City Lodge Hotel Bryanston

Our room faced the road, but it was quiet at night. Breakfast was a good surprise too, and the staff were helpful and friendly throughout our stay. Really good service and food.

On 18 Nov 2025, I stayed in room 174 while in town from Cape Town for a work event. After a long day of flying and work, all I wanted was a shower and some sleep. The water was lukewarm and there was no shower pressure. Reception sent someone to check, but they weren't sure what was wrong. They guessed the shower head might be blocked and suggested a bath because that worked. I wanted a shower, and maintenance couldn't look at it until the next day. I’d paid for a basic service and still couldn't use it. All I got was an apology, which didn't fix anything. If rooms have problems like this, why keep taking bookings and money? It was a miserable stay, and in all my years of travelling I haven't had anything like it. I wouldn't recommend this place.

I went down to the restaurant myself since there’s no room service, then waited 45 minutes for a toasted sandwich and salad. The sandwich was so greasy it was soggy and inedible. The salad seemed to have been under the salamander, and the thick brown sauce and sunflower oil they gave me instead of balsamic vinegar and olive oil didn't look appetizing, so I didn't try the sauce. There were only three tables occupied, and one couple got up to complain. Back in my drab, old-fashioned room, I had to carry the food and my red wine on a tray, since everything here seems to be DIY. They served the wine in a vase used for table arrangements because there were no wine glasses available. The manager or supervisor just nodded and said, “oh ok sorry,” as if this was normal to them. The room had no facilities, and the old decor felt depressing. The whole hotel felt like a time warp. What a disgusting place, no stars from me. I have a busy work day tomorrow, so I can only hope the sheets are clean. Don't stay here. It should be shut down.

There was no shampoo in the room, and when I asked for water, they said they had no bottles to give. The rooms smelled so bad that I don't think anyone with allergies or asthma could stand it. The doors took a hard shove to open, too. Smoke from the grill ventilation filled reception, and you could see and walk right through it. I came away smelling like steak just from passing by.