The bohemian suburb of Melville in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a mecca for students attending the universities of Johannesburg and Witwatersrand. Once part of the original Braamfontein farmlands, before the 1886 discovery of gold in Witwatersrand, its picturesque woodland scenery offers magnificent mountain views and is the location of the Melville Koppies, a protected archeological site. It’s among the northern suburbs of the city, with shops, restaurants, and food markets lining the streets and lovely Victorian-style guest houses, surrounded by blooming jacarandas.
The vibrant atmosphere and laidback, hippie lifestyle attract poets, writers, artists, and tourists, so stay a few days and book one of these top Airbnb vacation rentals in Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa, to fully enjoy the lovely town’s scenery. We’ve listed them all below, so check them out!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Eccentric city cottage (from USD 35)
An idyllic base to explore non-touristy things in Johannesburg, this bright cottage boasts colorful designs and worldly decors throughout, from the entrance to the interiors. Let this accommodation enchant you with its features, including a Moroccan courtyard that you and your company can use for a shindig, snacks and drinks in tow.
With close distance to boutique shops, trendy eateries, and a few markets, you can eat your meals or easily whip up your own in the generous kitchen/dining area. The bathroom beside the bed is accessed through a wooden sliding door. This chic Melville Airbnb comes with a shared pool, as well as an outdoor braai. It’s also a great pet-and LGBTQIA+-friendly space!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room is beautiful with a rustic charmHost:
lovely and pleasant hostshe is the best host i have stayed withshe was a super responsive and friendly host with the best dogsshe is so helpful with recommendations tips and even surprised us with some local treatsthe host is on site and was helpful with issues encountered to a pointRead more reviewsLocation:
prefect for a short stay - great locationlots of nice places to eat within walking distancegreat location comfy place and amazing hospitalitya great location and lovely hostgreat location near the buzz but far enough not to keep you up
2. Delicate homestay in off-grid location (from USD 35)
Although the trendiest spots can be reached only a few steps away, what sets this charming cottage to rent in Melville apart from the rest is its relaxing and peaceful views of the countryside from afar - a great change of pace from bustling city streets. This dainty chalet hosts a well-fitted bed that can sleep up to two persons, a tiny pantry area with a microwave oven and kettle, and a bathroom.
Get your work done in peace at the bedside dining table using fiber Wi-Fi, or enjoy a cup of tea on the balcony the morning after your first night here. There is a private pool that you can access to cool off all your stress and worries.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage is comfortable and charming and has a lovely view of the hills of johannesburgsuuuuper comfortable bed really close to 7th with a lovely view overlooking melville koppiesthey had coffee and snacks waiting for me and the bed was very comfortablesarah cottage is a comfortable place to stay when you are in johannesburggreat location lovely view beautiful garden and poolHost:
sarah is an amazing hostsarah is a great hostsarah was a great hostsarah was very welcoming and responsivethank you sarah for being such a welcoming and helpful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and wonderful hostyou have a beautiful house and garden in a quiet place with a close by lively neighbourhoodit is lovingly furnished perfectly located near 7th street and yet totally quiet and safelively 7th street with shops and restaurants is just a short walk awaythe apartment garden and location is perfect for a short relaxing stay i'll be back:)
3. Bright and spacious apartment in Melville (from USD 48)
Situated in the culturally vibrant suburb of Melville, this apartment is near trendy restaurants, shops, and bars, allowing you to easily mingle with the cool crowds of the city. It’s also quite close to the city center, which means you will have easy access to pretty much everything the city has to offer. The apartment features a modern design, offering well-lit spaces and providing enough room to fit up to two comfortably. Amenities include a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a TV, among others.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
overall a nice cosy apartment with lovely furniture in an ideal areathe apartment was easily accessible modernly neat and cozyCleanliness:
clean beautiful and breath takingvery clean and a quiet neighborhoodclean and cozy homethe place was sparkling clean stylish and spaciousthe place is sparking clean and stylishHost:
the host is so thoughtfultristan was an exceptionally amazing hosthe was super responsivethe hosts were readily available to help with any issueshost always responds quickly and was always willing to helpRead more reviewsLocation:
such a beautiful amazing place close to restaurantsperfect location close to restaurants and barsbeautiful place in a good locationstylish modern and secure apartment in close proximity to melville/parkhurstrick's place is truly a rare find totally recommend this placeMonthly discount: 30% off
4. Modern charm for gourmets
This cozy guesthouse is a concrete structure separate from the main house in a corner of a property, two minutes away from the bars, restaurants, and shops on 7th Street. The beige-colored walls, tiled flooring, and wide windows make the space bright and breezy. The open plan is shared by the rustic, fully-stocked kitchen and dining area that doubles as a desk. There’s also a king-sized bed, ideal for two adults and large cabinets.
The private bathroom has a sink, toilet, and spa tub with hot water and free essentials. Enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, cable TV, an indoor fireplace, free parking, luggage dropoff, long-term stays, and a BBQ in the yard. Do note that the owner’s pets roam freely on the property and are off-limits inside the unit.
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
1.7 km (1.1 mi) from Westcliff StairsAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed sleeps comfortably hot tub/jet bath was relaxing wifi was supremegreat little place with very functional kitchen and comfortable mattressthe open plan kitchen and bedroom have a nice cottagy feel to it complete with separate entrancethe home is comfortable with great amenities and is in a really good locationrecommend pablo's for breakfast and lucky bean for wine and dinnerCleanliness:
very clean and modern spacevery clean and great entertainment toovery clean organized etcthe place is beatiful very clean and charmingclean and well equipped with a super comfortable bedHost:
steven certainly deserves his super host ratingsteven and gogo are wonderful hosts who made me feel very much at homesteven communicated well and he was a great hoststeven is a fantastic host and readily available to ask for advice or helpgreat neighboorhood and very welcoming host always availableRead more reviewsLocation:
close to a great strip of restaurants in melvillevery well located and secureexcellent location and value for moneythis spot was perfectly located close to great spots in melvillegreat place great value for money central to everything and just a 2min walk from the heart of melville
5. Avond guest unit (from USD 20)
The luxurious self-catering room for rent in Melville is next to the terrace of the main house, at the back of the property. It has an exclusive entryway, accessible by wooden stairs and a tiny furnished balcony, overlooking the lush landscape. The spacious interiors, decorated with light yellow walls, tiled flooring, and big windows, exudes a warm, breezy ambiance.
The open layout features a cozy queen-sized bed, large wardrobe, carpeting, a dining table set for two, a tiny seating area in the corner, and a cable TV with DVD player. The equipped kitchenette and private bathroom are in separate rooms, decorated with classy black tiles. The bathroom has a tub with hot water and free toiletries.
Enjoy luxuries, like free Wi-Fi, heating, laundry facilities, free parking, and luggage dropoff. It’s ideal for singles or couples looking for long-term stays in this quiet, artisan community and near cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great features: big screen tv with internet and netflixlovely apartment feels like a tree house up in the canopy great amenities and cleanthe bed is huge and comfortable and above all the wifi is fasti definitely recommend this stylish warm comfortable and convenient cottage for anybody spending time in jozia fully furnished and awesome place to relax and unwind almost a five star hotel room in a gardenCleanliness:
it was warm clean and cozyeverything is very cleanto expensive for what it it is clean up the garagesecond stay at hanlie's and it was just clean and accomodating as the first staythe studio was immaculate at my arrival and the communication with hanlie super easyHost:
the host was very welcomingfriendly host and great accommodationkind and welcoming man and wifegreat place and great hostthe hosts are very warm and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
situated in a pleasant neighbourhoodhanlie's place is located in a nice neighborhoodthis was the perfect location for mevery close to restaurants and entertainmentthe location is great and within waking distance of the bustling 7th street
6. Magical Sunbeam Cottage
Up for rent is a guest suite, detached from a single level cottage with its own entrance through the garage. It’s near the Millpark Hospital, UJ and Wits Universities, Gautrain Station, Rosebank CBD, and the city center. The huge room has cozy interiors of warm, olive-green walls, white ceilings, and marble flooring. The open plan features a huge, thick-cushioned bed that sleeps two guests and is cozy for lounging while watching cable TV. There’s also a dining table set for two, large cabinets, a mini-fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, and complimentary goodies.
The ensuite bathroom has floor-to-ceiling tiles with an enclosed shower and free toiletries. The room has access to a furnished patio overlooking the garden and swimming pool. Conveniences, like Wi-Fi, heating, hot water, free parking, use of the pool, and luggage dropoff, are all provided with long and short-term stays.
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
1.93 km (1.2 mi) from Westcliff StairsAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the yard is gorgeous and the cottage is cozy and beautifuldidnt have worry about breakfast in the mornings found muesli and rusk in the roomthe apartment is as described and was perfect for usthe pool is great and there's a roof-level deck with views of joburg above the guest housewe were very happy to enjoy the space including the beautiful backyard and rooftop tableCleanliness:
the place was very clean and relaxingvery nicely decorated clean and convenientthe place is peaceful quite and very clean and safethe room is spotless comfortable and very private as wellrod and muffy's place is great value spotlessly clean and very comfortableHost:
wonderful place run by wonderful hoststhe hosts are incredibly helpfulvery lovely and hospitable hoststhey're lovely and very helpfulgreat hosts that make our stay greatRead more reviewsLocation:
we only wish we could’ve spent more time at their place chilling in the gardenit was walking distance from the shops and restaurants and a lovely evening walkthe place is located in a very nice suburb where you are close to many interesting thingsprivate cute little place to spend some time in jo’burg/melvillemelville is a wonderful neighbourhood
7. Lovely room in a chalet (from USD 20)
This chalet is walking distance to 7th Street and five minutes away from sidewalk cafes, shops, and restaurants. Up for rent is a self-contained guest suite, which is a separate structure from the main house.
This affordable Airbnb in Melville has its own entrance and is fully equipped with a kitchenette, dining area, tall cabinets, a classic wooden day bed, and a double-sized bed that sleeps two guests comfortably. The private bathroom contains a shower with free toiletry essentials. Basic luxuries, like Wi-Fi, a desk space, laundry facilities, and free on-site parking, are available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable sleep - i loved the linen great amenities - i enjoyed the coffeesave parking free wifi and white linen makes this a perfect choicewe especially enjoyed the shower bed and wifia cute little pad that offers the basic amenities to make your stay comfortablegreat size room plenty big for x2 with little kitchen area sofa cupboard etcCleanliness:
very clean and neatthe place was spotless clean and smelling greatnonetheless i’m grateful to have had a nice clean place to rest and enjoy johannesburgvery clean and what every couple will likewarm welcome place very cleanHost:
courtney is an amazing hostcourtney is a great hostgreat hospitality and great hostthank you for a great host courtneyour host courtney was very friendly and hospitableRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location and very comfortable sleepinggreat location near some of joburg‘s top spotsthe apartment is in an excellent location which is safe secure and centrally locatednice place very nice locationsuper close to everything melville has to offer
8. The perfect base in Melville (from USD 31)
Walking distance to shops, pubs, and restaurants is this lovely garden cottage that hosts two guests. It’s near the universities, making it an ideal shelter for parents visiting their kids enrolled in those schools. If you’re too lazy to eat out in the Braamfontein District, you can stay home and eat at the counter in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering relaxing views of the pool and garden. A cozy double-sized bed that sleeps two, a sofa bed that could sleep an extra person, and tall cabinets share the open layout with free Wi-Fi and heating.
Between the bedroom and the private bathroom is a small kitchenette, equipped to cook simple meals. The private bathroom has an enclosed tub with a shower, toilet, sink, and free toiletry essentials. A door from the bedroom opens onto a furnished outdoor patio, where you can enjoy dining al fresco or relaxing between dips in the pool. Enjoy free parking, luggage dropoff, and long-term stays.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cottage is stocked as described with a small kitcheonette and a comfortable bathroomthe cottage is very beautiful neat and cozythe room is wonderful and the amnemneties just what you need when you travelinga safe private room in the most beautiful garden in a quiet street of melvillejohn's place was as described very cozy and clean beautiful garden and patioCleanliness:
beautiful and very clean placeclean and comfortable hide outa nice spacious and clean roomvery clean and nice garden cottagea clean quiet place and very close to amenities super clean and john is just a text awayHost:
great hosts as welljohn and debbie were lovely hosts and made us feel like homehe is a gracious hostjohn and his wife were also really helpful and lovely hoststhe host was very amazing and responded promptly to our requests during our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
well located and secureperfect location for checking out johannesburg in quiet but still central neighborhoodgreat place location is ideal to explore melvillegood quiet neighborhood close to restaurantsreally nice place near all the restaurants
9. Poolside cottage (from USD 54)
This property is a block away from 27 Boxes and two blocks to restaurants and clubs along 7th Street. The rental is a cottage at the back of the house, surrounded by a lush, tree-lined garden with a pool. Its elegant, spacious interiors are decorated with white walls, carpeting, marble flooring, and modern furniture. All on one floor is the king-sized bed that sleeps two guests, the fully-equipped kitchen with a washer, a cozy living room with a couch, cable TV, high-speed internet, and heating.
Enjoy hot showers in the private bathroom with free toiletries. The room has access to the outdoor patio, pool, and garden. The owner allows luggage dropoff and long-term stays with free on-site parking.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
ac and wifi worked greatthe patio by the pool gives a perfect view of the amazing succulents in the yardthe cottage is stylish and comfortable with a cushy bed well-equipped kitchen and garden viewthe pool side cottage was the perfect size for the two of usthe enclosed garden pool and fountain felt like an escape from busy joburgCleanliness:
it was spotless clean and really stylishthe guest house was neat clean and beautifully decoratedit was very cozy and clean with a comfortable bedhonestly everything was perfect the place is beautiful clean and we felt save all the timethis is a wonderful place it has everything you need very clean and beautifulHost:
the host is extremely welcomingstylishly appointed and decorated wonderful host with lots of special toucheslisa's a great host to her wonderful guest houselisa is a wonderful host with a lovely property she was very accommodating and easy to communicate withlisa is such a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is also great and in short walking distance to some great restaurantsthere are nice restaurants close by the housewalk safely to all local placesreally nice place close to the mainstreet of melvillethe neighborhood has many cute shops and restaurants and it’s safe to walk around during the day
10. Private room with a great location (from USD 19)
Up for rent is a private guest room in a home with classic interiors. It’s 8 km (5 miles) away from Johannesburg, 12 km (7.5 miles) to Rosebanks’s shops, 20 km (12.4 miles) to Sandton, and a 40-minute drive to the airport. The spacious room is separate from the main home with its own private entrance. It has classic interiors, including high ceilings, wooden floors, arched doorways, wide windows, and vintage furniture. It’s furnished with a queen-sized bed, cozy for two guests, a large wardrobe, and a desk space with modern conveniences, like wireless internet, heating, and laundry facilities.
The ensuite bathroom has floor-to-ceiling tiles with an enclosed shower and free toiletry essentials. Enjoy free parking, use of the kitchen and swimming pool, and patio access.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the home is filled with beautiful artwork and very tastefully decorated with a comfortable bedthe room was spacious and comfortable with wooden floors and high ceilingsCleanliness:
spacious and very cleanbathroom is also large and clean with excellent water pressurethe room was large spacious and cleanthe place was fully kitted out clean & the perfect locationHost:
lovely room and hostsvery friendly host and lovely familyshe is very friendly and kind ladyprivacy is good and the hosts are very friendly and welcominghildegard was a great and helpful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great tooperfect location quiet but very close to bars and restaurantsexcellent location next to the main lively streetgreat place close to some nice restaurantsand the location is really near some great restaurants and pubs
11. The Cottage
This spacious, self-catering cottage is two blocks away from 27 Boxes and the restaurants on 7th Street and three minutes away from SABC, Media 24, and the universities. It’s a well-designed cottage with a single floor, featuring a cozy living room, dining area, and a fully-stocked kitchen sharing the open layout. The private bathroom adjacent to the kitchen contains a luxurious bathtub, supplied with hot water and toiletries.
To sleep five guests, there is a queen-sized bed in the bedroom, two single beds, and a sofa bed in the living room. Guests are provided conveniences like free Wi-Fi, desk space, laundry facilities, heating, free street and on-site parking, access to the swimming pool, luggage dropoff, and long-term stays. For outdoor relaxation, you can lounge by the pool on the furnished, covered patio.
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
2.36 km (1.5 mi) from Westcliff StairsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the heater and hot water bottles certainly made a differencethe property has a small splash pool and very cute dogs and had space for our carwhat a lovely space comfortable secure and privatei also received an unexpected but welcome upgrade of my roomwe had a great and comfortable stayCleanliness:
clean and comfortable bedsher house is beautiful clean and neat in a quiet area of melvillethe property was stylish and cleanthe place is very clean and well suited to travelersthe apartment was clean and the bed soft and i did not want for anythingHost:
marie is a wonderful hostmarie is a great hostmarie is a great host she makes you feel at homeshe is a wonderful host who goes the extra milemarie is an amazing hostRead more reviewsLocation:
nice place close to melvillegreat location and easy to walk around melvilleit is also close to many cool spotsperfect location close to amenitiesgreat dining spots only 5-10 min walk away
12. Private poolside room
This private room is detached from the residence and near bookstores, bars, a bakery, café, and restaurants. The owners live on the property, but guests have their own entrance and access to the outdoor pool. This lovely spacious room has a modern minimalist design with wide windows offering refreshing views of the pool and garden. It contains a cozy double bed that sleeps two guests and includes heating, a TV, free Wi-Fi, a desk space, large wardrobe, complimentary coffee, mini fridge, a microwave, and dining utensils.
The ensuite bathroom has a tub and hot shower with free bath essentials. A door opens to the pool and a furnished covered patio. Enjoy long-term stays with free parking and complimentary room cleaning services wherein fresh linen is provided if you stay more than seven days.
2.1 km (1.3 mi) from Westcliff Stairs
13. Well-furnished private unit
This apartment is near restaurants, shops, markets, art galleries, pubs, hospitals, universities, the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, and across from an elementary school and public transportation. The well-appointed flat has a lovely flower garden in the backyard and street parking in front. The ample space hosts four guests and is decorated with pastel-colored interiors and modern wooden furniture. The lounge has a double-sized sofa bed, perfect for relaxing while watching DVDs or cable TV and can sleep two extra guests.
The fully-equipped kitchen has a dining table set for four guests and French doors that open to a furnished patio. The bedroom is equipped with a queen-sized bed that sleeps two guests, a wardrobe, heater, desk space, and free Wi-Fi. The private bathroom has a tub, sink, toilet, and free toiletries.
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
2.25 km (1.4 mi) from Westcliff StairsSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice bath soaps and a powerful ironthe lounge area works well as a second bedroom and the sofa bed was surprisingly comfortable :)the space is lovely comfortable and very relaxinga lovely apartment where you can feel safe and secure with amenities close bythe cottage is perfect centrally located well-equipped and very cozyCleanliness:
raath b&b was very clean and stylishreally clean great facilities secure locationvery affordable very secure very clean and very cozyexcellent communication helpful hosts and a very comfortable and clean unitcomfortable clean accomdation at a great priceHost:
the hosts were very welcoming and their home is lovelygreat host and lovely placefriendly helpful hostsgreat hosts who are very helpful and friendlythe hosts were friendly and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
cute little place at a great locationgreat quiet location within a 10 minute walk to the cool side in melvilleperfect location in the very trendy melvilleclose to great restaurants and shopsgideon's place was amazing the location was convenient and walking distance to everything
Joburg's best shelters!
Close to town and artistic interiors are the best features of the vacation rentals you’ll find in Melville. Not only do they offer the most comfortable stays with their modern amenities, the warm ambiance they exude match the relaxing, laidback atmosphere of this hipster town. These are some of the reasons why you’ll be coming back for more of Melville.
Frequently asked questions about the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa
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