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Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse – reviews, photos

4.0 of 5
79 Lancaster Avenue | Craighall Park, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Hotel amenities
Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
Ranked #1 of 152 Johannesburg B&B and Inns
5.0 of 5 stars 80 Reviews
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80 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this B&B/inn
  • Very helpful(5)
  • South Africa(4)
  • Coral Room(3)
Traveller rating
    76
    2
    2
    0
    0
Only show reviews for Family (11) | Couples (34) | Business (17)
Date Rating
Gaborone
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“A home away from home!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We stayed at New Year in Liz at Lancaster, with a four year old and the grandparents and everyone enjoyed themselves a lot. The pool area and gardens are idyllic, the breakfast with fresh fruit salads are a treat and there is a lot of effort going into personalised attention. We feel that every guest is treated as an individual and it creates a very homely and nice atmosphere
Liz has always a good idea and is very helpful.
The rooms are spacious and simply beautiful, as well as the bathrooms where no detail is left out. We loved the candles, nice soaps and small details that really make a difference.
On the practical side, the rooms are equipped with every amenity you can think of: iron, ironing board, microwaves even an umbrella for a rainy afternoon!
The location in Craighall Park is excellent, with supermarkets down the road, so if you don’t want to go out for lunch or dinner, it is easy to self-cater.
For us, the most important thing is the nice atmosphere at Liz’s: it’s quiet, green and really cosy. We will take our next guests there for sure!

Room Tip: Ask Liz which one will be the best for you!
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask AnnetteGaborone about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
LizatLancaster, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
15 February 2012
Thank you AnnetteGabarone for your review of Liz at Lancaster. We are so pleased that you had such a good stay over New Year and that all of you, from your 4 year old to grandparents, enjoyed it and felt well looked after. It was particularly good that you made a booking well in advance for New Year's Eve on the terrace at the Westcliff Hotel so that you were able to watch the various New Year fireworks over Joburg's northern suburbs. And it was good that you were able to make use of the supermarket in walking distance. It makes such a difference when buying the odd item to have neighbourhood shops nearby and not have to battle for parking in large malls. So thank you once again for taking the time and trouble to share your experience of your stay at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse with Tripadvisor's on-line community. We look forward to welcoming you back to Liz at Lancaster when you are next down in Joburg.
Best
Liz and all the team at Liz at Lancaster : Catherine, Zac & Thandie
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Glasgow, United Kingdom
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“A real gem in Gauteng!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

After searching for convenient, safe and comfortable B&B style accommodation in Gauteng (Johannesburgh) I uncovered Liz on Lancaster's extraordinary gem. This is a B&B that really sets the standard, and don't be mislead into thinking this means expensive, quite the contrary as it is extremely good value for money. We used a twin room which was immaculately set up with comfortable beds, spacious and absolutely pristine bathroom and all kinds of thoughtful details...including home made biscuits to go with fresh coffee in the rooms (no extra charge either!). Useful restaurant guide to local area with menus and contact details. The staff are very professional making you feel personally and genuinely welcome without intruding. Dining room had a beautiful open fire in the morning (it was winter) and the breakfasts were superb...fresh fruits, breads, jams etc and eggs etc to order.

Safety and security in Gauteng is clearly an issue, and Liz on Lancaster has managed to deal with this in as practical and unobtrusive a manner as is possible giving each guest an electronic key-fob that enables you to come and go through the secure gates to the property without feeling like you're checking in or out of a secure lock-down...unfortunately a reality elsewhere in Gauteng. Vehicles are parked off-street behind the locked gates.

Can't reccommend this place more highly, and if other B&B owners could reach half the standard that Liz has set at 'Liz onLancaster' for the value she provides then they'd have made it. Will definitely be staying there again.

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask sgeirmhor about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
LizatLancaster, General Manager at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
1 February 2012
Thank you for your detailed review which gives so much positive feedback. We are particularly pleased that you found our security arrangements to be practical and unobtrusive. It is important to us that guests come and go with freedom and privacy and yet still have the feeling of being secure. And we are pleased that you enjoyed the warmth of the log fire in the breakfast patio in winter. Apparently we are going to have another cold winter so good heating remains a priority for guest comfort. I have passed on your important feedback to the staff on their professionalism. They were delighted. Thank you
From us all at Liz at Lancaster : Liz, Catherine, Zac, and Thandie
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Singapore, Singapore
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Excellent and unbelievably good! Just book! Don't think anymore!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I chose to stay at Liz after reading the excellent reviews here. Enjoyed my stay tremendously. Rooms are excellently furnished and beds are comfortable. Can really see the great attention to details. Breakfast is good too! And add to that the friendly service by everyone from Liz, to Catherine and Thandie. Really deserves the five star rating from Tripadvisor.

The girls, Catherine and Thandie maintain the place really well. Breakfast is freshly prepared for you and its really tasty. I had freshly toasted bread and crispy bacon, with very nice fruits and yogurt. I noticed that while frying the bacon, the plate with eggs and tomatoes already done is placed in the oven to keep it warm, so that when the bacon is done, the whole plate can be served to you hot!! That is the extent that they go to!!

In each room there is a customised folder with ALL the information you need. And I really mean ALL. Things I can recall now in the book include, maps, suggested places to go for different kinds of food, possible activities in joburg, night life, internet and telephone usage guide. Short guides on the attractions and taxi fares to go to the different places as well as opening hours.

Here's a tip. As public transport is really not developed in joburg, we relied on taking taxis most of the time and we had to call for taxis. So it is really convenient if you purchase a local sim card (normal sim costs only 1 rand, a bit more for micro sim card for iphone 4), and purchase some airtime. Airtime can be easily purchased at convenient stores or pick n pay outlets. With this you can call for taxis and be contactable by the taxi driver, which really helps. Liz has the no. to Rose taxis, which is quite reliable.

Thank you to Liz and the girls for their excellent service. They made me feel really at home and comfortable!

So if you are still considering, look no further! Just book! and be thankful if Liz has a room available for you!

  • Stayed December 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Happy_HEX about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
LizatLancaster, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
28 January 2012
Thank you so much Happy_Hex for your really detailed review of Liz at Lancaster. Catherine is delighted with the positive feedback about how she manages the housekeeping and daily running of the guesthouse. This feedback means a lot to the staffing team. And I will relay your words to Thandie when she returns to work. She has just had her baby - a little girl - so lots of celebrations at Liz at Lancaster.
We're pleased that you found our information booklet so handy and informative. I always think it's the best treatment for international traveller's who are battling with jet-lag and time difference. Am convinced it's an instant cure for insomnia ! But seriously, it's good to get feebdack that it is so useful.
A tip for those getting a SIM card on arrival at the airport - make sure you have a letter pre-sent to you by the guesthouse giving proof of residence whilst in SA. Liz at Lancaster always sends this to international guests who plan to get a local SIM on arrival. Liz at Lancaster also has telephones in all the units with direct outside lines charged on a pay-as-you-go system based on Telkom landline rates.
Thanks so much for coming to stay and if ever you are this way again - please come and stay.
Best from us all : Liz, Catherine, Thandie and Zac
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Bath, United Kingdom
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Absolutely perfect!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I cannot speak too highly of 'Liz at Lancaster'. We were based there in December 2011, while we travelled around South Africa. Everything was absolutely perfect. Liz looked after our excess luggage while we were away on our travels, and we got such a warm welcome from all the staff each time we returned. Liz has thought of everything - there is nothing more you could possibly need for a perfect stay - the beds are so comfortable, breakfasts wonderful, everything is so clean and tasteful. As for our dirty clothes - they were returned the same day, beautifully washed and ironed! If we are lucky enough to return to South Africa, we would definitely aim to stay here again.

Room Tip: We loved being in the Blue Room which was very tranquil, and away from any noise.
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Thelma B about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
LizatLancaster, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
16 January 2012
Dear Thelma,
What wonderful words. We were only so happy that your trip was such a success and that all went smoothly. It was so easy to keep your luggage for you as you travelled around the country. Catherine and Thandie work miracles with the laundry so thank you from them for the positive feedback. Interesting that although the Blue room is the smallest room you particularly liked it because it is so quiet. Many people oversleep when staying in the Blue rooom - combination of incredible quiet as well as block-out lining! Thanks again for your review and we really do hope you make another trip to South Africa and to Johannesburg and of course to Liz at Lancaster. All the best from all at Liz at Lancaster
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Boston, Massachusetts
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Beauty, comfort, convenience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The beautifully decorated rooms contain all you need to function: internet service, the means to cook, television and radio and alarm, a writing table and sofa/armchairs. A supermarket is a very short walk away and you can also walk to two nearby malls. You can relax by the pool. If you don't have a car, you can use either taxis or the friendly services of Zach, also resident in the compound. Kathryn, Thandi, Rosemary are warm and gracious as they take care of tasks such as laundry or preparing the delicious breakfast you eat overlooking the front lawn. Liz herself knows the city exceedingly well and extends herself in your behalf far beyond the call of duty.

  • Stayed December 2011, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask BostonPilgrim about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
LizatLancaster, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
14 January 2012
Dear Boston Pilgrim,
Thank you for your considered review. You have summed up what we strive to achieve - convenience, comfort and connectedness. We aim to provide excellent personal service with functional living spaces in a home-away-from home atmosphere and are delighted that this all worked for you. We look forward to having you back to stay again in the not too distant future.
Thank you once again from us all at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
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Additional Information about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse

79 Lancaster Avenue | Craighall Park, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Price range (per night):* INR6,161 - 6,441

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