We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 43 Sandton hotels

Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton

4.0 of 5
20 Maude Street | Sandown, Sandton 2196, South Africa
Hotel amenities
Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton
Enter dates for best prices
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
Show Prices
Compare best prices from top travel partners
Booking.com Expedia.com Hotels.com
and 7 more sites!
75%
Ranked #10 of 43 hotels in Sandton
Write a Review

339 reviews from our community

Traveller rating
    87
    161
    64
    14
    13
See reviews for
Families
30
 
Couples
87
 
Solo
40
 
Business
136
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Champaign
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
17 hotel reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

I have real mixed feelings about this hotel. The Bull run Restaurant in hotel was reat, Lords the cigar bar was excellent and the staff were aslo excellent. Even though awaiter spilled a glass of water and ice allover me, he and the staff were willing to do me right and did not act like it was par for the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Alexandria, VA
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
34 hotel reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
87 helpful votes 87 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

It's hard to figure why hotels would be so expensive in Sandton. But compared to the others in the area the Balalaika was a deal when I was there (for just one night) so I took it. The lobby's not much but my room was adequate, small, but adequate. I see other reports that the place is a bit run-down... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Balalaika_Management, General Manager at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, responded to this review
15 June 2013

Dear ‘fcfrag’. Thank you for taking the time to write on ‘tripadvisor’. We were pleased to read that your experience was such a positive one and that you enjoyed your stay. Please note that our lobby will be receiving a ‘nip & tuck’ very soon and should look stunning!! There are also other areas in the hotel ‘going under knife’... More

London, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

I stayed at this hotel while attending a friend's wedding in Johannesburg. The location was great however the actual hotel, not being high rise and plastic, was a little oasis in the middle of Jo'Burg. I found that staff very friendly and very helpful. The rooms although a little dated were clean and spacious with a good shower and bath.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Balalaika_Management, General Manager at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, responded to this review
15 June 2013

Dear ‘UKFlaxy’ Your kind words on ‘tripadvisor’ are much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to do so. We look forward in welcoming you back to our small ‘oasis’. Kind regards Jörg Zwinscher General Manager & TEAM More

The Hague, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
26 hotel reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

The lobby shows it directly: no windows to outside and a windy front entry right opposite to the garden access. WIth a regular shuttle to the Gautrain (phone them upon arrival and they come to pick you up) an easy place to reach and directly next to the Mandela square. Reasonably priced, safety feels fine, pretty good food and a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Balalaika_Management, General Manager at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, responded to this review
11 June 2013

Dear ‘tmaria v’. Your comments on ‘tripadvisor’ refer. We would have to disagree strongly with you that we are ‘run down’. Our hotel is not the typical modern décor, high rise, like many in the area. We believe our wooden furnishings and ‘old English’ décor enhances the welcoming feel. This, together with our 2 beautiful gardens, makes us a very... More

Knysna, South Africa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

The hotel is situated in the heart of Sandton and offers anyone staying a wonderful experience. The property from rooms - gardens is superb, staff all very welcoming and friendly and nothing is ever too much trouble. The breakfast buffet is one of the best I have eaten. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for an... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Balalaika_Management, General Manager at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, responded to this review
11 June 2013

Dear ‘Margaret S’. Thank you for your kind words on ‘tripadvisor’ and for taking the time to do so. Your praise about our friendly STAFF is very much appreciated and means a lot to the TEAM. How wonderful that you enjoyed our Breakfast Buffet so much and that your all round experience was such a positive one. Our 2 beautiful... More

Ellicott City MD
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
23 hotel reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

Our first room had a varnish/paint smell (why we would be put in a room that was jst painted?) but we were moved to another. The first thing you notice is the huge desk and chair, which occupies a large part of the room. But overall everything was fine. The breakfasts were good, room was of decent size, comfortable beds,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Balalaika_Management, General Manager at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, responded to this review
7 June 2013

Dear ‘markjoe’. Thank you for taking the time to write on ‘tripadvisor’. How lovely to read that your all round experience was such a positive one. Your praise about our STAFF is very much appreciated. The TEAM was delighted to receive it. We look forward in welcoming you back again soon! Kind regards, Jörg Zwinscher General Manager & TEAM More

Pershore, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
30 hotel reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013 via mobile

Such a great place to stay, a quirky hotel set amongst some lovely gardens, not your typical layout and that's a refreshing change. The room was a good size with a decent shower and an incredibly comfortable bed. Breakfast is fantastic, a huge variety and the best omelette going! The gym was much better than most hotels provide, in that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Balalaika_Management, General Manager at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, responded to this review
7 June 2013

Dear ‘DJL73’. Thank you for writing your feedback on ‘tripadvisor’ and for taking the time to do so. Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused with the first room. We are pleased to hear that it was sorted out quickly. Your praise about Dean is greatly appreciated. Please know that we have congratulated him for doing a terrific... More

Washington DC, District of Columbia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

The hotel is very conveniently located in Sandton, a short walk from the Gautrain and from Nelson Mandela Square. The hotel has a nice non-business-y feel to it, making a change from all the high rises around. There are some nice gardens and two pools located outside. There's also quite a good restaurant attached - the Bull Run - which... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ottawa, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

This hotel is a low rise facility that seems to have been 2 hotels at one time now serviced with one lobby. It's sprawl can be confusing at first if your room is in the newer addition. There are 2 very nice courtyard gardens with pools. Generally the hotel is well managed. An electrical problem in my room was attended... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Balalaika_Management, General Manager at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, responded to this review
5 June 2013

Dear ‘KissMist’. Thank you for writing on ’tripadvisor’. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please accept our sincere apology, if you felt that the Front Desk appeared ‘dis-interested’. This has been brought to the attention of our Front Office Manager. We are pleased to hear that the Concierge was very helpful. We look forward in welcoming you back again soon. Kind... More

Los Olivos, California
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
10 hotel reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013

This is a really relaxing hotel with beautiful gardens and pools. Central to Sandton City and to the Gautrain. The rooms are perfectly adequate. Definitely a place to stay in comfort and be central. The only irritation was the unbelievably long time to check in and again to check out. There were at max. only 2 people behind the check... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Balalaika_Management, General Manager at Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, responded to this review
24 May 2013

Dear ‘rogandme’. Thank you for taking the time to write on ‘tripadvisor’. Your positive feedback is greatly appreciated. Please know that we have taken your constructive criticism to heart. We look forward in welcoming back again soon. Kind regards, Jörg Zwinscher General Manager & TEAM More

 
 
Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
 
 
Indaba Hotel
Great value on a similar hotel
Sandton, Greater Johannesburg
4 of 5 stars 100 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Highly rated hotels in or near Sandton
Family-friendly
Sandton Sun
Sandton Sun 4.0 of 5 stars 170 reviews
Romantic
African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel 4.5 of 5 stars 208 reviews
Luxury
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel 4.0 of 5 stars 160 reviews
Good for business
Protea Hotel President
Protea Hotel President 3.5 of 5 stars 370 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d506167?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d306122?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1776720?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d586630?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Travellers also viewed these Sandton hotels
DaVinci Hotel and Suites 4.5 of 5 stars 144 reviews Holiday Inn Sandton - Rivonia Ro... 3.5 of 5 stars 208 reviews Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Joha... 4.0 of 5 stars 216 reviews Garden Court Sandton City 3.5 of 5 stars 125 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1546613?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1145909?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1200422?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1214256?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 43 hotels in Sandton, ranked by popularity

Been to Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Hotel Summarization (Beta)

What travellers say

  • Very good(14)
  • Shopping mall(9)
  • Nelson Mandela Square(9)
  • Bull Run restaurant(5)
  • Very nice(3)
  • Short walk(3)
  • Great breakfast(3)
  • Comfortable bed(3)

Additional Information about Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton

Address: 20 Maude Street | Sandown, Sandton 2196, South Africa
Region: South Africa > Gauteng > Greater Johannesburg > Sandton
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Centre Fitness Centre Free High-Speed Internet Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#4 Best Value Hotels in Sandton
#8 Luxury Hotels in Sandton
#10 Business Hotels in Sandton
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton is a tranquil oasis of country estate in the heart of the business and entertainment hub of Sandton, just outside Johannesburg, South Africa and approximately 30 minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport. The Protea Hotel Balalaika is the perfect stopover for those doing business in the surrounding area, or as a central hub for the discerning tourist. The hotel comprises of two sections – the Balalaika and the Crown Court – and all rooms are air-conditioned and tastefully furnished in a classic, comfortable style with their own en-suite bathroom, with many of the Crown Court suites offering the additional luxury of a private spa bath. Both buildings of Protea Hotel Balalaika are set in their own lush, landscaped garden, each boasting a sparkling swimming pool, where GUESTs can relax, unwind and momentarily experience the timelessness and calm of a bygone era. At the Protea Hotel Balalaika, efficient, discreet and attentive service is a priority and our well-trained STAFF is always on hand to ensure that all of your needs are amply met. Guests are able to safely and easily use the link from the hotel lobby to the festive Village Walk Shopping Centre, which houses 15 restaurants, 70 shops selling a variety of wares, a main grocery store (Pick ‘n Pay), hair and beauty salons and the well-known African Craft market, where one will find African artifacts, curios and artworks from all over the continent. ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Cheap Tickets, Agoda, Venere, Olotels, Priceline, Tingo and HotelsClick so you can book your Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
Also Known As:
Protea Hotel Johannesburg
Balalaika Hotel
Protea Hotel Balalaika
Sandton Hotel Balalaika
Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton Greater Johannesburg, South Africa

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton
Enter dates & see best prices*
Check-in Check-in Check-out Check-out
Show Prices