The Palace of the Lost City

Sun City, South Africa

Virgin rating

Twin Room
Twin Room
Twin Room
Plume Restaurant
Super Room Pool Facing
Super Room Pool Facing
Super Room Pool Facing
The Grill
The Crystal Court at Palace of the Lost City
Tusk Bar
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Twin Room
Twin Room
Twin Room
Plume Restaurant
Super Room Pool Facing
Super Room Pool Facing
Super Room Pool Facing
The Grill
The Crystal Court at Palace of the Lost City
Tusk Bar
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Junior Suite

The hotel

One of South Africa’s most sumptuous hotels, The Palace, a member of Sun International’s Sunlux Collection, was based on the idea of a lost African Palace. The Lost City surrounds the Palace - a world of jungles, streams, waterfalls and swimming pools. Each of the luxuriously appointed rooms are fitted with individually crafted furniture. Valley of Waves, stands as a central feature of the resort and provides endless fun for all water lovers. There are also two golf courses designed by acclaimed designer Gary Player that will provide added enjoyment for lovers of the sport.

Amenities

  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Kids Club
  • Wheelchair access
  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box

Where is it

Next to Pilanesberg National Park for 'Big Five' safari game-driving in a malaria-free zone. Transfer time from Johannesburg Airport: approximately 2 hours.

Hotel information

335 rooms, including suites, in 4 wings with lifts. Each room and suite offers royal hospitality with wonderful views over water or jungle and all benefit from a personal touch. All with air-conditioning, TV, mini-bar*, butler station on request, safe and hairdryer. Luxury Rooms have mountain views and twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Superior Luxury Rooms are more spacious with views of the gardens or swimming pool and have 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Superior Luxury Family Rooms are ideal for families with 1 king-size bed and a sofa bed in the lounge area sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children.

Superior Luxury Pool Facing Rooms have the same facilities as above but with a pool view, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Junior Suites are very spacious with a separate relaxing lounge area complete with sofa bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Superior Suites are located on the ground floor overlooking the pool or on the upper floor overlooking the Lost City Golf Course with 1 king-size bed and an open-plan lounge and dining area, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

2 restaurants; Crystal Court (International buffet for breakfast and dinner), The Grill Room (signature steakhouse, dinner). 2 bars: The Palace Pool Deck (snacks and wood-fired pizzas) and Tusk Bar and Lounge (safari-themed cocktail bar and lounge). High tea*.

Whilst there isn't any evening entertainment at the hotel you can hop on a shuttle to the Sun City resort where you can visit the casino or nightclub.

Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool. Royal Spa*. Valley of Waves water park (there is a flat charge rate of R50.00 non-refundable for Valley of Waves towels to all hotel guests and day visitors). The Lost City Golf Course*, designed by Gary Player. Water sports*. Tennis. Segway*, Zip Slide* and many more activities. Both morning and sunset game-drives* available in the neighbouring malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. 'Kamp Kwena' kids' club*. Shops.

Please note: The Valley of Waves will be closed every year for a month between May and July for annual maintenance.

 24-hour room service*. Complimentary WiFi.

Wheelchair accessible rooms available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

3 nights between 24 Dec-2 Jan.

 * 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 (1719)
  • Very good (577)
  • Average (289)
  • Poor (156)
  • Terrible (155)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Spectacular

Oct 15, 2024 tracyocallaghan Llantwit Major, United Kingdom

We stayed here for 9 nights, when we arrived we were given an upgrade to a butler suite room 448. From the moment we arrived we were blown away by the truly magnificent decor, the friendliness of the staff and the quality throughout our stay was like nothing we had ever experienced. During our stay we used both spas, both were excellent, we went… Read more
We stayed here for 9 nights, when we arrived we were given an upgrade to a butler suite room 448. From the moment we arrived we were blown away by the truly magnificent decor, the friendliness of the staff and the quality throughout our stay was like nothing we had ever experienced. During our stay we used both spas, both were excellent, we went on safari which was breathtaking, we went quad biking which was such good fun. We had booked a hot air but unfortunately the weather was appropriate. Every member of staff showed such passion for their roles, everyone working at this magnificent hotel plays a role in making it the most beautiful place we have ever stayed. If myself and husband ever got the opportunity to visit again we would be on the first plane over. Sensational! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Home Away from Home

Oct 14, 2024 PraneetN7

We visit The Palace every few months for an absolute treat, and we’ll continue to do so. The warm, welcoming service always makes us feel at home. Special thanks to Francois and Yanga for going above and beyond to accommodate our every request. We’ll be back, as The Palace never fails to create special and lasting memories for us!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Oh what a disappointment!

Oct 13, 2024 Esseryt5067 Greater Adelaide, Australia

Very excited about returning to The Palace ....what a disappointment. I don't think I have been to a facility with worse service. Every restaurant, room service and bar has been disgusting. The staff simply have no interest in serving you. It is quite astounding how badly trained the staff are ....actually hard to explain! Sat in a bar for 15… Read more
Very excited about returning to The Palace ....what a disappointment. I don't think I have been to a facility with worse service. Every restaurant, room service and bar has been disgusting. The staff simply have no interest in serving you. It is quite astounding how badly trained the staff are ....actually hard to explain! Sat in a bar for 15 minutes before getting served and then told a sandwich would take 40 minutes. We came to play golf. The organisation at The Gary Player Golf Club was an absolute shambles. The Lost City course was in terrible condition .... fairways are basically dirt .... Just horrible. Do not hire clubs!!! This is a 3 star facility at best .....really disappointed😡 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous

Oct 9, 2024 lisaoS1265DM Ormskirk, United Kingdom

How nice is this place!!!! Beautiful hotel service second to none we got upgraded without asking, The bed linen is beautiful (the small things) we are only staying for a night but so far have had the best hospitality. The pool bar is lovely relaxing and a shout out to Alfred getting rid of the wasps 😘all in all absolute luxury ignore the reviews… Read more
How nice is this place!!!! Beautiful hotel service second to none we got upgraded without asking, The bed linen is beautiful (the small things) we are only staying for a night but so far have had the best hospitality. The pool bar is lovely relaxing and a shout out to Alfred getting rid of the wasps 😘all in all absolute luxury ignore the reviews of people moaning!! X we have stayed in some fantastic hotels but this matches up will give a review on restaurants shortly Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Definitely NOT 5 star - same issues date back years

Oct 1, 2024 LynneR1984 Sheffield, United Kingdom

Arrived yesterday and I have to admit this is not a 5 star hotel. Before posting this, I looked back at reviews from a number of years ago to see if what I have experienced is new, I am disappointed to say it’s not. Infact, some of what I have experienced has been happening for a number of years so feedback has not been acted upon. Arrived at… Read more
Arrived yesterday and I have to admit this is not a 5 star hotel. Before posting this, I looked back at reviews from a number of years ago to see if what I have experienced is new, I am disappointed to say it’s not. Infact, some of what I have experienced has been happening for a number of years so feedback has not been acted upon. Arrived at 12:00 yesterday and rooms weren’t ready - advised they would call to hurry it along. We had been up since 04:30 on a game drive so any early access would have been appreciated. Went to the pool and was told we would get a call when ready. 14:15 no call, head to reception and rooms are ready. No explanation and it didn’t seem like anyone actually cared that they had failed before we had even really started our experience. Air con (room 563 and 564) - seen a number of comments on this dating back as far as 2020 stating it’s old and outdated. Completely agree - rooms are warm and stuffy to sleep in - not the 5 start experience you would expect. My observations are the palace might have been grand and special at one point but it certainly isn’t now. I think the leadership team would benefit from working with other 5 star hotels to learn best practice. Dubai 5 star is the benchmark they should be aspiring to and they could learn a lot from visiting these places. We have one more day/night left then it’s on to our next 5 star, let’s hope it has something better to offer than here. Read less