We've chosen the best gay-friendly mid-range and affordable hotels in areas like Illovo where you'll find a number of gay bars, the trendy district of Melville, and the upcoming Braamfontein.

Best Gay Hotels in Johannesburg
We've handpicked the best hotels in Johannesburg for gay travelers
Book A Travel Gay Approved Hotel
Gay Johannesburg Mid-range Hotels
Max Executive Suites
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
5 Rivonia Road, Illovo, Johannesburg
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Great Location. Well Reviewed.
Max Executive Suites has 28 apartments. This is a stylish and upmarket option. There's an outdoor pool for you to make use of and many restaurants on your doorstep.
Protea Hotel Fire and Ice Johannesburg Melrose Arch
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
22 Whitely Road, Melrose Arch,, Johannesburg
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Great Location. Hollywood Theme.
The hotel has an old Hollywood theme - you'll inevitably find pictures of Audrey Hepburn on the walls.
Only a shower curtain separates the bed from the bathroom. This kind of layout is becoming more common in hotels, and it can be a bit weird at first. Don't let that put you off though - at least the exhibitionists will love it!
Each room at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Johannesburg Melrose Arch includes tea and coffee making facilities and cable/satellite channels.
Sandton Lodge Inanda
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
66 Sixth Avenue, Inanda, Sandton, 2196, Johannesburg
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Boutique Guesthouse. Good Location.
Sandton Lodge is a stylish guesthouse offering large rooms. Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood, this hotel feels like staying in a luxury home.
The breakfasts are especially good - the food will sort out your post-Beefcakes hangover.
There's a private garden free from the sound of traffic. This hidden gem is an ideal base when you're in Johannesburg.
Protea Hotel Wanderers
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Corner Corlett Drive and Rudd Road, Illovo, , Johannesburg
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Good Location. Good Service.
As a Marriott hotel you can expect a consistent standard of service. It has a 24-hour coffee bar, a gym and poolside dining options.
Breakfast is served every morning and a la carte dining options are available in the evening.
If you want coffee in the afternoon the nearby Wolves Cafe is very popular.
Arum Place Guest House
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
15 1st Street, Melville, Johannesburg,, Johannesburg
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Stylish Guesthouse. Peaceful Location.
This owner-run guesthouse offers large rooms, chic decor and very helpful staff. They can arrange your hotel transfers and trips into town.
The local bars and restaurants are just a short cab ride away.
Sign up to join our community
Or use one of these options
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with our
terms & conditions and privacy statement
Bannister Hotel
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
9 de beer street, 2001 Johannesburg,, Johannesburg
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Good Budget Choice. Youthful Vibe.
This hotel attracts younger demographic - all windows are double glazed to contain the sound of marauding millennials.
The Bannister Hotel is the "luxury budget" choice. The beds are especially comfortable.
The Orbit, perhaps Africa's best jazz club, is just down the road.
Free wi-fi and breakfast are included.
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Corner of Rivonia Road and West Street Sandton 2196,,, Johannesburg
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Ideal For Business. Good Location.
You'll also find Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City Mall, and Sandton Convention Centre in easy walking distance. Hyde Park Corner and Dunkeld West Shopping Centre are also close by (5 km).
Johannesburg is the economic hub of South Africa and this hotel is designed to offer executive realness for enterprising visitors.
Radisson RED Hotel Johannesburg Rosebank
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
4 Parks Boulevard, Oxford Parks, Johannesburg
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Great access to nightlife and culture.
Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank is a modern lifestyle hotel set in the leafy Rosebank district, close to major galleries, restaurants, and shopping areas. Known for its creative energy and social atmosphere, it offers a relaxed base just outside the city’s central business zones while remaining well connected.
The hotel’s rooms feature locally inspired artwork, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and rain showers. Upgraded rooms add extra seating areas and tea and coffee facilities, while one-bedroom suites include separate living spaces. Family rooms and accessible layouts are also available.
Guests can make use of the rooftop terrace with outdoor pool and bar, a fitness centre, and a complimentary area shuttle. Communal spaces are designed to encourage interaction, with playful details like pinball machines and casual lounge areas.
Dining is centered around OUIBar + KTCHN, serving an all-day, locally inspired menu. Evenings often shift upstairs to the RED Roof Bar & Terrace for sunset drinks overlooking Rosebank.
Have we got something wrong?
Are we missing a new venue or has a business closed? Or has something changed and we have not yet updated our pages? Please use this form to let us know. We really appreciate your feedback.