Little Hidden Halaal Gem in the South of Johannesburg
Lido Hotel is a hidden Halaal gem in Eikenhof, South Africa
There are not many fully Halaal hotels in the Gauteng region. The few that are around are either situated in areas which are not the safest, or they are not very affordable to the everyday traveller.
We had always driven passed Lido Hotel on our way to Vereeniging, but only recently had the opportunity to visit it as there was a family function which we attended that was hosted there.
Intrigued by the design, and always interested in visiting new places, we decided to book a staycation for a night at the Lido Hotel.
The classic Art Deco Style Hotel that dates back as far as 1932 was inspired by the Queens visit to South Africa by steam boat.
The name Lido means “deck of a ship” used as a public place of recreation.
The hotel is well placed in the Kliprivier conservancy and Khoisan land in the south of Johannesburg.
Comparing it to other similar featured hotels, the pricing is very competitive.
Our room which was the Twin Superior Room consisted of:
- two single beds with a pedestal in between, and a telephone on the pedestal
- two cupboards with a desk and chair in the middle
- the desk had a tray with two mugs, two bottled waters, tea, coffee, sugar, and a kettle
- TV with access to Openview channels above the desk
- aircon above the TV
- decent sized mirror
- luggage rack next to one of the cupboards
- bathroom with a wash basin and mirror, toilet, and a bath with a fixed hand shower
- balcony with two steel garden chairs
- complimentary Wi-Fi
The room was clean, and besides a few amenities that were missing when we arrived which the staff gladly replenished, the overall stay was comfortable for the one night.
Lido Hotel's kitchen is Strictly Halaal with no outside food or Alcohol served or allowed on the premises. The fuel station just outside the hotel precinct also offers a 24 hour Spar convenience store, Halaal meals, and very affordable options from the Halaal certified Chikka Chicken.
We enjoyed two chicken burgers from Chikka Chicken for R38.
There are also snacks, medication, and electronics like charging cables available to purchase at the hotel reception.
The hotel grounds has conference rooms, and ample space and parking for larger functions like weddings, as well as a pool area, and play area for the children which includes a soccer field, swings, jungle gym, and a trampoline.
Breakfast can be included in the room rate at R70 per person for the Breakfast for 1, which is normally R85 - if not included and paid for with the room.
The breakfast for 1 is a delicious simple meal with:
- 2 eggs of your choice - I chose mine scrambled
- 1 hash brown
- 2 sausages which I chose that can be swopped out for chicken strips or macon
- mushrooms
- tomato
- 2 slices of toast
- and a glass of juice
There is a full hot breakfast menu from a plain egg on toast to a breakfast burrito. Seasonal smoothies are also offered but there are no baked goods like muffins or croissants.
Lido Hotel has a loyalty programme which you can sign up for at the hotel reception that awards you a free stay after 10 visits.
Room rates start from R600 per person per night.
Double room rates start from R700 per couple per night.
Accommodation booking websites might offer the rooms for less, but if you do visit Lido Hotel and book directly from them there is a possibility of them matching the price (terms and conditions will apply, and availability dependent).
Ziyaad Plaatjes is the Co-Founder of iloveza.com & Let's Torque ZA, the Founder of the After Fajr Grind Academy, a Radio Host for the longest running award-winning Motoring show in South Africa - Bumper2Bumper on Cii Radio, and a Brand South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador, who was named one of Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans in the Arts, Entertainment, Film & Media Category.
He is a Bachelor of Commerce Honours graduate and has been running businesses since the age of 13. Ziyaad is a social media fundi and content creator, but has taken on many roles in various industries over the years. With his entrepreneurial skills and vast knowledge he assists individuals and businesses to grow and achieve their goals.
Find him at: Instagram: @ziyaad_86 / @ilovezacom / @letstorqueza / @b2bcii X: @ziyaad86 / @ilovezacom / @letstorqueza / @b2bcii Facebook: iloveza.com / Let's Torque ZA LinkedIn: Ziyaad Plaatjes / iloveza.com YouTube: iloveza.com SoundCloud: iloveza.com TikTok: @ilovezacom / @b2bcii Threads: @ilovezacom iono.fm: Bumper2Bumper Hashtags: #AfterFajrGrind #iloveza❤️🇿🇦 #LetsTorqueZA #B2BCii #WheresDaddyZA E-mail: ziyaad@iloveza.com
