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Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse: Traveler Reviews

4.0 of 5
79 Lancaster Avenue | Craighall Park, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
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Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
Ranked #1 of 188 Johannesburg B&B and Inns
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120 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    114
    4
    2
    0
    0
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Families
22
 
Couples
44
 
Solo
18
 
Business
26
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    5 of 5 stars
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Singapore, Singapore
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
12 hotel reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Top-notch guest house which is highly recommended!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

An amazing place to stay in Jo'burg. My boyfriend and I have been to a number of guesthouses and B&Bs. This is the first guesthouse we've been to that takes such good care of all your needs. They have a wide range of amenities (their very own own soap bar, shampoo, conditioner and lotion), torchlights in the drawers right next to the bed, as well as an emergency call button in the room should the need arise. The rooms are extremely spacious, well decorated and clean which exudes a cosy feeling.

The breakfast that Zac whipped up for us was just splendid. We had our selection of cereal and he prepared western breakfast for us complete with your choice of eggs.

Thank you for making our final pit-stop in South Africa so memorable!

Stayed February 2013, traveled as a couple
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Ask Piao L about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
February 28, 2013
Thanks Piao for your feedback on your brief stay here at Liz at Lancaster. We're delighted that you finally made it and that you enjoyed it so much. We certainly enjoyed meeting you both. We were pleased to know that friends were already asking for your South African itinerary based on your travels around the country. We look forward to welcoming many more Singaporeans here at Liz at Lancaster and Zac will whip up more wonderful breakfasts! He was delighted that you liked his cooking.
All the best from us all at Liz at Lancaster: Liz, Catherine, Zac, Thandie, and Elaine
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Cape Town
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“5 star service”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 19, 2013

Great service, staff that goes out of their way for you even on their off days, what more could one ask for?

Catherine remembered that my partner didn't eat pineapple and made her a special fruit salad without them. She also made sure that i had hp sauce on the breakfast table. sometimes it is the small little things that make the big difference.

This is now my 1st choice for accommodation when in Johannesburg again

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 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 Athi84 about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
February 21, 2013
Thank you Athi for writing about your experiences here at Liz at Lancaster. Guests often comment during their stay on how wonderful the staff are and how nothing is too much trouble. Catherine was very pleased when I passed on your comments about her caring and attentive service. It really means a lot to get this kind of positive feedback as it really affirms that her efforts are appreciated. We enjoyed seeing Marion again and meeting you. Thanks again for coming to stay and we look forward to seeing you again when you are next in Johannesburg.
All the best from us all at Liz at Lancaster, and particularly from Catherine
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Phoenix, Arizona
1 review
“Best Place To Stay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 12, 2013

My husband and I were planning a trip to Johannesburg for a friends wedding this past January and we were given the link to liz at lancaster and after a few minutes, we knew we had to stay here. When we arrived at the B&B, we were greeted by Catherine, who showed us our room, the Earth Room, and even explained how to work everything in the room. The bed and pillows in the room were so fluffy and comfortable that it was the best bed I have ever slept in.

Every morning we were served with the most wonderful breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, 3 different types of granola, juice, coffee, eggs, sausage, and bacon. Breakfast was served on the patio with the doors opened to the back yard and we got to see the beautiful flowers and birds. Liz greeted us every morning and would ask how everything was going. Even Marley, the sweet labrador, would greet us every morning and would stay by our sides until we were done eating.

The B&B is located in a beautiful neighborhood with lots of trees lining the streets and is nice area for morning and afternoon walks. There is also a grocery store down the street, just walking distance, in case we need to pick anything.

Liz, Zack, Catherine and everyone else who works at Liz at Lancaster are one of the nicest people we have ever met. The B&B really took care of us and it did feel like home. Even though my home is in the United States, but during that time period we were there I felt really comfortable and relax. I would highly recommend anyone visiting Johannesburg to stay at Liz at Lancaster and if my husband and I ever get a chance to visit Johannesburg again, we will for sure stay here again. Thank you, Liz at Lancaster, for the everything you have done for us :)

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 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
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Ask valleygirl83 about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
February 14, 2013
Thank you ValleyGirl83 for your extensive feedback and such positive words about your stay at Liz at Lancaster. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay here, felt so at home and that your time in Johannesburg was such a success. it was so great that you made the most of the walking the neighbourhood. Because we have had late afternoon thunder storms recently, the mornings are crisp and clear, so particularly beautiful for walking. A guest came back from a walk this morning and was amazed that he had passed horses being taken from their stables to their day paddocks in Delta Park a mere 5 blocks from Liz at Lancaster in the heart of a suburban neighbourhood - and 10 minutes from Sandton CBD!! . Marley of course enjoys her walks around the block after trying to persuade guests with big doleful eyes that she is never loved or fed! It would be wonderful if you returned to South Africa and if you do, we'd love to welcome you back again. Thank you again for taking the time to write about your stay here at the guesthouse.
All the best from us all at Liz at Lancaster - Liz, Catherine, Zac, Thandie and Elaine
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Bath, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Continuing Excellence”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 7, 2013

After a two year gap we stayed here for 10 days and found that standards had been maitained at the highest levels with all staff as attentive and conscientious as before . Indeed they were the same team which shows how committed they are to ensuring that the highest standards of service. guidance and advice are available to all who stay. The rooms are large and spacious which add to the comfort and little touches like putting on bedroom lights at night in welcome just go that extra mile. And the breakfasts... they are just superb; served at your own table in a delightful dining room overlooking the spacious and open garden. Without doubt we will stay on our next visit and we would certainly recommend Liz at Lancs to any individual or family visiting Johannesburg.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask achnacille about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
February 9, 2013
Dear Achnacille,
Thank you for coming to stay again and for taking the time to write on Tripadvisor about your stay. We all so enjoyed seeing you again and getting the daily news about the new addition to the family! We are indeed lucky here at Liz at Lancaster to have so many guests who keep returning to Jo'burg and to stay with us, whether on business, to escape the northern winters or to see family as in your case. It really does enrich our lives to have these ongoing connections. And we're delighted that you found our service levels have continued to be of a high standard and that you enjoyed staying here. We certainly loved your being back again! From us all at Liz at Lancaster - Liz, Catherine, Zac, Thandie and Elaine
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Prague
1 review
“a home away from home”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 2, 2013

It isn't hard to understand why this is one of the most frequented B&B's in Johannesburg. It is truly a home with all manner of decorative and functional enhancements, rendering it very comfortable and pleasant for both short and longer-term stays. The staff are attentive and courteous and Liz the owner personally overseas the efficient and welcoming establishment in the Northern Johannesburg suburb of Craighall Park. Close to the shops, restaurants and malls it is equivocally my preferred accommodation when in town.

Room Tip: Each room is different and has a themed name. It is best to find out beforehand to find the most sui...
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  • Stayed December 2012, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask PragueStevo about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
February 5, 2013
Thanks Praguestevo for your feedback on Liz at Lancaster. It has been wonderful having you to stay over the last 8/9 (?) years on your annual visits to South Africa. Thank you for your loyal support and repeat business. We are so fortunate to have guests like you who keep returning and so become part of Liz at Lancaster's extended circle. You have certainly seen the guesthouse grow and expand over the years and we're delighted that you feel we have kept the ethos of providing a comfortable environment with attentive personal service. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to South Africa.
From us all at Liz at Lancaster : Liz, Catherine, Zac, Thandie and Elaine
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
 
 
Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
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Additional Information about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse

Address: 79 Lancaster Avenue | Craighall Park, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Phone Number:
Region: South Africa > Gauteng > Greater Johannesburg > Johannesburg
Amenities:
Free Breakfast Free Parking Kitchenette Pets Allowed Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 188 B&Bs / Inns in Johannesburg
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
One of the first guesthouses to open in the Rosebank Region some 19 years ago, Liz at Lancaster has built a strong reputation based on excellent personal service, great comfort, convenient location, seclusion and privacy. Given recognition for this in 2011 with an AA Accommodation Award for ‘People who go the extra mile’, an AA Accommodation in 2012 for 'Traveller's best value', Liz at Lancaster was also voted a finalist three years in a row in the AA 2010, 2011 & 2012 Accommodation Awards. We are included in Greenwood Guides Handpicked Accommodation. But perhaps most telling of all are our guest comments: ‘We loved the peace and privacy – we didn’t even know there were other guests here.’ ‘Craighall Park is such a central location – under 10 minutes from Rosebank and Melrose Arch and less than 15 minutes to Sandton Central. Even Parktown and Joburg Central are easily accessible – it took us 12 minutes to Wits.’ ‘Superb service and such comfortable spacious rooms’. ‘The on-site transport was a real added bonus.’ ‘Your Joburg information booklet in our room was amazingly helpful and useful.’ It is a mere 12 minute ride from O.R Tambio International Airport to the Rosebank Gautrain Station which is only 3.5 km from Liz at Lancaster. You can either pick up your rental car when you arrive at the station, or phone us for a transfer – a real added convenience. With 7 very private individual units all with separate entrances and kitchenettes offering self-catering options, Liz at Lancaster is ideal for long stays whether for business travelers or for those relocating. Rates drop for weekly and monthly stays. There are 2 standard spacious double rooms (25 & 30 m²), 3 studio flatlets (55 m²), and 2 one-bedroom cottages (80 m²) each with separate living/dining room and open plan kitchen. All lead onto their own enclosed courtyards where you can enjoy your privacy on a warm Highveld summer evening while sipping at a sundowner from your mini-bar. During our chilly Jozi winter months you will be warmly snug with under-carpet heating and electric blankets. All units have shower and bath, ample well-lit work areas/dining tables, separate sitting area, broadband WiFi connection, flat screen TVs and DSTV with own decoders (25 channels), overhead fans, convenient luxuries like hairdryers, toweling gowns, radio clock alarms, luxurious cotton percale linen, a house branded range of natural toiletries and on-the-house E-spring filtered water. Delicious breakfasts are served to order on the breakfast patio which opens out onto the garden in summer and is warmed by a roaring log fire in winter. There is ample secure off-street undercover parking. We offer a same day laundry service and on-site transport at very reasonable rates. All credit cards including Diners and American Express are accepted. Liz and two staff live on site and are always at the other end of the internal intercoms. As Liz taught Art History and Heritage at Wits University for 25 years, she keeps abreast with cultural events and has quite an extensive library. A further bonus of staying at Liz at Lancaster is the convenience of the neighbourhood shops at the end of the block: a 7-7 grocery store, a chemist, restaurant, etc. ... more   less 
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