Casa de Olivia

Casa de Olivia Overview

You know what really caught me off guard about Casa de Olivia? I was expecting just another business hotel in Johannesburg’s financial district, but this four-star boutique place on Shrublands Drive actually has soul. I mean, Sandton can feel pretty sterile with all those gleaming office towers, but Casa de Olivia sits tucked away in what feels more like an upscale residential pocket – honestly, I drove past it twice before spotting the discreet entrance.

The whole vibe is refreshingly intimate for this part of town. There’s maybe 20-something rooms total, so you’re not dealing with lobby chaos or fighting for elevator space like you would at the bigger chains nearby. The staff actually remembers your name after day one, which shouldn’t be remarkable but somehow is these days. I loved how they’ve done the interiors too – it’s got this modern African aesthetic that doesn’t feel forced or touristy. Think clean lines mixed with warm earth tones and some gorgeous local artwork that you’ll actually want to look at. The rooms are spacious by Sandton standards, and here’s something practical nobody tells you: the walls are properly soundproofed, which matters because you’re still close enough to the main commercial strip that traffic can be a thing during rush hour.

What really works here is the location – you’re literally a five-minute walk from Sandton City if you need shopping or restaurants, but far enough from the Nelson Mandela Square madness that you can actually sleep at night. The Gautrain station is close enough for airport runs without the noise, and if you’re doing business in the area, most of the major office complexes are easily walkable. I actually ended up eating at their restaurant more than I planned because the chef does this fantastic fusion thing with local ingredients – nothing too fancy, just really solid food that beats the generic hotel fare you usually get. The breakfast spread is honest too, not trying to be everything to everyone, just good quality basics done right. Parking‘s included and secure, which saves you both money and stress in this part of the city. Look, it’s not going to blow your mind or win design awards, but Casa de Olivia does what good hotels should do – it gets out of your way and lets you focus on why you came to Johannesburg in the first place.

Casa de Olivia Accommodations

Reviews of Casa de Olivia

• Exceptional 😊 – Gugu from South Africa – July 1, 2025 (10/10)

  Everything about the property was excellent, the host was exceptional, shout out to Lungi, she was amazing😊🙌🏾
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, all was beautiful.

• Homely set up – L from South Africa – June 16, 2025 (10/10)

  All in order

• Wholesome – Basetsana from South Africa – September 30, 2024 (9/10)

  The cleanliness and it was neat every place we went to.
  
  What could be improved: The Wi-Fi was slow and we had trouble connecting to it.

• Awesome, felt safe and home – Ruth from Canada – September 15, 2024 (9/10)

  Safe, secure, gated estaye
  
  What could be improved: Everything all good

• Brilliant, warmly – Maxwell from United Kingdom – September 3, 2024 (9/10)

  The hospitality was superb
  
  What could be improved: None

• Comfortable and clean. – Michelle from Zimbabwe – August 26, 2024 (9/10)

  Very safe. Clean and comfortable. I would definitely recommend to others needing a place to stay in Joburg. It was in a great area and it was the perfect stop for us to do some shopping before catching our flight out of SA the next day.
  
  What could be improved: Only very small things to improve it slightly.
  Missing a dish cloth/sponge to do the washing up with.
  Difficult to watch TV with it on the wall at the side of the bed. Maybe change the bed to other wall?
  No scissors to open packets of food.

• Wonderful – Tzara from South Africa – August 18, 2024 (9/10)

  The bed was very comfortable. We liked the ease of access to the facilities and the cleanliness of the facilities.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately, we experienced difficulties connecting to netflix and the heater, which did not switch on.

• Exceptional – Lerato from South Africa – June 19, 2024 (10/10)

  Host was friendly, easy check in, they give us our own key for the gate. Home away from home, warm (heater and blanket supplied), safe, private, hot water always available.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• It was excellent – Zungu from South Africa – June 10, 2024 (10/10)

  It clean, the house smells good and the bed sheets were clean
  I really can’t say anything bad about the place
  I enjoyed my stay there

• Nice and quiet place for a business trip. Well taken care of. – Shuna from South Africa – June 3, 2024 (10/10)

  Clean and neat
  
  What could be improved: None

Surroundings

Facilities