X
NOTE: 9 or more guests qualifies as a group booking, change the number of guests to return to normal search.

Shoestrings Airport Lodge Reviews

85 Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park 1619, Johannesburg, South Africa

Reviews & Ratings Explained

82%Overall Rating

From 34 ratings
  • 75%Character
  • 86%Security
  • 88%Location
  • 92%Staff
  • 76%Atmosphere
  • 75%Cleanliness

The following reviews were submitted by customers who booked in the last 6 months.

The reviews and ratings in the rating box are based on all-time feedback and are the opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up to the minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is. Read our review guidelines »

We now classify our reviewers based on how well travelled they are.

  • Novice Nomad: 1-10 Reviews Added
  • Avid Traveller: 10-20 Reviews Added
  • Globetrotter : 20+ Reviews Added
  • Show Translated Reviews In A Specific Language
  • Sort reviews by:


90%

The free airport transport and the location near the airport was excellent. It's great if you are only in Johannesburg for a day or so (you can take the Gautrain into town and do an open bus tour easily), but might not be so good if you are in Jo-burg for a while. Rob was a very friendly and excellent host, he even went out of his way to drive me to DHL to mail a package. Definitely recommended if you're just passing through Johannesburg.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 20 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 25-30
  • (6 reviews)


87%

Really very convenient for flights to and from Joburg. Rob is great and the free pick-up and drop off a god send. Room confortable and quiet despite closeness to the airport.

  • Globetrotter
  • 09 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Couple, 41+
  • (23 reviews)


100%

staff of shoestings airport lodge is very kind


87%

Very nice place to stay! The atmosphere was very relaxed and quite, very close to the airport which was helpfull for us. The owner is great, very friendly helping us organize our plans and recommending what to do and organizing our safari, and also with free airport pickup! The only downside, just to mention something, is that wifi is free only on limited hours, but was really no big issue for us. Rooms very nice too.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 30 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Argentina
  • Male, 31-40
  • (1 review)


80%

A very friendly and helpful owner/manager, location very near the airport, makes it a convenient place to stay after arrival/before departure. Nearly all tour and shuttle companies pick up and drop there, so the distance from the town is not a big problem. There´s completely free wi-fi (a rare thing in SA backpackers!), however, the wi-fi hours are restricted to two in the morning and three in the evening, but we found this more than enough. Free airport pickup/drop is also much appreciated.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 14 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Japan
  • Couple, 41+
  • (1 review)


87%

Rob is really very helpful and an excellent host. thanks for helping me off load the vehicle and giving directions.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 10 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • South Africa
  • Female, 41+
  • (1 review)


60%

The only benefit this hostel has is its proximity to the airport. It's run down, not very clean, not very good facilities. It does have breakfast included which is handy and the owner will do airport transfers which is great. It could be so much more if given a bit of tlc. The restaurant at the Protea hotel is great if you need a good meal but there is nothing else around otherwise.

  • Globetrotter
  • 28 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Female, 31-40
  • (40 reviews)


83%

Only stopped for a few hours between flights, but was picked up and dropped at the airport at silly hours of the night and was really cheap. I didn't really have chance to talk with the people stopping here. Great place to stop if your traveling through the airport.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 16 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • England
  • Male, 18-24
  • (4 reviews)


73%

Friendly but basic.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 09 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 31-40
  • (1 review)


97%

The owner, Rob, came to fetch us from the airport at well after midnight and was super friendly and helpful, helping us with our bags etc. The room was spacious and comfortable. We left the next morning on the BazBus, so for what we needed, a place close to the airport to crash for the night, this was perfect.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 10 Jan 2013
  • Anonymous
  • South Africa
  • Female, 18-24
  • (2 reviews)


87%

Rob and his family were great hosts! Pros: Right next to airport.. just coming in or leaving Jo,burg stay here for convience. Free Breakfast & Coffee Free pickup & drop off at airport Cons: Not much to do in the area, can walk across the street for beers and dinner at the local hotel. Internet, while free is only available from 7-11am and from 7-10pm. Pool was not in working condition.


83%

We had a weird private room with our own bidet. The grounds are quite nice. It's very convenient to the airport but hard to get to, since the directions on the website are wrong.


80%

Great staff! Perfect location next to the airport for your first or last night in Jo'burg, but not ideal if you want to spend a week here.


90%

Great place for a couple of nights or stopover. Rob great guy, very helpful, free airport transfer, great breakfast and nice and relaxed

  • Novice Nomad
  • 28 Dec 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Male, 31-40
  • (1 review)


87%

I thought this hostel was great as a place to stay for someone who has just arrived or is about to leave Jo-burg. It provided everything that we needed and allowed us to get our feet under ourselves before leaving Jo-burg.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 28 Dec 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 18-24
  • (8 reviews)


77%

beautiful property but needs maintenance


70%

The owner is so kind and he will do his best to feel yourself at home.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 08 Dec 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Italy
  • Male, 31-40
  • (1 review)


77%

Great staff and location. Airport pickup. Quiet. Good amenities. Amazing hospitality and management. thanks! Wish the pool was open... good luck with that. Will see you again!


80%

Rob is a nice host, offering you good suggestions about the city. He went to the airport to pick me up as soon as I phoned him. The breakfast is ok plust the train is about 10 min walking from the hostel. I recommend it for a short visit to Johannesburg since you can save money in tranportation (the airport is just next to the hostel)

  • Novice Nomad
  • 24 Nov 2012
  • Anonymous
  • El Salvador
  • Male, 31-40
  • (3 reviews)


87%

Near to the airport, staff was great! My only consideration is that i´ve booked a room with bathroom and there was no shower, just a bath. So I had to take shower in the communal bathroom. Besides that, I would recommend.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 18 Nov 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Brazil
  • Female, 25-30
  • (4 reviews)




View all Johannesburg Hostels

Please give us your feedback