This was a surprise - a "guesthouse" on a business trip sounds like "all hotels were full". But... it's a luxury guesthouse like you might find an hour away from the big city - quiet, small, attention to detail, and the owner takes care of you personally. Rooms a clean and well-appointed, the grounds well kept, restaurant prepares dishes per... More

An amazing, quiet, secure retreat in northern Johannesburg. A main lodge with a few rooms surrounded by duplexed rondavels with high thatched roofs. Great attention to detail in the rooms: good quality linens, very comfortable beds and pillows, roomy with comfortable chairs. Bathrooms are well appointed with separate shower, whirlpool bath, bath robes, good amenities ( even candles and lighters... More

good place to relax after a hard day's work. The owners Hans and Jeanette are very much involved to make home away from home a positive experience. The rooms in garden bungalows are spacious, furniture and bed and bathroom linnen is of good quality. Internet access is free. Please stay for dinner. What an excellent experience.

Idwala was such a wonderful surprise. Striking architecture based on rondavels and beautiful landscaping, a completely private retreat. Lovely rooms, comfortable and well appointed beds, with great attention to detail. The food is exceptional and there is a wonderful staff. Would love to stay there any time I have the pleasure of going back to Johannesburg. Hillary B. New York

Two of us, long-time friends, stayed in a twin double five nights in this lush, private, garden guest house nestled in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. The accommodations, appointments to the rooms, meals, security, privacy, and beauty are unsurpassed. Jeanette Friese and her staff are outstanding; their attention and care for every guest and every request excellent, friendly and kind.... More

For business I had to visit Johannesburg, where to go for a hotel? My colleague told me to go to this place, it is not a hotel but you will like it. And sure I did, quite a surprise and a very positive one. I stayed in room 2, a large round room with a double bed where I felt... More

coming from abroad (Germany) - Idwalala Guest House has been such a pleasant experience - the personal service of both staff and management is absolutly caring - they truly get out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful stay- the atmosphere is outstanding and welcoming- our room was spotless clean and cozy--food was great and custamized to... More

I had a paid reservation with Idwala. I needed to make a change to the reservation and contacted them repeatedly. Multiple voice messages and 3 e-mails were ignored. Without any response, I landed in Joburg and booked a different hotel. I was quite disappointed that a BnB with such outstanding reviews would completely ignore a paying customer.

We needed an oasis of calm during a visit to Johannesburg for the funeral of our father. This was our second visit, the first being in June 2008, and we got exactly the same excellent service and beautiful, calm accommodation as the first time around. We stayed in room two for nine nights,and it was always spotlessly clean and had... More