

Life on 3rd Overview
I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Life on 3rd, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this three-star spot tucked away on 3rd Street in Melville. But you know what? Sometimes the places that don’t immediately scream “look at me” end up being the ones you remember most.
Melville has this really cool creative energy that’s hard to explain unless you’ve wandered around the neighborhood yourself. The hotel sits right in the thick of it all, and I mean that in the best way possible. You’re basically a five-minute walk from 7th Street – that’s where all the good restaurants and quirky bars are, if you’re not familiar with Johannesburg. I actually ended up spending most evenings just strolling around, checking out the local art scene and grabbing dinner at places I never would’ve found if I’d stayed in one of those big chain hotels in Sandton. The rooms themselves are pretty straightforward – clean, comfortable, nothing fancy but honestly, that worked for me. I mean, when you’re paying three-star prices, you’re not expecting marble bathrooms and Egyptian cotton sheets, right? What I did appreciate was how quiet it stayed at night, which surprised me given that you’re in the middle of such a lively area. The walls must be decent because I barely heard any street noise, and trust me, I’m usually the first person to complain about that stuff.
The staff really made the difference though – they actually knew the neighborhood and weren’t just reading from some script when I asked about where to grab coffee or catch live music. One of the front desk guys (I think his name was Thabo) told me about this amazing little bookstore café around the corner that I never would’ve discovered otherwise. That’s the kind of local insight you get when you stay somewhere that’s actually part of the community instead of just dropped into it. Parking was surprisingly easy too, which anyone who’s driven around Joburg will tell you is no small thing. Check-in was smooth, no weird hidden fees or anything like that – sometimes the simple stuff matters most. Look, Life on 3rd isn’t going to blow you away with luxury amenities or Instagram-worthy lobbies, but if you want to actually experience Melville rather than just sleep near it, this place gets it right. The location alone makes it worth considering, especially if you’re the type of traveler who’d rather discover a neighborhood’s personality than stick to the tourist checklist.
Life on 3rd Accommodations
| Accommodation | Details | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Double Room | 1 full bed for Max. people: 2 | $62 |
| Europa Compact Room | 1 full bed for Max. people: 2 | $66 |
| Europa Room | 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2 | $69 |
| Standard Room | 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2 | $72 |
| Standard Twin Room | 1 full bed for Max. people: 2 | $74 |
| Deluxe Double Room with Two Double Beds | 2 full beds for Max. people: 2 | $74 |
| Family Room | 1 twin bed, 1 sofa bed and 2 queen beds for Max. people: 2 | $76 |
| Loft Family Room | 1 sofa bed and 2 queen beds for Max. people: 2 | $76 |
| Budget Single Room | 1 twin bed for Max. people: 1 | $43 |


Reviews of Life on 3rd
Great overnight stay – Mbali_ann from South Africa – August 25, 2025 (10/10)
Comfortable, clean, quick booking, great fir overnight stay.
Fantastic – Rebecca from United States – August 21, 2025 (10/10)
Clean, great staff, and delicious breakfast
What could be improved: We are three young women so after showering back to back the hot water ran out.Wonderful – Lucy from South Africa – August 17, 2025 (9/10)
The staff were nice and welcoming. They made sure that my stay was comfortable throughout. The breakfast was 👌👌
What could be improved: Nothing.I recommend this place – Leonardo from Brazil – August 15, 2025 (10/10)
Excellent accommodation
A place like home – Nqobile from South Africa – August 15, 2025 (10/10)
The stuff is too nice, you feel at home.
What could be improved: Nothing, the place is too nice to not likeAmazing experience – Mthunzi from South Africa – August 11, 2025 (10/10)
It is in a piece full and quiet place
What could be improved: I don’t think there is something I didn’t likeWonderful – Federico from Spain – August 5, 2025 (9/10)
Nice, quiet, clean and cozy!
You can take an Uber easy and go and visit Jburg.Exceptional – Senthumule from South Africa – July 5, 2025 (10/10)
The ladies running the B&B are kind and simply the best. They made sure I was comfortable and made my stay worthwhile
What could be improved: Insufficient lighting on the walkway for us with poor night visionWonderful – Shallone from Zimbabwe – July 4, 2025 (9/10)
Everything, a little haven. My home away from home.
What could be improved: What's not to love..A Home away from home in the Avenues in Melville!!! – Linda from South Africa – June 21, 2025 (10/10)
The service I received from Mama Lindy and also the fact that I was just around the corner from my office, convenience with a smile 😊 puts a smile on my face each morning… 🌅 thanks Mama for making me feel like I’m home 💐💐💐oh and I loved the warmth of the bed thanks to Mama Lindys care and switching on of the electric blanket prior to my late arrival from work.
What could be improved: Nothing!!!
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Westdene Park: 1.9 km
- UJ Orban Fields: 1.1 km
- Frank Brown Park: 2.9 km
- Kingston Frost Park: 2.8 km
- 1st German Scout Hall: 2.7 km
- Mellville Koppies West: 2 km
- Sophiatown Extreme Park: 3 km
- Johannesburg Botanical Gardens: 2.6 km
- Melville Koppies Nature Reserve: 1 km
- Lindfield Victorian House Museum: 2 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- RestaurantSAUSAGE SALOONS: 550 m
- Restaurant Melon Restaurant: 150 m
- Restaurant Koala Blue Restaurant: 350 m
Top attractions:
- Delta Park: 6 km
- Rhodes Park: 12 km
- Gandhi Square: 7 km
- Carlton Centre: 7 km
- Apartheid Museum: 9 km
- Constitution Hill: 5 km
- Nelson Mandela Bridge: 5 km
- Hector Pieterson Memorial: 14 km
- James Hall Museum of Transport: 11 km
- Kloofendal Municipal Nature Reserve: 15 km
Natural Beauty:
- Lake Westdene Dam: 1.8 km
Public transit:
- Train Grosvenor: 4.7 km
- Train Langlaagte: 4.6 km
- Subway Gautrain Park Station: 6 km
Closest Airports:
- Rand Airport: 23 km
- Grand Central Airport: 27 km
- O.R. Tambo International Airport: 28 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linens
Kitchen:
- Electric kettle
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
Outdoors:
- Outdoor furniture
- Garden
Services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Baggage storage
- Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
- Laundry Additional charge
- Business center Additional charge
- Airport shuttle Additional charge
- Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
Activities:
- Golf course (within 2 miles) Additional charge
Food & Drink:
- Fruit
- Kid-friendly buffet
Languages Spoken:
- Afrikaans
- English
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- 24-hour security
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- Satellite channels
Front Desk Services:
- Invoice provided
Great for your stay:
- Private bathroom
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Flat-screen TV
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Baggage storage
- Laundry
- Golf course (within 2 miles)
- Designated smoking area
Other for your stay:
- Designated smoking area
- Smoke-free property
- Heating
- Fan
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms


House Rules at Life on 3rd
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Check-out:
- From 7:00 AM to 10:00 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:
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Location:
Free Wifi:
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