Curiocity Backpackers Johannesburg

We booked the Cooper apartment on Fox Street - Jhb (31 Dec 2024 - 02 Jan 2025). What a frustrating check-in process experience. The address on the booking confirmation email doesn't indicate the address for the apartments but for the 12 Decades (I think the hostels). When you arrive there there's absolutely NO clearly visible signage except for a small black sticker sticker by the door handle with a dark background. So if you arrive in the evening would be a headache in trying to figure out where you're suppose to go. The security officer also was confused on where we are suppose to go, kept asking us about room numbers and confirmation email indicated no room but did say we are booked in the apartments. When the WhatsApp line is called the officer seemed to have an idea on where we are suppose to go but informed us there's no parking but we enquired about the paid parking a week before check-in and we were informed that parking is available....also though the site says they're cashless, YOU PAY CASH for the parking (those ashtray coins really saved our bacon). The lady on the WhatsApp line had to come and speak to the security officer and we were allocated parking but we had to move because when the owner of parking space next to our parking blocked us in (due to parking bay orientation). "Checking-in" took us 30 - 45mins sitting in the car since there's no reception area for Fox Street. The apartment was as per pictures on the website but the wear and tear on the furniture was very apparent and the balcony fold-up door latches broken and could not close properly (safety issue) but satisfactory. The apartment was clean, line fresh and beds extremely comfortable. All the list amenities are available. Summarise: 1. CLEAR and VISIBLE signage for the 12 Decades/Apartments/hostels. 2. Update the websites for the 12 Decades/Apartments/hostels so that there's a clear drop-off for e-hailing and navigating. 3. Need to train every staff member and service providers on the facility and procedure for checking-in. 4. Since the apartment is on the 1st floor, the window latches need to be fixed this could be a safety issue since you can climb on the apartment balcony from the lift area. 5. Deep clean the couches.

I am extremely disappointed with the service—what a complete scam. I informed the reception that I would be flying out from Lanseria Airport instead of OR Tambo, and they assured me it wasn't an issue and that everything was booked. However, when the time came, they showed a total lack of professionalism. I ended up having to book an Uber myself and missed my flight because the hostel couldn’t give me a clear answer about what was happening. To make matters worse, they had the audacity to say they couldn’t provide the shuttle because the destination wasn’t OR Tambo, even though they had previously told me it wasn’t an issue. I would have been fine if they had been upfront from the beginning, but the problem is they waited until it was too late, leaving me scrambling to find an Uber, which led to me missing my flight. After this terrible experience, I requested a refund for the trip to the airport, as they failed to provide the service, as well as a refund for the third-day visit I had planned once I returned. They ignored my request and refused to reimburse me. I absolutely do not recommend them—they exploit tourists and treat them as cash cows.

GREAT VIBE LOVELY STAFF i will definitely recommend . . ideally situated to take in the wonders of the city great Art walk . well stocked bar good coffee what more could you ask for we will be back no need to be afraid to stay in the city immerse yourself in this important history

If you want a great experience that’s affordable, you should definitely check out curiocity! The staff, the tours around town and the overall service is excellent. It’s my first time traveling alone as a woman in her early twenties, and the staff made me feel safe and comfortable the entire time. I can recommend curiocity to any woman or man traveling alone for the first time. You also hear about the culture through the locals, and see Johannesburg through their eyes, which I personally think is the best way to learn and understand a foreign country’s culture and history.

Staying here for the beginning of my groups South Africa travels was wonderful. Everyone who worked here was amazing Marvin the manager was great and accommodated for our group very efficiently and effectively. Everyone who worked there was wonderful I wish I didn’t have to leave. I also made a special connection with the girls which was so great. Tanya, Bontle and Verna were amazing people! They took us to the surrounding places to eat and drink we have such amazing conversations and experiences with them.

I brought a group of 16 American students here and I don't even have words for the quality of kind hospitality we received. The tours were excellent and informative and the team kept our students safe while also showing them a fantastically good time. Bravo! Highly recommended.