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Lakeview Backpackers is situated in a peaceful neighbourhood under 10 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg South Africa. Perfect stopover for travellers on they're way to explore our beautiful country, or for guests that just need a rest. Close to shops and a bit of nature. The staff will assist with whatever needed to make your journey a good one. We offer Free Wifi, and can arrange half and full day tours of the surrounding areas as well as Safaris. Comfy couches, Netflix and a save environment. Dorms and private rooms available, fully equipped kitchen, pool and braai facilities. We've been assisting guests from all over the globe for 10 years and will welcome you any time of day or night.
This is by far my favorite hostel in Johannesburg. I stayed here 3 seperate nights over the course of 4 weeks of backpacking. Franscois and Ronel are great hosts and the facilities are top notch. It situated super close to airport in a safe area of town so it perfect for backpacker getting to or exiting from South Africa. We had Braai twice and had a great time over drinks with all the backpackers in the hostel. I definitely recommend this place. It is awesome!!! - Beau from the USA
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First of all big thanks to Ronel and Francois the two hosts were absolutely fantastic. We enjoyed every second of our stay. It was also a reason to come back twice during our trip. Arrived as strangers and left as friends what more can you wish for on your holidays. Keep up all the good work and stay as you are. Lovely greetings from Zurich. Philipp and Sabrinsv
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The host was very friendly, but I believe they can help make the place cleaner. There were roaches in the bathtub almost all the time, the pool was dirty and the place just didn’t seem hygienic. Bring your own towels.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed there for only one night. It was great, clean rooms and bathrooms, friendly hosts and cute dog! It is also very close to the airport, so it was very convenient for us since we were heading there the next morning. We stayed in a double room, there was no breakfast included, however, the price was fair.
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Date of stay: May 2018
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Rocco, the dog, only cares about you if you have food around!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at the hostel at the end of 2 weeks of travelling. After staying at a bunch of noisy hostels with way too many rooms, I truly appreciated the quietness and kindness of this place. It rather felt like staying in a host family than in a hostel. The owners took time to talk to us, were there to solve problems and created an easy atmosphere. I was even taken to the airport the next day because I was afraid to miss my flight. Also, the rooms and the living area are clean and cozy offering books, a tv and chess. This last night was the perfect ending of my trip, and I can recommend the hostel to anyone who wants a more quiet, relaxed hostel close to the airport.
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Date of stay: April 2018
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a great stay at Lakeview Backpackers! Francois and Ronel made us feel very at home, and were unbelievably helpful. We had none of the security or cleanliness concerns that other reviewers had. Not sure what the 1-star review was about... They most definitely have water and electricity, and were there, LOL. They also have free wifi, which may have been a more recent addition than the last reviews. Would definitely recommend staying here if you need to be near the airport, and want to have a welcoming place to stay. We got a taxi from the airport, but would recommend going with Uber as it's about half the price. When we arrived, the owners took us around the corner (as it was too far to walk) for groceries and to get a few drinks. Upon hearing that we were going to buy camping supplies for our trip through South Africa, they insisted we borrow their sleeping bags and pillows. Saved us a bunch of money! They also made a braai for us one night, as we had just arrived, and a braai is a must! They even helped us push-start our rental car when we left the lights on all night (and barely even made fun of us). Overall, it was a great stay with great people, we felt right at home, and it was a wonderful welcome to South Africa. We just met them in Cape Town to get breakfast and return the camping gear. Would stay with them again in a heartbeat if we're ever passing through Johannesburg.…
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Date of stay: July 2017
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Go with Uber or their transfer, not an airport taxi! Or rent a car.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronel and Francois made us feel like we were staying at home... we've been on the road for a long time and it was the homiest place we've stayed. They took us for drinks, helped me book a haircut, watched TV and cooked with us, drew us maps, gave us millions of recommendations for the trip, and lent us pillows and sleeping bags for our trip. They had tons of advice and made phone calls for us too... it felt like they just wanted us to feel welcome in South Africa and it worked like a charm. Their place is super great and clean. Well-equipped kitchen, comfy lounge area, great outdoor space. Close to the airport too. Would recommend to anyone!
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at this hostel for 4 days and I had a lovely time! The owners are so friendly and really make you feel at home, I was spoiled from the beginning till the end. They gave me alot more then I could've wished for. Thank you and keep on going like this!
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Date of stay: March 2017
Value
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
10km from the airport and when we arrived were told that the hostel was closed. The owner had not paid her utility bills so the electricity and water were cut off. She then fled to Capetown and didn't inform anyone with confirmed bookings that the hostel was closed. Unbelievably bad. Thankfully still had our airport taxi. Unfortunately got hammered on the fare. Stay at the shoestring if you want an overnight near the airport. Those guys aren't dicks.
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Date of stay: April 2014
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had this hostel as kind of a pit stop on our way to and from Krugerpark. We stayed there for 2 nights total, 1 night at a time. It was nice, the staff was kind and friendly. They also have three cute little dogs running around, spreading joy. The kitchen was not very clean, ants were crawling from the garbage bag up on the wall, but that did not bother us that much since we did not use the kitchen. But it probably would have bothered us if we were ti stay longer, so thats one thing to take in consideration. Its close to the airport, about 10 minutes with taxi. They also cook you breakfast for a good price. It's not superclean, but it worked for a couple of nights! Basically, you get what you pay for.
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Date of stay: September 2013
Value
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
South AfricaGautengGreater JohannesburgJohannesburg
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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