2 January 2026: Even with its well-documented problems, Johannesburg remains the centre of business in South Africa. And unlike some cities with their mountains and oceans, you'll get value and quality for a fraction of the price at these hotels. There are also great views in the mix.

Author Richard Goller, in his review of Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City, writes: "How much has Johannesburg grown the last four decades? This hotel will tell you all you need to know.

What was once a stretch of country between Johannesburg and Pretoria is now home to the mixed-use Waterfall City development and this flagship hotel that's part of City Lodge Hotels.

The area is as shiny as Johannesburg gets, but fortunately what could be soulless is balanced with the abundant friendliness of the staff when you're in the hotel.

We stayed in the King Suite on the top, ninth floor, with its rather eye pleasing, soothing mix of avocado green, greys and browns in a stylish room that includes features such as a queen size bed, tea and coffee-making station (snazzy), mini fridge, work space and en suite bathroom with shower (stylish).

Our room location made our walk to the Highline Rooftop Bar, also on the same floor, as easy as ordering a cocktail off the happy hour menu. This is the perfect way to take in the views of Johannesburg to the south and north (the unofficial boundary separating Johannesburg and Pretoria should disappear any day now), and enjoy a meal from the varied menu.

The ground-floor Protea restaurant, which looks out onto the pool area, is the spot to load up on a better-than-average buffet (salmon always gets points) and meals such as salads, pastas, tortillas, risottos, buns, bagels and grills. If shopping malls are your thing, the Mall of Africa, over the road from the hotel, could be the way to walk off some of those calories."

Read the full article in the 9 January 2026 issue of Farmers Weekly.