Johannesburg's BEST Kept Secret: 130 Market B&Bs (You NEED to See This!)

130 MARKET BED AND BREAKFAST Johannesburg South Africa

Johannesburg's BEST Kept Secret: 130 Market B&Bs (You NEED to See This!)

Johannesburg's BEST Kept Secret: 130 Market B&Bs (You NEED to See This!) - Forget the Bland, Embrace the Buzz!

Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I’m about to spill the beans on a Jozi gem that’s been my personal secret for far too long: 130 Market B&Bs. Seriously, forget those soulless chain hotels. This place? It’s got VIBE. And I'm gonna give you the real deal, the good, the slightly quirky, the definitely worth-it.

First Impressions: Access & Arrival - Because Let's Be Real, Getting There Matters

Okay, so accessibility is totally covered, which is a massive win for a traveler like me who sometimes needs those little extras. And listen, parking in Joburg can be a nightmare, but 130 Market B&Bs has Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Huge. HUGE convenience. And the valet parking? Luxurious. I mean, it's not the Ritz, but when you're lugging bags and fighting jet lag, a friendly face is always a blessing. The entire process of check in, with Contactless check-in/out, was quick and easy but still felt personal.

And the location? Right in the thick of it. I wouldn't say it's picture perfect but that’s part of the charm. You're right in the heart of the city. Getting around is easy too, with Taxi service available, and they offer Airport transfer.

Rooms & Comfort: Where the Magic Happens (and Naptime is Mandatory)

Let's talk about the rooms. Now, I've stayed in a few, and each one has its own personality. They're not cookie-cutter, you know? They've got character. You've got your basics, of course: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Hair dryer, In-room safe box. But then you get into the details that make the difference. The blackout curtains are a godsend. Slept like a log, which is crucial when you're trying to explore a city. Oh, and the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - absolute lifesaver. And it actually works. Unlike some places where you spend half your vacation wrestling with the internet. Internet access – wireless throughout which I was happy about.

They’ve got a few little goodies:

• Bathrobes and Slippers? Yes, please.
• Coffee/tea maker in the room meant I didn't have to stumble out of bed for my morning caffeine fix. Complimentary tea too.
• Additional toilet in the room was much appreciated.

The Little Touches & the Big Picture: Cleanliness & Safety, Here’s the Scoop

Okay, let's get real. Safety is paramount. And 130 Market B&Bs hits the mark. They take it SERIOUSLY. It was like walking into a fortress of hygiene. The staff are absolutely dedicated. They provide Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and the whole nine yards. They also give you the option to Room sanitization opt-out available. Staff trained in safety protocol and hand sanitizer everywhere you look. They have all the Safety/security feature in place. To me, it felt super safe, and that's a massive weight off your shoulders, especially in a city like Johannesburg.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and the Post-Adventure Chill)

Alright, the food! Listen, I'm a sucker for a good breakfast. And 130 Market B&Bs doesn't disappoint. Breakfast [buffet] is standard, but they always offer Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. It's varied, fresh, and plentiful – the PERFECT way to start your day. They offer Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service so you can eat in your room if you want. And can I just say, the coffee? Much better quality than you find at a lot of places.

They provide Bottle of water in all the rooms too!

There’s a Coffee shop here.

Services & Conveniences: Making Life Easy

They offer a whole bunch of services to make your life easier. The concierge is incredibly helpful. And daily housekeeping meant my room was always sparkling. The fact that they deliver Food delivery is a plus. They also provide Laundry service, and dry cleaning in case you need it.

For the Kids - Family Friendly… But Is It REALLY?

Okay, so family/child friendly is checked off, but I don't have kids, so I can't fully vouch for it. But there's a Babysitting service offered if you need it.

Ways to Relax – The Spa & Other Self-Care Stuff

Now, this is where things get interesting. The spa. I'm not going to lie - I spent a lot of time there. They have a Spa/sauna, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. And, of course, massages – which were divine. Seriously, melted my stress away.

Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls

Okay, the location is EVERYTHING. You are in the thick of it. You can easily walk to explore the city.

Overall Vibe: Quirky, Charming, and Unforgettable.

I give 130 Market B&Bs a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s not perfect, nothing is. It has its quirks, its imperfections. But for the price, the location, the staff, and the sheer vibe… it’s a winner. And honestly, it’s more interesting and memorable than a perfectly polished faceless hotel.

Here’s My Honest Take: The Real Deal

Look, this isn’t a luxury experience, a chain hotel offering. What it is is an authentic South African experience. From the friendly staff to the eclectic rooms to the buzz of the location, it’s just different. It’s worth it.

The Offer: Ditch the Bland, Embrace the Buzz!

Exclusive Offer for Readers:

Book your stay at 130 Market B&Bs within the next month and receive a complimentary:

• Welcome Drink: A refreshing South African craft beer or a non-alcoholic drink on arrival.
• Late Checkout: Enjoy an extra hour of relaxation before you depart.
• Insider's Guide: A personalized list of the best local restaurants, bars, and hidden gems, curated by the B&B staff.

How to Book:

Visit their website (I’ll provide the link at the end!) and use the code "MARKETMAGIC" at checkout to redeem your exclusive offer.

Don't miss out on Johannesburg's BEST Kept Secret! Book your stay at 130 Market B&Bs today and experience the real Jozi!

(Website link will be inserted here when available.)

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130 MARKET BED AND BREAKFAST Johannesburg South Africa

Johannesburg: 130 Market B&B - A Messy, Wonderful Week (Maybe)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is the real deal. Johannesburg, the city of gold… and apparently, a whole lotta dust. I’m staying at 130 Market B&B, which, judging by the pictures, looks utterly charming. Pray for me.

Day 1: Arrival & Ah, The Dreaded Jet Lag Embrace! (AKA: Wandering Around Aimlessly)

• Morning (ish): Land at OR Tambo. Smooth landing? Hell no, it was bumpy as hell. My stomach just lurched the entire time. Immigration was a breeze, thankfully. Managed to get a taxi to the B&B – the driver kept trying to sell me "special" souvenirs. I politely declined, mainly because I was too bleary-eyed to understand anything except "expensive".

• Afternoon: Check-in. 130 Market is… well, it's lived-in, shall we say. The charm is definitely there, but it's more "eccentric grandmother's house" than "boutique hotel," which, honestly, I kinda love. The owner, a lovely woman named Brenda, welcomed me with a hug and a cup of instant coffee. (Bless her heart, the jet lag was real.) Explored the neighborhood, which I think I'm already in love with. Stumbled into a local market, bought WAY too many biltong sticks (that’s jerky, for my uninitiated friends), and got completely lost in the maze of stalls. Tried to buy some spices which I don't even know what they are. Ended up just staring at them and wandering off.

• Evening: Collapsed. That's the official itinerary. Dinner? Forget it. Just a blurry memory of a questionable instant noodle packet in the B&B kitchen and falling asleep to the sound of… well, I'm not sure what. Probably city noises. Let's call it “ambient Johannesburg.”

Day 2: The Heart of the City (and the Persistent Fear of Getting Mugged)

• Morning: Breakfast at 130 Market. "Full English" Brenda calls it. Let's just say it was "full." Bacon that tasted like… well, processed bacon. But the company was absolutely lovely, and the fresh juice was a godsend.

• Mid-morning: Hop-on hop-off bus. Tourist trap, yeah, but hey, it's a good way to get a feel for the lay of the land. The guide was a chatterbox, a mile a minute and it was hard to keep up! Saw the Apartheid Museum, which was… devastating. The exhibits are incredibly moving and it was honestly a profound experience. I spent hours there, feeling a mix of anger, sadness, and hope. The sheer weight of the history is just… ugh. I think I could barely talk the entire rest of that day.

• Afternoon: Walked through Maboneng Precinct, which is supposedly the "cool" part of town. Very hipster and trendy, lots of street art, which was amazing. Spent an hour just wandering around, gaping at the art, taking pictures, and feeling hopelessly uncool in my slightly-too-loud tourist outfit.

• Evening: Dinner at Pata Pata, a restaurant in Maboneng. Supposed to be delicious, but the service was S L O W. My stomach was rumbling after that long day. The food was okay, but honestly, after the Apartheid Museum, all I really wanted was to lie down and contemplate the world.

Day 3: Gold, Ghosts, and the Ghosts of Gold

• Morning: Gold Reef City. A theme park, I know, I know, but it's on the list! The mine tour was surprisingly fascinating. I went down into the depths of the gold mines, claustrophobia kicking in slightly, imagining the lives of the miners. The stories I heard were amazing, and I spent a long time down there, just imagining what it must have been like. Then the rollercoasters - felt the need for something more exciting and a little less dark.

• Afternoon: The mining town of Sterkfontein Caves. Really just stunning. This is where they found a lot of the remains. I felt so tiny - standing there in front of all of that.

• Evening: Back to the B&B. Ordered takeout. Pizza. Comfort food, because, well, sometimes you need it.

Day 4: Soweto & The Weight of History (Round Two)

• Morning: Soweto tour. This was the moment that was both exciting and a bit daunting. I want to see the real Johannesburg, not just the touristy stuff. This tour was an eye-opener. Visited Nelson Mandela House, and seeing the tiny space where a man of such global stature lived, was really moving.

• Afternoon: The Hector Pieterson Memorial. This made me sad, to be honest. Really sad. I walked along the memorial, trying to imagine the scene.

• Evening: Tried to find a restaurant to experience local food. The guide recommended a local eatery. I tried the food, which was delicious, but more importantly, I spent a lot of time talking with people. I wanted to experience the culture of the country.

Day 5: Sunday Market Frenzy and a Moment of Panic

• Morning: Market on Main. I love this kind of stuff. I lost myself in the crowd, smelled all sorts of smells, and tried to taste all the foods. The noise, the movement, the vibe, it was all… overwhelming. (In a good way, mostly.) Definitely bought more useless things.

• Afternoon: Decided to walk back to 130 Market… biggest mistake ever. I got lost. REALLY lost. My phone died. I had no idea where I was. Panic started to set in. Walked for what felt like hours, starting to think I'd walked to the edge of the world. Finally flagged down a taxi. Felt like a complete idiot.

• Evening: Safe and sound. Ordered pizza again. Swore to never wander off again.

Day 6: Art, Artists, and Unfinished Business

• Morning: Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG). Surprisingly good collection. Found some stuff I loved. Then got distracted by the pigeons.

• Afternoon: A trip to an artist's studio. This was supposed to be a highlight. It was okay, the artist very talented, but honestly, his studio was a complete mess, and he kept trying to sell me a painting that I did not love. I just didn't want to hurt his feelings.

• Evening: Back to 130 Market. Sat on the porch and just watched the sunset. Johannesburg is still strange, I'm still finding my feet, but it's growing on me.

Day 7: Departure (and a Promise to Return… Maybe)

• Morning: Final breakfast with Brenda. Goodbye hugs, and a promise to send photos. The taxi to the airport was late. I raced through the airport.
• Afternoon: Plane arrives home.

So, there you have it. The messy, glorious, slightly chaotic truth about my week in Johannesburg. Would I go back? Maybe. Definitely need more time to process everything. It's a city that definitely challenges you, and you realize that you're never really sure what's next. But the people are warm, the food (mostly) delicious, and the history… well, the history will stay with me forever. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a nap. Because, jet lag. Again.

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130 MARKET BED AND BREAKFAST Johannesburg South Africa

Johannesburg's BEST Kept Secret: 130 Market B&Bs (You NEED to See This!) - Seriously, WTF?!

Okay, so... What *IS* 130 Market B&Bs? Like, actually? I'm lost already.

Alright, buckle up buttercup, because even *I* get confused sometimes. Imagine a whole block in the heart of Joburg - think *old* Joburg, not the glitzy Sandton – crammed with gorgeous Victorian buildings. And inside those buildings? Dozens of B&Bs, all clustered together. That's 130 Market Street. It's like a secret little village of charming, creaky-floored places. It's chaotic. It's beautiful. It's... well, let's just say it's an *experience*. I mean, it's not the Ritz. Think more… bohemian aunt’s house, but with better coffee and much more personality.

Why is it the "best kept secret"? Shouldn't I be able to find it easily?!

Honestly? It *feels* like a secret. It's not plastered all over Instagram (thank God!). There isn't a neon sign blaring “Come Stay Here!” It takes a bit of digging, word-of-mouth, a little bit of "knowing", to stumble upon it. And that's part of the charm! It's not overrun with tourists. It’s the kind of place locals whisper about, like, "You HAVE to check out 130 Market Street..." It's a hidden gem, truly. AND, truth time, sometimes finding the specific B&B you're looking for...can be a *sport*. Google Maps doesn't always cooperate. Embrace the adventure!

Is it safe? Joburg gets a bad rep, you know...

Okay, let's be real. Johannesburg has issues. Safety is *always* a concern. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. But, the B&Bs themselves are generally pretty secure. They often have security guards, locked gates, and a community feel. However, common sense applies. *Do not* wander around flashing bling at night. Use Uber or a reputable taxi service. Be aware of your surroundings. Ask your B&B hosts for advice - they're usually incredibly helpful and will give you the local scoop. And YES, I have felt a little jumpy at times (especially the first time I went down). But I also think it’s safer than certain other parts of town that might seem "safer" on the surface. It's about being situationally aware, and trusting your gut. Trust me, these hosts are fierce protectors of their guests.

What's the vibe? Like, am I getting a sterile hotel experience or what?

*Heck* no to the sterile hotel experience! Think… quirky, individual, and utterly lacking in corporate soul. Each B&B has its personality. There are places that scream "Victorian elegance," others that are all about contemporary art, some that feel like you’ve stepped into your eccentric aunt's house (in a good way!), and maybe even ONE or two that have a slightly…*shady* vibe. (That’s part of the fun, right?) The breakfasts are often homemade, the hosts are usually amazing storytellers, and you're guaranteed to meet interesting people. Don't expect perfection. Do expect charm, character, and a serious dose of South African hospitality. And if you're lucky, maybe even a local legend or ghost story at breakfast. You've been warned.

Okay, you mentioned "breakfasts"...are they any good? I'm serious about my food.

Alright, foodies! Let's talk breakfast. The breakfasts at 130 Market can be... *amazing*. Think fresh fruit, proper coffee (no, not the instant stuff!), cooked breakfasts (eggs, bacon, the works), and of course, SA's finest, the boerewors. It completely depends on the B&B, of course. Some go all out, others are more simple. I remember once, at this place called "The Gilded Lily" (or something equally pretentious sounding), and the breakfast was… *chef's kiss*. Like, I'm still dreaming about the homemade bread and the perfectly poached eggs. Then, at another place... well, the coffee was lukewarm, and the fruit looked like it had seen better days. So yeah, a mixed bag. But the *possibility* of that perfect breakfast? WORTH IT. Bring snacks. Or, you know, be nice and ask your host for an upgrade.

What's there to *do* around 130 Market Street? I don't just want to eat breakfast and twiddle my thumbs.

Right, entertainment! The area is *fantastic* for exploring… if you're into history, art, and a little bit of grit. There are art galleries, quirky shops, and the amazing Maboneng Precinct (a short Uber away) is a total must. You can wander through the streets, soak up the atmosphere, and get a true taste of Joburg’s energy. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is also close, which is a really emotional and worthwhile experience. Now, *don't* expect a glittering nightlife scene right on the doorstep. It's not Sandton. But there are cool bars and restaurants nearby. Be sure to ask your hosts for recommendations – they know best. Oh, and the Neighbourgoods Market on a Saturday is an ABSOLUTE MUST. Seriously. Go.

Give me a specific example about a stay! Tell me a story.

Okay, buckle up for this one. Picture it: me, completely clueless. First time in Joburg for a conference, and someone whispered about "130 Market Street." I booked a room at “The Red Door Inn.” Sounded charming. It was... *memorable*. The entrance was down this dimly lit alleyway. I walked in the wrong door. The security guard was a guy named Big Joe, who looked like he could bench-press a car. He was actually the nicest dude ever, by the way. The B&B itself? Picture-perfect Victorian. Creaky floorboards, huge windows, gorgeous furniture. The room? Smaller than I expected. The bathroom? Let's just say I wouldn't have minded a bigger shower. But... the host, Sarah, was *amazing*. Full of stories, recommendations, and a breakfast that was to. die. for! Seriously. Best scrambled eggs *ever*. Then, one night, the power went out. (Load shedding, welcome to SA!) We all huddled in the dining room, drinking wine by candlelight, and swapping travel stories. It was the most Johannesburg experience *ever* and utterly memorable. Perfection? No way. But the chaos, the genuine warmth? Absolute gold. And you know what? I'd go back in a heartbeat. Even for the tiny shower.

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130 MARKET BED AND BREAKFAST Johannesburg South Africa

130 MARKET BED AND BREAKFAST Johannesburg South Africa

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