Once In Joburg offers a welcoming, clean, and cozy stay in Johannesburg’s lively Braamfontein. Enjoy friendly staff, modern rooms with private bathrooms, free breakfast, and a social atmosphere near museums, Constitution Hill, and trendy bars.
Recent guests appreciate the friendly staff, clean and comfortable rooms, and the hostel’s engaging communal atmosphere. While the neighborhood energizes the experience, some practical issues like WiFi coverage and room allocation can affect convenience.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Once In Joburg, nestled in the vibrant heart of Braamfontein at 90 De Korte Street, offers an energetic yet comfortable stay for travelers seeking a unique Johannesburg experience. With a solid rating of 4.3, this hostel exudes an urban charm that blends modern convenience with a lively atmosphere. Guests describe the space as hip and well-cared-for, where the decor pays homage to South African history and culture, creating a rich, immersive environment.
The rooms, though compact, prioritize comfort and cleanliness, featuring private bathrooms and cozy beds that promise restful nights. Several guests have praised the spacious, modern showers and the welcoming ambiance that makes each stay memorable. The communal kitchen, while small, is efficiently equipped, inviting guests to connect over shared meals. This communal spirit extends beyond the kitchen, as the hostel thrives on social interactions, making it ideal for young travelers or solo visitors eager to meet new people.
The staff at Once In Joburg consistently receive high marks for their friendliness and helpfulness. From smooth check-ins to accommodating special requests, the team creates a supportive environment. Their local knowledge enhances the guest experience, guiding visitors through nearby attractions such as the Witwatersrand museums and Constitution Hill democracy exhibits. The lively neighborhood is dotted with hip cocktail bars and cultural hotspots that encourage exploration after a day of sightseeing.
Breakfast, offered free and described as simple yet satisfying, fuels guests for the adventures ahead. The presence of a chill reception and lounge area, reminiscent of a bookstore or coffee shop, fosters a relaxed yet vibrant vibe. Additionally, amenities like a lift for heavy luggage and communal spaces with good lighting add to the overall convenience.
While a few details could see improvement—such as WiFi coverage in certain areas and the condition of carpets and walls—the overall experience remains strongly positive. The option to engage in hostel-hosted activities and the existence of a WhatsApp group further enrich the communal feel, cementing Once In Joburg as more than just a place to sleep.
Ultimately, Once In Joburg resonates as a welcoming urban haven where comfort meets a dynamic social environment. It invites travelers to not only rest but to immerse themselves in Johannesburg’s cultural pulse, making each stay both "once in a lifetime" and refreshingly authentic.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
I wanted to stay in a room with my friend and told this Once a few days before departure. They told me that they will manage it but when we arrived it was a little bit chaotic because the room of my friend was fully booked. Staff is very friendly and I met a lot of cool people. Kitchen is small but well equipped and the rooms are also small but very comfortable with a own bathroom! All in all I had a nice stay :)
The front desk staff are absolutely wonderful at Once in Joburg. We only stayed one night and I felt like I was constantly bugging them with questions and requests (regarding laundry, tours, etc etc). The room and bathroom were great, no complaints - it was one of the most comfortable budget conscious places we stayed while in country in winter. The breakfast was simple but free and filling. The area can be loud at night (at least on the weekend), earplugs are provided (good quality ones). The neighborhood is great, especially for the young and/or adventuresome. The district has a lively nightlife, a great Saturday market, and is very close to Wits university.
The room we were in was so beautiful, clean and tidy. The shower is spacious and modern, the water was hot. The bed was comfy and clean. What's there not to love about this place? The staff are friendly and the restaurant downstairs "The Immigrant" also has an awesome vibe to it. I loved the experience.
The checking process was easy and quick. The staff was very helpful and welcoming. The reception and lounge area is very chilled and urban with decor that has a bookstore/coffee shop vibe, and also has a Merchandise store, rooms are very clean the beds are very comfy the passages are very urban with pictures of South African history alive. The place is also great for meeting people. There is a classy restaurant and bar within place and a coffee shop next door. Check out was also quick easy.
Overall had a very positive experience. The decor was hip, the shower was great, and the staff members were friendly and happy to show us around. Breakfast was yummy too! Only negatives were that we did not get WiFi in our room and that they charge for towel rental. I would stay here again!
Really great and helpful staff and we slept really well. This is a great place for 20-somethings to meet new people, or for a quiet time too. The option of a communal kitchen is great if you want to cook your own meals. The bed and bathroom were very clean and our floor was quiet. They could improve on the cleanliness of the walls and carpet. I would recommend no carpets.
I had a wonderful experience during my stay at Once. First of all, the facilities including the public bathroom were clean which really important to me. The building itself is aesthetically pleasing. The staff was absolutely fabulous both helpful and friendly. They always have some activities going on. They offer breakfast (free is usually a good thing) They have a WhatsApp group to keep you up to date on what's going and get you in touch with other that are staying there. I met some really cool hopefully lifelong friends while staying there. It's a no brainer, if you are looking for a hostel in Joburg this is it.
Very friendly and helpful staff. Place is well taken care of. There is a lift for heavy luggage. Common space is large and well equipped. Nice large balcony. Only drawback would be wifi coverage on the first floor in the communal space. I had a great time in this hostel!
Lively area with Witwatersrand museums, Constitution Hill democracy exhibits & hip cocktail bars.
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