Airport hotels are rarely glamorous, but they are extremely useful, and the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport serves visitors who need a comfortable bed close to their flight. It sits near the terminals at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, which makes it a smart choice for late arrivals, early departures and connections to Kruger or onward flights across Africa. For many travellers a night here reduces stress, particularly after a long-haul flight or before a pre-dawn departure. The hotel offers modern rooms, a restaurant and bar, a pool and meeting facilities, and it is accustomed to guests who arrive tired and leave early. It is not in a sightseeing district, so most visitors treat it as a base for a night or two rather than for a full stay in Johannesburg.
Location and getting around
The hotel is a short distance from the terminals, and transfers are usually available, so you can reach it without a long drive in an unfamiliar city. The Gautrain airport station links the airport with Sandton, Rosebank and Park Station, which makes it easy to continue into the city the next day. Soweto, the Apartheid Museum and the Cradle of Humankind are a drive away, typically thirty to sixty minutes depending on traffic, and many tours offer airport-area pick-up.
Confirm this when you book. \n\nRooms and facilities: rooms are practical and comfortable, with good beds, air conditioning, desks and blackout curtains, which help with jet lag. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the bar is a quiet place to unwind. The pool is useful on hot days, and the hotel also caters to conferences and groups. Some rooms may be better insulated against noise than others, so ask for a quiet room if you are sensitive.
\n\nGood to know: early breakfasts and late check-ins are common here, so ask about hours. If you are leaving on a morning flight, arrange a transfer in advance and allow generous time for airport procedures. Parking may be available for guests leaving a car, and some packages include breakfast or airport transfers. Use sensible precautions, keep valuables with you and ask reception for advice if you plan to leave the hotel area.
Check inclusions and cancellation terms when you book. \n\nWho it suits: travellers with early flights or late arrivals, safari guests with a pre-dawn departure, business travellers with meetings near the airport and anyone breaking a long journey. If you want a base for several days of sightseeing, choose Sandton, Rosebank or Sandhurst instead, which offer more to do on foot. For a convenient, no-fuss night close to your plane, this is a sensible choice.
Why stay here
- ✓Close to airport terminals
- ✓Airport transfers available
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Meeting facilities
- ✓Early breakfast options
- ✓Parking available
Good questions
How far is it from the terminals?+
It is close to O. R. Tambo International Airport, and transfers are usually available. Confirm details when you book.
Can I reach Sandton from here?+
Yes, the Gautrain airport station connects with Sandton, Rosebank and Park Station.
Is it a good place for a safari stopover?+
Yes, it is handy for early flights or road pick-ups for Kruger and Pilanesberg trips. Ask about luggage storage.
