Johannesburg's Hidden Gem: Arum Place Guest House (Unbeatable Deals!)
Arum Place Guest House: My Unfiltered Take (Unbeatable Deals? Let's Find Out!)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from a stay at Arum Place Guest House in Johannesburg, and… well, it was an experience. Forget perfectly polished travel brochure talk; this is real talk, the unvarnished truth, the messy, the wonderful, the questionable bits. And yeah, those “Unbeatable Deals” better be delivering, because I'm about to break it all down, warts and all.
(SEO & Meta-Data Snippet - Just to keep the search engines happy):
Title: Arum Place Guest House Review: Unbeatable Deals in Johannesburg? (Accessibility, Amenities & Honest Opinion)
Meta Description: Honest review of Arum Place Guest House in Johannesburg, South Africa. Covers accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, dining), services, and overall experience. Find out if the "unbeatable deals" are worth it! #Johannesburg #GuestHouse #SouthAfrica #TravelReview #Accessibility #Spa #Pool #HotelReview
Keywords: Arum Place Guest House, Johannesburg, South Africa, Hotel Review, Guest House Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Pool, Spa, Dining, Free Wi-Fi, Reviews, Amenities, Unbeatable Deals, Travel, Accommodation.
(Let's Dive In!)
First things first: navigating the whole booking process was a breeze. No drama, quick confirmations. Score one for efficiency! And the idea of Arum Place? Sounds idyllic. Think tranquil gardens, a place to unwind, maybe even write that novel I've been putting off for… well, a while.
Accessibility:
This is where things get a little complicated. Arum Place mentions facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally need those myself, thank goodness, but I did poke around to see. Elevators exist, which is a massive plus. But… I couldn't find concrete details. I'd recommend contacting them directly before booking if accessibility is a must-have. This feels like a “needs more info” situation.
On-site restaurants/ Lounges & Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
Alright, food. My god, food. The promise of a buffet breakfast. International cuisine. Western cuisine. Asian… well, let’s just say I spent more time wondering about the promised "Asian cuisine" than actually eating it. Breakfast was… functional. The buffet option was there, with the usual suspects: eggs, bacon (or something resembling it), some sad-looking pastries. Coffee? Okay. Juice? Better stocked up on the vitamin C!
The idea of a poolside bar was fantastic, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t see a particularly bustling bar setup. It felt more like… a potential bar. The concept was there; implementation, perhaps, still working on it. (Or maybe I just missed the happy hour frenzy. Sigh.) The snack bar? Ditto. Some basic options, nothing to write home about. I craved better coffee, for sure.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax:
Pool with a View? Mmm, the pool. Yes, definitely a plus. But the "view"… let's just say it overlooked a slightly less picturesque area than the brochure suggested. Don't get me wrong, the pool was clean, and a dip was refreshing. I just… wouldn't plan my Instagram feed around it.
Spa/Sauna/Steamroom? Ah, the spa. I love a good spa. I envisioned myself lounging in a sauna, scrubbing off all the city stress. Reality? The spa was… well, it existed. I opted for a massage. It was… adequate. Let's leave it at that. The sauna and steamroom were there, but my visit was just a quick dip.
Fitness Center? Okay, the gym. Small, functional. It had the basics. Treadmill, some weights, a few machines. I did try to work out, but after a couple of reps I gave up on that.
Cleanliness and Safety:
Right, the serious stuff. Did the place feel clean? Yes. The rooms seemed well-maintained and fresh. They mention anti-viral cleaning products and things like sterilizing equipment (good!). Hand sanitizer stations were readily available. Staff seemed to be wearing masks and maintaining some semblance of distance. Basically, they're trying to keep things safe and clean. That's a plus in these crazy times.
Internet:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! And you know what? It worked. Thank heavens for that. I had no issues streaming, checking emails, and generally staying connected to the outside world. Thank you, Arum Place, for not leaving me stranded in the technological dark.
Rooms and Amenities:
My room? Let's see… comfy bed (yay!), decent lighting, a decent-sized bathroom. The mini-bar had some essentials. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy, and the air conditioning was a life-saver in the Joburg heat. (Seriously, that sun is brutal!)
Additional Toilet? Nope. Interconnecting room(s) available? Did I see that? Reading light? It was there. Wake-up service? They didn't wake me up. Window that opens? Phew! A must in my book.
Services and Conveniences:
Concierge service. Staff were friendly and helpful. Laundry service was pretty quick. Plenty of parking (free!). The option of car power charging station is a great plus for the environment.
Air conditioning in public area - yes. Cash withdrawal - yes, but not on site, you have to leave. Essential condiments - not sure, but they have a convenience store. Elevator Yes! Food delivery - Not during my time. Gift/souvenir shop - Not during my time. Luggage storage yes, but I didn't use it. Meeting/banquet facilities - yes, but I didn't use it. Safety deposit boxes - yes, use them. Terrace - yes.
For the Kids:
I didn't have kids with me, but they do mention babysitting service and kid-friendly facilities. Take that with a grain of salt, as I didn't get a hands-on look.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer Not during my time. Bicycle Parking No problem. Car park [free of charge] Yes! Car park [on-site] Yes! Car power charging station Yes! Taxi service No. Valet parking - No.
The Emotional Rundown:
Okay, the unfiltered truth. Arum Place Guest House has potential. It's not perfect. There are some definite areas for improvement (the food, the elusive "Asian cuisine," the spa experience could be much better). But… the rooms were comfortable. The Wi-Fi worked. The staff were friendly. And the price? Well, yes, it was a pretty decent deal. That's likely the saving grace.
Would I go back? Maybe. If I was looking for a budget-friendly option in central Johannesburg, with a good Wi-Fi connection and a basic level of comfort, then yes. It's not luxury, it's not flashy, but it's functional. Just manage your expectations and go in knowing that the "unbeatable deals" come with a few… quirks. And maybe pack some snacks. Just in case.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (with potential to be much, much better!)
Uncover Merzouga's Secrets: The Mystical Doors of the Desert
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my Johannesburg adventure, and it's gonna be… well, let's just say it's evolving. Think less Swiss watch, more chaotic tumbleweed. And yes, it involves Arum Place Guest House. Prepare for the glorious mess.
Day 1: Landing in Jozi & Dodging the Dust Bunnies (and Expectations)
8:00 AM (ish): Land at OR Tambo. Jet lag already hitting hard. Seriously, who invented time zones? My brain is currently a scrambled egg. I swear, the air smelled like freedom and exhaust fumes. A classic combo. First hurdle: navigating the airport. Let's just say I'm not known for my impeccable sense of direction.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Uber to Arum Place. The drive? A sensory overload. The city is like a crazy quilt of colours, sounds and smells. The driver, a friendly chap named Solomon, pointed out some key landmarks – gotta love a local guide! I felt a surge of excitement, then panic: am I REALLY doing this?
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Arrive at Arum Place Guest House. Oh, the charm! It's like stepping into a perfectly curated Instagram post. Lush gardens, a sparkling pool, but is everything as polished as the pictures? I'm a bit of a sceptic. Found the owner, a very kind lady named Carol, and she welcomed me with a glass of juice and a massive smile. Already feeling a little less like a lost sheep.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check in. Actually settling in to my room. It's clean, comfortable, with a lovely view. Mostly. I noticed a slight dust bunny situation under the bed. My inner neat-freak twinged. Sigh. It's not the Plaza, people. Embrace the imperfections, I tell myself. Embrace the dust bunnies!
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Quick dip in the pool. OH. MY. GOD. The water's freezing! Apparently, even in South Africa, the sun has off days. Swam a few laps (very slowly). My first swim of the trip. Feeling refreshed, then freezing, then just… wet. This is already more invigorating than I thought it would be.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the guesthouse. Salad and quiche. Simple, delicious. Sat on the patio, watching the birds. I'm starting to feel a little like a pampered houseplant. It's amazing, but it's also a little… quiet. I need some action.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Errands to the shopping center. It's near. Got my hair done.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Relaxing in the room
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner! Carol and the other guests shared some great conversations about the city. I'll be honest, by the end of it, I was utterly exhausted from all the talking and jetlag.
8:00 PM - Bedtime: Reading in bed. The first night, in a new place, is always slightly disorienting. I'm a bit jittery, but also really, really happy.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Braai Bliss, and "Oh My God, Did That Really Happen?!" Memories
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up, stumble, and have breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast. Fueling up for a day of… well, I'm not entirely sure. I'm kind of making this up as I go along.
- 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Hit the streets. First, a visit to the Apartheid Museum. Heart-wrenching. Gut-wrenching. An absolute must-see, even if it leaves you feeling hollowed out. (I may or may not have cried like a baby in the Nelson Mandela exhibit.) The weight of history is palpable. Afterwards, I desperately needed a distraction – something to lighten the mood.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Quick lunch: Grabbed a burger. Found a hidden gem of a cafe - tiny, noisy, a truly great burger. I devoured it. I was famished!
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring Maboneng. Holy vibrant street art! Holy cool. Coffee shops, art galleries, a general feeling of "anything goes." This is Johannesburg I'd been dreaming of! The energy is incredible. Found the perfect African textile for my mom. A bit expensive for an impulse buy, but hey…vacation!
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Braai (BBQ) at Arum Place. The ultimate South African experience! Carol had arranged a braai. The food? Amazing. The company? Awesome. The vibe? Pure, unadulterated joy. Laughter, stories, and I finally found a beer I truly loved - Castle Lite.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: A quiet cup of coffee.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Reading
DAY 3: The Gold Reef City Rollercoaster of Emotions & the Search for the Perfect Selfie (and Sanity)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast and planning, and then rethinking the plan.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Uber to Gold Reef City. Okay, Gold Reef City. An old gold mine turned theme park. It should be fun, right? This is where things got interesting. I took a deep breath and prepared to jump in.
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Gold Reef City.
- First impressions: a bit cheesy. But in a good way. And the rollercoasters? Terrifying but exhilarating! I screamed so loud on the Anaconda I think I lost my voice. Seriously, the stomach-churning drops, the loops – pure adrenaline. I was a mess! One minute I'm laughing, the next I'm gripping the seat like my life depends on it. And then: Gold pouring experience.
- Mishap alert: While trying to take a selfie on one of the rides (stupid, I know), my phone almost flew out of my hand. Barely caught it. The mortification! The fear! The slight, overwhelming desire to do it again.
- The Mine Tour: We went down into the old mine. It's dark, claustrophobic, and utterly fascinating. The history is incredible, a testament to the backbreaking work and human drama involved. (Feeling a little less terrified on the rollercoaster now.)
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch in the park/themed restaurant. Nothing amazing, foodwise, but good enough.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: back to the Guest House
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pool time.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Coffee and reading time.
Day 4: Finding Peace (and Maybe a Bit of Shopping)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Slow breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A drive to the Cradle of Humankind. Yes, those caves. You guys, this place is incredible. I'm a massive history nerd, but even if you're not, it's awe-inspiring to ponder the origins of humanity. I stood there, staring at the fossils, and felt… small. In a good way. This needs a proper blog post, I think. My brain is still buzzing.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Back to the guesthouse, lunch from the market.
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Shopping around!
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and reading.
Day 5: Departure Day! (And the inevitable "I'm Never Leaving!" Meltdown)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at Arum Place. I'm getting teary-eyed. I'm not ready to leave. Carol gave me a hug and some homemade rusks for the road. Seriously, the sweetest lady.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Final stroll around the garden. Trying to soak it all in.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Uber to the airport. The drive is a blur. More city, more memories.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Airport chaos again. I somehow managed to navigate check-in
Arum Place Guest House: Seriously, Is This Place Real? (Your Burning Questions Answered!)
Okay, deep breaths... is Arum Place actually *that* good? The "Unbeatable Deals" bit is a bit... much, right?
What's the location like? Is it actually safe, or am I going to be kidnapped and forced to... I don't know... assemble flat-pack furniture for eternity?
Breakfast? Tell me about the breakfast! Is it a sad little continental situation?
What are the rooms like? Are they clean? Don't tell me about bug infestations!
Okay, the staff. Are they the friendly, helpful type? Or the "avoid eye contact at all costs" type?
Wi-Fi. Is it a constant battle of disconnects and buffering, or can I actually, you know, *work*?
What about parking? Is it secure? Will my car still *be* there in the morning?
Is it worth it? Basically, should I book this place or keep looking?
