Elevating Hospitality: Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg
Step into a realm of unparalleled luxury and refinement at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg. Prepare for an extraordinary stay filled with elegance and impeccable service.
We decided to visit the Four Seasons in Johannesburg, having this as the last stop of a three country, four hotel holiday over Christmas and New Year 2023. We’d flown initially with Qatar Airways direct to Zanzibar, staying in two locations (Park Hyatt Zanzibar Stone Town then Xanadu Dongwe), before flying onto Mauritius (The Oberoi Mauritius). From there, we flew back to JNB with Air Mauritius, to enjoy the last few days in South Africa, and to celebrate the New Year. We’ve stayed in Joburg before, but not at the Four Seasons (albeit many other FS hotels in other locations throughout the world), but it’s always somewhere I wanted to try, especially having tried out The Saxon Hotel & Spa on our last visit.
The entrance at the Four Seasons Johannesburg, The Westcliff
In this review of the Four Seasons Hotel Johannesburg (The Westcliff), I’ll detail our experience of the location, local activities, and of course the accommodation and facilities at the hotel itself. Read below to find out everything you need to know before your next trip to Johannesburg, South Africa.
One of the various accommodation buildings at The Four Seasons Johannesburg
Why Book with Classic Travel and The Private Traveller
By booking through my affiliation with Classic Travel, I was able to secure a number of additional VIP benefits with their Four Seasons Preferred Partner program.These included:
VIP Status. Hotel management and staff anticipates your arrival.
First priority for best guest room inventory.
Priority wait-list clearance in sold out hotels, and a strict no walk policy.
Breakfast and Credits that are only available for Preferred Partner Agencies.
Four Seasons Johannesburg outlook from top restaurant
Fast Facts for The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
Address - 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff, Johannesburg, South Africa
Website - https://www.fourseasons.com/johannesburg
Group website - https://www.fourseasons.com
TripAdvisor ranking - #5 of 121 hotels in Johannesburg
Contact - Four Seasons app or webpage above
Instagram - @fsjohannesburg @fourseasons
Nearest airport - Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB) - 23 km or 14.4 miles (about a 15-30 min drive, traffic dependent)
Opened - 2014 (as Four Seasons), formerly independent hotel
Number of rooms / suites - 117
Number of floors - 2 to 4 (vast hillside elevations)
Bars - 2 (Flames & Apres-Spa)
Restaurants - 2 (Flames & Apres-Spa)
Wellbeing - 2 pools (family & spa lap pool), fitness room, treatments (including couple’s spa suite), manicure & pedicure studio
Visited - December 2023
Four Seasons Johannesburg - Incredible Breakfast Restaurant
The upper level spa deck at FS Westcliff Johannesburg
Hotel Accommodation: Stylish and well appointed - a peaceful retreat.
There are two types of the entry-level Deluxe room (garden or panoramic view), and two Premier rooms (again garden or panoramic view) and a two-bedroom family room. In the suites category, there are one (with panoramic view option too), two (Presidential) and three (Royal) bedroom options.
It’s quite a new unique layout of hotel, in that rooms and suites are on all different levels across multiple different buildings, all accessed off a snaking road( (hotel vehicles only and electric golf carts) which runs through the middle. There are a couple of walkways through to get from the upper (restaurant level) down to the lower levels where the spa, gym, pools and main reception were located.
Originally we had booked a Panoramic View Premier Room, but received an upgrade to a Panoramic One-Bedroom Suite. More on this later.
“High up on the rocky Witwatersrand is where you’ll find us. Despite being in the middle of South Africa’s largest city, our Westcliff Hotel feels like a chic hillside village, with nine sun-splashed villas woven with courtyards, fountains and gardens. Take a ride up our glass elevator to meet friends for seasonally inspired dishes at Flames, visit our destination day spa that captures the serenity of the region with its nature-inspired treatments, or simply step out onto your room’s balcony to enjoy a quiet moment as you admire the endless treetops that stretch out before you.”
Facilities & Service at The Four Seasons Johannesburg
There’s everything you could need here for either a central city or a resort hotel. Rooms and suites are spread across a hillside in various buildings, but towards the entrance of the hotel is a family pool, spa (also another small adult pool here with large sun deck/bar above), excellent (and very well equipped) gym, rooftop restaurant, bar areas, business centre and function rooms. Service was good, but with a few glitches that you don’t normally expect from a Four Seasons.
I’ve broken down the key facilities and services and shared my opinion on them below:
Rooms/suites
Having booked through Classic Travel, on arrival we received an upgrade to the next category up, into a suite and it was in such a good location. Suite 508 was in building Egoli, not quite the very top of the resort, but with expansive views over the city and probably one of the highest suites with a view. Up one staircase within that building were only two accommodations, 508 which was our main stay, but on our final day (as a day room) we would also move into 507 just across the hall, more on this later.
On entrance, there was a large living space, nicely but simply decorated, probably just not up to the normal exacting standards that we would have come to expect from a Four Seasons. There was a large TV, writing desk, mini-bar and tea/coffee station uniquely created in a wooden standalone unit, coffee table, really comfortable armchair and a rather basic looking sofa which would also double up as an extra bed if needed. The wow factor came from the large terrace expansive views over the zoo in front of the hotel and to the cityscape behind. There was an outside dining table and four chairs, two really comfortable sun loungers and a parasol, but then unfortunately a door into an open cupboard type space with the noisiest and rattly huge industrial ventilation system unit. We soon asked to move because you could feel and hear the vibration in the suite itself, but maintenance were able to come and disconnect it, initially also affecting our air conditioning but somehow they were able to fix this too.
Next there was a large, separate bedroom and another TV - a super comfortable huge bed, just rather oddly an internal wall had been built to completely block out the large window at one of the room, to create a dressing area. It was a good space with lots of wardrobes and storage, but just very odd to have not allowed for the wow factor of having another large window in the room; presumably it was a load-bearing wall and needed as opposed to desired.
Levels of Comfort
Despite a few glitches, it was actually a really lovely suite and very comfortable, especially the bed and the beautiful bed linen/Four Seasons service. The sofa in the living space wasn’t the most comfortable, nor aesthetically particularly attractive, but still a very comfortable and large space, especially with the outdoor terrace.
Bathroom
Off the bedroom was the bathroom - a really decent size, quite narrow but long but this is really where there was the let down. It was quite dated, with a walk-in shower (not large, but the weirdest control unit I’ve had to try and use), separate bath (which we had to ask to have the hair removed from the plughole), a single wash hand basin and a WC and bidet at the end. On our last day, the WC kept leaking when flushed, so not the nicest bathroom addition. Other than the unfortunate mass of hair in the plug and some dodgy plumbing (like hot water coming out of the cold tap), the Theranaka toiletries and all the bathroom accessories were good, and serviced/cleaned very well, hair excepted.
When we moved into the room next door, at first glance this bathroom seemed better, though still dated albeit with twin sinks, but then we found it also had similar plumbing issues with only one sink actually with water.
Breakfast
Breakfast had to be one of the many highlights of our stay here. The upper level of Flames Restaurant was transformed every morning into a breakfast wonder. On entrance, coming in as we did from the top (rooms and suites are spread over the hillside, so many of the lower level rooms would come in from the lift and into the initial open-air bar/restaurant level below), there was a whole array of different ‘stations serving all sorts of different foods. On one side was an amazing selection of pastries; juices; yoghurt, cereals and cheeses/meats on another; a pancake station with every conceivable topping you could imagine; a whole arrange of hot food options; an egg station; breads and toast station; and what I really loved was a fruit station where could pick exactly what fruits you wanted which would prepared to your selection. Tea, coffee, juices and mimosas would be served to your table; of which there were many areas inside and out, on a covered terrace with the same incredible views.
Restaurant & Bars
Although there was really just one restaurant (Flames) and what was a separate area for breakfast (View?), this was in fact spread out across many areas on different levels, inside and outside. It’s such an interesting building as we first went there from the lowest level (there’s a large glass lift structure to link lower levels of the resort to the roof terrace), but then by just walking a few feet from our suite building entrance, you actually then go down a few stairs into the View part of that area, before going down stairs into the Flames part of the area.
Breakfast was amazing, food and service, but I must say we were very disappointed by Flames. Amazing space with a large outdoor terrace and bar, and our first experience was the New Year’s Eve Gala Buffet & Dinner Dance. Having been in dialogue with the hotel for months as to what was happening on this night, and always being advised in the run up months to our arrival that nothing had yet been decided nor yet could we book, I had expected to have been one of the first to have booked when it was actually available. There were amazing tables right at the front of the terrace, next to a decorative pool, with stunning city views; lots of other tables outside to benefit from the lovely evening weather where there was a great atmosphere too, then there was an upper annexe with zero atmosphere which is where we were stuck. They clearly knew we weren’t happy and it wasn’t a great area - actually every other couple that also got seated there, also asked to be immediately moved elsewhere.
We were assured we would be seated outside if a table became available, and half-way through our main course we were told there was. Once we had finished, we went outside, only to be told there wasn’t a table and if we could go back and wait until there was one. It wasn’t too long before we were told again there, and this time we did get a table, not front but at least it was outside and the area was more atmospheric. We finished our desserts there and the Manager came up to say that he would give us a bottle of champagne to compensate, though it never came. Must say though the food was great and there was a huge selection of food stations, just not an awful lot for a vegetarian.
On the following morning we met one of the other Managers poolside and she asked about dinner for that evening (New Year’s Day). She obviously knew about the problems the evening before, and said she would organise an amazing table for that night. When we arrived though, we only realised then that it was an all-day brunch option only (either buffet style, albeit less stations than the night before) or an a la carte brunch menu. Considering this was 7pm and we had had both breakfast and lunch in the hotel already, we weren’t really up for a brunch, but they were able to give us the room service menu to order from that.
At first, there didn’t seem to be any outside table reserved, but when we explained we really wanted to not have the same issue as the night before, we were told we could have a high bench table, albeit it was communal and there could be other diners. When we said we didn’t want to sit with others, they said they wouldn’t sit anyone else there. Once we were seated, I noticed there was a front table set up with champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne chilling in a table-side cooler. Not focussing on the champagne (though I did for a second think it would have been great service for them to have linked this from the night before i.e. not getting it) but when I asked they said that table was already taken and we went back to the console table.
A little later they then did come back to say we could have the table, but as soon as we were seated they whisked away the champagne glasses, and then a little later removed the champagne too. Food was decent and the view so much better, but considering we had a bad experience the first night and thought it would be much better the second, it was eventually but nothing felt ‘joined up’ and an opportunity to turn a negative experience into a positive, fell flat and actually compounded the negativity.
Spa & Wellness
I’d booked in advance through the Four Seasons app, which was so easy, and on visiting the spa there was just a very short questionnaire to be filled in before being taken through into the male changing area. I was told how to operate the lockers, but she actually missed out a key step here which is that you need to press more than just four digits to lock.
The lockers, that were operational, had a robe, slippers and disposable underwear (female thong style - I always rate a spa where they have the attention to detail by getting a male version too), and once changed I was back in the waiting area for my treatment. The treatment room and therapist was excellent, she changed the treatment last minute realising that I would have preferred a deeper pressure massage than that already selected.
The relaxation area was good too, and the downstairs pool and outside terrace was nice, albeit it's clear the pool is right next to the car park, which you can see through the hedge. Not sure if a wall might not be a better option here to give a different impression. The staircase up to the much larger sun deck is good, and there’s the Apres-Spa bar here for drinks throughout the day, lunch or snacks.
Next door to the spa is the gym - a huge space with different areas and all expertly kitted out with what looked like brand new Technogym equipment. The air conditioning was perfect here, and it had the most amazing central refreshment centre.
Design & Architecture
A very traditional design with many different buildings all housing a varying amount of rooms and suites; all different levels and outlooks. I liked the combination though of how this has been added to with the newer double elevator glass building to link the lower levels to the upper level Flames restaurant, bar and terrace; and they’re in the middle of making more changes with a new entrance on one side and a much larger conference/wedding/function suite on the other.
There were a few footlinks in the buildings to connect up the different areas and levels too, a bit hard to get your head around to begin with as there wasn’t necessarily consistent signing as you went through the buildings. Once I’d got the hang of what was where and how they all connected, I liked this uniqueness.
What about the Johannesburg location?
So convenient for O.R Tambo airport and also to get to places like the Rosebank mall for shopping or dining. Very highly recommended.
Some of the top activities I’d recommend doing at Four Seasons Johannesburg are:
Four Seasons Spa Westcliff
Had a great treatment here and it’s a lovely space for relaxing if you’re in the city for a few days, or just an overnight stay. I would highly recommend the Four Seasons Spa Westcliff.
Johannesburg Zoo
Not something we did when there, but it’s literally a very short walk from the hotel, and the hotel view overlooks the zoo grounds.
Rosebank Mall
I certainly wouldn’t make a special trip to Joburg for this, but if you’re in need of some shopping therapy then the Rosebank Mall is a great place for shopping, lunch options etc. Only a short drive from the hotel, and easily accessible both ways by Uber.
Rosebank Art & Craft Centre | African Market Place
We’ve been here a few times and it was VERY difficult to find where it was the first time. Basically, now we know, its entrance to the Rosebank Art & Craft Centre is right next to the front entrance of the above Rosebank Mall. There is a ground level area selling South African touristy stuff, but if you go down a level here is where you’ll find the bulk of the sellers. There is everything from wooden handicrafts (masks, figures, bowls, etc.) to fabrics, bags, hats etc. We’ve bought quite a few wooden things here over the years - just be prepared to be a bit overwhelmed by the selection, the constant barrage from the sellers to check out each of the units, and of course the inevitable bargaining.
Environ Skincare
Environ is my all-time favourite skincare brand, it’s home is South Africa, so whenever we’re in the country (Johannesburg or Cape Town) I always like to try and book an Environ treatment, and/or stock up on supplies which are not only cheaper anyway because of the home location, but also helped by the exchange rate.
Highlights of our stay
There were so many highlights of the stay at the but here are just a few of the key points, which I hope you find a useful summary.
Location - so convenient for the airport, yet zero airport noise, with a stunning outlook over the cityscape from so many hotel vantage points. Near to the Johannesburg Zoo,
Breakfast - really was full-on wow factor and the saving grace of our dining experiences there.
Suite - loved the space and outlook, just not quite the normal exacting FS standards I’d say.
Service - such a lovely welcome and this continued throughout; fabulous staff.
Spa - a lovely addition to the hotel, great selection and execution of treatments.
Poolside service Apres-Spa - good selection and excellent service. Loved that you could order through the FS app for delivery straight to your QR coded sun lounger.
Four Seasons chat app - very responsive and a great way for immediate communication on all aspects of a stay.
Airport transfer - excellent, great driver and an exceptional hotel car.
Theranaka toiletries - using sustainable reusable large bottles, and consistency throughout the whole hotel.
The Rose Garden - a lovely outside garden space for relaxation and reflection, not to mention the panoramic views.
Excellent gym - extremely well equipped and maintained, and spotlessly clean.
Areas for improvement
Wherever we stay, I do always like to look at the positives on any property we stay in, and airlines we fly with etc. but sometimes you can’t help but notice things that (for me, but I realise this is always personal) might have made for a better stay.
New Year Eve dinner - a disappointing location to be seated in, especially having been in dialogue about booking for so many months.
Suite 508 bathroom - needs updated, look as well as technically.
Spa maintenance mens locker room - overflowing towels which remained the same for hours, broken shower door, numerous lockers ‘out of order’ and no proper instructions, non-working ice machine and shower without gel or shampoo
Maybe less repetitive music on the upper level spa deck from the bar?
Would I stay here again?
Yes I definitely would. We were discussing whether, on coming back to Johannesburg as I know we will, whether we would stay here or The Saxon again. It’s a hard choice as we love both. I think what’s answered the question is when the new reception area is open at the Four Seasons, I always love to go back to a hotel where something has changed to check it out again! If there was a refurbishment program on bathrooms, I’d be back for sure to check them out!
Relaxation area at The Westcliff Spa, Four Seasons Johannesburg
My final thoughts on The Four Seasons Johannesburg
There’s no two ways about this, it wasn’t a perfect stay nor did it seem to match the standards of Four Seasons elsewhere, but there was something about it that I would still like to return. Maybe we’d get the perfect stay next time, and it would be good to see this with refurbishment work, especially on the bathrooms.
I would always be clear in any review or post, whether there has been any collaboration or it is a paid partnership with a brand. There was absolutely nothing like that involved in this trip, nor most trips, where it was just booked at full rates through Classic Travel and Virtuoso. However, in recognition of a few stay ‘glitches’ we did get a small deduction from the overall folio. This was a very kind gesture, but as I explained to the Manager proffering this, my preference would always have been to have experienced the perfect stay without refund, even partial.
Have you stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg before or to one of more than 100 Four Seasons hotels or resorts throughout the world? I’d love to hear your own thoughts and opinions on it as well as your impression of Johannesburg or South Africa as a holiday destination.
Comment below to share your thoughts and opinions.
Let me know which hotel I should review next!
