Lakeside Serenity Ararat Haven

Hotels
6 Ararat Street , Johannesburg , za

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Terrace
Family rooms
Non-smoking throughout
Free wired internet
Self parking (surcharge)
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Internet access
Japanese garden
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly, welcoming and helpful staff/owner
Quiet, peaceful location close to universities
Reasonable/fair rates
Self-catering kitchen and ability to prepare hot meals
Some guests found rooms clean and comfortable
Cons:
Poor bathroom cleanliness (mold, hair, unclean showers)
Old/worn furniture and uncomfortable sofas
Maintenance issues and unpleasant smells in places
Insufficient towels/glasses/cutlery for larger groups
View not as pictured / obstructed lake view
Privacy concern noted (staff presence/sleeping in house)

Categories

Cleanliness
1
Multiple reviewers reported poor cleanliness — sooty mold in showers, hair in bathrooms, unpleasant smells and reports that showers/areas were not properly cleaned — though a few guests noted their room felt clean.
Service
1
Consistently described as friendly, welcoming and accommodating hosts/owners; staff were helpful and informative. (One review raised a privacy concern about staff presence in the house.)
Location
1
Praised as quiet, peaceful and conveniently close to universities; however several guests noted the lake/view was obstructed or not as pictured.
Room Quality
1
Multiple complaints about old/worn furniture, uncomfortable sofas, curtains sweeping the floor and wardrobes needing maintenance; some guests did find rooms comfortable nonetheless.
Amenities
1
Kitchen facilities allowed self-catering and were appreciated, but common areas need modernising (no TV), and equipment was insufficient for larger groups (not enough glasses/cutlery, no decent towels).
Value for Money
1
Rates described as reasonable and fair by guests; several reviewers felt the cost was appropriate for what was provided.
Food and Beverage
1
Standard quality for this hotel tier
Overall Experience
1
Mixed overall: positive impressions from helpful staff, reasonable rates and a peaceful location balanced against notable cleanliness and maintenance issues; overall skewing slightly positive due to service and value.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-04-07 04:35

Property Description

Experience tranquil escape at Lakeside Serenity Ararat Haven, nestled in the heart of Johannesburg's lush landscape.

Comfortable Accommodations
Choose from a variety of homely accommodations featuring cozy seating areas and some with private terraces. Enjoy modern amenities like cable flat-screen TVs with streaming services to enhance your stay.

Delightful Dining
Start your day right with our hearty full English/Irish or American breakfast, crafted to satisfy every palate.

Convenient Location
Just a short drive to Parkview Golf Club and the vibrant Johannesburg Stadium, our haven is perfectly situated for both relaxation and adventure. O.R. Tambo International Airport is conveniently located 18 miles away, making travel a breeze.

Book your stay now and immerse yourself in the serenity of Lakeside Serenity Ararat Haven!

Important information:

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

Cleanliness: 1
Service: 1
Location: 1
Room Quality: 1
Amenities: 1
Value for Money: 1
Food and Beverage: 1
Overall Experience: 1
K
Karen solo_traveller za
10
2026-05-12 via Nuitee
K
Kirshay couple za
10
The host that stayed with us is such a sweetheart she is so sweet
Pros:

The house is beautiful

Cons:

The area looked dodge but the house feels safe and secure

2026-04-23 via Nuitee
H
Hlongwane solo_traveller za
10
2026-04-23 via Nuitee
D
Desiree couple za
3
2026-04-13 via Nuitee
A
Avuzwa family_with_children za
7
2026-03-31 via Nuitee
K
Keke Monese couple za
8
Pros:

Staff friendly

Cons:

View not as on pic

2026-03-27 via Nuitee
S
Sphesihle solo_traveller za
10
2026-03-15 via Nuitee
M
Musa solo_traveller za
7
Overall, I had a comfortable and peaceful stay
Pros:

I stayed at Lakeside Serenity Ararat Haven for study purposes, and overall, I had a good experience. The rates are reasonable and fair for what is offered. I had access to everything I needed, and I was able to prepare my own hot meals without any limitations, which was very convenient. The area is quiet and peaceful, making it suitable for studying. My room was clean and comfortable, and I felt at ease during my stay. The location is also very convenient, especially being close to the universities. I would consider staying there again in the future.

Cons:

For the price I paid, I honestly have no complaints. One small area that could be improved is modernising the living room to create a more relaxing and updated atmosphere. The sofas could possibly be upgraded, and adding a TV would make the space even more comfortable. The kitchen, is fine for me.

2026-03-04 via Nuitee
K
Kola extended_group za
4
the property needs maintenance/refurbishment so that they can me ecstatically pleasing/
Pros:

I liked the the location

Cons:

I did not like the smell,
the shower is not properly cleaned
The curtains in the room I've booked in were too long, in a way that they were sweeping the floor
sofas not comfortable
wall robes needs maintenance, they smell horrible

2026-03-01 via Nuitee
I
Innocentia couple za
9
2026-02-27 via Nuitee
B
Bonokuhle family_with_children za
8
It was worth the price
2026-02-26 via Nuitee
T
tsholofelo couple za
5
Disappointing
Pros:

The host was welcoming

Cons:

The bathroom wasn't very clean, there was sooty mold on the shower door and inside the shower, I could see some hair in the bathroom. The furniture inside the room was very old and worn. There is a lake across the building but very little view due to creeping vines and trees

2026-02-22 via Nuitee
G
Gaba solo_traveller za
9
2026-02-13 via Nuitee
X
Xhakwe solo_traveller za
9
2026-02-12 via Nuitee
M
Moosa couple za
9
Pros:

The owner was welcoming and very helpful and informative.

2026-01-25 via Nuitee
J
Joyce couple za
10
The host was very accommodating and friendly. She goes the extra mile to make sure that guest are comfortable and enjoy
Pros:

The property is clean and has friendly staff

2026-01-13 via Nuitee
C
Celso extended_group mz
4
disappointed
Pros:

The space

Cons:

There are no decent towels, not enough glasses or cutlery for 6 people, and we slept with a staff member inside the house.

2025-12-03 via Nuitee
N
Nosibakhulu solo_traveller za
10
2025-11-27 via Nuitee
N
Nomusa couple za
9
We had a wonderful stay
Pros:

Clean comfortable bed secure parking

Cons:

Nothing

2025-10-06 via Nuitee
T
Tonderai Wellington solo_traveller zw
3
2025-10-04 via Nuitee