Johannesburg’s woes are well known - even more so those of the inner city. So why would you want to stay there for business or pleasure purposes? Surely, hotels there are rundown too … or have gone the way of the mothballed Carlton and Johannesburg Sun hotels?

And while I can attest to many dodgy establishments (see sidebar), the three destinations below show it’s both possible and desirable to stay in Jozi’s city centre. 

In fact, your room could give you a much-needed view of optimism - that it’s not all doom and gloom. 

But with an obvious warning - when exploring the areas surrounding these establishments, look like you belong there and not like some hapless tourist waiting to be relieved of your precious belongings. 

Read the full article here, including a great review of City Lodge Hotel Newtown: https://mg.co.za/friday/2025-08-13-three-stays-that-prove-the-joburg-cbd-still-has-style/