31 Forest Road, 2018 Johannesburg, South Africa
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The blissful nest Overview

You know what caught me off guard about The blissful nest? I was expecting some generic guesthouse when I pulled up to Forest Road, but this little three-star spot actually has genuine character. It’s tucked into this quiet residential area in Johannesburg that feels worlds away from the city chaos – I mean, you’re still close enough to everything, but the tree-lined street gives you that suburban calm that’s honestly pretty rare to find.

The place itself is exactly what you’d want from a boutique property without the boutique price tag. The rooms are thoughtfully put together – not fancy, but someone clearly cared about the details. I loved the local artwork on the walls (actual South African pieces, not the usual hotel nonsense), and the beds are surprisingly comfortable. The owners have this knack for making the space feel homey without being cluttered. What really impressed me was how quiet it stays, even during the day. Forest Road doesn’t get much through traffic, so you can actually leave your windows open without the constant hum of cars. The breakfast area overlooks this little garden that’s beautifully maintained – nothing elaborate, just good plants and peaceful vibes.

Here’s the thing that sealed it for me though: the staff actually knows the neighborhood. When I asked about getting to Rosebank without dealing with traffic, they didn’t just point me toward the main roads – they sketched out this back route through the residential streets that saved me probably 20 minutes each way. And parking? No stress at all, which anyone who’s tried to park in central Joburg will appreciate. The 8.3 rating makes total sense once you’re there – it’s not trying to be something it isn’t, just doing the fundamentals really well. I stayed during what they told me was their busy season, but the place never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Check-in was smooth, the common areas stayed tidy, and honestly, the whole experience felt more like staying at a well-run bed and breakfast than a commercial hotel. If you’re looking for that sweet spot between personal service and professional operation, this place nails it.

Johannesburg travel planning should be done early, especially during peak season when the city hosts internationally celebrated events and festivals in Newtown and other iconic cultural districts.

The blissful nest Accommodations

AccommodationDetailsEstimated Price
One-Bedroom Apartment1 queen bed for Max. people: 2$46
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Reviews of The blissful nest

  • Any how we enjoyed our stay – Koketso from South Africa – September 8, 2025 (5/10)

    The cleanliness of the room

    What could be improved: The Pool made us little bit uncomfortable because of it’s dirtiness
    The duvet was also uncomfortable

  • Exceptional – Nyiko from South Africa – July 12, 2025 (10/10)

    Beautiful place

    What could be improved: In and outside of the place 🥰

  • Very Good – Mpho from South Africa – June 23, 2025 (8/10)

    The place was peaceful.

  • I had an amazing stay! I would really love to come back – Tiisetso from South Africa – April 27, 2025 (10/10)

    I loved everything.

    What could be improved: It had insects

  • Good – Motseonageng from Botswana – September 19, 2024 (7/10)

  • I wish I stayed longer – Ofentse from South Africa – April 11, 2024 (7/10)

    The set up

    What could be improved: We forgot the pink fur coat and when we went the other day we couldn’t get help

    There is no reception or buttons at the gate, I had to wait for network to make a call whilst waiting at the gate

  • Fair – Khosi from South Africa – February 5, 2024 (5/10)

    Loved the aesthetic of the space it was very comfortable and intimate. I must say the bed was comfortable. I liked that the host was very responsive and tried to accommodate my concerns.

    What could be improved: The placement of the TV makes it hard to watch especially during the day because if the skylight in the room. The cleanliness was not very good. The leaking during the rain was rellay uncomfortable as well as problems with the hot water not being available when it was time to leave. The space needs more attention to detail.

  • Exceptional – Chiquitita from South Africa – January 2, 2024 (10/10)

    The place was beautiful, the bed was so comfortable, pool was amazing the view is amazing I loved everything.
    Jane was an amazing host I appreciate everything she'd done for me I'd definitely come back here anytime.. I loved everything about it 🙏🥺

  • Two days, weekend stay in Dec 2023 – Sakhile from South Africa – December 8, 2023 (6/10)

    1) The rooms ascetic was modern and well decorated
    2) The bed was very comfortable
    3) There are rechargeable bulbs installed and the WiFi has a UPS.

    What could be improved: 1) Our room i.e. number 15 didn't have lace curtains
    2) There is no AC or fans, and the room gets very hot.
    3) On our last morning there, the hot water ran out and we had to take luke warm to cold showers.
    4) There is no place to hang clothes on coat hangers

  • It was great, nice swimming area. Beautiful and clean space. – Nolwazi from South Africa – November 7, 2023 (7/10)

    I loved the aesthetics of the space, the cleanliness and the staff.

    What could be improved: The power shortages, and loadshedding.

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Substation: 600 m
  • Glenhazel Park: 3.6 km
  • Innisfree Park: 4.6 km
  • Maria Mariotti: 3.6 km
  • Acrobranch Melrose: 2.5 km
  • Mushroom Farm Park: 4.3 km
  • Queens Square Park: 3.1 km
  • Innesfree Park, Sandton: 4.6 km
  • Nelson Mandela Foundation: 3.3 km
  • Jabulani Recreational Centre: 5 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Mi vanni: 750 m
  • Cafe/Bar Wild Bean Cafe: 800 m
  • Restaurant Grappino Bistro: 500 m

Top attractions:

  • Delta Park: 8 km
  • Rhodes Park: 10 km
  • Gandhi Square: 12 km
  • Carlton Centre: 11 km
  • Apartheid Museum: 16 km
  • Constitution Hill: 9 km
  • Nelson Mandela Bridge: 10 km
  • Rietfontein Nature Reserve: 17 km
  • Johannesburg Botanical Gardens: 9 km
  • Melville Koppies Nature Reserve: 9 km

Natural Beauty:

  • Lake Zoo Lake: 7 km

Public transit:

  • Train Rosebank: 4.4 km
  • Subway Gautrain Park Station: 10 km
  • Train Gautrain Sandton Station: 4.7 km

Closest Airports:

  • Rand Airport: 22 km
  • Grand Central Airport: 18 km
  • O.R. Tambo International Airport: 22 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linens
  • Wardrobe or closet

Bathroom:

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

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Private pool
  • Garden

Living Area:

  • Sofa
  • Fireplace

Accessibility:

  • Entire unit located on ground floor

Miscellaneous:

  • Air conditioning

Outdoor & View:

  • Pool view
  • Garden view
  • View

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Electric blankets
  • Tile/Marble floor
  • Ironing facilities
  • Iron

Languages Spoken:

  • English

Media & Technology:

  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV

Most popular facilities:

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Garden

Building Characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building

Outdoor swimming pool Free!:

  • Opening times
  • Open all year
  • All ages welcome
  • Shallow end

Other for your stay:

  • Cleaning products
  • Toaster
  • Stovetop
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchenette
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House Rules at The blissful nest

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • You need to let the property know what time you’ll be arriving in advance.

Check-out:

  • From 10:00 AM to 11:00 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:

8.9

Comfort:

9.0

Location:

9.3

Facilities:

7.9

Cleanliness:

9.2

Value for money:

9.2