Johannesburg's BEST-KEPT Secret: 3 Liebeloft Guesthouse Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Forget the Glitz, Find the Gems: A Raw & Real Review of 3 Liebeloft Guesthouse (Johannesburg's Secret Stash!)
Okay, so I just got back from a weekend at 3 Liebeloft, and let me tell you, this place… it’s a trip. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This guesthouse is like being invited into a very stylish, very well-kept secret. And I’m dying to spill the beans.
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First off, let's be honest. I'm a sucker for a good escape, and Johannesbug… it’s got a reputation. You're looking for somewhere safe, comfortable, and with a little pizzazz. 3 Liebeloft ABSOLUTELY delivers.
Accessibility & Safety: Surprisingly Inclusive (and RELIEVING!)
Okay, I’m not wheelchair-bound, but I do appreciate a place that thinks about accessibility. And 3 Liebeloft… actually does. While I didn't personally test every single feature, the presence of an elevator and facilities for disabled guests – things you don’t always see in guesthouses, mind you – was seriously impressive. Plus, with CCTV in common areas and 24-hour security, I felt pretty darn safe. Look, Johannesburg is a city where security is always on your mind, and it was a massive relief to feel like I wasn't constantly on edge.
(Metadata: wheelchair accessible, CCTV, 24-hour security, facilities for disabled guests)
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID Factor - Did They Nail It?
This is where 3 Liebeloft really shines. Like, shines, shiiiines! I'm still a bit neurotic about germs, and they had EVERYTHING. Anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays… the works. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, and the staff actually used it. They were also serious about physical distancing, and I appreciated the individually-wrapped food options (more on that later). Seriously, the peace of mind was worth its weight in gold. They even had doctor/nurse on call, which, let's be real, is a huge plus when you're traveling.
(Metadata: anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing, room sanitization, hand sanitizer, physical distancing, individually-wrapped food, doctor/nurse on call)
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Breakfast Bliss (and a Few Quirks)
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff: the food. Breakfast was included, and… it was phenomenal. Breakfast buffet was a feast! They had everything from your standard Western breakfast (eggs, bacon, the works) to an unexpected, and delightful, Asian breakfast option! Who knew I needed a kimchi and fried rice to start my day?! The coffee/tea in the restaurant was excellent and readily available.
The room service (24-hour) was a lifesaver after a long day exploring. I didn't try the **snack bar **or the restaurants, but I did see the poolside bar – perfect for a sundowner, yes? The bottle of water in the room was a nice touch (and necessary, given the Jo'burg heat).
The only slightly wonky thing? One morning they were out of my favorite type of eggs. Disaster averted, though, because there was a fantastic alternative meal arrangement . Small stuff, honestly.
(Metadata: breakfast buffet, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, coffee/tea, room service, poolside bar, bottle of water, alternative meal arrangement)
Spa & Relaxation: I Melted. Literally.
This is where 3 Liebeloft really got me. They have a full-blown spa! I indulged in a body wrap (pure bliss), and the body scrub was the perfect antidote to a long flight. The massage was… well, let’s just say I almost booked a second one. And they have a sauna, steamroom, and foot bath. I mean, seriously, they have everything you could possibly need to unwind.
The pool with a view was gorgeous. I'm talking Instagram-worthy. And I spent ages lying on their sunbeds, doing absolutely nothing. My brain felt like mashed potatoes in the best possible way.
(Metadata: spa, body wrap, body scrub, massage, sauna, steamroom, foot bath, pool with view)
Things to Do: The Jo'burg Vibe (and Getting Around)
Okay, so 3 Liebeloft isn't in the thick of the city, which I actually loved. It provided a kind of sanctuary. But they're still close enough to everything.
They offer a car park [free of charge] and a valet parking, which is a massive bonus in a city where parking can be a nightmare. Airport transfer was smooth and efficient. They had a concierge who was super helpful with recommendations. They also hooked me up with a taxi service.
(Metadata: car park, airport transfer, concierge, taxi service)
Rooms & Amenities: All the Comforts (and Then Some)
My room? Absolutely lovely. The air conditioning was a godsend (it gets HOT in Johannesburg!). I appreciated the blackout curtains, the in-room safe box, and the coffee/tea maker (essential!). The free Wi-Fi worked flawlessly (important for someone who basically lives online). And speaking of online… they had full internet access (LAN). They also had the little things sorted: fluffy bathrobes, slippers, and great toiletries. There’s a daily housekeeping (a godsend after you've been wandering around all day).
I'm not going to lie, I was tempted to just stay in my room and wallow in luxury all weekend.
(Metadata: air conditioning, blackout curtains, in-room safe box, coffee/tea maker, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, daily housekeeping)
Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything
The guesthouse has a lot of the usual suspects: laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage. But there were some extra touches that made a difference. The concierge was brilliant, the doorman welcoming, and the front desk [24-hour] was always available (a serious plus, especially if you're arriving late or have early starts).
They also had a convenience store – you never know when you’ll need snacks or a bottle of water!
(Metadata: laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, concierge, doorman, front desk [24-hour], convenience store)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe Not a Focus
Okay, I didn't travel with kids, but based on what I saw, 3 Liebeloft doesn't appear to be overtly aimed at families. They do have babysitting service, so that’s a good start. And I did see kids facilities – though I didn't get a good look at them.
(Metadata: babysitting service, kids facilities)
The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect)
No place is perfect, right? And I’m keeping it real.
Location, location, location: While the guesthouse offered a sanctuary, it's not right in the thick of things. Uber is perfect, but be prepared to travel a little to some of the main sights.
Some Minor Hiccups: This is a guesthouse, not a huge, impersonal hotel. There were a couple of tiny service lags, which were quickly and efficiently sorted.
Final Verdict: Go Book It. Seriously.
3 Liebeloft is a gem. It's a place where you can truly switch off, relax, and feel looked after. It's stylish, safe, and the staff are genuinely lovely. It's the kind of place you stumble upon and then can't stop raving about. This isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s an experience. Run, don't walk, and book your stay. You won't regret it. Five enthusiastic stars!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't going to be your perfectly-curated Instagram travel feed. This is real life, Johannesburg style, and it's going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. We’re basing this around the (fingers crossed!) fabulous Liebeloft Guest House.
Johannesburg: A Love Letter in Scratches & Smudges (AKA The Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival - Welcome to the Concrete Jungle (and Hopefully, No Robberies)
- Morning (well, late morning, I'm not a morning person, okay?): Arrive OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). The flight was a blur of airplane food and trying to avoid the guy behind me coughing up a lung. Immigration? A battle. The passport control guy looked like he'd seen a thousand tourists, looking utterly bored. Finally, freedom! Grab a taxi. Pray it's legit. My first thought? "Wow, this city is…big."
- Afternoon: ARRIVE at Liebeloft Guest House. Oh, gorgeous place! The pictures didn't lie. Warm welcome from the staff. Beautiful garden. My room? Actually nice. Unpack. Realize I forgot my toothbrush adapter. F**k. Go for a brief walk around the area, get a feel, but don't go further because I'm scared. Get lost a little (I did, it's fine). Try to find a store, but have to ask a guy to point me in the right direction. Get the adapter. Get a local sim card with a crazy plan for data, which I definitely NEED.
- Evening: Back at the guesthouse. Chill. Maybe a glass of wine (or two – jet lag is a real excuse, right?) on the veranda. Attempt to conquer the local beer selection. Get slightly tipsy and over-chatty with any other guests. Pretend to know about South African history, which I clearly don't. Try to order some food, get overwhelmed by the menu, and call in the waiter, who is so nice and helpful.
Day 2: Soweto - A Deep Dive (and Maybe Some Deep Thoughts)
- Morning: WAKE UP with a slight headache. Curse the jet lag AND the wine. Book a Soweto tour. Do some research, and pray the tour bus doesn't get high-jacked.
- Afternoon: Soweto Tour. This is a whirlwind. Orlando Stadium! Mandela House (actually super moving, even though I secretly expected a museum-y vibe). Drive down Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Laureates. The guide tells stories. I fight back tears when I look at it. Eat some local food. The guide's telling is amazing, what a guy!
- Evening: Back at Liebeloft, a bit shell-shocked but also, wow. That was powerful. Reflect on what I saw. Spend way too long online reading about the history. Realize I have a lot to learn. Maybe think about how to be a better person or something, or get drunk. Maybe get drunk.
Day 3: Exploring the City - Art, History, and… Traffic
- Morning: Hit the Braamfontein area for a bit of art and street life. Find some cool cafes. Buy a piece of art from a quirky artist. Get a bit lost. Then find a lovely coffee place that made a perfect latte.
- Afternoon: Visit the Apartheid Museum. This is…intense. Heartbreaking photos. Horrific stories. Find myself wanting to scream and sob at the same time. Walk around in stunned silence for a while. Try to process it all. Then, need a stiff drink. Then walk around and appreciate the beauty of the people and the effort of living in such places.
- Late Afternoon: Head to Maboneng Precinct. The atmosphere here is so nice, it feels like a breath of fresh air. See the street art, eat some street food, get absolutely overloaded!
- Evening: Back at Liebeloft. Order some food and some wine. Watch the sunset from my room.
Day 4: Gold Reef City - Mining, or Minding My Own Business?
- Morning: GOLD REEF CITY! I'm not actually sure what to expect. The name makes it sound like a theme park? I want the gold, the gold i say?!
- Afternoon: The whole Gold Reef City thing is a bit… kitschy. I mean, there is a mine, but it's touristy. Still, it’s interesting. See the gold pouring demonstration. It's fascinating and, well, gold is pretty. Take some photos. Ride some rides. Don’t die of boredom.
- Evening: Try a new restaurant. Get lost in the dark. Find a dodgy-looking bar. Stay for one drink. Get back to the guesthouse and sleep. Deeply.
Day 5: Departure - Leaving a Piece of My Heart (and Maybe My Wallet)
- Morning: Wake up. Pack – which is always a disaster. Have a final, amazing breakfast at Liebeloft. Say goodbye to the staff. They've been wonderful, despite my constant requests for iced coffee. Think about how much I loved Liebeloft, and how much I'll miss it.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Say a final goodbye to Johannesburg, this amazing place.
- Evening: On the plane. Reflect on the trip. Johannesburg, you were rough, you were beautiful, you were hard, you were gentle, you were so many things. I’ll never forget you.
Final Thoughts (Or The Messy Bits):
- Safety: Okay, let's be real. You're going to hear about safety. Be aware. Don't flash cash. Don't wander alone at night. Be smart. But don’t let fear stop you from experiencing this incredible city which is full of hope and beauty.
- The Unexpected: Johannesburg is full of surprises. Expect the unexpected. Embrace the chaos. Laugh when things go wrong.
- The People: The people of Johannesburg? They're the heart and soul of the city. They're resilient, welcoming, and full of stories. Talk to them. Learn from them.
- Liebeloft Guest House: Seriously, book this place. (I'm not being paid for this – I just genuinely loved it!). It's a sanctuary in the middle of this busy, amazing, crazy city.
This is just a starting point. Get out there. Wander. Get a little lost. Make your own mistakes. And most importantly, have a damn good time. Because Johannesburg? She's worth it.
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3 Liebeloft Guesthouse: The Truth (Before You Book...Seriously)
Okay, spill! What's the *real* deal with 3 Liebeloft? I've seen the photos...
Is it REALLY a "secret"? Is it hard to find? I'm terrible with directions...
The decor...it looks AMAZING. Is it as good in person?
What about the rooms? Are they comfortable? Do they have AC? (It's HOT in Joberg!)
Tell me about the food! The reviews say it's divine…
So, what's the "character" you mentioned? Any quirks I should know about?
The owner…what's the owner like? Are they always around?
Is it worth the hype? Would you go back?
