5 Avalanche Street Westdene, 2092 Johannesburg, South Africa
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Fatmols guest lodge Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Fatmols guest lodge on Avalanche Street, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The name had me curious, and Westdene isn’t exactly the first neighborhood that comes to mind when people think of Johannesburg, but sometimes those are exactly the places that surprise you. This four-star lodge turned out to be one of those pleasant discoveries that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something locals have been keeping to themselves.

The lodge sits in this quiet residential pocket that feels worlds away from the hustle of central Joburg, yet you’re still close enough to everything that matters. What struck me immediately was how the staff actually remembered my name after the first day – not in that forced, corporate hospitality way, but genuinely. The rooms have this warm, lived-in quality that I really appreciate; they’re not trying too hard to be trendy, just comfortable and thoughtfully arranged. You know what I mean? Sometimes you walk into a place and everything feels like it was chosen by committee, but here the furniture actually makes sense together. The beds are properly firm (thank goodness), and they’ve got these thick curtains that actually block out the morning light if you’re trying to sleep in.

I spent quite a bit of time in the common areas, which honestly became my favorite part of staying there. There’s this covered outdoor space where you can sit with your coffee in the morning and actually hear birds instead of traffic – pretty rare for Johannesburg, I can tell you that. The breakfast situation is solid too; nothing fancy, but they do it well and there’s always something hot available even if you’re running late. Parking was never an issue, which anyone who’s driven around Joburg will appreciate, and the whole property feels secure without being fortress-like. The Wi-Fi actually works consistently, which seems like a small thing until you’re trying to get work done or upload photos. One thing I particularly liked was how quiet it stays at night – Westdene isn’t a party neighborhood anyway, but the lodge itself maintains this peaceful atmosphere that lets you actually rest. The only minor thing I’d mention is that the water pressure can be a bit temperamental in the evenings, but honestly, after a day of exploring the city, I wasn’t too fussed about it. For what you pay and where you are, Fatmols delivers exactly what it promises without any pretense, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Fatmols guest lodge Accommodations

AccommodationDetailsEstimated Price
Luxury Queen Room1 queen bed for Max. people: 2$49
Executive Queen Room1 queen bed for Max. people: 2$55
Suite with Balcony1 full bed for Max. people: 2$58
Classic King Room1 king bed for Max. people: 2$58
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Reviews of Fatmols guest lodge

  • short but sweet – Mokoena from South Africa – September 18, 2025 (9/10)

    please link the booking contacts to the property we battled to come inside, we panicked a bit since it was late and we panicked a bit. over all was wonderful and i will return and also spread the word. wonderful views too

    What could be improved: not being able to call reception. lamp shades were not working and can they make plugs that can accommodate the tea and coffee station

  • Wonderful – Chrispin from South Africa – July 6, 2025 (9/10)

    I thoroughly enjoyed my stay—particularly impressed by the spacious room and bathroom, which offered both comfort and elegance. The floors were spotless, and the room was neatly organized, creating a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. I also appreciated the staff’s professionalism; they were consistently attentive and courteous throughout my stay. A truly well-managed and dependable team.

    What could be improved: At first, I was concerned about the poor Wi-Fi connection, which nearly left me disappointed. However, to my surprise, the issue was quickly resolved by the staff—even without me reporting it. That proactive service really stood out. I also had a bit of difficulty figuring out how the shower operated, as the water control was integrated into the shower head—a design I wasn't familiar with. Thankfully, the staff were quick to assist and explained it clearly. Their responsiveness made all the difference.

  • Reviews – Selephi from South Africa – April 1, 2025 (9/10)

    Initially got a room without a working TV. Staff was gracious enough to move us into a different room while working to fix it

    What could be improved: The fact we had to move rooms. However we got in very late on our first night. The second room didn't have mirrors outside of the ones in the bathrooms

  • Very Good – Gomolemo from South Africa – March 25, 2025 (8/10)

    Hospitality is their culture. We ate nice breakfast

    What could be improved: Need more lights outside

  • Wonderful – Okuhle from South Africa – March 15, 2025 (9/10)

    The staff were very friendly!!
    Good stay overall.

  • Wonderful – Luyanda from South Africa – March 3, 2025 (9/10)

    The staff is very friendly and also the place is really nice

  • Superb. – Nokuzola from South Africa – December 8, 2024 (8/10)

    The staff were very friendly and helpful and particularly Molly was fabulous especially when I checked-in at night always ready and willing to answer the phone, definitely would recommend the place to someone else. The bathroom facilities are superb, the area itself and the pool. The location was very convenient for the purpose of my stay, I enjoyed myself.

  • Wonderful – Tukiso from South Africa – December 8, 2024 (9/10)

    Very beautiful, and the tranquil 👌🏽 super nice!

    What could be improved: There was no hot water on day 2 evening

  • Very Good – Celumusa from South Africa – October 20, 2024 (8/10)

    Clean, spacious room

    What could be improved: The noise by other guests throughout the night

  • Wonderful – Emmanuel from South Africa – October 20, 2024 (9/10)

    What could be improved: Water was luke warm instead of being hot

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Westdene Park: 950 m
  • UJ Orban Fields: 300 m
  • Kingston Frost Park: 2.5 km
  • Coronationville Park: 2.6 km
  • Mellville Koppies West: 1.2 km
  • Municipal Swimming Pool: 2.8 km
  • Sophiatown Extreme Park: 2.1 km
  • Melville Koppies Nature Reserve: 2.1 km
  • Lindfield Victorian House Museum: 2.1 km
  • Raucall Secondary School Sports Fields: 2.2 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/Bar The Village: 550 m
  • Restaurant McDonalds: 450 m
  • Restaurant Asian Twist: 650 m

Top attractions:

  • Delta Park: 7 km
  • Rhodes Park: 12 km
  • Gandhi Square: 7 km
  • Carlton Centre: 7 km
  • Apartheid Museum: 9 km
  • Constitution Hill: 6 km
  • Nelson Mandela Bridge: 5 km
  • Hector Pieterson Memorial: 12 km
  • James Hall Museum of Transport: 11 km
  • Johannesburg Botanical Gardens: 3.3 km

Natural Beauty:

  • Lake Westdene Dam: 800 m

Public transit:

  • Train Industria: 4.3 km
  • Train Langlaagte: 3.9 km
  • Subway Gautrain Park Station: 6 km

Closest Airports:

  • Rand Airport: 24 km
  • Grand Central Airport: 30 km
  • O.R. Tambo International Airport: 28 km

Facilities

Spa:

  • Yoga classes
  • Full-body massage
  • Hand massage
  • Head massage
  • Couples’ massage
  • Foot massage
  • Neck massage
  • Back massage
  • Spa/Wellness packages
  • Spa facilities
  • Massage

Kitchen:

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Bathtub
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Activities:

  • Themed dinners
  • Walking tours

Food & Drink:

  • Coffee house on site
  • Wine/Champagne
  • Kids’ meals
  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Restaurant

Languages Spoken:

  • English

Cleaning Services:

  • Ironing service Additional charge
  • Dry cleaning Additional charge
  • Laundry Additional charge

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • Security alarm
  • 24-hour security

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV

Business Facilities:

  • Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
  • Business center Additional charge
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge

Front Desk Services:

  • Private check-in/out
  • Express check-in/out

Great for your stay:

  • Parking
  • Private bathroom
  • Restaurant
  • Free Wifi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Bathtub
  • Room service
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Free parking
  • Outdoor swimming pool

Other for your stay:

  • Shuttle service Additional charge
  • Air conditioning
  • Airport shuttle Additional charge
  • Room service
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House Rules at Fatmols guest lodge

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 2:00 PM to 11:30 PM
  • Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.

Check-out:

  • From 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Check what conditions apply to each option when making your selection.

Guest reviews

Staff:

8.2

Comfort:

8.4

Location:

8.6

Free Wifi:

8.6

Facilities:

7.9

Cleanliness:

8.6

Value for money:

8.1