Houghton Place

Houghton Place Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Houghton Place on 7th Street, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The whole Houghton Estate area has this interesting mix of old Johannesburg money and newer developments, and this four-star spot sits right in the middle of it all. But you know what? It actually works really well.

The thing about staying in Johannesburg is that location matters more than people realize, and Houghton is one of those neighborhoods where you feel like you’re getting the real Jo’burg experience without constantly worrying about safety. I mean, you’re still in a major African city so you stay alert, but this area has that established, leafy suburb feel that locals know well. The hotel itself feels more like a boutique property than some massive chain – which honestly was refreshing after staying at those cookie-cutter places near the airport. The staff actually remembered my name by day two, and not in that forced hospitality way, but because the place is small enough that they genuinely get to know guests.

What surprised me most was how quiet it gets at night, considering you’re still technically in the city. The rooms have this understated elegance thing going on – not trying too hard to impress, but everything just… works. The beds are properly comfortable (and I’m picky about mattresses), and they’ve got those little touches that show someone was actually thinking about what travelers need. Good lighting for reading, enough outlets for your devices, decent water pressure in the shower. You know, the stuff that matters when you’re jet-lagged and just want things to function smoothly. I stayed there during what locals call the “quiet season” in March, and honestly the whole property had this relaxed vibe that made it easy to settle in. The breakfast situation is solid too – not some elaborate buffet, but fresh, quality stuff that actually tastes like food rather than hotel fare. And here’s something you don’t always get – the parking is straightforward and secure, which anyone who’s driven in Jo’burg will tell you is worth its weight in gold. The rating of 8.9 makes sense to me because it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in the city, but it delivers on the things that actually matter for a comfortable stay.

Houghton Place Accommodations

Reviews of Houghton Place

• Exceptional – Yevheniia from Slovenia – September 14, 2025 (10/10)

  Houghton place is great. Owner are very nice, was a good choice to choose them

• Exceptional – Laetitia from Australia – June 16, 2025 (10/10)

  I enjoyed feeling at home as a guest, the invitation to sit in the lounge room for a conversation, the kindness and understanding.
  
  What could be improved: Still trying to find something I didn't like: nothing

• Super comfortable – Kyle from United Kingdom – May 2, 2025 (10/10)

  Good location, safe, welcoming. Rooms are lovely. Bath was huge. The mini bar was a nice touch and super reasonable price. Breakfast was great and the staff were nice

• Exceptional – Krismcc from Australia – May 2, 2025 (10/10)

  Great living space being quite large and with a backyard and pool. There are also 2 very friendly dogs. They loved attention.
  
  What could be improved: n/a

• Exceptional – Rosemary from United Kingdom – March 27, 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic welcome into a beautiful home. The bedroom was large and well equipped. The mattress was very comfortable and pleasing decor plys a nice view over the garden and pool. It is worth staying here just for the exceptional design and architecture of the building. Modern, airy, and full of artwork… The location is in a beautiful tree lined avenue in a very good area of Johannesburg. I look forward to my next visit to Houghton Place.

• Very comfy and great location – David from South Africa – March 13, 2025 (10/10)

  We picked this place 'cause it was so close to an event we needed to attend. Have stayed here before and everything was just as great. Friendly staff and host. Very accommodating.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Nice experience in a real residential house – Gabiz from Czech Republic – January 8, 2025 (9/10)

  The owners are very welcoming, they give you a lot of tips for sightseeing and restaurants and you can basically hang around with them in the garden. The area is very safe but everybody uses uber wherever they go anyway. The room was very comfortable, good bed. Part of the bathroom has a milky glass wall towards the hallway but the hallway is only shared by the 3 guest rooms (so no real traffic on the hallway). I noticed water was leaking from the bathroom to the hallway – it can be fixed. However the light on the hallway was on the whole night so bring a face sleeping mask.
  
  What could be improved: Apparently it is necessary to agree the time of breakfast upfront as on my last day, it was Sunday I needed to leave at 8am but there was nobody awake. I felt sorry to wake the owners up to sort out the bill and eventually had to leave without a breakfast. Not a big deal but be aware to sort everything upfront.

• Wonderful – Sathyendran from Canada – December 23, 2024 (9/10)

  Good breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Parking space was bit cramped

• Like visiting old friends – Andi from South Africa – December 19, 2024 (10/10)

  The house is unique and lovely.
  Fabulous hosts who I thoroughly liked.
  It is extremely well located for Rosebank and the motorway.

• Exceptional 👌😍 – Ephenia from South Africa – October 27, 2024 (9/10)

  The place was beautiful and the owners are very friendly. The staff is super friendly too. All round great experience.
  
  What could be improved: That there was no aircornditioner in my room and it was extremely hot, due to the weather outside.

Surroundings

Facilities