Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker, Johannesburg

6.6
121 Reviews
How to book...

Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker is listed at the following booking sites:

Hostelworld

It is the only way to book Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker

So get the best deal, save money and travel longer.

How is Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker rated?

Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker Reviews

In the relatively safe northern suburb of Rosebank, Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker is one of a clutch of backpacker hostels that allow easy access via Gautrain or minibus to central Johannesburg and the train and bus stations.

The Location

Rosebank is the first stop on the Gautrain from Park Station in central Johannesburg and Rosebank Lodge and Backpackers is a fifteen-minute walk away, through the huge Rosebank Mall, on Jan Smuts Avenue, the main thoroughfare.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Catering largely to sports and school groups, there is a large selection of rooms here, from twins to dorms, some en suite, most using the shared bathrooms. All the rooms are quite small, which might cause problems for those traveling with a lot of luggage or big backpacks, if they share a room with others who have the same. All the rooms are simple and cheaply priced; they show signs of wear and tear, but are clean enough and are no-frills functional. Around the patio, there are a few private rooms, but they might be a bit noisy if there are people sitting outside till late. The six-bed dorm that we occupied is very small but clean. There are some small lockers, but they aren't big enough for a backpack. The metal bunk beds are flimsy and creaky, making a lot of noise at the slightest movement from the occupants. There are a number of bathrooms scattered around the property, but all of them have only one shower and toilet each. The hot water is available twenty-four hours, however they do lack enough hooks or space for clothing and towels.

Common Spaces

There is a large parking area just inside the front gate, and the main accommodation block is accessed through a metal gate into an entrance hall. Immediately on the left is the common kitchen; while rather small, it does contain a kettle, toaster, microwave, two fridges, and two electric cookers. There is very little cutlery and crockery -- guests are encouraged to get a cook pack from reception for a deposit. The large sitting room is very comfortable, with three sofas and an armchair plus a dining table and chairs. The flat-screen TV has a huge range of satellite channels and there is somewhat unpredictable free Wi-Fi (with a very fast signal early in the morning, but mediocre at other times, in our experience). There is a large patio leading off from the sitting room with a dozen plastic tables and chairs, and this in turn leads to the back garden, with a stand of bamboo plants that you pass through down to the small swimming pool. Access to the hostel is via vehicle gate and pedestrian turnstile, monitored by CCTV and accessed by a thumbprint reader. There is parking space for half a dozen cars inside the gate.

Summary

This is not a bad choice, if you are staying in low season when the large groups are not here. Rosebank Lodge and Backpackers offers many tours and can organize car rental and bus tickets. The reception office acts as a tour agent. It's a clean but well-worn place, but gives good value for the cheap price. Rosebank is a pretty safe area in the daytime and the huge mall just ten minutes’ walk away gives access to many bank ATMs and a couple of supermarkets for the self-caterers, as well as an unhealthy selection of fast-food takeaway outlets. It's an unspectacular but solid choice.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
Front Gate
Reception
Entrance Hall
TV and Sitting Room
Back Garden Patio
Swimming Pool
Back Garden
Kitchen
Twin En Suite Room
+4
#
LondonroadMa
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Jun 25, 2018

Location and Contact

Location

• From OR Tambo or the Bus Station, catch the Gautrain to the Rosebank Terminal then take the Linked Bus Service that drops you outside the Backpacker or you could walk the 900m to it. Hydepark Route Name RB 4 Stop No 13
• From the Bus Station / Train station :
• Get on to Wolmarans Street outside the Bus Station and head west. Take a right at De Beer and then a Left at De Korte (This will be the 2nd road you can turn left). Next road take a right and this will change to Jan Smuts Ave. Stay on Jan Smuts for +/- 8Km
• The up-market Gautrain station will connect travellers from the airport toRosebank, or Twshane (formerly Pretoria). This will also be linked to all the soccer stadiums for the 2010 World Cup Soccer. This is an easy collection point for any travellers wanting to stay at Accoustix - a warm, homely and inviting environment, where the buzz happens and everyone is welcome.
• By Airport Shuttle
• The hostel offers airport shuttle - contact them directly for information and prices
• By Car
• From the airport :
• When leaving the airport take the R24 and head towards Johannesburg, this will change to the N12.
• Take the N3 North (Sign will say Pretoria). Follow N3 for +/- 10Km and then follow the signs that say the N1 to Bloemfontein. Take the William Nicole off-ramp. Turn left once off the freeway and stay on William Nicole stay left at Hyde Park corner travel for +/- 4Km. And you will see Us on your right hand side

Map

Map

Address: 219 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Distance to city center: 6.78 km

Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker is listed on the following booking sites:

Hostelworld Not listed at Booking.com Not listed at HostelsClub

Website

Website Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker Johannesburg (if you know the URL of their website, let us know and we'll add it)
Phone Number: +2711 787 8070
To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.

Facilities and Amenities

Digital Nomads

Solo Traveller

Bedsheets

Breakfast

Parking

Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons

Airport Pickup

Lockers in Lobby

Luggage Storage

Towels

24 Hour Security

BBQ Grill

Bar

Cable TV

Concierge/Info Desk

Hot Showers

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Meeting/Banquet facilities

Movie Library/Rental

Swimming Pool

Credit Card Payments

Curfew: No Curfew

Reception Hours: 24 Hours

Awards & Features

Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker is a popular hostel in Johannesburg. It's being featured in ....

Similar places you might like

Rate Rosebank Lodge & Backpacker

Have you stayed at this accommodation? Help your Hostelz Community by leaving a detailed review.

Create your free account to keep track of your hostel portfolio.

Did not find the hostel you are looking for?

See all 16 hostels in Johannesburg
Unlock your Hostel Account to Freedom!

Unlock your Hostel Account to Freedom!

Sign up with Hostelz.com and get access to exclusive hostel content and much more.

Do you already have an account? Login
Home Pluz
Comparizon
Login