Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

⭐☆☆☆☆ 2 stars We visited Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa expecting a premium experience, and while the setting is beautiful and the food was excellent, the spa was an utter letdown. The treatments were monotonous and lacked any sense of care or attentiveness. I asked for a firm massage but received the lightest brushing over my body—at one point, the therapist was massaging my feet with just one hand. There was no technique, no flow, and certainly no passion in the treatment. My partner felt exactly the same. We visit many spas, so we know what a well-executed treatment feels like. This wasn’t it. The therapists seemed disengaged, and the whole setup felt like a conveyor belt operation—no personal touch, just getting people in and out. Considering the hefty price, what we received was nowhere near the standard you’d expect. You can get far better spa experiences elsewhere at half the price. Fairlawns has so much potential—the hotel and restaurant shine—but the spa experience drags it down. A real pity.

This is a beautiful hotel, full of interest on every wall and around every corner. The decorators have shown unrestrained and exuberent flair and in so doing have painted a beautifully colourful and charming canvas. We stayed for 3 nights in the courtyard section of the hotel, on the upper level. The room is beautifully decorated, expansive, with all the amenities one could ask for, and it was thoroughly serviced and maintained daily. We were further told that all the rooms are decorated in a different style. We would have liked to be able to select our room, but sadly there is not much online information available to be able to make that sort of detailed choice.|The gardens on the property are equally lovely and we had some lovely, rambling walks investigating the hotel. The meals we sampled there, both breakfast and dinner, were beautifully prepared and thoroughly delicious.|The staff we encountered were all friendly, courteous and professional. I make special mention of Knowledge, whose bright, friendly smile greeted us each morning at breakfast. Well done to the entire team and we look forward to seeing you all again when next in Johannesburg.

At Fairlawns you will experience refined luxury and elegance from the moment you step over the threshold. You will be entering a world where past and future collide with magical symmetry. Design-forward polished décor leaning on the ornate will impress the eye and titillate the mind. All the public spaces boast lashings of unique design flair as do the bedrooms that are well above average sized. Bathrooms are gracefully large and lavish. Towels are fluffy, robes are waffled and slippers cozy, all comfort elements guaranteeing a uber-luxury stay. service is slick and personalised and the grounds are extensive and well manicured , even as Winter sets in. The Spa is slightly removed from the hotel setting creating a calming harmony all of its own. The menu looks interesting and the Healing Earth products are simply the best. An overall stay that was greatly enjoyed. I shall be back.

Don't bother to go to this hotel. We arrived after a very long flight, looking pretty dishevelled, I admit, but we arrived in a fabulous Mercedes. The Receptionist treated us with disdain and could barely raise the enthusiasm to book us in. She told us we'd been upgraded to a Chateau Suite but our confirmation which we received months ago said we were in a Chateau Suite - so upgrade not true.The porter was very nice and showed us to our room which was incredibly cold. Well appointed Suite but felt it hadn't been used in awhile. The luxurious atmosphere which we had expected was lacking. |The evening meal was acceptable and the waitress and wine waiter were very helpful and placed us near the fire as we were so cold. The breakfast waiter was lovely too. So thumbs up to the restaurant staff you did make up for Miss Frostiness on Reception who was just as miserable the next morning when we checked out. |Unfortunately, I left my sweatshirt in the hotel bedroom and although I immediately emailed them from the airport and my A& K rep contacted them - it couldn't be found! |Sadly, first impressions do count and the lack of reception we received was a huge disappointment. If just staying in Joburg over night use a hotel near the airport, don't bother with the 40 minute drive to this hotel, you will be wasting your time and your money.

An all too brief stay (Thanks Air Tanzania) , but wholly charming nonetheless. A beautifully tranquil property with impeccable decor and service. Our room was spacious and well equipped with a fabulous bathroom. Superb breakfast too. For travellers unsure about what to expect from Johannesburg, well stay here and visit all the surrounding areas and make up your own mind. We loved it!!!

Had a high tea today. 4 friends celebrating the upcoming birth of one of us. The goodies were good. The small tea pot that didn’t have enough tea for 4 was mildly inconvenient, however the bad attitude from the waitress when I addressed the fact that she should please give us enough tea for 4 for the next round, and also give us hot tea ( the tea was tepid) , put a real damper on the morning. There was another couple that joined about half an hour into our session. They received full pot of tea for two whereas we were given one pot for 4 ( that didn’t even fill 4 cups) . She also offered to pour their tea out etc… a stark difference in treatment. Staff need training. Please don’t MISE on the tea , and please serve hot tea.

Had an event at the Hotel. The venue was perfect for the small event. Choice of being inside or outside, while waiting to go into the lecture hall. Very comfortable seats and proper sized screen to project on. Sound also good inside.

This hotel is located about 30 minutes from the Johannesburg airport and is an example of a beautiful boutique hotel set in outstanding gardens with restaurants and spa. On this trip to South Africa I believe the restaurant served the most beautifully prepared food we had on the entire trip. Thank you it was outstanding and your rooms and service excellent.