Villa Simonne

Villa Simonne Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Villa Simonne on West Street, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this boutique spot tucked away in Lower Houghton. But you know what? Sometimes the best finds are the ones that don’t announce themselves with giant neon signs. This four-star property sits in one of Johannesburg‘s most understated neighborhoods, and I mean that in the best possible way – it’s got that residential quiet you don’t often find so close to the city center.

The thing about Houghton is that it feels like a secret that locals don’t really want to share. You’re basically a stone’s throw from the chaos of the CBD, but here you’ve got tree-lined streets and this almost European villa vibe going on. Villa Simonne fits right into that aesthetic – it’s housed in what looks like it could’ve been someone’s beautiful family home, complete with those classic Johannesburg architectural details that actually mean something. The rooms have this warm, lived-in elegance that I really appreciated after staying in too many sterile chain hotels. Nothing feels overdone or trying too hard, if that makes sense.

What really won me over, though, was how the staff seemed to genuinely know the area. When I asked about dinner options, they didn’t just hand me a generic tourist map – they pointed me toward this incredible little place just a few streets over that I never would’ve found otherwise. The parking situation is refreshingly straightforward too (anyone who’s driven around Joburg knows this matters), and I actually felt safe walking around the neighborhood in the evenings. The 8.4 rating this place has earned feels spot-on – it’s not trying to be the flashiest hotel in the city, but everything they do, they do really well. Honestly, if you want to experience Johannesburg like someone who actually lives here rather than just passing through, this is exactly the kind of place that makes that possible.

Villa Simonne Accommodations

Reviews of Villa Simonne

• Wonderful – Stella from South Africa – July 14, 2025 (9/10)

  The whimsical atmosphere, staff, food and overall vibes. Fantastic. 👍🏻
  
  What could be improved: The only suggestion I have is perhaps the bath's faucets in Matador can be replaced and/or cleaned a little better, the soap suds have started to stain the silver and it's going green. Also the little "proppie" that closes the drain in the bath is a bit tough to manoeuvre when trying to drain the bath. Not very long-nail friendly😂. Other than that, great 😁👍🏻

• Absolutely amazing. I’m glad my wife and I got to relax in this beautiful place – Sherwen from South Africa – July 8, 2025 (8/10)

  The staff, the room, the facilities all those things were absolutely amazing.
  
  What could be improved: The hot water never got truly hot in our tub which was the only downside to it

• Lovely boutique hotel with wonderful secure surrounded by beautiful gardens. – Alan from Australia – July 1, 2025 (9/10)

  Super accomodation. Unique and beautifully decor, helpful and friendly staff and great food.
  We really enjoyed our stay.

• Definitely worth the money – Felicidade from Mozambique – June 30, 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: I am vegetarian/vegan and the menu had little to no available options, however, the chef was willing to accommodate my dietary demands.

• Superb. Will recommend it to my colleagues. – Eunice from South Africa – December 23, 2024 (8/10)

  Staff was very friendly and helpful. Responded quickly to my requests/needs. Would definitely come back to stay longer.
  
  What could be improved: They assume that everybody drinks,hence they didn't give us a choice on the welcoming drinks.

• Good – Mandifadza from Zimbabwe – November 19, 2024 (7/10)

  Great ambiance; welcoming staff
  
  What could be improved: Shower didn't have hot water; DSTV was unpaid

• Hidden Gem – Titus from South Africa – May 13, 2024 (9/10)

  It's aesthetically out of this world. The level of attention to detail is incredible. The breakfast, even the mushrooms, had some special touch. The staff is so professional and world-class. The aircon was already on when we got the room, giving us a literal warm welcome. I don't think I have enough words for the place
  
  What could be improved: The carpet

• Our stay here was amazing 👏 ❤️ we loved everything moment and would love to come back and stay in e – Danielle from South Africa – February 24, 2024 (8/10)

  It was amazing would like a little more variety thou
  
  What could be improved: A bigger more optional menu options

• Very Good – Nomfundo from South Africa – January 6, 2024 (8/10)

  Kind staff. Nice space to hide from the hectic mess of the city
  
  What could be improved: The aircorn a bit old and not that strong

• Cold water – Sikhafungana from South Africa – November 8, 2023 (8/10)

  Staff was perfect
  
  What could be improved: There was no backup for electricity

Surroundings

Facilities