Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Johannesburg, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

Elegantly designed and spanning 7 acres of beautiful gardens, this privately owned hotel was once a sweeping family home. The attention to detail here is second to none, with grand European-inspired suites and a tranquil Balinese Spa Garden, as well as a cosy pool area that's perfect for languid days in the sun. Dining here is wonderfully indulgent, with both a tea room and champagne lounge on site, as well as a sophisticated a la carte restaurant with an extensive wine list. This is the ideal sanctuary in the heart of Sandton.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

A garden retreat in the heart of Sandton. Transfer time from O.R. Tambo International Airport: approximately 30 minutes.

Hotel information

41 Suites decorated to a high standard and featuring complimentary WiFi, smart TVs, satellite channels, in-room safes, mini-bar (with selection of local complimentary refreshments), daily fresh fruit, hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers, luxury bathroom amenities, separate shower and large bath, pure cotton linen and memory foam mattresses, same day laundry, coffee/tea making facilities including espresso machines, daily turndown service (with bottled water and treat) and in-suite dining*. Luxury and Deluxe Suites have traditional fireplaces. 

Grand Chateau Suites are located in the Grand Chateau wing, and features 1 king-size bed sleeping maximum 2.

Courtyard Suites are Eurocentric and individually decorated, with courtyard views, marble vanities, and working fireplaces. With 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2. 

Villa Suites have garden views, and some of these suites feature balconies, with the others opening onto a shaded terrace. Some have guest cloakrooms, and most have separate lounges. All are equipped with under-floor heating in the bathrooms, and working fireplaces. With 1 king-size bed sleeping maximum 2. 

Maison Spa Suite is a traditional European style villa, with two private en-suite bedrooms, a dining room, spacious lounge, and garden views. The master bedroom features a four-poster bed, working fireplaces, and a balcony overlooking the gardens and pool. The second bedroom features 1 x double bed. Sleeping maximum 2. 

Tree House Studio is positioned in the treetop canopy, with a garden view. This two bedroom suite features a state-of-the-art kitchen, lounge and dining room. The first bedroom features 1 king-size bed, and the second bedroom features 1 x double bed. Sleeping maximum 4. 

Villa Moji is a standalone villa, ideal for exclusive stays for those seeking privacy. Set in a secluded garden with private access and extra security, this fully-serviced residence features two en-suite bedrooms opening onto a patio with direct access to the garden and an extra-length private swimming pool. There is a lounge, dining room, working fireplaces, and access to the patio. With 1 x king-size bed in the first bedroom, and 1 x double bed in the second bedroom, sleeping maximum 6.

Amuse-Bouche (sophisticated a-la-carte with extensive wine list). Manor House Bistro (casual al fresco dining). Tea in the Woods (European tea room with a South African twist). Muse Champagne Room (champagne lounge with adjoining courtyard). Seven Colours (private dining room).

Outdoor swimming pool. Full circuit gym. Balinese spa and spa garden*. Manicure and pedicure lounge*. Jacuzzi. Heated hydro pool. Steam rooms. Gift boutique.

Concierge. Childminding service*. Private golf club access*. Private airport transfers*. Laundry and dry cleaning*.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (418)
  • Very good (113)
  • Average (32)
  • Poor (23)
  • Terrible (30)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Poor management

Apr 14, 2024 Bret P Texas

We were a part of an Amawaterways group. The evening we checked in we were told we could go to an offsite restaurant and the Hotel would take care of transportation. The Front desk female person said she would make the arrangements and call us with the details. She never called and basically did not follow thru on completing the task. This… Read more
We were a part of an Amawaterways group. The evening we checked in we were told we could go to an offsite restaurant and the Hotel would take care of transportation. The Front desk female person said she would make the arrangements and call us with the details. She never called and basically did not follow thru on completing the task. This showed when we got a driver that did not know where he was going and drove the car in an unsafe manner trying to figure out the location. So the Hotel provided our dinner for free. But the next morning we confirmed 2, 80 minute massages for 3:30 in the afternoon. We go to check in for the massages, complete the paperwork and change our clothes. After all of this, the attendant tells us we will get 2, 45 minute massages because they are understaffed. No one bothered to say a word about this change to our confirmed massages. We chose for my wife to get the massage she booked and I would be left out. I informed the Hotel Manager and thought there would be some level of customer service applied here, especially because he was on duty the night before. I got a less than sincere apology from the spa manager and that was it. One of two solutions were available, make someone stay after hours and complete the massage or no charge us for the massage that did happen. Neither solution was offered. Did find out that one of our traveling group got a walk-in massage at 3:00 pm that basically took up my CONFIRMED time slot. Also, you might want to review your work out room. Several machines/stations don’t work very well! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very disappointing stay!

Apr 7, 2024 Mrsdine

We checked into this property as we were heading onto our onward trip and we’re excited to rest and relax. The property itself is beautiful but the service at lunch was super slow, food was terrible, the gym was tired and unclean, the spa also nothing to write home about. The cherry on the cake was the pizza we ordered at room service. Wow. In the… Read more
We checked into this property as we were heading onto our onward trip and we’re excited to rest and relax. The property itself is beautiful but the service at lunch was super slow, food was terrible, the gym was tired and unclean, the spa also nothing to write home about. The cherry on the cake was the pizza we ordered at room service. Wow. In the history of pizza…the award for the worst pizza should go to fairlaws. We rate our stay on would we come back. Absolutely not. You have a great deal of work to do to get this properly up to 5 star standard. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Spa day gone wrong

Feb 19, 2024 3jsg Johannesburg, South Africa

I had booked for a mani and pedi from a fairlawns spa gift voucher I had been given for valentines…(exciting). I got there and the service was certainly not 5 star. My therapist came to get me late and didn’t apologize. She then took me to the room for these treatments which is outdated and the energy was draining. The therapist wasn’t very… Read more
I had booked for a mani and pedi from a fairlawns spa gift voucher I had been given for valentines…(exciting). I got there and the service was certainly not 5 star. My therapist came to get me late and didn’t apologize. She then took me to the room for these treatments which is outdated and the energy was draining. The therapist wasn’t very friendly either. Then when I asked to have a French manicure I was told they didn’t have the polish to do a basic French gel manicure…(Shocking, I would have been better off with a gift voucher from Sorbet.) I left and will get my mani and pedi elsewhere. (5 star???) Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Overnighter

Jan 30, 2024 GeoffNatalie Deal, United Kingdom

Only had a brief overnight stay but what a wonderful place. We had a room in the converted stables that was to die for. The evening meal in the restaurant was fantastic. Unfortunately we didn't stay long enough to use the Spa. Hopefully next time.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful grounds, rooms are tardy and dirty

Dec 28, 2023 RossLevin Cape Town, South Africa

Such spectacular and peaceful grounds, but the rooms felt tired and dirty. Housekeeping also was lacking and in general it was an underwhelming experience staying at the hotel. I will say the spa was good, pity about the rest.