The Westcliff
Contemporary African hillside village. Think warm earth tones, zebra-print accents, 250 hand-embroidered pillows by local artisans, and open terraces at every turn. Formal enough to feel luxurious, but not stiff.
Ask for a room with a balcony facing the city — not all rooms have the same view quality
Why It Matters
The only Five-star urban resort in Johannesburg with 240-degree panoramic city views, an outdoor spa lounge unique to the city, and a hillside villa layout that genuinely sets it apart from a standard high-rise hotel.
High on the rocky Witwatersrand ridge above Johannesburg's leafy northern suburbs, The Westcliff pulls off something unusual: it makes South Africa's largest city feel genuinely resort-like. Originally conceived in 1997 as an enclave of luxury residences, the property sprawls across nine hillside villas connected by courtyards, fountains and gardens — with a glass elevator ferrying guests up between levels. The 240-degree panoramic views over what turns out to be a surprisingly green cityscape are a genuine surprise, and the outdoor spa is the only one of its kind in Johannesburg.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Garden-View Deluxe Room
The entry-level room — and still a proper luxury offering. Garden views rather than city panoramas, but the African-inspired décor (zebra-print wallpaper, hand-embroidered pillows) is the same throughout. King or twin bed configuration available. Private balcony included.
King or two twin beds · 38 sqm
Garden-View Premier Room
A step up in space from the Deluxe, with garden-facing balcony. Some rooms include an in-built sofabed sleeping one child, making it an easy option for families who don't need a full family suite. King bed with luxury Four Seasons bedding.
King · 45 sqm
One Bedroom Suite
Separate sleeping and living areas, filled with natural light. Optional sofabed in the living room. Good choice for longer stays or anyone who wants room to spread out without paying specialty suite rates.
King · 61 sqmPanoramic View Deluxe Room
Same footprint as the Garden-View Deluxe, but the view is the point here. Step onto your private balcony to watch the sun rise over Johannesburg or settle in for a starlit nightcap. King bed, African-inspired touches throughout. The most popular entry-level choice.
King · 38 sqmPanoramic View One Bedroom Suite
Airy and welcoming with natural light streaming from every corner, from the separate living room through to the bedroom. The private terrace is the key upgrade here — proper outdoor space with the full city view. Some have a sofabed in the lounge.
King · 61 sqmPanoramic View Premier Room
The panoramic upgrade on the Premier tier. Reviewers consistently single this one out — room 426 gets mentioned by name in guest reviews. More space than the Deluxe, same sweeping city views. Optional sofabed for a child.
King · 45 sqmThree-Bedroom Royal Suite
The flagship. A grand lobby entrance and private elevator lead to three floors of living space: three bedrooms, a formal dining room for eight guests, a study, a lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private gym. Zebra-print accents and African-themed soft furnishings throughout. 202 sqm of serious space.
Two king beds and two twin beds · 202 sqm
Two-Bedroom Family Room
Positioned near the family pool, this interconnecting two-bedroom layout is the practical family pick. The kids' room has its own TV with children's channels and games — parents get the king, children get the twins. Contemporary African theme throughout.
One king and two twin beds · 79 sqmTwo-Bedroom Presidential Suite
Set in the Golden Jubilee Residence, a wall of windows floods the contemporary living room with panoramic views. A marble fireplace anchors the dining area. The private terrace is prime sundowner territory. Three king beds across two bedrooms accommodate up to 6 guests including children.
Three king beds · 155 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Friday–Sunday. Gourmet pastries, Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wine and loose-leaf teas. A genteel alternative to the full dining room experience.
Sunday 12:30–4pm. Artisanal charcuterie, cheeses, freshly baked pastries, hand-rolled sushi, interactive stations and the Chef's Playground with seasonal creations, salads and desserts. A proper Johannesburg social occasion.
State-of-the-art gym with cardio and running pods offering open windows and city views. Available day and night.
A jogging trail on the hotel grounds — navigating the hillside villa layout gives it a more interesting route than a treadmill.
Gallery tour led by contemporary painter and printmaker James Delaney. Covers Victoria Yards, Everard Read, Keyes Art Mile (Everard Read & Circa), Goodman Gallery, and Maboneng. A serious art-world itinerary for guests who want to understand Johannesburg's creative scene.
A city tour covering Johannesburg's complex history from the 1886 gold rush to the end of apartheid. Visits include the Apartheid Museum and other key historical sites. Arranged through hotel concierge.
The hotel connects guests with local guides from Past Experiences who run curated city itineraries across archaeology, shopping, food and photography. Good for first-time Johannesburg visitors who want a safe, informed introduction to the city.
Guided drive with a game ranger in Pilanesberg National Park — a 2.5-hour drive from the hotel. Big Five territory: elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes, plus giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and bird species. Arranged through the concierge via the hotel's experience partners.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Dedicated nail and beauty studio within the spa complex.
24-hour business centre on site.
16 indoor venues and 4 outdoor venues accommodating up to 200 guests. Includes the Victorian-style Arcadia Ballroom in a private stand-alone mansion. Custom menus, group rates, and wedding packages available.
Complimentary high-speed premium Wi-Fi throughout the property. Speeds reported at 25+ Mbps.
Children's amenities and a playground on site. Child-minding services also available.
Jogging trail within the hotel grounds.
State-of-the-art, light-filled gym with cardio pods and running pods with open windows and cityscape views. Available 24/7.
Poolside bar service at both pools.
Free valet parking and secure parking on site — notable for a luxury city hotel.
25-metre (82-foot) heated outdoor lap pool adjacent to the spa. Adults only. Open for morning swims.
Outdoor family pool with shaded terrace and umbrella seating. Located near the Two-Bedroom Family Rooms. Heated.
A signature feature of the hillside property — the glass elevator connects the different villa levels and terraces.
On-site gift shop.
Standard Four Seasons service: twice-daily housekeeping plus evening turndown.
24-hour multilingual concierge service for transfers, tours, restaurant bookings, and city navigation.
Private marble-floored suite with private soaking tub, side-by-side massage beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the spa pool garden.
Limousine service and airport/station transfers available. Airport transfer: ZAR 1,700 per vehicle one-way (max 2 passengers). Must book 24 hours in advance.
Sauna and eucalyptus-scented steam room within the spa complex. Access included with spa treatments; also part of the Rest & Radiance seasonal package.
BUILD YOUR FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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