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Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse

4.0 of 5
79 Lancaster Avenue | Craighall Park, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
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Hotel amenities
Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse
Ranked #1 of 188 Johannesburg B&B and Inns
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120 reviews from our community

Traveller rating
    114
    4
    2
    0
    0
See reviews for
Families
22
 
Couples
44
 
Solo
18
 
Business
26
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    5 of 5 stars
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

What a wonderful place to stay. Our family is spread over north and south Johannesburg so location is a bonus. Thanks for looking after us so well and the breakfasts set us up for the day. A hotel would be far too impersonal and we enjoyed the quiet garden. Des and Angela

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Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
23 May 2013

We're delighted Des and Angela that you found the location at Liz at Lancaster to be so convenient. As you know, many of South Africa's map books are published by Map Studio. And Map Studio's book of Joburg has a schematic diagram of this large metropolis with motorways, main arteries and key suburbs. And RIGHT in the centre of Map... More

Brisbane, Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

There’s a reason Liz at Lancaster is #1 on Trip Advisor; it is simply top notch. Travelling alone, I traversed reviews for weeks, wanting somewhere ‘safe’ (I was overcome by the cautions on TA), and wanted something between a backpackers (for friendliness & meeting people) and a hotel (for comfort). Liz at Lancaster is what you might call more a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by SoozSolo for Johannesburg
Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
23 May 2013

Wow Suzanne ! Can I either bottle you as a preserve or photocopy you ? (the latter is an expression from an ex-student who was so delighted with how I had helped sort out a bureaucratic admin problem at Wits where I taught for many years!!) Next time I need to re-write my website I am coming to you! ..... More

London, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2013

I am lucky enough to have started to stay at Liz's on a regular basis. It really is a home from home - actually it's much nicer than my house so that probably doesn't do Liz's justice. Liz perfectly balances providing great comfort, friendly service and care, without compromising guest's space and independence. The rooms are well equipped and with... More

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Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
24 April 2013

David thank you so much for your review of your experiences here at Liz at Lancaster. We are very happy that you feel we have found the right balance between concerned attention and service on the one hand and space and privacy on the other. We love that guests can come and go with complete independence. Many guests have commented... More

Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

We have just returned from a wonderful holiday in South Africa, which began with 3 nights staying with Liz at Lancaster. I booked at 'Liz' based on the terrific TA reviews and the rave reviews were certainly well justified. The 'Earth Room' we stayed in was large, VERY comfortable with a large comfy bed and extremely well equipped with a... More

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Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
17 April 2013

Wow Okeydoke, thank you so much for such positive feedback. We so love it when we 'set the scene' for visitors to South Africa and they have a good feel from the start. We're very pleased that it all worked out so well and that it was such a good starting point for you. We really enjoyed meeting you both... More

San Francisco, California
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

I really cannot say enough about Liz's. It was such a treat for us- from the gorgeous and comfy rooms, the hand-crafted toiletries and amenities, the incredible breakfast, and the helpful and generous staff. I really didn't want to leave. It's so cozy, it almost feels like being at home. But I would trade home any day for staying at... More

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Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
10 April 2013

Thank you so much for your really positive feedback. 'One of the best places I have ever stayed at' is indeed wonderful praise. You write about the details that we have considered and how you would choose us over a hotel. While many travelers prefer the anonymity of a hotel as well as having access to facilities like a spa/gym,... More

mountain view
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2013

is the best word to describe Liz at Lancaster! Staying at Liz's is like snuggling into a very private, cozy cocoon, where you feel pampered and well taken care of. Every single little detail has been immaculately thought out to make the visitor feel comfortable and informed as possible. The staff is excellent, the breakfast is yummy...yogurt, muesli, fresh fruit... More

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Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
5 April 2013

Thank you so much Angela for your glowing review of your time here at Liz at Lancaster. We so enjoyed having you both to stay and hearing all about your travels in the neighbouring countries. Amazing adventures! We're so pleased that all our various efforts to think of every detail to make our guests stay comfortable and special, succeed. As... More

Sugar Land, Texas, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 March 2013

I was on assignment for 6 months and this was my first trip to Johannesburg, Liz definitely made my stay feel like home. Will definitely stay at the cottage again when I'm back. A+++++ service! Wasn't able to try the breakfast the whole time since I had Fournos in my office building. My 6 month assignment felt like I was... More

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Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
20 March 2013

We MISS you Alfred! The cottage seems so empty without various bike equipment around ! We are just very pleased that we could provide a base for you during your first visit to South Africa and one that felt like home. We so enjoyed having you to stay although, because you didn't have breakfasts here, I felt we saw so... More

Albury, Australia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2013

We needed a rest for a few days before continuing on with our Shongololo Train journey. Our travel agent was unsure as to where we should stay in Johannesburg. Google and Tripadvisor helped us find Liz at Lancaster. What a gem! A peaceful stay in the Blue Room with all the little "extras" travellers need. A wonderful breakfast to start... More

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Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
20 March 2013

Judy - thanks for taking the time, whilst waiting for Shongololo express to collect you here at Liz at Lancaster, to write about your stay here at the Guesthouse. 'Fresh in the memory' is always good! We so enjoyed meeting you both and hearing about your travels on the Shongololo express which, as you know, I'd never heard of. What... More

Cape Town
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2013

I stayed for two weeks while on business in Johannesburg and felt that I was very well taken care of. The accommodation is comfortable and commodious; the bathroom well-designed and ecologically sensible; the decor enjoyably individual; and the freshly-prepared breakfasts delicious - all this in beautiful garden surroundings and, most surprisingly, almost absolute silence! The staff clearly enjoy working at... More

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Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
14 March 2013

Thank you Michael for taking the time and trouble to write about your stay here at Liz at Lancaster. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us - we certainly enjoyed having you here. Good too that you enjoyed the peace and quiet. Guests are continually amazed at just how quiet it is here despite being in a... More

Singapore, Singapore
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
12 hotel reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013

An amazing place to stay in Jo'burg. My boyfriend and I have been to a number of guesthouses and B&Bs. This is the first guesthouse we've been to that takes such good care of all your needs. They have a wide range of amenities (their very own own soap bar, shampoo, conditioner and lotion), torchlights in the drawers right next... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Liz D, Owner at Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse, responded to this review
28 February 2013

Thanks Piao for your feedback on your brief stay here at Liz at Lancaster. We're delighted that you finally made it and that you enjoyed it so much. We certainly enjoyed meeting you both. We were pleased to know that friends were already asking for your South African itinerary based on your travels around the country. We look forward to... More

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Additional Information about Liz at Lancaster Guesthouse

Address: 79 Lancaster Avenue | Craighall Park, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Phone Number:
Region: South Africa > Gauteng > Greater Johannesburg > Johannesburg
Amenities:
Free Breakfast Free Parking Kitchenette Pets Allowed Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 188 B&Bs / Inns in Johannesburg
Price range (per night): S$134 - 148
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
One of the first guesthouses to open in the Rosebank Region some 19 years ago, Liz at Lancaster has built a strong reputation based on excellent personal service, great comfort, convenient location, seclusion and privacy. Given recognition for this in 2011 with an AA Accommodation Award for ‘People who go the extra mile’, an AA Accommodation in 2012 for 'Traveller's best value', Liz at Lancaster was also voted a finalist three years in a row in the AA 2010, 2011 & 2012 Accommodation Awards. We are included in Greenwood Guides Handpicked Accommodation. But perhaps most telling of all are our guest comments: ‘We loved the peace and privacy – we didn’t even know there were other guests here.’ ‘Craighall Park is such a central location – under 10 minutes from Rosebank and Melrose Arch and less than 15 minutes to Sandton Central. Even Parktown and Joburg Central are easily accessible – it took us 12 minutes to Wits.’ ‘Superb service and such comfortable spacious rooms’. ‘The on-site transport was a real added bonus.’ ‘Your Joburg information booklet in our room was amazingly helpful and useful.’ It is a mere 12 minute ride from O.R Tambio International Airport to the Rosebank Gautrain Station which is only 3.5 km from Liz at Lancaster. You can either pick up your rental car when you arrive at the station, or phone us for a transfer – a real added convenience. With 7 very private individual units all with separate entrances and kitchenettes offering self-catering options, Liz at Lancaster is ideal for long stays whether for business travelers or for those relocating. Rates drop for weekly and monthly stays. There are 2 standard spacious double rooms (25 & 30 m²), 3 studio flatlets (55 m²), and 2 one-bedroom cottages (80 m²) each with separate living/dining room and open plan kitchen. All lead onto their own enclosed courtyards where you can enjoy your privacy on a warm Highveld summer evening while sipping at a sundowner from your mini-bar. During our chilly Jozi winter months you will be warmly snug with under-carpet heating and electric blankets. All units have shower and bath, ample well-lit work areas/dining tables, separate sitting area, broadband WiFi connection, flat screen TVs and DSTV with own decoders (25 channels), overhead fans, convenient luxuries like hairdryers, toweling gowns, radio clock alarms, luxurious cotton percale linen, a house branded range of natural toiletries and on-the-house E-spring filtered water. Delicious breakfasts are served to order on the breakfast patio which opens out onto the garden in summer and is warmed by a roaring log fire in winter. There is ample secure off-street undercover parking. We offer a same day laundry service and on-site transport at very reasonable rates. All credit cards including Diners and American Express are accepted. Liz and two staff live on site and are always at the other end of the internal intercoms. As Liz taught Art History and Heritage at Wits University for 25 years, she keeps abreast with cultural events and has quite an extensive library. A further bonus of staying at Liz at Lancaster is the convenience of the neighbourhood shops at the end of the block: a 7-7 grocery store, a chemist, restaurant, etc. ... more   less 
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