35 Fourth Avenue Melville, Melville, 2092 Johannesburg, South Africa
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Motel Mi Pi Chi Overview

I’ll be honest, when I first pulled up to Motel Mi Pi Chi on Fourth Avenue, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect – the name definitely made me curious. But you know what? This four-star spot in Melville completely surprised me in the best way possible. The building has this understated charm that somehow works perfectly in this artsy corner of Johannesburg, and I mean that in a good way. Melville’s always been one of those neighborhoods where creativity meets everyday life, and this place captures that vibe without trying too hard.

The rooms are actually really thoughtfully designed – not flashy, but everything feels intentional. I stayed on the second floor and honestly, the soundproofing impressed me because Melville can get pretty lively, especially on weekends when the nearby bars and cafes are buzzing. The staff genuinely seemed to care about getting the details right, which is something you notice after staying at too many places where people are just going through the motions. Check-in was smooth, and they knew the area well enough to give me solid recommendations that weren’t just the typical tourist spots. One thing I appreciated was the parking situation – it’s secure and right there, which if you know Joburg, you’ll understand why that matters.

What really sold me on this place though was how it fits into the neighborhood. You’re walking distance from 7th Street with all its restaurants and that whole creative scene, but you’re not right in the thick of it where it gets chaotic. I could easily stroll over for dinner or drinks and then come back to actually get some sleep. The morning light in the rooms is gorgeous too – those windows face the right direction to catch the early sun without being blindingly bright. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re staying somewhere locals would actually recommend, not just another generic option that happens to be in Melville. I mean, with ratings like they’re getting (I can see why it’s sitting at 8.3), people are clearly connecting with what they’re doing here. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in the city, but it gets the fundamentals right and adds just enough personality to make you remember it.

Johannesburg tourism provides visitors with unforgettable experiences in Africa’s largest urban area, known for its dynamic street art, world-class restaurants, and legendary Soweto township tours.

Motel Mi Pi Chi Accommodations

AccommodationDetailsEstimated Price
Sun roomfor Max. people: 2$48
King or Twin Room – Sun1 king bed and 2 twin beds for Max. people: 2$59
Studio1 queen bed for Max. people: 2$66
King or Twin Room – Court Yard1 king bed and 2 twin beds for Max. people: 2$69
Two-Bedroom Apartment2 × 1 king bed and 2 sofa beds for Max. people: 2$73
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Reviews of Motel Mi Pi Chi

  • Good experience – Mazorodze from South Africa – September 3, 2025 (8/10)

    Courteous staff

    What could be improved: Power and internet outage on last night

  • Comfortable and nice rooms – Lehan from South Africa – August 27, 2025 (8/10)

    Got everything you need and extras that you don’t find in similar establishments like mini bar, room safe, microwave, etc.

  • Highly recommended. – Fabris from Italy – August 19, 2025 (9/10)

    I had a great stay! The staff were incredibly kind and helpful — they gave me great recommendations on where to go out in the evenings, which made my time in Johannesburg even more enjoyable. On my last day, since my flight was in the late afternoon, they kindly let me use the room for a few extra hours to work, even though I hadn’t requested it in advance. Truly appreciated! Highly recommended.

  • Spacious apartment in Melville with the most wonderful staff! – Alexa from South Africa – August 11, 2025 (9/10)

    We were absolutely blown away by the staff at Mi Pi Chi – especially the night guard, Tyson! We arrived late on a Thursday night, and it was one of our first trips to JHB, we were unfamiliar with the area and felt a little unsettled as we arrived – Tyson made us feel so at ease, and went out of his way to make sure we felt safe the whole weekend. The apartment was super spacious and clean, and had everything we needed, as guests travelling for work. Thank you to the team!! Amazing value for money.

    What could be improved: Only feedback would be the shower! Since it's over a bath and not connected to the wall, after you shower there is quite a bit of water on the floor, but Verginia was kind enough to bring us extra dry towels every day, which made this managable!

  • Cosy rooms in a good area with a friendly host – Ken from Denmark – July 23, 2025 (8/10)

    Nice property in a relatively safe area. Friendly host who went out of her way to help us when water and later electricity went out. Rooms are spacious and clean, although we did spot a mouse in ours.

    What could be improved: Rooms are not soundproof but the owner ensures noise in the common area is kept down. Parking is narrow and can be tricky for non experienced drivers.

  • Wonderful – Mariechen from South Africa – June 26, 2025 (9/10)

    The layout and professionalism of the staff.

    What could be improved: The parking is REALLY tricky!

  • Very Good – Arthur from South Africa – May 14, 2025 (8/10)

    The staff were very friendly. Location is great, close to 7th street but not safe walking distance.

  • Pleasant. – Themba from South Africa – May 1, 2025 (8/10)

    Rooms

    What could be improved: The Area has gone down a bit

  • Ideal location for business trips. Large comfortable house in the heart of Melville. – Monique from South Africa – April 21, 2025 (9/10)

    Good location, large house, friendly and helpful staff.

  • Very Good – Donna from South Africa – March 31, 2025 (8/10)

    everything was nice clean and beautifully. I love their whole bathroom set up in the room I was in. both the host and owner are lovely

    What could be improved: nothing

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Westdene Park: 1.3 km
  • UJ Orban Fields: 750 m
  • Frank Brown Park: 2.6 km
  • Kingston Frost Park: 2.5 km
  • 1st German Scout Hall: 2.4 km
  • Mellville Koppies West: 1.6 km
  • Municipal Swimming Pool: 2.5 km
  • Johannesburg Botanical Gardens: 3 km
  • Melville Koppies Nature Reserve: 1.4 km
  • Lindfield Victorian House Museum: 1.6 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/Bar Pauls Tavern: 100 m
  • Cafe/Bar Exchange Cafe: 150 m
  • Cafe/Bar Kingston on 4th Reggae Lounge, Melville: 50 m

Top attractions:

  • Delta Park: 7 km
  • Rhodes Park: 11 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: 13 km
  • James Hall Museum of Transport: 11 km
  • Kloofendal Municipal Nature Reserve: 15 km

Natural Beauty:

  • Lake Westdene Dam: 1.4 km

Public transit:

  • Train Grosvenor: 4.4 km
  • Train Langlaagte: 4.3 km
  • Subway Gautrain Park Station: 5 km

Closest Airports:

  • Rand Airport: 23 km
  • Grand Central Airport: 29 km
  • O.R. Tambo International Airport: 28 km

Facilities

Spa:

  • Full-body massage
  • Hand massage
  • Head massage
  • Foot massage
  • Neck massage
  • Back massage
  • Public Bath Additional charge
  • Massage Additional charge

General:

  • Shuttle service Additional charge
  • Grocery deliveries Additional charge
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Smoke-free property
  • Heating
  • Laptop safe
  • Fan
  • Ironing facilities
  • Airport shuttle Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms

Kitchen:

  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Guest bathroom
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor furniture

Activities:

  • Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
  • Walking tours Additional charge
  • Bar crawls Additional charge
  • Temporary art galleries Off-site
  • Evening entertainment Additional charge
  • Nightclub/D J Additional charge
  • Golf course (within 2 miles) Additional charge

Living Area:

  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Fruit
  • Wine/Champagne Additional charge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Snack bar
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Entire unit located on ground floor

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack

Languages Spoken:

  • Afrikaans
  • English
  • Zulu

Cleaning Services:

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

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • Key access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe

Business Facilities:

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

Front Desk Services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Baggage storage
  • Tour desk
  • 24-hour front desk

Great for your stay:

  • Parking
  • Private bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Free Wifi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Pet friendly
  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Tour desk
  • Bar crawls

Parking Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).:

  • Accessible parking

Other for your stay:

  • Linens
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House Rules at Motel Mi Pi Chi

Pets:

  • Free! Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Parties:

  • Parties/events 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 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:

9.4

Comfort:

9.0

Location:

8.7

Free Wifi:

8.3

Facilities:

8.5

Cleanliness:

9.0

Value for money:

8.8