Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Friendly helpful staff set in a quiet oasis. Great food and large rooms each individually appointed.

The property is made up of several buildings. The restaurant and main reception area is separate from the building with most of the guest rooms. It was raining the first day. Although they had umbrellas, it was a bit slippery and messy walking from the room to the restaurant. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable. The main guest room building had a lovely upstairs sitting room with the rooms around it. Our group was able to gather there to socialize on our free afternoon. The restaurant had a nice menu. The staff was amazingly attentive. The pool area and the spa were very luxurious and afforded us a wonderful and restful last day in Africa before we embarked on the long journey home to the states. The only downside was that the property was in the middle of a neighborhood and it was not possible to walk around at all. it was remote from the actual city of Johannesburg. There was a shuttle service to two local malls where there was shopping and restaurants. But, there was no way to actually see the local area.

If five-star places are for you, then you will love Fairlawns. If you like your stays to come with more than a bit of pretentiousness, then that is doubly true. Fairlawns, on the outskirts of Jo'burg, is majestic. Everything is overdone. It used to be a private estate. I read that it belonged to the former head of DeBeers. That shows. Each room is unique and themed. We stayed in the polo room with all decorations of horses and polo gear. The phrase "over the top" comes to mind. We had very mixed feelings about this place. On the one hand, it is top tier in every respect. We are not adverse to nice places and five-star resorts. Fairlawns is every bit that. On the other hand, like an oversized diamond, there is lots of flash here and little understatement. Given the extreme poverty endemic to much of Africa, including neighborhoods less than a mile away, the whole presentation is a bit much. We were glad to be booked here and had a nice one-night stay. Complete with an excellent dinner. Though the next morning, we were also glad to leave.

Very stunning hotel, intimate. The location of the property is beautiful, peaceful and quiet. I would come back any time given the chance. The staff was also very welcoming and helpful during our stay.

This hotel is a once in a lifetime experience. The staff are amazing, rooms incredible they are all different with fabulous artwork. The stunning gardens ,pool and spar are a must to visit. One of the best hotel I have ever stayed in