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The 8 best hotels in Pretoria will be your adventure home base!
I often reward myself with hotel staycations, staying in places where comfort meets adventure. Pretoria has plenty to offer—all luxurious and near attractions.
You don’t have to stay in a boring hotel, cooped in your room, when you can be staying in places where you’ll have a blast.
Here are the best hotels in Pretoria where you’ll have an adventure as soon as you step out of your room!
Apogee Boutique Hotel & Spa
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Address: 212 Johann Rissik Dr, Waterkloof Ridge
Phone: +27 127 860 740
Hotel Theme: Italian
Check-In: 2 p.m.
Check-Out: 10:30 a.m.
Website: http://www.apogeehotel.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
Apogee Boutique Hotel & Spa is an Italian-style hotel that blends old-world elegance with modern luxury. With 18 elegant suites, you’ll be staying comfortably and luxuriously. And being on the highest ridge in Pretoria, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the Union Buildings and the Jacaranda-lined streets.
There’s no shortage of things to do here. Enjoy relaxing spa treatments, attend yoga classes, or play golf at nearby courses like Waterkloof Golf Club. Plus, the hotel doubles as an art gallery, featuring an impressive collection of artworks scattered throughout the 6,500-square-meter hotel.
After exploring the hotel to admire the artwork, I dined at the Tribute Restaurant. The confit duck leg surprised me with its strawberry and black pepper risotto.
| Tips: Soak in the panoramic views of the Union Buildings or the jacaranda-lined streets by requesting a room with a view. Don’t be shy to ask for it! There’s a garden complete with a koi fish pond and a sparkling pool. It’s a great place to relax! |
Castello di Monte
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Address: 402 Aries St, Waterkloof Ridge
Phone: +27 123 466 984
Hotel Theme: Tuscan
Check-In: 2 p.m.
Check-Out: 11 a.m.
Website: https://castello.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
Castello di Monte is a hotel that exudes beauty and elegance with its Italian-style architecture—ideal for couples looking for a romantic staycation. Staying here also includes a full English breakfast, which you can enjoy in one of their dining areas or the outdoor courtyards.
It has a Roman-style swimming pool—if you want to do laps or simply lounge. On the rooftop, there’s a giant chess set where you can play a game or take photos for your social media.
For our second wedding anniversary, I surprised my wife with a stay in the Honeymoon Suite, complete with a jacuzzi, jet-set shower, and hand-painted murals. The highlight? I organised a private rooftop dinner under the stars.
| Tips: There’s a panoramic deck where you can enjoy the views of Pretoria and the rolling hills surrounding the city. Don’t miss out on their high tea experience! It features a selection of petit fours, sparkling wine, and other delicacies. |
Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection®
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Address: Nellmapius Dr, Irene
Phone: +27 126 676 464
Hotel Theme: Farm-style
Check-In: 2 p.m.
Check-Out: 10 a.m.
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/
Price Range: RRR
Experience a unique blend of farm style and luxury by staying at Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection®. Its design reflects that of a working farm—rustic and countryside.
There are 123 rooms, each adorned with African Mahogany wood furniture, and earthy tones, making you feel you’re staying in an old countryside manor.
The scenic lake is an ideal spot to sip a cocktail from the River bark, while the nearby Irene Farm lets you watch cows being milked or enjoy a self-guided farm tour. The place also has a teeming birdlife with species like kingfishers, herons, weavers, and more—perfect for bird watching.
| Tips: The surroundings get even more beautiful at night, so it’s good to take an evening stroll. Consider staying either on the first or last Saturday of the month. That way, you can catch the Irene Village Market at The Big Red Barn, offering arts, crafts, and entertainment. The pool in the Rose Garden is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., so don’t get carried away with all the activities and allocate time by the pool! |
The Rasmus
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Address: Van Ryneveld Ave, Erasmus Park
Phone: +27 121 119 170
Hotel Theme: Farm-style
Check-In: 2 p.m.
Check-Out: 10 a.m.
Website: https://therasmus.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
Just outside Pretoria CBD, The Rasmus is another farm-style hotel with modern elegance.
Similar to Irene Country Lodge, it’s also on a working farm. The difference, however, is that the hotel is on a historic 20-hectare working farm owned by the Erasmus family—Pretoria’s last proprietors of the iconic Erasmus Castle.
There isn’t much activity to do here, but its beautiful gardens and koi pond offer a great spot to meditate. Plus, with its proximity to the CBD, it’s easy to access attractions like the Kruger House Museum and Pretoria Art Museum.
During my stay, I found the atmosphere incredibly calming. The on-site restaurant, Ramona’s, was a highlight. Its slow-food philosophy ensured every meal was delicious and meticulously prepared.
| Tip: If you’re celebrating a special event, take the Executive Room. It’s spacious and has a private balcony with either garden or lake views. |
Menlyn Boutique Hotel
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Address: 209 Tugela Rd, Ashlea Gardens
Phone: +27 124 259 580
Hotel Theme: Luxury, tranquility, and art
Check-In: 2 p.m.
Check-Out: 10 a.m.
Website: http://www.menlynhotel.com/
Price Range: RRR
If you’re looking for an elegant place to stay while on a business trip, consider the Menlyn Boutique Hotel. It screams sophistication with its decor and impressive collection of artwork.
You can also mix business with pleasure, as the hotel features a heated pool and is close to Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary and Pretoria Country Club.
I had the opportunity to stay here for two days during a business trip. The executive room was nice, complete with amenities like tea and coffee-making facilities.
But of course, I had to indulge in a little pleasure by grabbing a freshly made pizza from the pizzeria and birdwatching in the Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary.
| Tips: The hotel is filled with artwork, so take time to admire them. Avoid rooms near the N1 highway. They can be noisy, so request one on the opposite side for a more peaceful stay. |
Pierneef’s Kraal
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Address: 30 Knoppiesdoorn Ave, Lynnwood Manor
Phone: +27 607 783 450
Hotel Theme: Heritage-inspired
Check-In: 2 p.m.
Check-Out: 11 a.m.
Website: https://www.pierneefskraal.co.za/
Price Range: RR
If you’re on a budget but want to stay in a luxurious hotel, Pierneef’s Kraal is worth checking out. With seven beautifully designed rooms, each featuring a private garden and fireplace, the hotel provides a cozy and charming stay.
Since you’re in the original homestead of renowned artist Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef, might as well explore the beautiful gardens and inner courtyard that highlight its artistic heritage.
Here, I spent the day exploring and enjoying a delicious braised lamb shank at De Kraal Restaurant. In the evening, I stargazed on my room’s veranda with the fireplace keeping me warm.
| Tip: If you’re traveling with your family, consider booking one of their deluxe family rooms. It can accommodate up to four people. |
Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel
Media From: ivorymanor
Address: 280 Jochem St, Rietvalleirand
Phone: +27 121 104 380
Hotel Theme: Home-feel
Check-In: 2 p.m.
Check-Out: 10 a.m.
Website: http://www.ivorymanor.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
The Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel is a spot you can consider a “temporary home.” Its primary focus is blending elegance and comfort without sacrificing personalised service. Each suite is spacious and no room is the same—each has a unique theme.
There are plenty of things to do here. You can hike in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, play pool or golf, ride horses, and even go on game drives in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. You can also explore cooking classes and temporary art galleries!
I made the most of my two-day stay here, even joining a game drive at the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve where I spotted lions, rhinos, and buffaloes. I also relaxed in the outside pool surrounded by the manicured gardens.
| Tip: Ask the receptionist what events are happening during your stay. The hotel frequently hosts unique events, like themed dinners or garden gatherings. |
Mela Luxury Game Lodge
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Address: De Wagendrift, De Wagensdrift
Phone: +27 604 696 798
Hotel Theme: Safari-inspired
Check-In: 2 p.m.
Check-Out: 10:30 a.m.
Website: https://www.melagamelodge.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
The Mela Luxury Game Lodge is a high-end luxury retreat that blends authentic African safari experiences into your stay. It’s located in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, surrounded by wilderness, allowing you to enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife.
Here, you can enjoy game drives and encounter the Big Five and other animals.
For the adventurous, activities like quad biking, axe throwing, paintball, and water sports will keep your adrenaline pumping. When I took my kids there, they loved the archery and quad biking—my little adventurers!
Those seeking relaxation can unwind in their spa, sit by the pool, or take nature walks with knowledgeable guides.
| Tip: They offer bush lunches for R800. This lets you experience a romantic lunch surrounded by wilderness. |
