Outdoor pool

Reviews of The Willow Inn

4 out of 5
The Willow Inn
1 Ambleside Avenue, Lakefield, Benoni, Gauteng

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 114 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 114 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay, very clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Business traveller
The telephone number doesnt work and nobody answered the door
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

mellanie

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Francois Jones on Apr 1, 2020
Good day Mellanie, Thank you for rating your stay at Outlook Lodge Lakefield. The team and I truly appreciate it and we do hope you'll stay with us again in the near future. Until then. Kind Regards, Francois Jones, Outlook Lodges General Manager

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely spot. Staff very friendly. Only drawback is no elevator to get to second floor.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

2/10 Terrible

Amelia

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bad, bad very Bad and spooky
When we arrived, there was no button to let them know we are there. I've drive around the corner, and up and down in the street, don't know how to get in. No visible signs. The place is very dark and spooky. The staff was not friendly, I was so disappointed. This place will never see me again. Please take it off your website.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from Francois Jones on Jan 29, 2020
Good Day Amelia, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. We apologise that you did not enjoy your stay at the lodge . We do have a intercom system at our gate with a sign that states Outlook Lodge and multiple garden lights around the property. Please contact our reservation office for a full refund for your accommodation. Kind Regards, Francois Jones

2/10 Terrible

Martha

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stay away
Carpet dirty. Tap in bathroom broken. No hot water. Pouring rain yet had to get out of car to press intercom as phone was not answered. No bottled water in room. No milk. Ricoffee and cremora!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Francois Jones on Dec 27, 2019
Good Day Martha, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. We apologise that you did not enjoy your stay at the lodge. We did take note of your concerns raised and will look into getting it all corrected. Kind Regards, Francois Jones

10/10 Excellent

Estelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable accommodation
Staff most friendly and accommodating. Conveniently situated.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Francois Jones on Nov 25, 2019
Good day Estelle, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. The team and I truly appreciate your feedback, and are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. We do hope that you'll stay with us again soon. Kind Regards, Francois Jones, Outlook Lodges General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Francois Jones on Oct 7, 2019
Good Day, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. Kind Regards, Francois Jones

8/10 Good

Lynne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Convient stop for airport
Old lodge, nice people, but could use some updating. Great service shuttle to & from airport. Within gated community, safe, but on noisy side road. Great wild bird sanctuary near by for a walk. Food only ok, coffee poor.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Francois Jones on Jun 30, 2019
Good Day Lynne, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. We apologise if our offering did not meet your expectations, we are continuously trying to improve our product offering and we will look into your feedback to correct and improve our property and services. Kind Regards, Francois Jones

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It had a very homey feel and a great place just to relax and regroup after being on a nine day Safari. I absolutely loved the fact that our whole bed pad was heated which felt great on my tired joints and muscles from all the hiking. I was able to have my clothes washed. We did enjoy strolling around the bird sanctuary. It was very convenient and close to the airport. If my goal was to visit Joannasburg every day it would have been a little remote for that. Possible but a good 45 minutes traffic pending. Overall, a great place that worked for our plans in the area.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from Francois Jones on May 17, 2019
Good day, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. We're delighted to hear that you felt at home at the lodge - Lakefield is a cosy lodge and the team and I do our best to create a warm and friendly atmosphere here. It's also great that you were able to explore the area and that you were happy with your stay overall. Until your next visit to the lodge! Kind Regards, Francois Jones, Outlook Lodges General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Helgard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from Francois Jones on May 10, 2019
Good day Helgard, Thank you for rating your stay at Outlook Lodge Lakefield. It seems that your stay was an enjoyable one all-round. We do hope you'll visit us here again soon. Kind Regards, Francois Jones, Outlook Lodges General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Oct 22, 2018
Good day, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. The team and I are delighted that you rated your stay a 5 out of 5. Hopefully, you'll be back for another visit soon. Kind Regards, Francois Jones, Outlook Lodges General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The cutest hotel near OR Tambo
What a great find! The service was lovely, and the room was very cozy with everything you could want for a few-nights stay. Also, I appreciated how clean and new the place felt. And the hotel is in a very secure neighborhood. I would be thrilled to go back to this hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Oct 2, 2018
Good day Sean, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. We're delighted that you enjoyed the cosy, homey feel of the lodge and that you would be happy to stay with us again. This kind of feedback really makes what we do all the more worthwhile. Until your next visit! Kind Regards, Francois Jones, Outlook Lodges General Manager

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Oct 2, 2018
Good day Heather, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. We really appreciate the positive feedback. Hopefully we'll see you here again soon. Kind Regards, Francois Jones, Outlook Lodges General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Hanna, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Such a nice and beautiful place. The staff was helpful and the service was great. The food was amazing and the whole thing was so affordable. Felt very safe and comfortable here.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Sep 14, 2018
Good day Hanna Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. Your feedback is truly appreciated and is definitely something I will share with the team at the lodge. It's great to hear that your experience as a whole was pleasant and that you felt safe and comfortable. Until your next stay with us! Kind Regards

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Jun 18, 2018
Good day Thank you for rating your stay at Outlook Lodge Lakefield. We do appreciate it and hope you will stay with us again in the future. Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Charlie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Francois Jones on May 24, 2018
Good day Charlie Thank you for giving us a 5-star rating. We appreciate it and do hope to see you here again soon. Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A gem
Excellent service, comfortable bed, soft linen, amazing breakfast. However, he internet was slow, almost non-existent.
Stayed 1 night in May 2018
Response from Francois Jones on May 24, 2018
Good day Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. Your feedback is much appreciated and we will certainly work on improving that. We're delighted that the accommodations and breakfast was to your liking. I will also pass on your kind words about the service you received, to our staff. Until next time. Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Stella, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very social and hospitable
Supper and breakfast time was a time to meet people from other countries if guests felt like it. The host was very helpful especially navigating the transport system and it wasn't about money. I booked for 9 days and left to go to Durban, I expected to pay for my suppers which were not included in my booking only breakfast was included. The host Francois would not accept payment for the 3 dinners I had had when I offered to pay. He just went above and beyond my expectations. We all need good people when we are away from home.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Mar 22, 2018
Good day Stella Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. I'm delighted that you felt at home with us, and I truly appreciate your kind words. We always aim to create a social, warm and friendly environment at the lodge so it's great to hear that you were able to enjoy that aspect of your experience. Hopefully you'll be staying here with us again soon. Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Alejandra , Paraguay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great guest house
Great place to stay, safe and near the airport. The staff and owner of the house were very kind and friendly. The service was excellent in general.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Mar 12, 2018
Dear Alejandra Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. We really do value your comments on the service you received during your stay with us. I'm so glad you enjoyed the experience. Until next time. Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Ian, Cairns Qld Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice secure and clean lodge
Francois made our stay enjoyable. The accomodation was relaxing and clean. The lodge is in a secure area so you always felt safe. A recognised pickup and drop off for the safari companies and only 8-9 kms from airport. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Mar 5, 2018
Dear Ian Thanks again for the review, and for your compliments on the accommodations and location of the lodge. Take care. Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Ian, Cairns Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice stay
Nice accomodation and great host. Room spacious and clean
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018
Response from Francois Jones on Mar 5, 2018
Dear Ian Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. It's great to hear that you had a nice stay with us. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Until next time. Kind Regards

10/10 Excellent

Katy , Auckland, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Second time, just a good as the first.
If you are looking for somewhere away from those boring hotels and are looking for something a little more friendly, look no further. We have stayed here twice now and it is great. Francois is so welcoming and nothing is a problem. The environment is very comfortable and the food is excellent. Try this out I can't speak highly enough about Outlook Lodge.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017
Response from Francois Jones on Aug 26, 2017
Dear Katy, Thank you for reviewing Outlook Lodge Lakefield. Glad to see that you enjoyed your stay with us and that you felt at home. Until next time. Regards, Francois Jones General Manager

8/10 Good

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worth a Stay
The Lodge was totally satisfactory with the best parts being the terrific service and excellent food. The breakfast, which came with the room, was abundant and quite tasty. The optional dinner was excellent with the wine complementary. The bedroom was adequate for a night or two stay but did not have Wifi (excellent coverage in the public area, however). The bed was of the full size, not quite the comfort of other lodges in which I have stayed. All in all I was very pleased.

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great way to start trip
My wife and I stayed here our first night in South Africa. We chose it as it was close to the airport, but not at the airport. It also offered a convenient jumping off point for our drive to Kruger on day two. Our room was spacious and very nice and Francois was very friendly and a pleasure to talk to. Before the tip, the lodge was very accommodating in setting up a day tour for us to see a few sites in Johannesburg. If we ever pass through again, we'll certainly stay here.

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

BCzimbo, Kent, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice stopover
Good place to recover after or before a long flight to nearby OTambo International airport. Quiet, restful, helpful. Safe in gated area, Francois very helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay. Very accommodating friendly staff. Easy smooth pickup at the airport for a nominal fee.

8/10 Good

Brett

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Randy, Maine and Soth Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Always a warm welcome
This was my third stay at Outlook Lodge, where there is always a warm welcome, comfortable accommodations and a helpful staff. Outlook is a B&B, not an hotel, so don't expect hotel amenities. That said, rooms are well-equipped and modern, and there is a pool. Manager Francois will gladly arrange day trips with English-speaking local drivers, very useful in Johannesburg, where you drive on the left in traffic that reminds me of LA. He always has plenty of suggestions for sights, activities and restaurants if needed. There is even a bird sanctuary within walking distance for those who are interested in viewing wildlife.

10/10 Excellent

Thomas, Sammamish WA USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great value
Great hotel; crazy low price. Wonderful meals by Francois ... Set up in a way to meet other guests. I'm returning this week.

10/10 Excellent

James, Decatur, GA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
First class service and accommodations
Fantastic stays going to and coming from Kruger National Park. The owner Francois is a delight and bent over backward to provide amazing service, from rustling up dinner for me when I arrived late to waking up and giving me a bag-o-breakfast when I left the next morning to drive to Kruger at 4 am to working with me (and calming me down!) when I had two flat tires and had to sit on the roadside for 5 hours into the night on the way out of Kruger. The accommodations are splendid and the food is excellent. First class in every way!

10/10 Excellent

William, South Daytona Florida USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A little paradise in Benoni
Fantastic !!! Our host & accommodations were better than many 5 star hotels

10/10 Excellent

Mark , Alabama USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Whatever more can you ask for?
Secure location good sleep great breakfast what more can you ask for?

10/10 Excellent

Brad, Badger Holdings

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional Stay
A very comfortable home from home stay with personalised attention. Francois as a host is an organised, helpful, willing, friendly asset to the owners of Outlook Lodge.

10/10 Excellent

jane, Alaska

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Safe beautiful area near Tambo Intl Airport
I have stayed here every year for 4 years. It is a wonderful location and the staff is extremely accommodating and friendly. Every year they have made improvements and it is becoming a very upscale boutique B&B. I don't ever look for anywhere else when I am in the Johannesburg area. Francois is an excellent manager. It is so comfortable that it is very much like being at home.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Steven Gomer, San francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Couldn't have asked for a lovelier stay. Staff, accommodations, facilities, upkeep, meals all first class. If anything, everything everything surpassed my expectations...

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent hotel close to airport
Quiet hotel only 15 minutes drive from airport. Reliable pick up and drop off service from/to airport for a minimal cost. As a single traveller felt very safe. Staff really went out of their way to make me feel at home. Excellent food.

10/10 Excellent

Susan Sloan, Oregon, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Must I leave?
I stayed at Outlook Lodge for two nights on arrival at JNB after the grueling flights from the West coast of USA. This place was heaven! My room was clean and comfortable, with a lavatory easily as big as the rest of the suite, and that was quite generous. Francoise and Rinnelle were great hosts, and I felt pampered the whole time. The lodge is located in a gated community, and in spite of the security measures, I didn't feel imprisoned. The cozy lounge and gas fireplace encourage friendly chats with other travelers. I recommend the dinner service--both dinner meals were excellent, and the value for the cost is exceptional in my opinion. When in Joburg, I won't stay anywhere else.

10/10 Excellent

simoneha, Geelong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Always a Pleasure
I have lost count of how many times I have stayed at Outlook over the past years, but I have always had a great experience each time. The airport pickups are reliable and well organised, the hospitality first rate, and there is always an interesting conversation to be had with Francois, the Manager. It really is a home away from home.. The hotel is well located, close to the airport while still in an attractive, leafy and secure suburb. The food is also very good, especially Francois'desserts!

10/10 Excellent

Walter, Philippines

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
fun and groovy stay
Had a great time with hilarious Francois. It's an experience.

10/10 Excellent

Simone, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Always made to feel welcome
I have used Outlook Lodge when I have Johannesburg stopovers, for the past 3 years. (It was recommended to me by a booking agent and has been a much appreciated recommendation) Francois is a great manager and host, always with an entertaining story or two to tell. The rooms are clean, meals are good healthy home cooking with a twist or two that makes them special, and the atmosphere is always relaxed, homely without being boring.. The airport pickups are great too - I love being met by a happy, friendly driver each time. I will be back, and back, and back!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Brilliant
The most welcoming lodge I have ever stayed at. I felt so welcomed and it is definitely a home away from home

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful location, friendly staff that make you feel like family. They happily catered for my tricky dietary requirements. They also have free wi-fi which is great when you want to connect with family back home. I would definitely stay there again.

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte, Wisconsin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable and Welcoming
My husband and I stayed at Outlook Lodge twice during our recent trip to South Africa. It is very convenient to the JNB airport and the hotel arranges for airport transit. The house is big and architecturally interesting but has many updates including spacious and modern bathrooms. There are many comfortable outdoor and indoor places to relax and enjoy the amenities. The staff are very friendly and committed to helping you enjoy your stay at Outlook Lodge and your trip to South Africa. The food is of high quality and very plentiful. One evening, Francios prepared a braai with lamb, beef and sausages as well and delicious vegetables. The other evening we had ostrich which was also very good. The breakfasts are fresh and plentiful. The structure of the house encourages interaction with the other guests and we enjoyed two very lively and interesting evenings. There is a house dog who is unobtrusive but very responsive to a little attention from the guests. We really enjoyed staying at the Outlook Lodge and if the opportunity presents we will look forward to returning.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great for stay on way to Kruger from airport
Outlook Lodge is very comfortable; a gracious house with equally gracious and informative host. Very helpful with maps, directions, recommendations. They also do safaris, we had our own planned and booked so did not use that service. It can be a bit difficult to find the Lodge, our GPS took us a long route.Outlook Lodge also does dinner, helpful as they are in a quiet area---only approx 20 minutes from JNB airport OR Tambo, which is great --convenient and yet quiet.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
relaxed atmosphere
good welcome. relaxed atmosphere. pleasant surroundings. Easy to find even without sat nav

8/10 Good

Tom & Mary, Rochester NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant & convenient to ORTampo airport
Francois is the owner/host who made us feel welcome and comfortable from the moment we pulled onto the driveway. Our room was pleasant and quiet; the bath is across the hallway, but was private for our room. We had both dinner and breakfast, and enjoyed both. The grounds are lovely....be sure to take some time to walk around.

10/10 Excellent

Guest, London, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fab gem of a place for visiting South Africa.
Photos and reviews don't do this place enough justice. Francois, the site manager, can't do enough for his guests... I was in SA for a friends wedding and had over done it on the eating... Francois made sure breakfast was very healthy and as late as I wanted it with offers of dinner thrown in! As it wasn't a busy period, I was able to check out at 4pm! Who does that without charge? My own personal tour guide at a cost and then had a free transfer to the airport! Outlook lodge is definitely a home away from home and I would highly recommend it.