Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, is a distinguished luxury establishment recognized with a Michelin One-Key rating, signifying a very special stay with unique character and exceptional service. Perched on a hillside, it offers a serene retreat with panoramic views of Johannesburg's lush tree canopy and the zoological gardens, often described as feeling like a chic hillside village.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel frequently lauded as "exceptional," "amazing," and providing a "luxurious" experience. Many describe their stays as "unforgettable" and a perfect choice for special occasions like anniversaries or honeymoons. The hotel consistently receives high scores for staff, comfort, and facilities.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the hotel. The stunning, breathtaking views from its elevated position are a major highlight. The exceptional and attentive staff receives frequent commendation for their friendly and professional demeanor. The beautiful property itself, with its expansive gardens, courtyards, and fountains, is also a key draw. Other beloved amenities include the stunning heated pool, a world-class spa, valet parking services, and convenient transport around the property via golf carts. The hotel's design, evoking a bygone era of grace and refinement with a contemporary African inspiration, is also noted.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 117 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each with a private balcony offering garden or city views. Rooms are generally described as spacious with lovely decoration and a modern yet restrained feel, often incorporating a coastal palette of light blues and white. Guests frequently highlight the famously comfortable Four Seasons beds. Bathrooms are typically spacious and often feature marble, double sinks, a beautiful bathtub, and a standing shower. Standard amenities include air conditioning, a seating area, flat-screen satellite TV, and a minibar, along with complimentary treats like baked goods and fruit. However, some recent feedback indicates that certain rooms might feel "old" or "dated," with occasional issues like worn carpets or plumbing problems such as inconsistent shower pressure or faulty taps.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Four Seasons The Westcliff is a significant draw. Flames restaurant, perched on the hill and accessible by a glass elevator, is particularly popular for its stunning 360-degree panoramic views and is a firm local favorite. It offers seasonally inspired dishes and is known for its "braai" (South African barbecue grill) for lunch. Breakfast is often described as "absolutely delicious" with both buffet and à la carte options available. The hotel also features other dining venues like Cellar Door for intimate food and wine pairings, and the Westcliff Deli for casual coffees and gourmet sandwiches. While generally positive, some recent reviews have noted slow restaurant service, particularly during busy times, and at times, staff observed on phones. There have also been criticisms regarding limited lunch and dinner menus, a heavy use of oil in hot breakfast items, and a lack of healthy options, which some guests found below expectations for a five-star property.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff are consistently praised as one of the hotel's strongest assets. Guests frequently use terms like "exceptional," "super friendly," "attentive," "welcoming," and "professional." Many guests report that staff members go "above and beyond" expectations, providing personalized attention and making stays extra special. The Four Seasons app is also highlighted for its seamless interaction with staff for requests.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located in the prestigious Westcliff neighborhood, the hotel's elevated position provides magnificent views over the city's tree-lined suburbs and the Johannesburg Zoo. While offering a tranquil and secluded atmosphere, resembling a "walled village," it is not within walking distance of major attractions. However, it boasts easy access to OR Tambo International Airport and the upscale shopping district of Sandton. Guests typically rely on taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber for transport to attractions. Within the property, golf carts are readily available to transport guests across the cobblestone pathways, addressing any concerns about the hillside layout.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury 5-star property, the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff commands a premium price. While many guests feel the experience is well worth the cost, especially for special occasions, some recent feedback suggests mixed feelings about the value. A few guests found it "too expensive for the quality of the rooms" or that the rooms were "a bit disappointing" for the pricing. However, the overall sentiment still leans towards a highly recommended stay for those seeking a luxurious and pampered experience.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, recurring criticisms include:

• Room Maintenance: Some guests reported that rooms felt "old" or "dated," with issues like worn carpets, improperly installed bathroom taps, and inconsistent shower pressure.
• Dining Service: Slow service at restaurants, even when not at full capacity, and instances of staff appearing inattentive or distracted.
• Food Quality: Specific complaints about breakfast food quality, such as heavy use of oil in hot items, and limited healthy options on lunch and dinner menus.
• Pool Area: The family pool is noted as being quite small, potentially making it difficult to find loungers during busy periods.
• Accessibility within property: While buggies are available, some guests noted the necessity of walking on cobblestone pathways, which could be a minor inconvenience for those with mobility issues.
• Restaurant Reservations: Due to the popularity of the hotel's restaurants with locals for their views and food, it can be challenging to secure a table without prior reservations.

Sources

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12. Current time information in Johannesburg, ZA.