17 On Buffalo

17 On Buffalo Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to 17 On Buffalo, you immediately get the sense that this four-star boutique hotel takes itself seriously — but not too seriously, if you know what I mean. The building has this understated elegance that fits perfectly into Sandton’s upscale residential vibe, and honestly, that’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to escape the typical corporate hotel scene that dominates this part of Johannesburg. There’s something refreshing about a place that feels more like an exclusive guesthouse than another cookie-cutter business hotel.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s the thing about Buffalo Road — it’s one of those addresses that locals nod approvingly at when you mention it. You’re literally minutes from Sandton City and the Gautrain station, which means you can actually get around without dealing with Joburg traffic (well, most of the time anyway). What I really appreciate is how the hotel sits in this quiet residential pocket, so you get all the benefits of being in Sandton’s business district without the constant hum of construction and traffic. Couples seem to particularly love this setup — I mean, there’s a reason they rate the location 8.5 out of 10 for romantic getaways.

The Rooms

The accommodations at 17 On Buffalo strike that perfect balance between sophisticated and comfortable. Each room feels thoughtfully designed rather than mass-produced, with attention to details that actually matter — like proper lighting for reading and work spaces that don’t make you feel cramped. The decor leans contemporary without being cold, and you’ll find those little touches that show someone was thinking about what guests actually need. I particularly noticed how quiet the rooms are, which is no small feat considering you’re still in the heart of one of Africa’s busiest commercial hubs.

Practical Perks

Let’s talk about something that might seem mundane but is absolutely crucial in Johannesburg — parking. 17 On Buffalo offers free private parking on-site, and honestly, this alone probably saves you both money and stress. Anyone who’s tried to navigate Sandton’s parking situation will tell you this is worth its weight in gold. The hotel also handles those practical travel needs without making a big show of it, which I find refreshing compared to places that oversell basic services.

Why Guests Love It

What keeps people coming back to 17 On Buffalo is how it manages to feel both professional and personal. You get the reliability and service standards you’d expect from a four-star property, but with this boutique sensibility that makes each stay feel a bit special. The staff genuinely seems to care about getting the details right, and the location gives you easy access to everything Sandton offers while providing a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for business travelers who want something more interesting than a chain hotel, and couples looking for a sophisticated base to explore Johannesburg’s most dynamic district.

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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