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4.5
#3 of 72 hotels in Sandton
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Saxon has a story to tell. Originally a private home and host to many honoured guests including World Leaders, Celebrities and guest alike. The art within the hotel portrays lives lived with guests and friends spending time together. Elegant. Luxurious. Unforgettable. Merging the finest culinary experiences, the ultimate in luxurious accommodation and the award-winning Spa, the Saxon will take you on an unforgettable journey. This is truly the place you can call home. Let the Saxon treat you to personalised, discreet service and unparalleled South African hospitality. The Saxon is Johannesburg's most luxurious hotel and one of the worlds top award winning hotels.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Classic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
36 Saxon Road Sandhurst, Sandton 2196 South Africa
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Nestled within its beautiful grounds, the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is celebrated by guests for its spacious and well-furnished accommodations, although some guests feel the rooms could benefit from modernization. The hotel's luxurious and cozy atmosphere, combined with its remarkable cleanliness, consistently receives high marks.
While the amenities, including attentive service, are generally admired, there are remarks about construction disturbances and limited outdoor space. Opinions on value vary, with some guests considering it on par with premium establishments, but others view the services as overpriced.
Atmosphere
Luxurious
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Well-appointed
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After flying 20+ hours from the USA, there is no better retreat than the Saxon Hotel. We spent two nights in Villa 314, category Villa Luxury Suite. These are separate buildings from the main hotel with their own private entrance, separate staff, common dining area and a small plunge pool. I was told three new buildings were constructed in time to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. So we were in building 3. In the common area is a staffed bar with butler and bartender / barista for morning coffee. Also many international newspapers to choose. Your butler will ask what time you would like coffee delivered and they are spot on time! We had breakfast in the common area one morning and walked up to the main hotel for breakfast on day 2 at The Terrace restaurant. The Terrace is also a nice option for lunch and dinner as well. We also had a magnificent dinner in restaurant Qunu which I’ve reviewed separately. We departed the hotel for our journey up to Shambala Game Reserve, a sister property of the Saxon. The Saxon provided a car and chauffeur for the 2.5 hour drive ( this was a separate expense). All in all just a wonderful experience. I cannot remember the name of our butler, but he was just fantastic. Cheers to all the staff who did a wonderful job!
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Date of stay: November 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 8 Jan 2020
Dear NewZealandPatriot, Thank you for your review of your recent stay here with us at the Saxon. It is such a pleasure to receive this kind of feedback from a guest, especially with regards to our team! We will certainly share your compliments wit the team and look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Best regards, George Cohen
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This was my second time staying here. From my first stay, which was towards the end of the pandemic, I recall extraordinary efficiency in front office arranging for a document to be notarized at night. And things in general were chaotic at that time and they still managed to make things work. This time around I didn’t leave the hotel compound for the duration of my stay because everything I needed was right here - wonderful suite and gardens to de -stress, great spa and no interruptions in so far as electric supply and water which is a major issue in South Africa at the moment. Suite was always well stocked with amenities and towels, never had to ask for anything which I find is the exception rather than the rule when staying in high end hotels these days. Personalized and a high standard of customer service is the norm here. This self contained, self sustainable property is very special and price wise ended up being comparable to some of the high end hotels of Beverly Hills and Europe. Best to join and book through leading hotels of the world and possibly receive an upgrade to a high floor in the main building plus breakfast and early check in and late check out. Late check out being very helpful for evening flight departures out of OR Tambo.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Cannot recommend a hotel more than the Saxon. After a long flight we were surprised to find that the staff had upgraded our room to a huge suite in honor of our 35th wedding anniversary. We walked into the suite and found champagne, fruit, snacks, fully stocked bar, and a rose petaled bed. The absolutely beautiful multi-room suite had modern decoration in relaxing tones, as was the whole resort, with a sun porch. The Saxon is a true resort and was beautiful (and spotless) from the pools, heated and unheated, and koi pond as well as the terrace and bar areas. The spa offered hotel guests use of the hot tub, steam and sauna- lovely. The staff had their restaurant, Qunu, stay open late for us as we had a delayed flight to Joburg. Qunu was the best meal, food, service and ambience, during our 15 day trip to the region. The hotel arranged for a private half day tour of Joburg that really was tailored to our requests. When our flight back to the US was canceled and we had to stay a night in Joburg at the end of the trip , we called the Saxon and they secured a room, set up a dining reservation at Qunu, and picked us up at the airport. They commiserated with us and upgraded us to a villa room- the outdoor walkway to that part of the area is just magnificent. The staff was so kind and helpful and turned such a disaster into a relaxing additional day of our trip. Thank you Saxon family!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from George Cohen, Other at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 19 Jun 2022
Dear drivinggirl, Thank you for sharing this wonderful review of your stay with us at Saxon, Hotel, Villas and Spa and also for choosing to celebrate your 35th wedding anniversary with us! It is always a pleasure to receive this kind of feedback from a guest - creating this type of special stay is exactly why we do what we do. We hope to welcome you back again in the future! All the best, George Cohen
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We arrived there for a weekend away only for them not to have any of the bookings we made on their system even though we had proof and confirmation of everything booked. They could not even help us, as people staying at this overpriced excuse for a hotel at their own restaurant. We had to go to Sandton mall for dinner. Our massages was never booked either so basically they wanted us to sit in a hotel room for two days putting up with their bad service! We checked out the same night and did not even get as much as an apology from the hotel!
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from George Cohen, General Manager at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 9 Jul 2020
Dear Peter28963748, Thank you for bringing your experience at the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa to our attention. We strive to give our guests the best possible journey with us, and as such we would like to discuss this with you further to see where it went wrong. Please would you reach out to us at info@saxon.co.za in order for us to continue our discussion. Best regards, George Cohen
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The outstanding feature out of a range of superlative aspects of this hotel relates to the staff. From the moment of arrival to that of departure everyone welcomes one with a beaming smile. Nothing is really too much for them to achieve for a guest. I am unable to mention them all by name but feel that each and every one merits a special acknowledgement and praise.
As to the hotel our room was spacious and very comfortable. We looked out onto a koi pond with a patio carefully disguised with greenery. All aspects of the room were special. The decoration was muted but the accessories added vibrancy. There was a dining area adjacent to a sitting one. The bed was enormous and directly behind was a large bathroom containing the bath itself and two basins separated by the dressing area. The showers was separate and had one of the best showers (hot and powerful) that we had ever experienced.
There may have been no coffee or tea making facilities but this did not matter as a simple call to the butler resulted in coffee appearing rapidly complete with cold or hot milk.
The hotel is renown for its art work which lines each corridor whether hung on the wall or standing. There is one wall festooned solely with baskets from across the country.
Breakfast is served with great care. The choice is wide and one may ask for other options. Quality is high There are two restaurants including one which is open air. If chilly then heaters are placed next to one. There is also a bar with a knowledgable bar keeper and a small terrace reserved only for hotel gusts.
Swimming pools offer both heated and non water. The spa is excellent offering all the services required. My facial was superb conducted by a very proficient lady.
We did not want to leave.
Location is in Sandton with an ambience of peace. The gardens provide a good place to stroll.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from George Cohen, Other at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 3 Feb 2023
Dear SueKot, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, I am delighted you enjoyed your visit, and that our team took such good care of you. I hope to welcome you back for another stay soon.
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From the moment you walk in, you can tell why the Clintons and Oprah Winfrey call this home when they visit South Africa. The rooms are impeccable and a perfect mix of modern luxury with tasteful mixing of South African design. The restaurant serves classic Continental fare. The grounds are sprawling and beautiful, perfect for a morning walk. And the gym is the most well equipped of any hotel I have ever stayed at. But truly our stay was made by George, the hotel manager, who treated us like family and made us feel at home. He is an absolute pro. Thanks George!!
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Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from George Cohen, General Manager at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 28 Jun 2021
Dear tjdefelice3, Thank you so much for your fantastic review of your stay with us at the Saxon. It was truly a pleasure to have you here with us and we look forward to seeing you again soon! Best regards, George Cohen
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The Saxon is truly a world class property, a (better) home away from (your real) home. From seamless front desk check in in seconds, to the porter/butler taking you through the hallways with all the history and stories of the place, to your room which had everything you would need or think of as a guest. Huge rooms, huge hearts and service. The entire feeling of the place/pool/spa/restaurants is extremely relaxing. Qunu served amazing breakfast and even dinner at night to us, kudos to the Chefs for stellar quality and the FnB staff for impeccable royal service. Thanks to George and his entire Team! Will come back again.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:If you can afford it, ask for the Nelson Mandela Suite...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 6 Jan 2020
Dear NeverHome1, Thank you for your fantastic review of your stay here with us at the Saxon. We are delighted to receive this kind of feedback and we certainly look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Best regards, George Cohen
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Stayed there for Two days with my wife for her birthday, this place is indeed a germ, a true definition of opulence, quality and great service. The rooms average from 80-200sm, and they also have private villas which can accommodate up to 22people. The food was fantastic and the spa was the highlight of our visit, please ask for Mpho, Mina as your therapists you will not regret. Our butler was Shadow (that’s a real name), young energetic man who made sure that we want for nothing. At the Qunu restaurant we wee taken care of by Vincent and Quintin. What was special for me was I managed to sleep, like good quality sleep without any sleeping pills. This alone made the place to be worth every cent. Thank you all, keep up the good work.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 22 Jan 2020
Dear sipho546, Thank you for your review of your recent stay with us for your wife's birthday! Firstly, thank you for choosing to spend your special occasion here with us. We are really pleased to receive such wonderful feedback and we are delighted that you enjoyed good quality sleep here. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Best regards, George Cohen
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My friend and I had the most amazing high tea experience at the Saxon. Incredible service from the valet parking to the waiters/waitress. The place was clean and neat, and the food was delicious. Courses were paired wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes. Our list of dietary requirements and food allergies were provided prior to arrival and all dishes were prepared accordingly.
We went out to celebrate my birthday and the pianist even played a little happy birthday tune which was served with a delightful dessert.
We enjoyed every minute of the afternoon and cant wait to our next tea.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from George Cohen, Other at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 25 Oct 2021
Dear TashnViven, Thank you for sharing this wonderful review of your experience with us for Tea at the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa! It is always such a pleasure to receive this kind of feedback from a guest - and thank you also for choosing to celebrate with us. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Best regards, George Cohen
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Wow, this hotel is a real knock-out, as you enter through the impressive 20+ foot high wood security gate, drive through the gorgeous grounds, and then arrive at a stunning hotel. We stayed in a Villa Suite which was wonderful—spacious, beautiful sheets, extra large bathroom, beautifully decorated. And the walkway to get there was drop dead gorgeous. Seems like ceilings were at least 15 feet throughout the rooms and entire hotel—quite majestic.
All the common areas are exquisitely designed, as are the outdoor spaces. We ate at the Terrace, which has beautiful views, terrific heaters, and great food. Sunday was a real treat with a sax player. Ditto for the Qunu, the more formal restaurant—excellent food and service.
Their spa is terrific as well. Great steam, sauna, jacuzzi, outdoor pool and shower you can use as a guest. I booked a massage and facial and both were wonderful.
The staff really bends over backwards to help wherever possible—this is a hotel not to be missed.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from George Cohen, Other at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Responded 31 May 2022
Dear PandM0, Thank you so much for sharing your review of your stay with us at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa! It is truly such a pleasure to receive feedback like this from one of our guests, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed Qunu, the Terrace and the Spa as well as the Villa suite you stayed in. We will certainly share your great feedback with the team and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future! All the best, George Cohen
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Hi there,
The difference between a Villa or Hotel suite is as follows:
1. Location
2. Design (hotel suites have wooden floors whilst villa suites have tiled floors, and the interior design differs)
3. The villas offers more privacy as it has direct access from the parking area, guests do not have to move through the main hotel.
I hope this is of help.
All the best!
They offer hand soaps (bars and gels), body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, loofahs, a hairdryer, etc for no cost. Soaps, conditioners, and lotions are replenished everyday also for no cost.
There are more places to choose from in the Sandton area.
PRICE RANGE
£555 - £611 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
saxon boutique hotel johannesburg, hotel saxon boutique
LOCATION
South AfricaGautengGreater JohannesburgSandton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
53
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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