Premier Hotel OR Tambo

The hotel had airport transfer every 15 minutes, the staff were really friendly and helpful especially Thambi. The food in the restaurant was first class, there is a buffet or a la carte to choose from. It has a nice relaxed atmosphere and I would highly recommend a stay here.

Around 8 minutes in the hotel mini bus from the airport. We were lucky that the bus was there when we needed it otherwise it is around a 30 minute wait, not ideal. The hotel itself was perfectly adequate with a large bedroom with everything needed for a comfortable stay with the added benefit that it was quiet. There is a pleasant pool area (shaded in the afternoon) whilst there is seating inside and out in an enclosed terrace area at the restaurant. The food we had was good, but the staff need more training with regard to clearing tables and providing cutlery! The service was very haphazard. Breakfast was very good and the staff seemed to be way better. Make sure you are there in plenty of time, for the mini bus, when leaving the hotel as there only seems to be one. When it is full, it leaves with some guests having to wait another 30 minutes for the next bus. Would we stay here again? Possibly, but would probably prefer to stay at the airport itself and not bother with the mini buses.

Amazing airport hotel just a short 5 minute drive from the airport - nice big rooms featuring a bath too. Hotel has a pool and gym. Offers 24 hours room service and front desk

I booked this hotel for a single night while transiting through Johannesburg, specifically as a personal treat on my birthday after spending several weeks in remote bush camps with limited amenities. I made the reservation more than six months in advance, expecting a secure, restful, and well-managed stay at a higher-end airport hotel.

There were some positive elements: the hotel is conveniently located for airport access, and staff were polite in demeanor. However, the overall experience fell significantly short of expectations, primarily due to service breakdowns, poor communication, and multiple late-night interruptions that compromised both comfort and personal safety.

Key issues during my stay included:

Repeated room interruptions despite “Do Not Disturb” signage
At approximately 9:45 p.m., I was awakened by persistent knocking on my door that continued for nearly ten minutes. This occurred despite my door being marked “Do Not Disturb” and locked per hotel safety guidance. When I eventually answered, a front desk employee was standing at my door to collect payment, without any prior phone call or notice. As a solo female traveler in a new country, this was deeply uncomfortable and inconsistent with the hotel’s own stated safety policies.

Late-night payment handling and conflicting explanations
I was informed that payment had been missed at check-in due to staff error and that I “needed to pay immediately,” despite having a credit card on file since booking months earlier. A night manager later stated there was concern I might leave without paying, which I found inappropriate and insulting, given the circumstances and my conduct as a guest.

Unresolved maintenance request
A non-functioning hair dryer was reported shortly after check-in and acknowledged by the front desk, but it was never repaired or replaced despite multiple follow-ups with several staff members. This issue was never resolved.

Poor coordination and responsiveness across departments
I contacted the hotel spa early in the evening to book birthday services for the following day, with open availability. The initial response came hours later stating no availability, followed by an unscheduled last-minute offer the next morning, which did not align with my travel plans. Communication felt reactive rather than guest-focused.

Additional morning disturbance
Housekeeping knocked on my door around 9:00 a.m. despite the continued use of the “Do Not Disturb” sign, further interrupting rest after an already disrupted night.

Collectively, these issues resulted in a stay that felt disorganized, intrusive, and lacking in basic guest care—particularly disappointing for a hotel positioned as a premium airport option. I chose this property specifically for peace of mind, rest, and security before a long international flight, and unfortunately did not receive that experience.

I hope management will review internal communication, payment procedures, and respect for guest privacy, as these are critical for travelers choosing an airport hotel for comfort and safety.

Conveniently close to the airport with an excellent free shuttle service. Room spacious and wonderful to have a shower that was not above a bath.
Lovely soft pillows but mattress VERY hard.
Restaurant food mediocre to passable but the serving staff were poorly trained and clearly not supervised,
No separate bins in the room for recyclable items.

It was good

Good complimentary airport shuttle. Helpful staf.

All very good close to airport reasonable shuttle and good service

Top notch accommodations with great restaurant and great staff. I had a wonderful room with a roll in shower.

Very clean

Staying at the hotel was a relaxing pleasure after a long flight. We chilled by the pool and had a lovely lunch at the restaurant. We used the room service twice which was first class. All the food was delicious. Lovely family room. Large bathroom. Lovely view from room 703. Very safe. The transport collected us from the bus station at the airport. A very good service. Yes I would stay again. Highly recommended and affordable

Shuttle to and from airport every 30 minutes especially helpful.

Food was good, staff were very attentive, felt like I got a room tucked away in the dungeon. Maybe I need to know how they assign them.

No internet on the property when i stayed

This hotel is dangerous. Due to poorly maintained equipment, my mum ended with a broken nose and bruises in the emergency room of the nearby hospital. No apology or even just a gesture (like not charging the room which we could not use for long as we spent our time in the hospital) from the hotel, despite the videos of the defective machine I have sent. Besides that, the rooms are old and only one electric plug worked. All other electric plugs didn't, kettle to heat water did not work, aircondition did not work either.
I think I have never put a 1-rating to a hotel but this one was a horrible experience. The only person of the hotel who in this moment helped us and went out of her way was Belinda.

It was clean

Premier Hotel OR Tambo is one of my favorites. I have stayed there many times through the last 10 years. The staff have always been very kind and helpful. The rooms have always been clean and comfortable. The food is very good whether Ala cart or buffet. It feels like home to me when I come to Johannesburg. I am from the US. I will continue to stay as long as I come.

Hotel lighting in rooms is poor and plugs are dated.

Very convenient with free shuttle the airpot. Room was ok, shower needed an upgrade.
Breakfast was great,

Excellent service