Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is set on a ridge in the Westcliff neighbourhood, above the green belt of the zoo and the suburbs around it. Its buildings step down the hillside in a terraced, Mediterranean style, with courtyards, gardens and walkways linking the rooms to the pool, restaurants and spa, and the city view from the terraces is one of the most impressive in Johannesburg, especially at dusk when the lights come on. It is a resort-style hotel inside an urban area, and it feels more like a hillside village than a city tower. Rosebank, with its galleries and markets and its Gautrain station, is a short drive away, and the sights of central Johannesburg are within easy reach. The hotel is popular with honeymooners, couples celebrating a special occasion and travellers who want a quiet, scenic base where service is attentive and the atmosphere unhurried.
Location and getting around
Because the hotel is on a hill, it is best reached by car, transfer or ride-hailing rather than on foot, and most guests use hotel transfers or arranged drivers. Rosebank and Melrose Arch are about ten to fifteen minutes away, Sandton about twenty to thirty depending on traffic, and the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Soweto are all within a reasonable drive, which makes a guided day tour with hotel pick-up an easy way to see the city.
Rooms and facilities
Expect large, comfortable rooms and suites with balconies or terraces on many floors, quality linens and a calm, residential feel. The grounds include a pool set among terraces, a spa and fitness facilities, and a choice of restaurants and bars where you can dine with a view. Afternoon tea and evening drinks on the terraces are popular. Confirm the current facilities and dining options when you book, as these can change.
Good to know
Rates are among the highest in Johannesburg, so it suits those marking an occasion or building a trip around a stay. Book early for the dry season and holidays, and ask about packages that include breakfast, spa credit or transfers. The hotel is better for travellers who want to be pampered than for those wanting to wander on foot from the front door.
Pair it with a safari at the end of a trip for a classic city-and-bush combination. It is less suited to travellers on a budget, those who prefer a lively square or shopping centre outside the door or those who find hillside walkways tiring, though the hotel can provide assistance with luggage and movement around the property.
Why stay here
- ✓Hilltop setting with city views
- ✓Terraced gardens and courtyards
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Spa and fitness facilities
- ✓On-site restaurants and bar
- ✓Balconies and terraces on many rooms
- ✓Quiet residential neighbourhood
- ✓Concierge and arranged transfers
Good questions
Is the hotel walkable to shops and restaurants?+
No. It is on a hill in a residential area, so most guests use hotel transfers, drivers or ride-hailing to reach Rosebank and other districts.
Is it good for a honeymoon?+
Yes. The terraced setting, views, spa and quiet atmosphere make it a popular choice for couples and special occasions.
How far is it from the main sights?+
Rosebank is roughly ten to fifteen minutes by car, and the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Soweto are a short drive from the area, depending on traffic.
