Looking for where to stay in Johannesburg? Then check out the review of Once in Joburg, the best hostel in the city. With private and shared rooms, this accommodation is perfect for those who want to enjoy a good service without spending a lot!
When I was researching where to stay in Johannesburg, practically all the results referred to Once in Joburg as the best option for hostel in the city.
I even looked for other options – after all, just because they're not popular doesn't mean they're cool – but no property seemed to come close to Once for the same price. From the photos, the place looked cozy, clean and full of people from all over the world.
The only doubt I had about the hostel was the location. I had read that the city was not the safest, and that staying in the center or surrounding areas might not be the best choice, especially for those who like to go out at night. Once in Joburg is in Braamfontein, one of the most popular regions among tourists, but which does not have the best reputation in terms of safety.
I even read several reviews on Booking that said the hostel was wonderful, but you needed to be careful when walking around. With each comment the doubts grew, and my friend and I took a while to make a decision.
Finally, we decided to take a chance on Once, as we didn't plan on going out much at night, and if that was the case we could take an Uber.
In this post, I share my experience with Once in Joburg, and why I consider the place to be one of the best options for where to stay in Johannesburg.
Once in Joburg location
As I mentioned above, the hostel is in Braamfontein, a neighborhood in the city center. There are several restaurants nearby, including the best known such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut, as well as other less conventional ones.
Another positive point, in addition to the variety of eating options, is the proximity of the Neighborgoods Market, a market that takes place on Saturdays full of gastronomic options and clothing and craft stalls.
As it is in a more central area, it is easy to use public transport to get to know the region. The Apartheid Museum, for example, is 25 minutes away by bus, while it takes 25 minutes to reach Nelson Mandela Square using the Gautrain.
All these attractions are part of the 15 day itinerary through South Africa which I posted here on the blog. Don't forget to take a look!
Despite being well located taking these factors into account, I can't help but mention that I agree with the comments about the lack of security in the neighborhood. Even during the day we didn't feel super safe walking down the street, and more than once we were followed or approached with great insistence.
Still, I think the positives outweigh the negatives. We resolved the safety issue by walking together or, when we went further afield, taking an Uber that picked us up at the hostel door.
Once in Joburg facilities – Where to stay in Johannesburg
Upon arriving at the location, it is easy to see that this is a hostel to make friends and have fun. There is a large board with activities on the wall in front of the reception desk, and several posters advertising barbecues and group outings.
Near the reception is also the The Immigrant, bar where breakfast is served and where you can order drinks and dishes throughout the day. Breakfast is included in the rate and several options are offered, including avocado toast and eggs with bacon!
On the first floor is the common area, which can be used by everyone. It is very spacious and has armchairs, a television and a giant minibar where all guests can leave food. This area is also where the kitchen is located, for those who want to save money by cooking instead of eating out. On the first day we were there they also had a games table – I don't remember if it was pool or ping-pong – which was quite popular.
The property also has free WiFi throughout, which works very well, and private parking that costs ZAR60 per day.
Bedroom
We stayed in a private room for three people, with a bathroom inside the room.. We made this choice because the price for three beds was almost the same, and so we could have a little more privacy and not worry so much about our things (my friend was finishing her exchange and had a huge suitcase in addition to her backpack).
The room was modern and very clean, and even had a television and a safe. The term is not included in the ad description, but based on the facilities I would consider it a boutique hostel with conventional price. The air conditioning was controlled by us and worked really well, and there was also a small table with a coffee maker for a quick meal.
What impressed me most, however, were the beds. Extremely comfortable and with two pillows good per person, a difficult combination to find for such an affordable price.
Once In Joburg has double and triple rooms, as well as shared dormitories divided between mixed and female, which can accommodate up to four people at a time. All rooms have their own bathroom.
Bathroom
If the room was already amazing, the bathroom was even more so.. With a modern design and glass shower (no curtains), it could perfectly be part of any larger hotel. top of line.
In addition to being spacious and decorated in dark tones with white porcelain, the shower was also sensational. Hot water, with the ideal pressure and without wetting the entire floor! I still remember how happy I was when I took my first shower there, lol.
Towels are included, as are basic hygiene products such as soap.
My experience at Once in Joburg
Apart from the insecurity with the neighborhood, I can say that Once in Joburg exceeded all my expectations.
The room is modern and clean enough to be worthy of a hotel, as is the bathroom with its wonderful shower. The breakfast – included in the daily rate – is excellent, and I still find myself thinking about it to this day.
The common areas are very cozy, which facilitates interaction between guests. Clearly Once is a good place for those traveling alone, as it's not difficult to meet other people and make friends.
I also really liked the service from the reception staff – fast and very attentive.. The cleaning staff also work efficiently, and at no point during my stay did I see any places that looked dirty or poorly maintained.
Another benefit is the bar inside the property, which serves everything from breakfast to lunch and drinks. On one of the nights we chose a strawberry mojito – with a jug big enough to share between several people – and it was delicious. Both prices and staff are friendly.
For those looking for where to stay in Johannesburg without spending a lot, Once in Joburg is without a doubt one of the best options. If I visited the city again, I would definitely stay there again.
Did the review help you and do you want to make a reservation? So click on this link and book Once in Joburg through Booking. You don’t pay anything extra for this and it still helps the blog stay afloat 🙂
Remembering that there is also a detailed review of the hostel I stayed at in Cape Town, the 91 Loop.
Did you like this post? Save to Pinterest to read later!
Links to Booking are affiliate links.