Sunbury B&B: Johannesburg's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Getaway!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Sunbury B&B, Johannesburg's "Best Kept Secret." Let's see if the whispers are true. I'm going in with a messy, honest, and totally opinionated review, just for you. And yes, I’m aiming for that sweet, sweet SEO juice… but mostly, I wanna tell you what it felt like.
Sunbury B&B: The Unfiltered Truth - Luxury Getaway or Overhyped Hideaway?
First Impressions… And a Near Disaster (Accessibility, Arrival, and First Glimpses)
Okay, let's be real. Finding the place wasn't as easy as the glossy brochures promise. My GPS took me on a scenic tour of… well, not scenic places. But finally, there it was. And the first thing I noticed? The gate. Massive. Imposing. And a little… intimidating.
(Accessibility): They claim to be accessible. I'm not in a wheelchair, thank goodness, but I did take a peek, and the ramps seemed okay. The lobby? Spacious, no real issues there. BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there?), I'd want a seriously detailed rundown from someone actually using a wheelchair to know if it's truly, truly accessible. Don't just take my word.
(Check-in/out [express / private]): Check-in was… well, let's just say I felt like I was being ushered into a secret society. Private, yes. Efficient? Surprisingly, yes. The lady at the front desk was lovely, though. Like, genuinely warm and welcoming. And the whole "private" thing? Okay, I get it. It’s a luxury thing.
(Car Park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking, Car power charging station): Parking was plentiful (thank the heavens!). Free. On-site. Valet? I'm guessing they have it. Power charging station… I didn't spot one personally, but I'll take their word for it.
(Elevator): YES! Thank goodness. Because I am lazy. And packing is exhausting.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Or Not?)
(Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
Right, the room. My zone. Okay, so… the bed? Glorious. Seriously, I could have lived there. The linens? Crisp. The pillows? Cloud-like. (I’m not kidding, I legit hugged a pillow for a full minute.)
(Blackout curtains): Saved my LIFE. Jet lag is real, people.
(Air conditioning): Absolutely essential in Jozi. And it worked like a dream.
(Wi-Fi [free]): Spotty. Not gonna lie. Sometimes it was blazing fast, other times I was staring at a spinning wheel of doom. Frustrating, especially when you're trying to work.
(Mini Bar): Yes, with all the usual suspects. Way overpriced, but hey, it’s a mini-bar.
(Bathroom): Spotless. Separate shower and bathtub. Good water pressure. The products were all decent – nothing mind-blowing.
(Room decorations): Simple, elegant. Not overly fussy. Not distracting. But maybe a little…boring?
(Soundproofing): Fantastic! I didn't hear a peep from any of my neighbors. (Except maybe some muffled "oohs" and "aahs" from the couple next door. Just saying…)
(Wake-up service): They do have it. And it worked. I’d give it a thumbs up!
Food, Glorious Food (And Maybe a Few Drinks) – Dining, Drinking, and Snacking
Okay, I made a beeline for the food. That's where the real luxury test is.
- (Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, A la carte in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop): Breakfast was… mixed. The buffet was decent. Good selection of pastries, fruits, and the usual suspects. But the omelet station? Heavenly. Freshly made, cooked to perfection. The barista was friendly too. I ordered a cappuccino for the first time and I ordered it every morning from there.
- (Restaurants, Poolside bar, Bar, Happy hour): The main restaurant? I only went once. It's pretty fancy. Too fancy, maybe? The food was good – I opted for the Western cuisine. Good not mind-blowing, and way overpriced. Next time, I'd bring my partner!
- (Room service [24-hour]): YES! And they deliver. I took advantage of the 24-hour room service. The burger was actually pretty damn good. The service was quick and efficient.
- (Bottle of water, Complimentary tea): Yes! Water was provided in the room.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and All That Jazz
(Sauna , Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view)
THIS is where the real magic happened. This is where I really let loose…
- (Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view): The pool area is gorgeous. The view? Stunning. And let me tell you, I spent a solid hour just bobbing around in the water, staring at the sky, and generally feeling like a queen.
- (Spa, Spa/sauna, Massage): I booked a massage. And… wow. Just wow. Seriously, one of the best massages I've ever had. My masseuse was fantastic. I left feeling like a new person. I used the sauna and steam room too, which were great.
- (Fitness center, Gym/fitness): I peeked in. It looked well-equipped. I didn't use it. Priorities, people!
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging by the Pool)
(Things to do, ways to relax, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Shrine, Gift/souvenir shop, Convenience store)
- (Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars): They definitely cater to business travelers. Lots of meeting rooms and facilities. Not my scene, but good to know.
- (Things to do, ways to relax, Shrine): Not my main focus.
Cleanliness and Safety (The New Normal)
(Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)
Okay, I will say – they take this VERY seriously.
- (Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol): Everywhere, there are hand sanitizers, and they seem to be scrubbing non-stop.
Services and Conveniences (The Fine Print)
(Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)
- (Concierge): The concierge was helpful.
- (Daily housekeeping): Impeccable. My room was always spotless.
- (Doorman, Dry cleaning, Laundry service): Yes, they offer these
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get the REAL Johannesburg experience, courtesy of yours truly and the supposed "charm" of Sunbury Bed and Breakfast. Don't expect a brochure. You're getting MY brain, and sometimes that's…well, let's just say it's colorful.
Sunbury B&B: The Johannesburg Whirlwind (and the Occasional Meltdown)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic
- Morning (or what passes for morning after a transatlantic flight): Landed at OR Tambo. Holy Moses, that airport is HUGE. Found my driver, a guy named Sipho who looked like he’d seen it all (and probably had). He probably had, because the drive to Sunbury? Let's just say my first Johannesburg impression was "concrete, traffic, a whole lot of fences." I'm starting to think maybe I packed too many floral dresses for this trip.
- Mid-Morning: Arrived at Sunbury. The B&B itself? Quaint? Yes. Slightly faded grandeur? Also yes. The Victorian furniture? A bit… much, honestly. I kind of expected Miss Havisham to pop out at any moment. The welcome from the owner, a lovely lady named Brenda, was genuinely warm though. She offered me Rooibos tea, and I swear I almost cried with exhaustion. Then, the slight pang of fear sets in… I'm really doing this, aren't I?
- Afternoon: The Search for Food (and Sanity): Brenda recommended a café nearby, "The Hungry Hippo." Sounded promising. Walked…well, attempted to walk. Johannesburg's sidewalks are a workout in themselves. Potholes, broken paving, and a general sense of “watch where you step” made the simple act of going for food a complete adventure. "The Hungry Hippo" was, thankfully, worth it. Had a delicious (and desperately needed) chicken salad.
- Evening: Back at the B&B. Feeling the jet lag, BIG TIME. Tried to force myself to unpack. Failed miserably. Just stared at the overly-patterned wallpaper in my room (it was like being swallowed by a granny's tea cosy). Did a mental inventory of the trip ahead – Lion Park, Soweto, the Apartheid Museum… Wow. Feeling a little overwhelmed all of a sudden.
Day 2: Soweto and Soul Searching (Literally)
- Morning: After a surprisingly comfortable sleep on the giant, uncomfortable queen-sized bed, Brenda's breakfast was divine. The scrambled eggs were perfect, and the coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead. She got me hooked up with a tour guide, a guy named Thabo who had a smile that could launch a thousand ships.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Soweto - A Gut Punch: Soweto. Wow. Just…wow. Visiting Mandela House was a profound experience. Standing there, in his actual home, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history. The township itself… the vibrant energy, the resilience, the heartbreaking poverty… it's enough to make you question everything you thought you knew. The tour of the Hector Peterson Memorial? I had to fight back tears. It felt like a punch to the gut. The whole experience was…a lot.
- Afternoon (continued): Lunch at a local restaurant in Soweto. The food was incredible, the atmosphere electric. We sat near a group of kids playing, and their laughter was like sunshine through the clouds. It was a moment of pure joy. The joy was just a little tainted as I struggled to understand the local currency. The numbers were so different from America's money. Trying to calculate the total cost of my meal was a complete failure.
- Evening: Back at Sunbury. Tried to process everything I'd seen and experienced in Soweto. Sat on the porch, watching the city lights come on. Brenda made me a hot chocolate, which was exactly what I needed. Found myself talking to Brenda for hours, telling her about my day, and my feelings. Brenda shared some of the secrets of Johannesburg, which made me fall in love with this city. Starting to feel slightly less overwhelmed, though still a little emotionally raw. Johannesburg? You're definitely something else.
Day 3: Lions, Leopards, and Close Calls (Maybe):
- Morning: The Lion Park. Okay, this was pure, unadulterated fun. Getting so close to these magnificent creatures was thrilling. I was really scared, though, in the car when the guides told me the lions are friendly. They still had their claws and teeth, though. The lion's were majestic, and the guides were informative.
- Afternoon: Attempted a walk through the Melville area, which Brenda assured me was hip and happening. Found a cute little boutique, and also almost got run over by a taxi. Johannesburg, folks. It keeps you on your toes. Back at the B&B, there was a bit of a mixup with my laundry. Okay, a BIG mixup. My favorite silk scarf? Now a tie-dye disaster. Brenda looked mortified. I tried to remain calm. I'm sure it's not that important.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, Brenda had arranged for me. Good food. Good wine. But my mind kept drifting back to the scarf. Maybe I'll send a message back home and ask my cousin to buy me a new one. I keep thinking I should make a scrapbook to keep track of my memories, so I can go back later and laugh at how silly I acted. Decided to go to bed early.
Day 4: Museums, Mayhem, and Maybe a Shopping Spree?
- Morning: Went to the Apartheid Museum. I knew it would be intense, but I wasn’t prepared for the sheer emotional toll. The exhibits were harrowing, but essential. It's not just history; it's a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. I spent a lot of time crying. Don't go to the museum unless you're ready to experience the full weight of human cruelty and the subsequent fight for justice.
- Afternoon: Decided to try and find a souvenir. (Needed something to remind me of this adventure). Visited the market. The vendor made me a deal on the necklace, so I bought it. I was so happy, and I put it around my neck, and tried not to worry about the missing scarf.
- Evening: Back at Sunbury. Trying to work out my remaining itinerary. The fear of missing out is so strong right now. Do I want to go to the Botanical Gardens, or do I want to try another market? Maybe the Botanical Gardens will be exactly what I need after the experience at the museum. Or I could just take a nap.
Day 5: Departure (and the lingering aftertaste of adventure)
- Morning: Breakfast with Brenda. More good food. More heartfelt conversations. Johannesburg is a city of contrasts, but at the end of the day, I am grateful for this unique opportunity.
- Late Morning: The drive back to OR Tambo. Sipho's still got that deadpan expression on his face, but I think I caught a hint of a smile. The airport… still HUGE.
- Afternoon: On the plane. Reflecting. Johannesburg. It was beautiful and heartbreaking. Exhausting and exhilarating. Messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable.
Final Thoughts:
Johannesburg isn't the easiest city. It's raw, it's complicated, and it will definitely push you out of your comfort zone. But if you're willing to embrace the chaos, the history, and the incredible people, you'll have an experience that will stay with you forever. Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe I wouldn't stay in a place with a giant uncomfortable bed, and perhaps I would be a little more mindful of the local money. But yes, I would absolutely go back.
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Sunbury B&B: Johannesburg's BEST Kept Secret! (Or Is It?) - FAQs (The Honest Version)
Okay, is Sunbury *actually* the "best kept secret" or is that just marketing fluff? 'Cause I've heard that before...
Look, marketing… it's a beast, right? "Best kept secret" is… well, it *was* probably true, like, ten years ago. Now? The word’s out. But, and this is a big BUT, it *feels* like a secret. It's tucked away, super quiet, and the staff treat you like you're the only guest in the world. That initial feeling, that "I've discovered something special" vibe? Yeah, that’s definitely there. It's more of a WELL-KEPT secret now. Think of it as a whisper, not a shout.
What's the vibe like? Is it stuffy or… chilled? I can't do stuffy.
Chilled. Absolutely chilled. Imagine your impossibly stylish aunt’s ridiculously beautiful house, like, the one with the pool you're *only* allowed to splash around in *after* you've eaten your veggies... except minus the, well, *aunt*. Sunbury is all about laid-back luxury. Think plush robes, fireplaces that actually work (and are lit!), and a garden that’s practically screaming for a lazy afternoon nap. They’re not going to judge you for rocking up in your comfy pants. Seriously. I saw a woman arrive in, like, full yoga gear once. No side-eye.
The rooms... What are they *really* like? Pictures can lie.
The pictures *don't* lie this time, thank god. The rooms are genuinely gorgeous. They're not just rooms; they're mini-sanctuaries. Expect ridiculously comfortable beds, super-soft linen, and bathrooms that make you want to take a bath just for the sake of it. The decor is elegant but not pretentious. And the little touches… Oh, the little touches! Fresh flowers, a well-stocked mini-bar (yes, *really* well-stocked!), and chocolates on the pillow. Honestly, you might not *want* to leave your room, and I wouldn't blame you. I spent a solid afternoon just staring out the window, wondering if I could convince them to let me live there forever. (They said no, by the way.)
The breakfast… is it worth waking up for? (I'm not a morning person).
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. And I *hate* mornings. I'm talking seriously good breakfast. Forget the dry croissants and lukewarm coffee you get at most places. Sunbury's breakfast is a *proper* affair. Think freshly squeezed juice, a buffet overflowing with goodness, and a menu with options that range from a full English (cooked to perfection) to something lighter, like perfectly poached eggs with avocado. The coffee is strong, the service is impeccable, and honestly, it might just convert you into a morning person. I almost became one. Almost. One time, I accidentally spilled coffee all over the tablecloth (mortifying!) and the staff were SO gracious about it. Total class.
Is it romantic? Because I'm trying to impress someone.
Is the sky blue? Sunbury is practically dripping with romance. Imagine candlelit dinners in the garden, cozy fireplaces for snuggling, and enough privacy to actually have a conversation without the background noise of a hundred other guests. The whole vibe is just… *kiss me* romantic. Honestly, if you can't impress someone at Sunbury, you might as well give up on romance altogether. I'm not exaggerating. I proposed to my wife (again!) there. Well, technically, I re-proposed because I messed up the first time *completely*. And she said yes. So yeah, romantic. Very. Just maybe don't copy my proposal; learn from my mistakes!
I'm worried about the location. Is it safe and convenient?
This is where it gets a little complicated, because South Africa can be tricky. Sunbury is in a good area, safe and secluded and I found it extremely safe. They have excellent security. The real question is, is the rest of Johannesburg safe once you leave? It's something you should be aware of. Uber/Bolt are your best friends. But honestly, once you're *in* Sunbury, you feel utterly secure. It's also reasonably convenient, close enough to the major areas of interest without being smack-bang in the middle of the chaos. Ask the staff about recommended restaurants and activities; they know the area inside and out. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Any hidden charges or annoying surprises?
Not really. They're pretty upfront about everything. The mini-bar… that'll come with a charge. But everything else is pretty straightforward. Just double-check the fine print when you book, as you should with *any* hotel. They're classy and transparent. That said, I once ordered room service and then realized I didn’t have enough cash to tip the guy. So I ended up trying to pay him with a really crumpled R20 note and a half-eaten packet of chips (don’t judge; I had a long day). The poor guy was so polite! He just sort of… smiled and accepted it. Lesson learned: always have some cash on hand.
Okay, but realistically… what are the *downsides*? You can't love everything.
Alright, alright, I'll be brutally honest. It's *expensive*. This isn't a budget option. It's a splurge. Also... I once encountered a small, unfortunate incident with a rather persistent mosquito in my room. I, in my sleep-deprived state, apparently mistook it for a particularly irritating speck of dust and proceeded to have a *full-blown* wrestle with it. I lost. The mosquito won. A bit of bug spray in the room would be nice. And sometimes, the wifi can be… temperamental. But honestly, those are minor quibbles. The overall experience is amazing.
So, should I book it or not? Spill the tea!
YES. Go. Absolutely, positively, book it. Especially if you need a proper escape. Even with the minor imperfections – the mosquito, the price tag – it's worth it. Trust me, you'll leave feeling refreshed, pampered, and like you stumbled upon somethingGlobe Stay Finder
