Johannesburg's BEST-KEPT Secret: 33 on First Guesthouse!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Johannesburg's BEST-KEPT SECRET: 33 on First Guesthouse! Forget your sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This place? This place is different. It’s like stumbling into a friend's ridiculously stylish, extremely well-cared-for home. And if you're anything like me – someone who needs a good vacation, like, yesterday – you're going to want to listen up.
Let’s be real, finding a decent, accessible hotel in Jozi can be a nightmare. The city’s… well, it's got its charm, but sometimes its infrastructure lags behind. That's why I was thrilled to find what 33 on First offers. While I don't have personal experience with mobility challenges, I've read and heard wonderful things about their commitment the accessibility feature: wheelchair access, accessible rooms, and so forth (and I'm not just quoting the brochure here; actual, human reviews). They are even more impressive for Facilities for disabled guests offering a seamless and inclusive experience for all.
Accessibility is a HUGE win right out of the gate. But 33 on First? It's got so much more going on.
Okay, so picture this: You've just flown in, you're wrecked, but you're also starving. The first thing you breathe in is, "Thank goodness they thought of this" at the breakfast in-room option! After that, it's like, “Oh yeah, I can actually relax!” You can literally order room service 24-hours*. Yes, you heard me. 24. Hours. And the best part? *They’ve got a freaking bar.* After I take a sip I can get comfortable with their Poolside bar and after I took a deep breath: This is the life.
And the food? Oh. My. Goodness. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant plus all the Western classics, from the Vegetarian restaurant to the Western cuisine in restaurant. It's not just about shoving calories down your throat; it's about savoring the experience. The coffee/tea in restaurant is exceptional – a crucial detail, trust me. You can also grab a quick bite at their snack bar, or enjoy the salad in the restaurant.
Honestly, I'm a sucker for a good hotel pool. And 33 on First? Their swimming pool is divine. It’s not just a rectangular box of chlorine; it’s a proper oasis, with that beautiful pool with a view. I'm not even a fancy-pants spa person (I’m more of a, "give me a beer and a beach" kind of gal), but the sauna, spa, and steam room… well, let’s just say I might have spent a little more time than anticipated there. They also offer Body scrub and Body wrap.
Now, about the rooms. Chef’s kiss. Everything is spotless. And I mean, cleanliness and safety are a huge deal right now, am I right? Especially with all the different Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in the common areas and the many other amenities to keep you safe. The staff are lovely trained in Staff trained in safety protocol and the rooms sanitized between stays. So, you know, peace of mind is worth its weight in gold, and 33 on First gets it. Like, the bed? Heavenly. The soundproofing is on point, because let's face it, nobody wants to hear their neighbor's snoring (or… other activities). It has a High floor and they have Non-smoking rooms. And the Air conditioning? A glorious, life-saving necessity in the Jozi heat.
My room had an additional toilet, which is just genius. But it gets better: Free Wi-Fi! They also have Internet access – wireless, and Internet access – LAN, which is a lifesaver. Plus, all the little touches! Like the plush bathrobes, the complimentary tea, and the bathroom phone (because sometimes you HAVE to take a call while soaking in the bathtub, okay?). They’ve got you covered with wake-up service and luggage storage if you need to be on your way.
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Things to do, obviously, are abundant in Jozi. But at 33 on First? They've got you covered for chilling out too. They have massage, Fitness center with Gym/fitness, and the Spa/sauna. Also, they can provide information on the best nearby attractions, they go out of their way to make your stay memorable.
The service is top-notch. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. They're not just going through the motions; they actually care. They have a 24-hour Front desk. I had a little issue with the internet (because, let's be real, tech happens). And the staff handled it immediately. I am an impatient guy, and I do not like waiting and seeing them work so fast warmed my heart.
They also are great with Business facilities. They provide meeting venues, offer Projector/LED displays, and provide a Xerox/fax in the business center. The Meeting stationery are also handy. They offer airport transfer, which is a game-changer, and car park [free of charge] right on the property (a huge win in Jozi, where parking can be a nightmare).
For the kids, they have special arrangements: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, can provide on Kids meal.
Bottom line: 33 on First isn't just a hotel. It's an experience. It's a sanctuary. It's the kind of place you dream about when you're stuck in your cubicle, wishing you were somewhere else.
The Imperfections:
Okay, full disclosure: It’s not perfect. No place is. The decor leans towards a more modern, minimalist style. I'm a sucker for a bit of old-world charm, so that's down to personal taste. It’s a small issue in a sea of awesome.
33 on First - Your Escape to Johannesburg Awaits!
Here's the deal:
- Unwind in Style: Luxuriate in impeccably clean, stylish rooms with all the modern amenities you need.
- Indulge Your Senses: Savor delicious meals, sip on expertly-crafted cocktails, and melt away stress in the spa.
- Safety and Peace of Mind: Enjoy peace of mind with top-notch cleanliness standards and a dedicated staff committed to your well-being.
- Convenience at Your Fingertips: Take advantage of easy accessibility, 24-hour room service, and a host of services designed to make your stay effortless.
Special Offer:
Book your stay at 33 on First Guesthouse TODAY! You'll receive a complimentary bottle of South African wine upon arrival, and a discount on your first spa treatment, to ensure you will leave relaxed and ready for whatever adventure awaits. Don't miss out on this amazing chance to experience a truly unforgettable stay.
Stop Searching. Start Relaxing. Book Your Escape to 33 on First Guesthouse Now! Your weary soul will thank you. Promise. Click the link and see for yourself! And tell them the slightly stressed-out reviewer sent you. They might give you an extra cookie. Seriously. It's that good.
Escape to Paradise: Jivana Resort Lombok Awaits
33 on First: A Jumbled Journey (Joburg Edition)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a vibe. And the vibe in Johannesburg? Let's just say it's…complicated. But in the best, most chaotic way.
Day 1: Arrival - City of Gold, City of Gravel (and Jet Lag)
- Morning (or what felt like morning after a 20-hour flight): Landed at OR Tambo. Bleary-eyed, practically drooling on my backpack. Had to navigate the airport, which felt like trying to herd cats. Seriously, the signage here is… a suggestion. Found a dodgy money exchange, got ripped off a bit, then, finally, the miracle: driver successfully navigates into the heart of Joburg.
- Afternoon: The 33 on First Check-in: Turns out, '33 on First Guesthouse' is way cooler than the name suggests. The pictures don’t do it justice. It's kind of a quirky, vintage-y vibe with a fantastic courtyard. It felt like stepping into a friend's cool, slightly chaotic, home, which is precisely what I needed. The owner, a lovely woman named Sarah, welcomed me with a genuinely sincere smile. She mentioned that the security is quite good and, from what I saw, it was true.
- Late Afternoon: Jet lag. Hardcore. Collapsed on the bed. Woke up, terrified of missing dinner. Didn't. Managed to find the courtyard and scarf down the most amazing braaied (barbecued) chicken I've ever tasted. Seriously, I might have teared up a bit. (Don't judge, it was delicious.) Sarah and another guest, a chatty Brit named David, kept me in good company during the dinner. At some point, David started telling me about why his ex-wife divorced him. I think I was really tired but I really did try my best.
- Evening: Attempted to watch TV. Gave up. Ended up staring at the ceiling, contemplating the meaning of life, and wondering if I'd remembered to pack deodorant. (Spoiler alert: I hadn't.)
Day 2: Soweto, Sunshine, and Soul
- Morning: A proper breakfast. Again, seriously good food. Met another guest, a South African woman named Nomusa. She insisted I experience Soweto.
- Mid-Morning: Soweto Tour: This was an absolute rollercoaster of feelings. Initially, nerves. Then, awe. The vibrant colours, the history, the resilience… It's a place that hits you right in the chest. We visited Mandela House (incredibly moving) and then took a tour of the shantytowns. The poverty is heartbreaking, but the spirit? Unbreakable.
- The Unplanned Detour: Our tour guide, a local named Thabo, got us lost. Completely. But it turned out to be the best "lost" ever. Stumbled upon a community gathering, heard the most amazing music, and were offered amagwinya (vetkoek, basically). It was pure, unfiltered South African life. Beautiful.
- Afternoon: Lunch in Soweto. Saw a group of kids playing soccer. The energy, the joy, it was infectious. The food was delicious, I felt a bit silly at the table. But hey, you gotta try everything.
- Evening: Back at 33 on First, completely exhausted (emotionally and physically). Realized I had a sunburn. Also, I'm pretty sure I saw a ghost in the courtyard. (Okay, maybe it was just the jet lag again…)
Day 3: Art, Angst, and a Misunderstanding with a Taxi Driver
- Morning: Rosebank Sunday Market: Went to the market. Overwhelmed. Too many vendors. Too much stuff. Bought a slightly dodgy-looking beaded bracelet. Probably won't wear it. But, the energy was fantastic.
- Mid-Morning: Goodman Gallery: Art. Important, thought-provoking art. Left me feeling slightly uncomfortable, which, I think, is the point.
- Afternoon: Trying to get back to 33 on First. Took a taxi. The driver barely spoke English. I barely spoke Afrikaans. Led to a spectacular misunderstanding about the destination. Ended up somewhere completely different. Walked, got a new taxi, finally found my way back. Exhausted and frustrated but also, oddly, amused.
- Evening: Braai night at 33 on First. More braai. More delicious food. More interesting conversations with the other guests. More wine. Starting to feel like I’m actually living in Johannesburg, not just visiting.
Day 4: Cradle, Caves, and Contemplation
- Morning: Cradle of Humankind: Absolutely fascinating! The sheer history of the place is incredible. Staring at the Homo naledi? Bone fragments was so surreal.
- Afternoon: Sterkfontein Caves: Claustrophobic, but rewarding. The stalactites and stalagmites were stunning. The history of the caves was also fascinating.
- Late Afternoon: Back at 33 on First. Packing.
- Evening: Last night. Feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and a deep sense of connection to this crazy, complicated city. Sitting in the courtyard, nursing a beer, listening to the sounds of Joburg. Tomorrow, I’m leaving. I'm already feeling the pang.
- The Anecdote: Sitting on the courtyard, Sarah came to sit down next to me, asking if I was alright. We talked for what felt like hours about anything and everything. She mentioned how she loves the guests and that the guesthouse felt like home. I knew in my heart that it was the same for me. I would be back.
Day 5: Departure - Joburg, I'll Be Back.
- Morning: Final breakfast. Hugs from Sarah. Tears (probably just the dust in my eye.)
- Late Morning: Taxi to the airport. Feeling surprisingly sad to leave.
- Afternoon: Flight. Reflecting on the journey. Joburg, you're a mess. You're beautiful. You're heartbreaking. And you've captured my heart. Until next time…
Notes/Things I (Probably) Forgot to Mention:
- Security: 33 on First felt very safe. Sarah takes security seriously.
- Traffic: It's awful. Accept it.
- The Food: Eat everything. Seriously.
- The People: They are amazing. Warm, welcoming, and full of stories.
- My Overall Feelings: This trip has been tough. It's messy. It's had its ups and downs, but it's also been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Johannesburg, you are a firecracker. And I'm totally hooked.
33 on First Guesthouse: Unveiling Jozi's Hidden Gem (and My Ramblings)
So, what *is* 33 on First, anyway? Is it actually good? Because fancy websites always lie.
Okay, real talk. 33 on First is a guesthouse tucked away in the charming, leafy suburb of Parktown North, Johannesburg. They market themselves as "boutique," which, okay, fair enough. But trust me, this ain't some sterile, corporate hotel. It's more like a beautifully curated little slice of heaven (most of the time). I've stayed there a few times now, and honestly, it genuinely surprised me. I’m the cynical type, you understand – I expect a catch. But the catch? It's only that you'll want to stay longer. Seriously.
Forget those generic hotel experiences – this place has personality. Think stylish rooms, a tranquil garden, and breakfast that actually makes you *want* to get out of bed. Which, let's face it, in Joburg, is saying something. You know, the city that often feels like it's actively trying to keep you inside with its traffic and… well, you get the picture.
What’s the vibe like? Is it stuffy? (My biggest fear.)
Stuffy? Absolutely not! Unless you consider elegantly understated a synonym for stuffy, in which case, maybe a little bit. (Kidding! Mostly.) The vibe is relaxed, sophisticated, and… well, it *feels* like you’re staying at a really cool, well-travelled friend’s house. Think polished wooden floors, curated art, and a general air of calm I desperately need in my life.
The staff are lovely, super friendly, but not overly chummy. You know, the kind of staff who actually seem to enjoy their jobs and don't roll their eyes when you ask for an extra coffee (or three). I once arrived there after a truly brutal flight delay experience. Let's just say I was... not at my best. And the receptionist just smiled and offered me a welcome drink. Seriously, it’s the little things.
The rooms... are they Instagrammable, or just… clean? Because aesthetics matter.
Okay, they're Instagrammable. *Massively* Instagrammable. But the good kind. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated with tasteful decor, and generally make you feel like you've wandered into a magazine spread. The bathrooms are particularly lovely – claw-foot tubs, fluffy towels… You know the drill.
There's a real attention to detail. Fresh flowers, high-quality toiletries, and even good lighting (which, as a chronic picture taker, is a huge win). One time I was staying in a particularly gorgeous room, and I was *this close* to just moving in permanently. My bank account would have wept, but the aesthetic? Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
Breakfast: tell me everything. Is it just sad toast and watery coffee?
Absolutely not! Breakfast at 33 on First is a *highlight*. I'm talking proper eggs (cooked to perfection), fresh fruit, delicious pastries, and seriously good coffee. They also always have these yogurt parfaits with homemade granola that I basically dream about. Seriously. I think I might have ordered three portions in one sitting once. Don’t judge me.
The breakfast area itself is bright and airy, often filled with the gentle murmur of conversations and the clinking of cutlery. It's just the sort of place where you can linger, read a book, and actually *enjoy* your meal. I once met a fellow traveler there and we spent nearly two hours chatting over coffee. Pretty rare for me, I'm usually stuffing my face and retreating to my room, but the atmosphere just encourages you to unwind and be a bit more social.
What about parking? Joburg can be a nightmare for that.
They have secure parking, which is a massive relief in Joburg. Honestly, it's like a weight off your shoulders. You can actually relax knowing your car is looked after. It’s a small thing, but it makes a huge difference.
There's also usually plenty of parking outside if you have guest. Though, honestly, it's such a nice place, the thought of *leaving* to drive somewhere on your own accord doesn't appeal to me much.
Proximity to… stuff? Is it miles from everything?
Okay, location-wise, it’s pretty good. You're in Parktown North, which is a lovely area, and a short drive from the Rosebank and Sandton areas. Loads of restaurants and shops are easily accessible.
I have to be honest, Johannesburg is a sprawling city, and nothing is *that* close. Still, you get easy access to the main highways, and Uber/Bolt services are readily available. I've also taken a few leisurely walks in the immediate area and felt quite safe. The area is definitely more walkable than other parts of the city.
Any downsides? Spill the tea, please!
Okay, here’s the truth, even havens have flaws, and after all, this is me speaking, and I'm nothing if not honest.
* **Cost:** It's not cheap. But the experience justifies the price if you, like me, are willing to treat yourself once in a while. It IS, however, more expensive than some of the budget-friendly options out there.
* **The Internet:** The wifi can occasionally be a little... temperamental. Nothing deal-breaking, but if you need to be super glued to your laptop/work, possibly not ideal.
* **Departure Day Blues:** This is less a flaw of the guesthouse and more a flaw of the universe itself. You *will* be sad to leave. It's just a given. I’ve stood there more than once, suitcase in hand, fighting the urge to beg for just one more night. It’s a problem.
So, is it a "hidden gem" or just another guesthouse?
It's a genuine hidden gem. Seriously. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel pampered without feeling pretentious. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back. And yes, I'm already planning my next visit. (Don't tell my bank account.)
