Benoni’s East Rand has welcomed a new addition to its hospitality landscape with the official opening of 118 Bayley Boutique Guesthouse & Hydro Spa, a small, owner-managed property positioned close to OR Tambo International Airport. The guesthouse officially opened its doors on Saturday, 31 January, offering travellers a locally owned alternative to large hotel chains.
The property is owned and managed by entrepreneur Bathabile Moreki, originally from QwaQwa in the Free State, and is designed to serve both leisure and business travellers passing through the area.
From fragrance manufacturing to hospitality
Moreki is widely known as the founder and chief executive of The Perfume Co. Africa, a fragrance manufacturing and distribution business she launched in 2021. Her background spans manufacturing, franchising, hospitality and enterprise development, and she has previously served as a National Development Plan Youth Ambassador.
Speaking at the launch, Moreki explained that the guesthouse was created to offer a level of flexibility often missing in larger hotels. She described the property as a “one-stop” space that can adapt to different guest needs, from overnight stays to small business gatherings and private events.
Flexible spaces for families and business travellers
118 Bayley Boutique Guesthouse & Hydro Spa features a collection of rooms, shared living spaces, a kitchen, swimming pool and areas that can be reconfigured for meetings or intimate functions. Guests have the option of booking individual rooms or reserving the entire house, making it suitable for families, groups of friends or business travellers requiring separate accommodation.
Its location near the airport was a deliberate choice, particularly for guests in transit or those travelling for work who require convenience without sacrificing comfort.
Affordable luxury with an African touch
Designed to balance a homely feel with modern luxury, the guesthouse incorporates African-inspired décor, with rooms named after animals such as the buffalo and zebra, paired with a contemporary aesthetic. At launch, the business employed six people, including Moreki as owner-manager.
She emphasised that affordability is central to the offering, aimed at both local and international visitors, while also creating employment and enterprise opportunities.
Scene Feed Thought
In a hospitality market dominated by big brands, 118 Bayley Boutique Guesthouse & Hydro Spa shows how small, intentional spaces can create impact – blending convenience, community upliftment, and a distinctly local sense of home.