31 on Forest (Matamela Suite)

31 on Forest (Matamela Suite) Overview

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to 31 on Forest (Matamela Suite) on Forest Road, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s tucked into this residential area that feels more like a proper neighborhood than a typical hotel district, which actually turned out to be one of its best features. You know what I mean? Sometimes you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere real instead of just another tourist bubble.

The Matamela Suite itself is part of this three-star setup that’s refreshingly unpretentious. I mean, you’re not going to get marble lobbies or doormen in white gloves here, but honestly, that’s not what this place is about. What you do get is this surprisingly spacious suite that feels more like a friend’s well-appointed apartment than a hotel room. The kitchen actually works – and I tested it, because I’m one of those travelers who gets tired of eating out every meal. There’s proper counter space, decent cookware, and the fridge is big enough to handle a few days’ worth of groceries from the Pick n Pay down the road.

The location in Johannesburg is actually pretty clever once you figure it out. Forest Road puts you in this sweet spot where you’re close enough to the action but far enough away that you’re not dealing with city center chaos every time you step outside. I could walk to some decent local spots for coffee (there’s this place called Craft that locals seem to love), and getting an Uber to the main attractions never took more than fifteen minutes. Parking was never an issue either, which – let me tell you – is not something you can take for granted in Joburg. The street feels safe during the day, though like anywhere in the city, you’ll want to be smart about evening walks.

What I really appreciated was how the staff seemed to actually know the area. When I asked about getting to the Apartheid Museum, the guy at reception didn’t just hand me a generic tourist map – he told me which route to avoid during rush hour and mentioned that Wednesday mornings are usually quieter there. Those are the kind of details that make a difference, you know? The suite itself has this lived-in comfort that you don’t always find in bigger chain places. Sure, the bathroom could use a minor update and the Wi-Fi occasionally got moody, but the bed was genuinely comfortable and the living area had enough space that I could spread out my laptop without feeling cramped. On quieter evenings, you can actually hear birds from the nearby trees, which sounds small but felt like a luxury after spending time in noisier parts of the city. If you’re looking for something that feels authentic rather than polished, and you don’t mind being a bit outside the immediate tourist zone, this place delivers something that’s becoming harder to find – a real sense of staying somewhere that locals might actually choose themselves.

31 on Forest (Matamela Suite) Accommodations

Reviews of 31 on Forest (Matamela Suite)

• Beautiful place for relaxation – Mathebula from South Africa – July 17, 2025 (7/10)

  The place was nice
  
  What could be improved: Omg the Wi-Fi kept disconnecting from the TV.

• Good – Khuzwayo from South Africa – June 14, 2025 (7/10)

  The room was nice
  
  What could be improved: The room was cold, didn't have cloths to clean with or a bin

• Fair – Ntuthuko from South Africa – January 26, 2025 (5/10)

  The room was very clean
  
  What could be improved: TV wouldn’t connect to the WiFi

• Great – Sibusiso from South Africa – January 1, 2025 (6/10)

  Great setting
  
  What could be improved: Sheets weren't clean and bathroom struggled to flush.

• 50% – Morukhu from South Africa – December 12, 2024 (6/10)

  Clean
  
  What could be improved: Had to push the gate to open
  
  Remote not working and they didn’t even try to organise a gate guard to open & close for us

• Exceptional – Nokuthula from South Africa – November 5, 2024 (10/10)

  Nice rooms beautiful place
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Very Good – Mofokeng from South Africa – October 14, 2024 (8/10)

  Everything else
  
  What could be improved: Hot water

• Pleasant – Vuyiswa from South Africa – June 3, 2024 (6/10)

  Shower is wonderful, the water pressure is excellent.
  
  What could be improved: Bed very uncomfortable.

• Rated it 10/10 – Edison from Kenya – May 24, 2024 (10/10)

  The house large and spacious with everything you need away from home
  Rated 10/10
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Good – Craig from South Africa – February 1, 2024 (7/10)

  The entertainment area and the apartment space
  
  What could be improved: The bed and finishing of bathroom space

Surroundings

Facilities