Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton * 2 Pools, Gardens & Free Shuttle

Name: Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, Sandton
Address: Maude Street, Sandown, Sandton, Gauteng, 783372
Price range: US$63+
Rating: 8.4

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Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton Beds photo

Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Maude Street, Sandown, Sandton, 783372

Close to Nelson Mandela Square

Great

8.4

8.9

/10

4.0

Loved by Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton guests

Cozy bars

Delicious food

Friendly staff

Clean rooms

"They also offer free shuttle service to the Nelson Mandel Square, which we couldn't use due to our travel plans."

Harsha from Switzerland

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"Old world charm with the most amazing staff."

Natalie B

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"I really liked the gardens."

Cate

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4-star country-style hotel in Sandton

Dining

The Bull Run Restaurant offers a range of prime South African beef cuts aged in-house, catering to steak enthusiasts. Guests may choose from a 10-seater Private Dining or enjoy the Romantic Cellar Experience. The Conservatory Restaurant overlooks the gardens, providing a scenic dining atmosphere for breakfast and lunch.

Location

Strategically positioned in Sandton, the hotel provides complimentary shuttles to key destinations. Shuttle service includes popular spots like Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. Proximity to Sandton Gautrain Station makes local exploration seamless.

Amenities

Two sparkling swimming pools are available for relaxation and recreation within the hotel grounds. Coffee on Twenty serves artisan coffee and deli treats for guests on the go. Lords Bar, Sandton's first bar, highlights local history and provides a classic drinking experience.

Meetings & Events

The hotel features 8 conference rooms that accommodate up to 300 guests, suitable for various business or social gatherings. Advanced audiovisual equipment ensures smooth presentations and meetings. Event planning services assist with arrangements and logistics.

Wellness

A well-equipped fitness center supports health and wellness during stays. Swimming options include two outdoor pools for leisure and exercise. Guests enjoy uninterrupted power to maintain comfort throughout their visit.

Highlights

Dining: The Bull Run Restaurant serving prime South African beef

Location: Complimentary shuttles to Sandton City

Amenities: Two sparkling swimming pools

Meetings: 8 conference rooms for 300 guests

“This Sandton hotel offers a unique country-style environment amidst the city. I appreciate the in-house butchery, a commitment to quality South African beef. With its historical bar and accessibility features, the hotel strikes a balance between heritage and modern convenience.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Bliss

Breakfast was exceptional. Many options were available, including omelettes made to order. A great way to start the day!

Emily Carter from Canada

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Parking is very easy. Secure parking is available at a nominal rate close to the elevator.

Hans Müller from Germany

Review on

Business FacilitiesPerfect Training

The meeting room was a perfect training environment.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

Review on

Room FeaturesSpacious Comfort

The room was big enough and had everything needed for a comfortable stay, very spacious and clean.

Isabelle Dubois from France

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Select your room type

Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Guest Room 1 King
2 persons
26 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Suite
2 persons
48 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Twin Guest Room
2 persons
26 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details

Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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September 2026 - September 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.5/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
On-site car park
Handicap parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Currency exchange
ATM/Cash machine
Barber shop
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Grocery shopping service
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Snack bar
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Garden area
Pool with view
Shallow end

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton offers a delightful culinary experience with diverse dining venues. Enjoy the warmth of local flavors at The Bull Run Restaurant, the cozy atmosphere of Coffee on Twenty, and the inviting charm of The Conservatory, each promising a unique take on both international and local cuisines.

The Bull Run Restaurant
Steakhouse with International influences
Ambiance
Modern and elegant setting
Key Offerings
Specializes in prime South African beef cuts, aged in-house, alongside a range of international dishes. Ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner experience.
Reservation
Recommended
Monday to Sunday, 12:30 - 22:00
The Conservatory
International with a focus on breakfast
Ambiance
Bright and airy space with contemporary décor
Key Offerings
Offers a delicious full English breakfast in a stylish setting, perfect for early risers looking to start the day right.
Reservation
Not needed
Monday to Sunday, 06:30 - 10:30
Coffee on Twenty
Local and International with family-friendly options
Ambiance
Casual and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for relaxed meals
Key Offerings
Serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with vegetarian and dairy-free options reflecting local flavors and hospitality.
Reservation
Not needed
Monday to Sunday, 07:00 - 18:00

Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton Location

Maude Street, Sandown, Sandton, 783372

Explore Sandton

Local Experiences

Nelson Mandela Square

9 minutes' walk

A prominent public square featuring a statue of Nelson Mandela, shops, and dining options, perfect for photos and culture.

Sandton City Shopping Centre

18 minutes' walk

One of Africa's largest shopping centers, offering a variety of high-end retail stores and delightful dining experiences.

Sandton Market @ The Park

9 minutes' walk

A vibrant artisan market with local crafts, food stalls, and live entertainment set in a scenic park atmosphere.

Sandton Convention Center

8 minutes' walk

A leading venue for events and conferences hosting international exhibitions, with modern facilities and accessibility.

James and Ethel Grey Park

35 minutes' walk

A beautiful green space perfect for walking and picnicking, featuring quiet paths and lovely picnic spots amidst nature.

Yoga at The ZOO

18 minutes' walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions offered regularly, just a short walk away. Ideal for guests seeking tranquility and wellness.

Skydiving Adventures

40 minutes' drive

Thrilling skydiving experiences available with stunning views of Johannesburg's skyline. Reservations required.

Wok n Roll

1 minute' walk

A casual eatery specializing in Asian cuisine, offering delicious sushi and stir-fried dishes in a relaxed setting.

Tashas The Marc

2 minutes' walk

Chic café serving breakfast and lunch with fresh, local ingredients. Popular for its delightful pastries and coffee.

Ribs & Burgers

3 minutes' walk

A casual dining spot famous for its juicy ribs and gourmet burgers, perfect for families and casual gatherings.

Taboo Night Club

4 minutes' walk

A vibrant nightlife venue known for its DJ sets and lively atmosphere, appealing to all ages for fun nights out.

Summer Place

25 minutes' walk

A premier event venue hosting live performances and concerts, providing a sophisticated setting for entertainment.

Getting around

City Centre
Sandton 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
O.R. Tambo International (JNB) 35 min · 14.4 mi
Rand (QRA) 44 min · 18.0 mi
Train
Doomfontein 16 min · 6.5 mi
Johannesburg 16 min · 6.6 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

from 06:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site at true.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of ZAR 235.0 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

330

Former name

protea hotel johannesburg balalaika sandton

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests often highlight the spacious and clean rooms at Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, as well as the beautiful gardens and pool areas that create a relaxing atmosphere. Its proximity to Nelson Mandela Square and the Marc Centre next door is frequently mentioned as a major convenience for shopping and dining. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the train station. While the gym facilities are sometimes considered basic, many appreciate the overall comfort and convenient location, finding it a good value for money.

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Review score

Based on 617 verified reviews

8.3 /10

Great

85 %

Recommend

Location

9.1/10

Staff

8.9/10

Breakfast

8.1/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.2/10

Pros

Good location

Friendly staff

Good breakfast

Shuttle service

Cons

Room lighting

Noisy room

based on 1163 reviews

4/5

lily from united kingdom

Single

twin guest room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 13, 2026

6/10

mixed experience, minor issues noted

dated decor limited space

the room decor felt dated, specifically with drab blues and greys. it resembled student housing more than a vibrant african setting. i also found the placement of electrical sockets inconvenient, located directly behind the pillows. patio doors did not close correctly either. the space for hanging clothes was also limited, a real drawback.

0 Helpful

Andrew from United Kingdom

Couple

Suite

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 14, 2025

9/10

a romantic getaway in the heart of it all

beautiful suite excellent bed lovely garden super nice staff

The room was a beautiful suite, and i noticed the excellent bed immediately. i really liked the garden to walk through to reach the room. the staff were nice and helpful. and the restaurant exceeded my expectations. i had one of my best steaks there!

The gym was very basic. That was the only thing that didn't quite reach the standard of the rest.

Facilities

9/10

i observed that the hotel provides a shuttle to nelson mandela square every half hour. the internal courtyard features a well-kept pool and a meticulously landscaped garden, perfect for relaxation. the hotel also has a very nice bar inside.

0 Helpful

Oliver from United Kingdom

Business traveller

king guest room garden view

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 12, 2025

7/10

acceptable stay overall

convenient location shopping centre direct lift access basic gym uncomfortable pillows missed room service

the hotel's location proved convenient for accessing nearby shops and restaurants. i found parking easily in the shopping centre's car park. direct lift access to the hotel was very useful. the gardens provided a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere.

The gym had very basic equipment. pillows were uncomfortable. I should have requested different ones. one day, they forgot to make up my room. the staff did their best to was great, though.

0 Helpful

Lee from United Kingdom

Single

King Guest Room Garden View

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 05, 2025

6/10

Acceptable Stay, Some Issues

basic equipment disappointing gym

The location was quite convenient (close to key areas).

The gym was a real disappointment. I found only very basic equipment there, nothing more. It definitely needs an upgrade or expansion.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Protea Hotel By Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton

Is it possible to arrange a romantic setup in the room for a special occasion?

10 March 2024

Yes, arrangements for a romantic setup can be made. Specific requirements can be sent to the Guest Relations team for assistance and pricing details.

Are there options for smoking within the hotel premises?

20 April 2024

All rooms are non-smoking. However, a ground floor room with a sliding door is available for guests who wish to step outside to smoke in the garden area.

What parking facilities are available for guests?

15 June 2024

Parking is located at The Marc on Maude Street, Sandton, and is charged at R50 per day. Complimentary shuttle service to the Gautrain is also provided.

Can an early check-in be accommodated if I arrive in the morning?

25 July 2024

Early check-in requests depend on room availability at that time. It is advisable to check with reception upon arrival.

How far is the hotel from the nearby Sandton City Mall?

12 August 2024

The hotel is approximately 500 meters from Sandton City Mall, and there is a complimentary shuttle service that operates every 30 minutes between the two locations.

Am I allowed to smoke on the balcony of my room?

30 September 2024

Yes, smoking is permitted on the balcony. However, it's requested that the sliding door be closed to prevent smoke from entering the room.

Is room service available for late-night cravings?

11 October 2024

Yes, room service is available 24 hours a day, providing a variety of menu options for guests.

Can I inquire about shuttle service pricing for local attractions?

22 November 2024

Shuttle service to Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square is complimentary. For additional destinations, please check with the Travel Desk for pricing.

Is there a fitness center available for guests to use during their stay?

5 December 2024

Yes, there is a fitness center available on-site for guests to maintain their exercise routines.

Are there wheelchair accessible facilities at the hotel?

17 January 2025

Yes, the hotel offers wheelchair accessible areas, including public spaces and access to the swimming pool and fitness center.