious, elegant and inviting atmosphere. With eleven designer suites with ultimate comfort and privacy, here you can sit back and take in the views of the garden, tennis court and pools. Explore the serene sanctuary of the senses with our spa or simply relax and unwind in the sauna and steam room. ... more   less 
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