The Palace of the Lost City

Sun City, South Africa

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Plume Restaurant, The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City, Johannesberg, South Africa
The Grill
Crystal Court Restaurant
Valley of Waves Water Park
Junior Suite
The Crystal Court at Palace of the Lost City
Lost City Golf Course
Palace of the Lost City
Balcony King Suite, The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City, South Africa
Tusk Bar
Royal Baths
Golf Course
Valley of Waves Water Park
Plume Restaurant, The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City, Johannesberg, South Africa
The Grill
Crystal Court Restaurant
Valley of Waves Water Park
Junior Suite
The Crystal Court at Palace of the Lost City
Lost City Golf Course
Palace of the Lost City
Balcony King Suite, The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City, South Africa
Tusk Bar
Royal Baths
Golf Course
Valley of Waves Water Park

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, one of the most advanced water parks in the world, stands as a central feature of the hotel and will provide endless fun for 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

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

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.

3 restaurants; Crystal Court, Plume (fine dining), The Grill Room (fine dining). 2 bars: The Palace Pool Deck and Tusk Bar and Lounge. Non heated swimming pools. Sauna, health club* and gym with steam room. 2 golf courses* (bookings necessary). Water sports*. Tennis. Segway, Zip Slide and many more activities. Valley of Waves water park. Both morning and sunset game-drives* available in the neighbouring malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. 'Kamp Kwena' kids' club*. Shops. 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 (1577)
  • Very good (537)
  • Average (266)
  • Poor (136)
  • Terrible (127)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Palace should be a 1 Star

Jan 9, 2021 JackSelesnik Morningside, South Africa

I Stayed at the Palace on the 22nd December. We had to change rooms because the mattress was so worn, the room stank of mold. The service at the pool is non existent. The new room that was given to us , the shower and basin drain just blocked up. The toilets at the pool smelled of sewerage. You pay a lot of money to stay at the palace and Sun… Read more
I Stayed at the Palace on the 22nd December. We had to change rooms because the mattress was so worn, the room stank of mold. The service at the pool is non existent. The new room that was given to us , the shower and basin drain just blocked up. The toilets at the pool smelled of sewerage. You pay a lot of money to stay at the palace and Sun International don't care or even try to compensate one. This is the second time i have complained , we also stayed at sun city 24 September and they still have not resolved our complaint. In my opinion Sun city resort has gone to the dogs. Not worth Staying there and paying those rates. The Palace should be regraded to a 1 star hotel. The rooms are in desperate need of refurbishment. The restaurant at the Cascades had run out of lemon for the drinks and their coffee machine was broken. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing dinner experience

Dec 20, 2020 wimdelva Cape Town Central, South Africa

We booked supper at the Grill Room and were treated to an exceptional dinner experience. The setting was so romantic and grand, with our table outside close to the water, and the pond and open fires adding to the atmosphere. The beef fillet I had and the lamb chops my wife had were among the best we ever had. My fillet was accompanied by crisp… Read more
We booked supper at the Grill Room and were treated to an exceptional dinner experience. The setting was so romantic and grand, with our table outside close to the water, and the pond and open fires adding to the atmosphere. The beef fillet I had and the lamb chops my wife had were among the best we ever had. My fillet was accompanied by crisp flavourful grilled vegetables, a tasty peppercorn basting and a creamy mushroom sauce done just right. The fillet itself was so tender and flavourful I didn't want it to end. The wine (Thelema Shiraz) was a great match. Lastly, I met Mr Robert Brian Phiri, the pianist who was playing such beautiful melodies and harmonies. He is no doubt the friendliest and most amazing pianist any venue could wish for. He first invite our daughter to play something and then played a song together with her. She only started taking lessons recently but the warmth and enthusiasm he showed was so genuine and beautiful to see. Later he volunteered an impromptu lesson in harmony and music theory simply because I showed interest in his playing. Everything together this was a memorable evening that we will cherish for ever. Thank you Grill Room and thank you Mr Phiri. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating My new favourite hotel in the world

Dec 14, 2020 jkf10 london

We have just sadly checked out of one of the most amazing hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure to stay in. I am an long haul airline captain so have stayed in many but none have come close to the beauty and service of The Palace. The entrance, foyer and dining room are simply breathtaking and super impressive. My daughter always wanted to stay here… Read more
We have just sadly checked out of one of the most amazing hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure to stay in. I am an long haul airline captain so have stayed in many but none have come close to the beauty and service of The Palace. The entrance, foyer and dining room are simply breathtaking and super impressive. My daughter always wanted to stay here as her favourite movie is Blended and it even exceeded her expectations. The welcome we received from duty manager Francois was simply outstanding - what an asset he is to the hotel. And all of the staff followed his lead - attentive and willing to help with our every need without being overbearing or intrusive. They really have got the staffing perfect! The piano player at breakfast and the dinner buffet is a beautiful addition and made our holiday even more special. I had read reviews about the interiors being in need of updating but I couldn’t disagree more. It is breathtakingly beautiful and encapsulates African culture and decor at its best. The pool area is just as lovely and everything you could possibly need is there. The private walk down to valley of the waves was another bonus and is also so picturesque. The food at breakfast and dinner was outstanding. I simply cannot recommend this hotel enough and we are already looking forward to coming back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional

Dec 7, 2020 kareena2035

Sun City has been our family vacation for years but this was my first stay at the Palace. It was as incredible as I had heard. Firstly, the architecture is something to marvel at, the high concrete pillars and the larger than statues creates such an elegant Nd grand atmosphere. The room was large and comfortable as was the bathroom. My only issue… Read more
Sun City has been our family vacation for years but this was my first stay at the Palace. It was as incredible as I had heard. Firstly, the architecture is something to marvel at, the high concrete pillars and the larger than statues creates such an elegant Nd grand atmosphere. The room was large and comfortable as was the bathroom. My only issue is that the aircon wasn't great and the room did more lights but it was still great. The staff were always helpful, warm and friendly. But the most impressive aspect about the palace and Sun City as a whole, was their adherence to Covid protocols. All guests are required to wear masks in public spaces. The Covid ambassadors go up to guests and remind them to keep it on. The buffet breakfast was quite something. Everything was prepackaged and laid out for the guests. The hot breakfast was served to you. Your temperature was taken every time you stepped in and out of the hotel and ofcourse sanitizers were everywhere and I didnt see any staff without masks at all times. There were many other smaller things that were done but those were the most significant. In these crazy times we live in, it wasn't easy to make the decision to go on a holiday but Sun City really ensured the safety of everyone which was a huge comfort. It was a very pleasant stay, a true 5 star experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating In serious need of a revamp

Dec 3, 2020 Meloshnee Johannesburg, South Africa

The Palace looks ‘tired’. Tiles are cracked, bathroom taps have been over shined and lacks lustres. Water features and ponds need a serious detoxing and cleanup. The beds are uncomfortable and creaks at every turn. I actually enjoyed a better sleep on the fold-up bed than the main king size bed. Carpets look washed out and carpet rods are missing.… Read more
The Palace looks ‘tired’. Tiles are cracked, bathroom taps have been over shined and lacks lustres. Water features and ponds need a serious detoxing and cleanup. The beds are uncomfortable and creaks at every turn. I actually enjoyed a better sleep on the fold-up bed than the main king size bed. Carpets look washed out and carpet rods are missing. This poses a serious tripping hazard for older people and kids. But the defining moment of my holiday was my Birthday Dinner at The Grill, the atmosphere and air was filled with cigarette smoke and being asthmatic, I couldn’t breathe. The waitress was arrogant and rude and this just spoiled my evening. To give credit where it’s due, the Manager did try to assist by getting us a table inside but by then I just wanted to leave. The hotel has a stunning old demeanour and feel about it but it’s beauty and opulence is deeply marred by old age and neglect. Definitely lost a few stars along the years. The staff though, are polite and 5 star quality. Read less