We stayed in the Saxon just one night before coming back home. This is a beautiful property located in a gated compound (really high walls) in a high-end residential zone. Once inside, the hotel is designed as a park with lots of trees and expansive lawns, it's very unique. But there are problems. On the same trip we also stayed in the Four Seasons The Westcliff, so read our review there if you are to choose between these two properties.
ROOMS: we stayed in two luxury villas which are fabulous with very modern design and tech. Huge marble bathrooms with under floor heating, complimentary minibar and a butler.
That's, for sure, the best luxury accommodations in Jo'burg. The villa buildings are connected to the main hotel through a sky walk amid their gardens.
SERVICE: we had a bad experience and do not recommend the hotel because of its service. When arrived our driver was directed to the Villa compound garage and that was our first impression of this very unique property: arrive at a garage as in an airport hotel.
Our butler welcomed us and took us to the villa and did a nice orientation about the room. That's all, no information about the property, its restaurants, SPA, Pool, breakfast times, how to get to the main hotel, etc.
I did ask for a dinner reservation at Qunu but when we arrived at the main hotel no one could find any reservation and we had to confirm to three different people that we WERE guests (they did accommodate us after that).
As I always like to give constructive feedback, after dinner, I reached the main hotel front desk and explained how frustrated we were about the check-in procedures.
The front desk apologized and that's all, not a word from management or even the Villa Manager we encountered 15 mins later.
This hotel has lots of staff and one can note that they strive for perfection, but they just don't get it as spontaneity is lost and service seems to be robotic some times.
Also, one or another staff member is on the snob side (what's very sad in a luxury hotel, in 2020).
ATMOSPHERE: we found the place very calm and relaxing. But, as it was raining, their gardens get really dark and gloomy (lot's of trees).
Most public areas we visited were empty-dead, ecxept for the Qunu restaurant which seems to be very popular in the city. Overall, the property is very detached from the city.
BREAKFAST: good variety and service (but the bread in the buffet was rock hard). The breakfast at the Four Seasons was a much delightful experience (better variety, service and awesome views), and the same could be said for all aspects of our stay at these two hotels (except for rooms, as the Saxon accomodations are bigger, more modern and luxurious).
In conclusion, when compared to the Four Seasons, The Saxon (while a wonderful Hotel and option in Jo'burg) delivers much less, and for a higher price, with less than stellar service, a dark ambiance and somewhat weak identity.