About this hotel
General information
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff sits on the rocky Witwatersrand ridge in the middle of Johannesburg, yet it reads more like a hillside village than a city hotel. Nine sunlit villas, linked by courtyards, fountains and terraces, step down the slope through three hectares of gardens, and the balconies look out across a 240-degree sweep of the city’s urban forest.
Interiors are contemporary and hung with modern African art, and the accent cushions in the rooms were hand-dyed and embroidered by local artisans. A glass lift carries guests up to the terrace of Flames, while lower down, among the trees, a day spa runs the only outdoor spa lounge in the city. For celebrations and meetings there are 16 indoor rooms and four outdoor spaces for up to 200 guests, including the Arcadia Ballroom in a stand-alone, 19th-century Victorian-style mansion.
Location
The hotel stands in the historic Westcliff neighbourhood, on the Witwatersrand ridge among grand old mansions and next to Johannesburg Zoo. The shops and restaurants of The Parks are a short drive away, as are the markets, galleries and arts districts of Braamfontein, Maboneng and 44 Stanley. Johannesburg’s international airport is 22 km away (30–45 minutes by car) and Lanseria International Airport 36.6 km (45–60 minutes); the concierge arranges transfers by private car.
Spa
The Spa is a day spa set in the treetops, with eleven treatment rooms, three of them for couples, and separate changing areas with saunas and eucalyptus-scented steam rooms. Signatures include The Jozi Gem, built around plant oils, a mineral mud wrap and a warm herbal poultice massage, and The African Traveller, with marula-infused oils and cupping; alongside them come facials with TheraNaka and Biologique Recherche, massages, body treatments, pregnancy treatments and a manicure and pedicure studio. The couples’ suite has white marble floors and a private soaking tub facing the garden, and the loungers of the open-air Après-Spa invite guests to stay on after treatments.
Sports & leisure
For exercise there is a 25-metre adults-only pool, a light-filled gym open day and night with cardio pods beside open windows, a whirlpool, sauna, studio classes, personal trainers on request and a jogging trail within the grounds. The concierge also arranges local guides and trips further afield:
- a ranger-led safari drive in Pilanesberg National Park, with a chance of the Big Five, giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile
- half-day and full-day tours of Johannesburg, its museums and arts districts
- themed outings with local guides, from archaeology and photography to food and shopping
- safari trips to Kruger National Park
For children
Children have a family pool on the terrace and a welcome amenity of their own, and babysitting can be arranged on request.
Restaurants & bars
Restaurants and bars are spread over several levels of the hill, most of them with city views:
- Flames — the main restaurant, on a terrace above the urban forest, cooking seasonal produce over open flame and hosting South African braai, or barbecue
- The Cellar Door — a chef’s table with a view of the city, where dishes are prepared in front of guests
- Lobby Lounge & Bar — cocktails, light plates, champagne and a contemporary afternoon tea with house-made pâtisserie
- Après-Spa — the open-air spa lounge, serving salads, sandwiches and light mains
- The View — breakfast from local, seasonal produce overlooking the city
- private dining rooms and 24-hour in-room dining
Swimming
There are two outdoor pools: a 25-metre adults-only lap pool (112 m²) in the spa’s relaxation area and a family pool (66.5 m²) on a terrace shaded by umbrellas, both with poolside service.
Rooms
Rooms and suites are spread across the nine hillside villas, most with a balcony, terrace or small garden, and are decorated in a contemporary African style with light earth tones, blues and greens. The line-up runs from Deluxe rooms with garden or panoramic views to the three-bedroom Royal Suite.
Each room has a marble bathroom, down pillows and duvets, hypoallergenic bedding, bathrobes, a hairdryer, a lit make-up mirror, complimentary Wi-Fi, a TV with in-room films, a safe, a mini fridge, a tea and coffee maker, evening turndown on request and a newspaper with breakfast.
Three-Bedroom Royal Suite
A three-level suite with its own entrance: the middle floor holds a large living room with a marble fireplace, dining for eight, a study, a fully equipped kitchen and a panoramic terrace, and the upper floor three bedrooms with three marble bathrooms. Two bedrooms have king beds and one has twin beds; it sleeps six adults or four adults and two children, and two more bedrooms can be added.
Two-Bedroom Presidential Suite
A contemporary two-bedroom suite with three king beds, a living room behind a wall of windows, a fireplace, a dining area and a private panoramic terrace. Two marble bathrooms with separate tub and shower plus a guest cloakroom; up to six guests, including up to four children.
Panoramic View One Bedroom Suite
A bright suite with a separate king bedroom, a living room and a private terrace with panoramic views; the marble bathroom has a separate tub and shower and twin basins. Sleeps three adults or two adults and a child, and some have a built-in sofa bed.
One Bedroom Suite
A spacious suite with a separate king bedroom and living room, looking onto the hotel grounds and without a balcony; the marble bathroom has a separate tub and shower. Sleeps three adults or a family with children, and some have a built-in sofa bed.
Two-Bedroom Family Room
Two interconnecting bedrooms — a king room for the parents and a twin room with its own TV and games for the children — with two marble bathrooms. It sits close to the family pool, looks onto the garden or the hotel grounds and sleeps two adults and two children.
Panoramic View Premier Room
A king room with a balcony and panoramic views; layouts vary from villa to villa, and the marble bathroom has a separate tub and shower and twin basins. Sleeps up to three adults, and some have a built-in sofa bed for a child.
Garden-View Premier Room
A king room with a balcony or a ground-floor garden, looking onto the gardens or the hotel grounds, and a marble bathroom. Sleeps up to three adults, and some have a built-in sofa bed for a child.
Panoramic View Deluxe Room
A king room with a private balcony overlooking the city; the marble bathroom has a separate tub and shower and twin basins. For two adults and a child under three.
Garden-View Deluxe Room
A king or twin room with a balcony or ground-floor garden and views of the gardens or the hotel grounds — sometimes as far as the neighbouring zoo. For two adults and a child under three.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.