The Best Hotels to Book in Pretoria, South Africa, for Every Traveller

Guests are accommodated in one of 14 suites within either the colonnaded mansion of Illyria House or the garden annexe. Private butler service, French antique furnishings, fireplaces, in-room massages and pre-dinner piano recitals are de rigueur. Venture into the secret garden to discover Aquarius Spa, which has an outdoor jacuzzi playing underwater music, a summer house, a steam room, a sauna and treatment areas.

Close to the Menlyn Shopping Centre, highway and city airport, the Menlyn Boutique Hotel offers supreme convenience for the flying visitor. First-rate regional cuisine and South African wines are served at the Black Bamboo restaurant, while an afternoon of relaxation is found around the dipping pool – and the surrounding draped cabanas – or at the intimate spa.

It’s all about the spa at this 10-suite Moreleta Park hotel. You can enjoy a choice of more than 140 treatments, including carboxytherapy (said to tackle cellulite and stretch marks) and microsclerotherapy (thought to help with thread or spider veins). An event space caters for larger spa parties – ideal for those travelling to celebrate a special occasion. There’s also a gym, Vichy showers, a hydro lounge, a crystal pool bar and a relaxation deck, plus an on-site restaurant.

Found in the Time Square entertainment, dining and nightlife complex – and right above a casino – this place to stay in Pretoria is well suited to those craving plenty of activity on the doorstep. The Maslow has 238 rooms, many with far-reaching green city views, plus a glitzy pool area. Breakfast is included in the room price, and private dining can be arranged for those preferring a quiet night in.

This privately owned hotel, neighbouring the embassies and union buildings in the exclusive Waterkloof Park suburb, has a vintage European air, with just eight bedrooms, three of which are self-catering. It’s intimate and furnished with exquisite antiques. The rooms have minibars and patios, and you can mingle in the shared landscaped gardens or lounge. A full English breakfast is served daily, with optional lunches and dinners.

Arranged around a swimming pool flanked by palm trees, this 104-room modern establishment is in the CBD. Arrive by complimentary shuttle from the train station and unwind with a cocktail in the themed bar. Meals are served à la carte, with buffet-style breakfasts, and the rooms are air-conditioned. There’s also an extensive conference area, making it a go-to destination for the business community.

Surrounded by verdant gardens, the Lombardy is akin to an Italian village, and a world away from modern chain hotels. Menus are gourmet and experimental, served in either the main restaurant, the Monza, or the Cellar. And if you’re planning a wedding in Pretoria, the private chapel on the grounds might just be the perfect place to say “I do.” Cap your ultimate day with a stay in the honeymoon suite, which has a private jacuzzi and terrace.

This family-owned place to stay in Pretoria specialises in events, providing a tranquil home-from-home ambience. Rooms look out onto colourful gardens and feature hints of French grandeur. European-influenced fine cuisine is served in the restaurant, and there’s an extensive cellar housing niche garagiste wines. Be sure to explore the grounds and take a sundowner in the Forest Garden, scones in the Tea Garden and breakfast in the Rose Garden.

If you stay at Casa Toscana Lodge, plan a memorable meal at LeSi Singing Waiter Restaurant, where diners are serenaded nightly – with a few theatrical surprises – while tucking into à la carte dishes and award-winning wines. You can book a package to include treatments by day at the on-site Sensi Spa and dinner by night before retiring to a king-size suite or family room.