DAVINCI Hotel on Nelson Mandela Square

DAVINCI Hotel on Nelson Mandela Square Overview

You know what caught me off guard about DAVINCI Hotel on Nelson Mandela Square? It’s how they managed to create this bubble of sophisticated calm right in the middle of Sandton’s business madness. I mean, you step out the front door and you’re literally on Nelson Mandela Square – which honestly can be pretty hectic during the day with all the office workers and tourists snapping photos of that massive Mandela statue – but inside, it feels like you’re in a completely different world.

The five-star rating isn’t just for show here. I’ve stayed at plenty of fancy places in Johannesburg, and this one actually delivers on the luxury promise without feeling stuffy about it. The rooms have this modern Italian design thing going on (hence the DaVinci name, I guess), with these gorgeous marble bathrooms that make you want to take way too many mirror selfies. What I really appreciated though was the attention to practical details – proper blackout curtains that actually work, multiple charging stations that don’t require you to unplug the bedside lamp, and honestly, the best shower pressure I’ve encountered in South Africa. The corner location on Maude and 5th gives you these sweeping views of Sandton’s skyline, especially from the higher floors, and at night when all those office buildings light up, it’s pretty spectacular.

Here’s what nobody tells you about staying right on the square though – weekday mornings can get surprisingly busy with the breakfast crowd from nearby offices, but the hotel staff handles it smoothly. I actually ended up chatting with the concierge about the best times to explore the area (early morning or after 7 PM, if you’re wondering), and he knew every shortcut to avoid the business district foot traffic. The location is perfect if you need to be in Sandton for meetings – you can literally walk to most of the major office buildings – but it’s also well-connected if you want to explore other parts of Joburg. The Gautrain station is close enough that you don’t need to deal with traffic to get to OR Tambo, which saved me a ton of stress on departure day. What surprised me most was how quiet the rooms stay despite being in such a busy area. Whatever soundproofing they’ve got works, because even with my room facing the square, I barely heard the city noise. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’re getting insider access to Johannesburg’s business heart, but with all the comfort and service you’d want after a long day of meetings or sightseeing.

DAVINCI Hotel on Nelson Mandela Square Accommodations

Reviews of DAVINCI Hotel on Nelson Mandela Square

• Wonderful – Robert from Zimbabwe – September 21, 2025 (9/10)

  Open plan centre tub
  
  What could be improved: Nil

• We all wish we could have stayed another night!!! – Scott from United Kingdom – September 18, 2025 (10/10)

  LOVED the location – right on the shopping centre. All aspects of the hotel were excellent and the outside area and pool were like an oasis in the middle of Sandton.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – it was perfect

• Clean Hotel with very welcoming staff and close to Shopping center. Breakfast is amazing – Daniela from South Africa – August 28, 2025 (10/10)

  It's not the first time staying at the Da Vinci Hotel.We are happy returnees
  
  What could be improved: Cappuccino in the morning needs improvement

• Exceptional – Lebohang from South Africa – August 21, 2025 (10/10)

  Great

• I had a wonderful stay – Muchemwa from United Kingdom – August 4, 2025 (10/10)

  The location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Sulumba from Malawi – July 24, 2025 (10/10)

  Hospitality
  
  What could be improved: N/a

• A DaVinci Hearty Experience – Kalea from Malawi – July 14, 2025 (8/10)

  The warm welcome I got from the concierge up until I got to the reception area. And the hotel facilities being conveniently located next to Nelson Mandela Square was an added advantage and made the hotel a very safe location

• Overall good – Johan from South Africa – July 2, 2025 (8/10)

  Very good location

• Exceptional – Bubala from Botswana – June 12, 2025 (10/10)

  Value for money, secure and convenient
  
  What could be improved: Nothing! Everything is as perfect

• It was absolutely amazing – Bongekile from South Africa – June 4, 2025 (10/10)

  Everything, check in was seamless
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

Surroundings

Facilities