A beacon of hope in the heart of Africa's richest square mile. The Leonardo provides an opportunity to live, work and play amongst the hustle and bustle
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The Leonardo

4.5
·195 reviews·Sandton, South Africa

Johannesburg's tallest building, offering luxury suites, a spa, and Africa's highest rooftop bar with stunning city views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Sunset views & vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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A beacon of hope in the heart of Africa's richest square mile. The Leonardo provides an opportunity to live, work and play amongst the hustle and bustle

The Leonardo

Best Time

Evenings

Sunset views & vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Johannesburg's tallest building, offering luxury suites, a spa, and Africa's highest rooftop bar with stunning city views.

4.5
(195 reviews)

"The staff went above and beyond with their friendliness and helpfulness, making the experience even more enjoyable."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Alto in Advance

Secure your spot at Africa's highest bar for stunning sunset views. Reservations are highly recommended.

✨ Spa Day Bliss

The spa staff are praised for their professionalism and attention to detail. A truly relaxing experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 195 reviews

Type

Hotel

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Alto Rooftop Bar

Alto Rooftop Bar

Rooftop

Africa's highest bar offers unparalleled panoramic views of Johannesburg. Perfect for sunset cocktails.

Aurum Restaurant

Aurum Restaurant

Ground floor

Indulge in exquisite dining with a sophisticated ambiance. A culinary experience not to be missed.

TikTok+1
Luxury Suites

Luxury Suites

Hotel floors

Experience opulent living in spacious, elegantly designed suites offering comfort and style.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Elevate Your Stay: Rooftop Views & Luxury

Experience Johannesburg from above at The Leonardo's rooftop bar, Alto. Enjoy breathtaking cityscapes and fine dining. Bookings are recommended, especially for evenings, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. TikTok

Sandton's Premier Address

The Leonardo is a landmark in Sandton, South Africa's financial hub. Its prime location offers easy access to shopping and dining, making it a convenient base for both business and leisure travelers. TikTok

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Sunset views & vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter for spa & dining
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#leonardo #sandtoncity #sandton #valentine
@maboangmalokaiii
24.6K likes • 254.3K views

🎯 Book Alto in Advance

Secure your spot at Africa's highest bar for stunning sunset views. Reservations are highly recommended. TikTok

✨ Spa Day Bliss

The spa staff are praised for their professionalism and attention to detail. A truly relaxing experience. Reddit

Aurum Restuarant at the Leonardo Building in Sandton🌼
@tshegowalsina
13.2K likes • 188.1K views
Learning never exhausts the mind — it fuels it. ⚡ Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t just a painter. He was a scientist, engineer, dreamer... a curious soul. 🔍 His secret? He never stopped asking, Why? While others chased fame, he chased understanding. 🌌 Be like Leonardo — stay curious, stay foolish, stay learning. 📚✨ #DaVinciMindset #LifelongLearning #CuriousGenius #PhilosophyOfLearning
manipulation_dark
0 likes • 185.6K views

🚗 Convenient Sandton Location

Steps away from Sandton City shopping and dining. Easy access to major attractions. Reddit

🥂 Fine Dining at Aurum

Enjoy a top-tier culinary journey at Aurum, known for its ambiance and delicious food. TikTokReddit

Urban JHB jungle 🤩 #sandtoncitylights #sandtoncity #theleonardo #helicopters @Ricky Dos Santos
@taytays_travels
11.1K likes • 217.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Alto in Advance

Secure your spot at Africa's highest bar for stunning sunset views. Reservations are highly recommended. TikTok

✨ Spa Day Bliss

The spa staff are praised for their professionalism and attention to detail. A truly relaxing experience. Reddit

🚗 Convenient Sandton Location

Steps away from Sandton City shopping and dining. Easy access to major attractions. Reddit

🥂 Fine Dining at Aurum

Enjoy a top-tier culinary journey at Aurum, known for its ambiance and delicious food. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(195 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests often praise The Leonardo for its stunning architecture, luxurious suites, and exceptional service, particularly from staff like Dineo and the spa team. The Alto rooftop bar and Aurum restaurant are frequently highlighted for their ambiance and views. However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in customer service at reception and management's handling of issues, leading to frustration for long-term residents. Reddit+2

"I had a wonderful stay at The Leonardo. The rooms were beautifully designed, comfortable, and spotless—truly a great place to relax. The staff went above and beyond with their friendliness and helpfulness, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The location is very convenient, close to key spots in the city, making it easy to get around. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyon."

Ndanji Chanda

"Modern hotel with very spacious rooms and a breathtaking panoramic view from Africa’s tallest tower. Impeccable service and elegant atmosphere."

Hadlee Khan

"I’m writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment with the level of customer service I experienced during my recent stay at the Leonardo. Unfortunately, the management’s handling of my reservation issue, room condition, staff attitude, delayed assistance, fell far below the standard I expected.

On the other hand, I would love to thank the ladies who work at the Spa, they were very professional & paid attention to all my requests. Their professionalism & amazing customer service was the only thing stopping me from checking out from the Leonardo & going to the Four Seasons at Westcliff, where I usually stay when I’m in Johannesburg."

Alvin Ndikefor

What People Like

Luxurious suites
Stunning rooftop views
Excellent spa service

What People Dislike

Inconsistent reception service
Management handling issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Leonardo is located in Sandton, a significant distance from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Taxis or ride-sharing services are the most convenient options, typically taking 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Reddit

While Sandton has public transport options, The Leonardo is best accessed via taxi or ride-sharing services for direct convenience. The Gautrain station in Sandton is a viable option if arriving from other parts of the city. Reddit

The Leonardo's prime location means many attractions, including Sandton City, are within walking distance. For further exploration, ride-sharing apps are widely used and recommended. Reddit

Yes, The Leonardo offers secure parking facilities for guests. Details on rates and availability can be obtained directly from the hotel. Reddit

Yes, The Leonardo can typically arrange airport transfers for guests. It's advisable to contact the hotel in advance to confirm services and pricing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Leonardo is a hotel, not an attraction requiring tickets for general entry. However, specific venues within the building, like Alto bar or Aurum restaurant, may have reservation policies. TikTok+1

As a hotel, The Leonardo operates 24/7 for guests. Restaurants and bars within the building will have their own specific operating hours, with Alto typically open in the evenings. TikTok

Alto bar is best visited in the late afternoon and evening to enjoy the sunset and city lights. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity. TikTok

It is strongly recommended to book a table at Aurum Restaurant, especially for dinner, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment. TikTokReddit

There are no entry fees to access the public areas of The Leonardo hotel. Fees would only apply to services like accommodation, dining, or spa treatments. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The Leonardo boasts luxury suites, a spa, a rooftop bar (Alto), multiple dining options including Aurum, an outdoor pool, and a well-equipped gym. TikTokReddit+1

Alto offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Johannesburg, making it a prime spot for sundowners and evening drinks. The ambiance is sophisticated and chic. TikTok

The spa at The Leonardo receives high praise for its professional staff and attentive service, making it a highlight for many guests. Reddit

The Leonardo is known for its upscale, luxurious, and modern atmosphere, offering a sophisticated urban retreat. Reddit+1

Absolutely. Its prime Sandton location, luxury amenities, and proximity to business districts make it ideal for business trips. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Leonardo features several dining venues, including the highly-rated Aurum Restaurant and the iconic Alto rooftop bar, offering diverse culinary experiences. TikTokReddit+1

Aurum Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that focuses on contemporary cuisine, often with international influences. TikTokReddit

While not always strictly enforced, smart casual attire is generally recommended for both Alto bar and Aurum Restaurant to match the upscale environment. TikTok

Most upscale restaurants like Aurum are accustomed to catering to dietary needs. It's best to inform the restaurant staff of any specific requirements when booking or ordering. Reddit

Dining at The Leonardo, particularly at Aurum and Alto, is considered high-end. Expect prices commensurate with a luxury hotel experience. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Alto rooftop bar offers stunning panoramic city views, especially at sunset. The hotel's modern architecture and luxurious interiors also provide excellent photo opportunities. TikTok+1

Yes, photography is encouraged at Alto bar to capture the incredible views. Be mindful of other guests and any specific venue policies. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed in public areas. However, professional shoots or photography in private suites may require prior permission from management. TikTok

Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) is ideal for capturing the city skyline from Alto. Daytime offers clear views, while evenings provide a vibrant, illuminated cityscape. TikTok

Drone usage is typically prohibited in urban areas and around tall buildings due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. TikTok

The Leonardo (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide