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The Westcliff by Orient-Express: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
67 Jan Smuts Avenue | Westcliff, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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The Westcliff by Orient-Express
Ranked #5 of 57 hotels in Johannesburg
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321 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    200
    79
    16
    20
    6
See reviews for
Families
47
 
Couples
125
 
Solo
18
 
Business
81
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Amazingly beautiful and friendly, fantastic views, great restaurant and incredible staff”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 28, 2012 via mobile

Built on a cliff side. Staff is amazing from the minute you arrive. Couldn't be more helpful if they tried. Amazing views. Restaurant, bar and pool very relaxing, excellent oid and drink. Can't beat the infinity pool. Well located by zoo lake and overlooking the zoo. Also close to shopping malls. Best place (of 2) I've stayed at in jo'burg. Will gladly go back every time. Bathrooms nice and new. Bedroom could use a modernization

Stayed November 2012, traveled on business
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Magellan12 about The Westcliff by Orient-Express
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WestcliffGM, General Manager at The Westcliff by Orient-Express, responded to this review
December 4, 2012
Thank you very much for your feedback and for the kind words about our staff, and the hotel. We are in fact planning a full refurbishment in 2013, which will address the need to modernize our guest rooms. This refurbishment will also include our two Restaurants, Spa and our extensive Conference Centre; an exciting time indeed.

Be sure to visit us again in late 2013 to see all the changes.

Warm regards,

Ian Jones
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Exceptional hotel, beautiful rooms”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 25, 2012

Decided to splurge in Johannesburg and not take any chances with safety. The service was impeccable, beautiful marble washrooms. They have a shuttle that will take you to any shopping mall the area for free (we went to the Sandton, about 20 minutes away).

Be careful with the hotel phone... completely forgot about the ridiculous charges 5 star hotels have on room phones.

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled with friends
    • 4 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
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Ask SY_Canada about The Westcliff by Orient-Express
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WestcliffGM, General Manager at The Westcliff by Orient-Express, responded to this review
December 4, 2012
Thank you very much for your feedback and for the kind words about our staff, and the hotel. I am very lucky to be the new General Manager of the Westcliff, the team here are very passionate about their jobs and care a great deal about the hotel and our guests, a nice treat for a GM.

I am sorry you found our phone charges too high, I will be sure to review them to ensure we are competitive with other 5 star hotels in the market.

I hope you had a safe trip home.

Ian Jones
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Preston, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Attention to detail”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 23, 2012

The view from our balcony was exceptionally beautiful taking in the jacaranda blooms set amongst the crisp green of the trees towards the north of Jo'burg.
My partner and I spent two days here on the way home from our holiday in Namibia and found the experience very relaxing after a fairly hectic two weeks touring.
The traditionally styled room was spotlessly presented and spacious and had everything we needed to ensure we had a comfortable stay. The dressing room combined with the luxurious bathroom was well designed and meant that the bedroom with sitting area had the feel of a suite rather than a standard room.
I was most impressed with the attention to detail in the appointment of the rooms and from the staff members who made every effort to provide the highest level of service.
Should we return to Jo'burg I would look no further than the Westcliff for our accommodation.

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 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
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See 2 more reviews by Pam G for Johannesburg
Ask Pam G about The Westcliff by Orient-Express
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WestcliffGM, General Manager at The Westcliff by Orient-Express, responded to this review
November 26, 2012
Thank you very much for your feedback and for the kind words about our staff, especially the Housekeeping team; I will be sure to pass along all your kind words.

I am very lucky to be the new General Manager of the Westcliff, the team here are very passionate about their jobs and care a great deal about our guests, a nice treat for a GM.

Ian Jones
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Ottawa, Canada
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
15 hotel reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“Views. THE Views.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 22, 2012

Great hotel for sure. It is basically a group of villas in a cliff, pretty much in front of the Johannesburg Zoo. These were supposed to be private villas in a gated community but the developer sold it and it became a hotel.
Rooms are a little dated BUT the bathrooms are amazing. Lots of space, separate showers, nice comfy tubs and lots of marble everywhere.
The views are indeed amazing and having breakfast at the terrace where the pool is, is a must.
Great staff and food as well.
Pricey for local standards but definitely worth a stay.

  • Stayed February 2012, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask TSMVP about The Westcliff by Orient-Express
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WestcliffGM, General Manager at The Westcliff by Orient-Express, responded to this review
November 26, 2012
Thank you very much for your feedback, it is very important for our continued success in Johannesburg.

I am very lucky to be the new General Manager of the Westcliff, and being a fellow Canadian myself, it is nice to see someone all the way from Ottawa was able to enjoy our spectacular views.

Thank you as well for your kind comments about our staff, I will be sure to pass them along to my team.

I hope you had a safe trip home, warm regards.

Ian Jones
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Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“A classy venue with exquisite views!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 16, 2012 via mobile

After a decade, still my first choice for sundowners overlooking the Joburg Northern suburbs. I adore the pool area and the Polo Lounge serves excellent cocktails in a cool colonial surrounding. The rooms and reception areas are tastefully appointed and I especially love the gardens with their charming fountains and alcoves. I have been treating myself to visits here for years and am always made to feel like family the moment I arrive. Birthdays are especially marvelous with an extra effort made with personalised desserts for the person celebrating their big day and much merriment from the super staff. Great staff and a stunning venue overall! I will be enjoying cocktails there this evening in fact! A must for anyone wanting a classy experience.

  • Stayed November 2012
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Njolies about The Westcliff by Orient-Express
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WestcliffGM, General Manager at The Westcliff by Orient-Express, responded to this review
November 17, 2012
Thank you very much for your feedback, it is very important to our continued success in the local Johannesburg food & beverage scene.

As the GM it may not be fair of me to say, but I do agree with you about the Polo Lounge, what superb spot. Mark and his team offer a wonderful dining & drinking experience, and you’re right, we do great birthday parties, please come by and visit us again very soon.

Ian Jones
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about The Westcliff by Orient-Express

Also Known As:
The Westcliff By Orient-Express Hotel Johannesburg
The Westcliff By Orient-Express Hotel
Westcliff Hotel Johannesburg
Westcliff Johannesburg
Address: 67 Jan Smuts Avenue | Westcliff, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
Phone Number:
Region: South Africa > Gauteng > Greater Johannesburg > Johannesburg
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center 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:
#1 Romantic Hotels in Johannesburg
#2 Family Hotels in Johannesburg
#5 Luxury Hotels in Johannesburg
#8 Business Hotels in Johannesburg
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Johannesburg’s most iconic hotel offers spectacular views of the lush forested suburbs of Johannesburg and the Zoological Gardens. Set on the historic Westcliff Ridge the hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, an on site gym and the holistic Botanica Spa SuitesLa Belle Terrasse restaurant is a beautiful terrace where guests can enjoy South Africa’s local produce. Traditional Teas are served in the sunny Loggia restaurant and the stylish Polo Bar is a must for Tapas and sundowners. ... more   less 
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The Westcliff by Orient-Express
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