Overview

City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport is a full-service airport hotel designed to serve the high volume of travelers passing through Africa's busiest airport. With 365 comfortable rooms, it functions as both a convenient sanctuary for overnight stays and a professional hub for business meetings. Known for: immediate airport proximity, 24-hour accessibility, and dual-purpose functionality for transit and leisure guests. Best for: travelers with early morning or late evening flights, business professionals requiring conference facilities, safari tourists connecting between South African destinations, and families needing comfortable accommodation near Johannesburg attractions like Emperors Palace (2.7 km away).

Accommodation & Rooms

The hotel maintains 365 rooms distributed across multiple levels within the Parkade 2 structure. Room configurations include standard twin and double bed arrangements, with furnishings designed for business and leisure comfort. While specific square meterage and premium room details are not disclosed in current documentation, the property emphasizes practical, cost-effective accommodation aligned with the City Lodge Hotels brand positioning of value-for-money service. Rooms feature essential amenities including air conditioning, safe deposit boxes, and access to uncapped WiFi throughout the property. Early check-in is available subject to room availability, with standard check-in at 14:00 and check-out at 11:00, extendable to 16:00 by request through reception.

Dining & Cuisine

The ORT Restaurant operates with a seasonally-rotating menu designed to accommodate diverse traveler needs. Breakfast service commences at 4:00 AM daily to support guests with early departures, with packed meal options available on request for those requiring portable breakfast solutions. The restaurant and bar facility operates as the primary food and beverage venue, complementing the hotel's positioning as a convenient transit accommodation. The City Lodge Hotels group reported 22% growth in food and beverage revenue during 2024, reflecting investment in dining quality and menu innovation across the portfolio.

Facilities & Services

Property facilities include a spacious lobby lounge equipped with real-time flight information boards—a critical amenity for airport travelers—alongside uncapped WiFi connectivity throughout the hotel. Three dedicated boardrooms accommodate business meetings for groups up to 46 guests, supporting corporate functions and conference requirements. A fitness room provides exercise facilities, and a swimming pool offers leisure relaxation. Laundry services, room service, and 24-hour reception support extended stay comfort. The hotel does not accommodate pets except certified service dogs. Walk-in guests are accepted subject to room availability, with immediate online payment required for same-day reservations.

Location & How to Get There

City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport is situated at Parkade 2, Level 5, OR Tambo Airport Road, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, 1627, with precise coordinates at 26°07'57.5"S, 28°13'46.1"E. The hotel is a short walk (approximately 500 meters) from the main airport terminal building, accessible via direct pedestrian pathways. The adjacent Gautrain Airport Station provides rapid rail connection to Johannesburg's central business district and broader metropolitan area. For guests requiring onward safari travel to South Africa's game reserves, the hotel's airport location eliminates transfer friction and enables same-day or next-day departure to destinations like Kruger National Park region properties. Contact the hotel directly at +27 11 552 7600 or clort.resv@citylodgehotels.com for transfer arrangements and onward booking coordination.

Best Time to Visit

As an airport hotel, City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport operates year-round with consistent availability. However, travelers planning South African safari connections should consider seasonal wildlife patterns: the dry season (May-September) offers optimal game viewing in Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves, with cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall; the rainy season (November-March) brings lush landscapes and bird migration, though game viewing can be more challenging. The City Lodge Hotels group documented steady recovery in greater Johannesburg area demand as more business travelers return to office-based work, suggesting consistent weekday occupancy. Peak leisure travel typically aligns with Southern Hemisphere school holidays (December-January, June-July).

Conservation & Community

City Lodge Hotels operates as a listed hospitality group with documented commitment to sustainable business practices and community engagement. The group's 2024 Annual Financial Statements emphasize investment in hotel refurbishment pipelines and shareholder value through dividends and share buy-backs, indicating capital allocation toward property maintenance and enhancement. As an airport hotel, environmental impact focuses on operational efficiency, energy management, and guest service sustainability rather than wildlife conservation initiatives typical of safari lodges. The property supports Johannesburg area economic activity through employment and business community engagement.

Policies & Practical Information

Check-in time is 14:00, with check-out at 11:00 (extendable to 16:00 upon request). Online check-in is available at clhg.com on the date of arrival, with early room access subject to availability. The hotel maintains pet-free accommodation policy except for certified service dogs. Payment methods include online booking through the City Lodge Hotels website (clhg.com) and direct contact via phone (+27 11 552 7600) or email (clort.resv@citylodgehotels.com). Cancellation and rate terms are subject to promotional codes and booking channels; reservations made during promotional periods (such as December-January half-price offers) are non-commissionable and ineligible for rewards points. For assistance with completed online check-ins requiring cancellation or date changes, contact the hotel directly through reception.

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