17 On Buffalo

17 On Buffalo Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to 17 On Buffalo in Sandton, I wasn’t expecting much from what looked like a fairly understated building on Buffalo Road. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that don’t feel the need to scream about themselves from the street.

This four-star boutique spot sits right in the heart of Sandton’s business district, which means you’re literally walking distance from Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City – though honestly, the real appeal is how quiet it manages to stay despite being so central. The rooms have this clean, contemporary feel that actually works better than some of the over-designed places I’ve stayed at in Johannesburg. What impressed me most was the attention to detail – proper blackout curtains (a godsend if you’re dealing with jet lag), decent water pressure, and beds that don’t feel like they came from a budget chain. The staff genuinely seems to remember your name after the first day, which is rarer than it should be.

The breakfast situation is pretty solid too, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s not one of those overwhelming buffets where half the food sits under heat lamps getting sad – they actually keep things fresh and local. I found myself lingering over coffee on their terrace most mornings, watching Sandton wake up below. The location really does work in your favor here; you can walk to meetings in the business district without breaking a sweat, but when you want to explore, OR Tambo is a reasonable drive and the Gautrain station is close enough to make day trips to Pretoria totally doable. Parking was never an issue (which anyone who’s driven in Sandton will appreciate), and the neighborhood feels safe for evening walks – something I always scope out when I’m traveling solo. Sure, it’s not the flashiest place you’ll find in the area, but honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what you want. It’s the kind of hotel that just works without any drama, and after a few days, it starts feeling less like a hotel and more like a really nice apartment you happen to be borrowing in one of South Africa’s most connected neighborhoods.

17 On Buffalo Accommodations

Reviews of 17 On Buffalo

• It was incredible. – Nthabiseng from South Africa – September 18, 2025 (8/10)

  The bed is so comfortable, safety and convenience.
  
  What could be improved: The Jaccuzi wasn’t working.

• Great moment – Hilda from South Africa – September 7, 2025 (9/10)

  Bed are comfortable
  
  What could be improved: 1 of our rooms was changed

• Definitely call again – Maude from South Africa – January 9, 2025 (8/10)

  The facilities and rooms were spacious and clean.Very safe location.The staff were very friendly especially Miss Caroline. The breakfast was delicious too but the sausages could be bigger 😁.
  
  What could be improved: The fact that we had to wake people up to open up for us after a night out.I mean it felt like a boarding school. Having a way to get in and out freely as adults would be nice. The lady owner could be more friendly, thought she was quite rude but hey maybe she was having a bad day. I broke a R49 plate and wanted me to pay R250 for it. Guess what…found the exact plate and replaced it for its value. Anyway just don't break anything here accidentally.

• Wonderful – Thandazile from South Africa – December 1, 2024 (9/10)

  The place was so clean and comfortable to stay at. The stuff was so welcoming, and always available for any assistance. Nonhlanhla's rate is excellent, she's well trained and excell in her job

• Very Good – Sandile from South Africa – November 24, 2024 (8/10)

  Everything was on point👌🏼 except the pool😭
  
  What could be improved: I was expecting to be in a pool😫 but it was not available 😭

• Great – Lubisi from South Africa – October 5, 2024 (8/10)

  The place is amazing, the staff, host went out of their way to accommodate us. We really loved it, and the fact that it's family friendly was the cherry on top.

• It was amazing and clean and the stuff was very friendly and professional. I will go again – Kgaogelo from South Africa – August 25, 2024 (8/10)

  Clean, welcoming and smells good
  
  What could be improved: No toilet paper in the bathroom

• My stay was nice comfortable and beautiful – Donald from South Africa – August 12, 2024 (9/10)

  The breakfast was very nice
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• It is a Beautiful place and the staff was nice and friendly. – Boitshoko from South Africa – August 5, 2024 (8/10)

  Location looked safe.
  Room spacious and clean.
  
  What could be improved: Unable to access DSTV.
  Cold shower in the morning,water was not warm enough and got finished fast.
  No communication concerning breakfast,time,they did not give us options to choose what we want to eat.
  Towels looked old.Would prefer white ones,and gowns.
  Owner to communicate on WhatsApp at least when we have questions that the staff cannot answer.

• Good – Ayanda from South Africa – July 29, 2024 (7/10)

  Nice house, setup, and view. Outside facilities
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast, no options. Dry breakfast. No cereal as standard.
  The noise from other room (loud music).
  There was no bath tub.
  The place is very nice and I would recommend, but these items are raised for improvement of the service quality..

Surroundings

Facilities