Nice hotel, ok service, great pool.
by TripAdvisor Member USA/Dutchgaycouple
We stayed here in April 2007 and it was our second visit. The hotel is beautiful and the pool great. The service in the bar is incredibly slow and was the first time we stayed as well. Be warned, especially as the bar staff also serves the more informal restaurant adjacent to the bar and around the pool.
Ask for rooms near the pool/restaurant or else you face an long walk uphill or wait for a golf cart. There is one very upscale restaurant and you can also eat in the bar. Both require reservations in advance and I recommend booking before you arrive. There were people who could not get tables and had to leave the hotel or order room service.
The hotel can get quite frantic and the front desk staff sometimes seems completely overwhelmed. Too many guests (many going to or just coming from safaris) asking difficult questions and not enough staff.
Staff was though very helpful and booked for us a trip to Soweto as we checked-in and it left 30 minutes later.
Absolutely wonderful!
by TripAdvisor Member welcome65
We just got back from a 3 week trip to Africa where we stayed at all Orient -Express hotels. We spent 3 nights at the Westcliff and I could not have been any more impressed. The service was excellent- every one was so friendly and helpful. The rooms were very spacious and had every luxury. The bathrooms are gorgeous- all marble, 2 separate sinks, shower and huge bath!
The hotel itself is beautiful- set on a cliff ( hence the name), it was originally designed as private condominiums . The pool is a negative edge pool and the view from the restaurant or pool is absolutely breathtaking. All in all I would recommend this hotel as one of the best places I have ever stayed. Thank you Orient-Express!
Loved the Pool!
by TripAdvisor Member KiwiInPimlico
I stayed at The Westcliff for three nights recently on a business trip to Johannesburg - it is definately not a business hotel, but the location was the decider. I agree with the other review that mentions the front-desk staff - they weren't terribly efficient. Plus, I contacted the hotel before arriving to confirm an early check-in, but waited over an hour in the bar before I could get into my room - after an 11 hour flight, I was not that happy!
I enjoyed my stay - my room was a good size, had a great view and was spotlessly clean. Apart from the front-desk staff, all other staff that I came into contact with were friendly, very helpful and really make the hotel. I enjoyed a meal in the restaurant one night during my stay, the food and the service were lovely, but it is quite formal!
Safari Ending
by TripAdvisor Member BornTraveler
I began and ended my safari tour at the hotel, and I am glad I did. Instead of rushing to fly back home, I opted to stay at this hotel and I certainly do not regret it. It is a five-star hotel in very manner imaginable.
If there is any complaint, it is that it is situated away from entertainment and activity hubs of Johannesburg. They do, however, provide a complementary shuttle.
The other complaint I have is that the restaurant should be avoided if you are interested in fine dining. I had a four-course meal and every course was sub-standard. While the presentation was nice, everything was overcooked and without much flavor.
Lovely place, but not for business travel
by TripAdvisor Member emiana
Beautiful hotel, spacious, clean rooms and excellent service. But, slow internet and chaotic business centre. I return to the Westcliff, and recommend it, but not for business travel.
Sign in with Facebook
