(Sub)urban retreat

(Sub)urban retreat Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to (Sub)urban retreat on Menton Road, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the name. But you know what? It actually makes perfect sense once you’re inside. This four-star spot sits in a quieter pocket of Johannesburg that feels refreshingly removed from the city chaos, yet you’re still close enough to everything that matters.

The place has this interesting vibe – sort of like staying at a well-traveled friend’s house who happens to have excellent taste. The rooms are thoughtfully put together without being fussy about it, and I mean that in the best way. There’s parking right on site (which, let’s face it, is huge in Joburg), and the staff actually seems to know the neighborhood well enough to give you proper directions, not just the tourist trap recommendations. What really struck me was how quiet it gets at night – you’re on a residential street, so you don’t get the usual city noise that can keep you up. The morning light filters in beautifully too, which sounds cheesy but honestly makes a difference when you’re trying to ease into your day.

What sets this place apart is that attention to small details that travelers actually care about. The WiFi works consistently throughout the property (I tested it – occupational hazard), the beds are properly comfortable, and they’ve got the room temperature thing figured out, which is trickier than you’d think in Johannesburg’s unpredictable weather. The common areas have this relaxed, lived-in feel that makes you want to linger over coffee rather than rush out. I noticed they keep local art on the walls – not the generic hotel stuff, but pieces that actually reflect the area’s character. During my stay, other guests seemed genuinely relaxed, which tells you something about the atmosphere they’ve managed to create. If you’re looking for something that feels authentic without sacrificing comfort, and you don’t need to be right in the thick of the business district, this retreat lives up to its name pretty well.

Activities in Johannesburg provide tourists with authentic local experiences, allowing them to explore traditional markets and experience daily life in charming neighborhoods like Melville and Greenside.

(Sub)urban retreat Accommodations

Reviews of (Sub)urban retreat

• Wonderful – Amber from South Africa – September 10, 2024 (9/10)

  This home is so beautiful, unique and very peaceful. It is in a very convenient location and the hosts were very accommodating.

• Perfect home – Susara from South Africa – August 1, 2024 (10/10)

  We liked everything. This home is a real gem. feels like home away from home. Beautiful architecture, clean, spacious open plan house, well equipped, lovely fireplace for the cold winter nights and braai facilities. Good communication from host. Would highly recommend this accommodation. Thank you for a most memorable stay.

• Unique design, great place for making any stay in Johannesburg memorable. Hosts are very friendly. – Ben from United States – July 28, 2024 (10/10)

  The atmosphere, decor and location of SubUrban retreat is outstanding and we hope to return. It is even better than the photos show! The area is walkable and in close proximity to Milpark Hospital. A lovely cafe is just a block away and it is easy to walk to Woolworths to stock up on essentials.
  
  What could be improved: Really, there are no complaints. The only thing to be aware of is that it is not the best choice for people with mobility issues as all bedrooms are accessed by stairs. However, there are couches on the main floor that are comfortable.

• We didn’t want to leave: an awesome place with a fantastic host. – Donovan from South Africa – May 29, 2024 (10/10)

  Wonderfully eclectic place. Beautifully designed but homely – a great place to stay.

• Exceptional – Ditiro09 from South Africa – May 3, 2024 (10/10)

  The tranquility and the feeling of being in nature. Absolutely love plants and nature so was great. Loft is amazing!

• Amazing architectural house – Christophe from France – May 1, 2023 (10/10)

  What an amazing place. This house is a paradise. We want to stay the all day in. It's huge and open everywhere, with nice terraces, a lot of plants everywhere.
  
  What could be improved: The house can be a bit scary during the night if you are afraid of big space and windows open to the outdoor.

• The home is lovely and the few small issues can be easily overlooked. overall was a wonderful stay. – Naidoo from South Africa – March 13, 2023 (10/10)

  very spacious, has a lot of room and free space. everything is comfortable and easy to use/find
  
  What could be improved: carpets were very slippery. the downstairs geyser I think is very loud.

• Exceptional – Taylor from Canada – February 17, 2023 (10/10)

  Most amazing house I've ever stayed in. So artistic and unique. Everything you would need it has plus more. Record player, Bluetooth speaker, every kitchen appliance you would need, all the towels and linens you would need, comfy bed, nice showers, amazing copper tub. And all in a super secure house, which is needed in Johannesburg. The neighbourhood itself is safe during the day but anywhere in Joburg at night is a no go. So might as well have an amazing place to be kept safe at. So perfect.

• Unique and interesting home with a great host – Andrew from South Africa – February 6, 2023 (10/10)

  What a breath of fresh air to find a place so different from the usual AirBnB. It is quirky and different but we loved that, big windows into the lush garden and 3 en-suite rooms as well. Load shedding is a problem everywhere in SA, but there is a small inverter to keep wi-fi and one light going and they provided candles as well.
  
  What could be improved: Load shedding time table was off 8pm to 10pm which is not ideal, but that's not the owner's fault at all

• Wonderful – Eloise from South Africa – December 28, 2022 (9/10)

  Great architectural space, very personal home environment.

Surroundings

Facilities