Here is our guide to help you find the best hotels in Durban – depending on why you’re there.
Durban, the country’s third largest city, is known for its 100 kilometres of beach and all-year-round warm weather.
And thanks largely to the colonial British Indian indentured labour system, Durban is home to more people of Indian descent than anywhere else in the country.
With attractions like uShaka Marine World, upmarket curry and seafood cuisine, a gammet of new and stylish hangouts in Florida and Helen Joseph Roads, trendy neighbourhoods like Glenwood and Morningside makes Durban attractive as a destination.
Durban enjoys a thriving business sector in Umhlanga and Durban North, and easy access to the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the Drakensberg. And there are PLENTY of good hotels in Durban to choose from. Below we’ve highlighted our favourites.
This all makes Durban is an easy contender for visitors’ attention…
Here is our guide to help you find the best hotels in Durban – depending on why you’re there…
WHEN YOU ARE IN DURBAN FOR THE BEACHES
Durban’s beaches are, arguably, its top attraction. Surfing spots like Bay of Plenty and Dairy, and bodyboarding favourite, North beach, have placed it firmly on the map, whilst swimming is possible right along the coast thanks to shark nets and lifeguards on duty.
The Indian Ocean’s predeliction for swells, particularly around Addington, rather than the more powerful surf of Cave Rock, Brighton and Anstey’s (left to the surfers) means one can stay in the water for hours on windless days.
Umhlanga Rocks beach has become Durban’s trendy hangout with beachside eateries and hotels usurping Durban’s main beachfront as the beach of choice.
Hotels in Durban with easy access to the beach
The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga
The 5 star Oyster Box Hotel is beautifully positioned on the ocean’s edge in the beach resort of Umhlanga north of Durban in South Africa’s tropical KwaZulu-Natal province.
Expect all the facilities and amenities in the rooms and hotel that you would expect from a luxury hotel! This one really does it well!
North Star Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks
You can’t get closer to the beach than here, just a few steps away. Luxury suites offer magnificent sea views and private patios while the Belvedere bar provides the perfect spot for drinks with friends.
Its a small hotel with superb facilities and amenities which our guests have really enjoyed, giving it a 5 star rating!
Blue Waters Hotel in Durban Beachfront
The Blue Waters Hotel is a more affordable hotel in Durban geared for holiday makers, business people and groups. This is a retro-designed landmark hotel offering everything you’ll ever want in a hotel.
Offering great facilities including the charming Florida Lounge which is a relaxing place to enjoy the panoramic views of the magnificent Indian Ocean. There is a bar, swimming pools, gym and more!
Beside Still Waters Boutique Hotel
Set on an acre of beautiful gardens in La Lucia and conveniently close to all attractions, Beside Still Waters Boutique Hotel is a home away from home where you can unwind in the warm and friendly atmosphere.
A small, upmarket boutique hotel only 2 minutes drive from Glenashley Beach and 5 minutes to La Lucia Mall.
The View Boutique Hotel & Spa in Amanzimtoti
With sweeping vistas of Durban’s South Coast beaches, hand-carved four poster beds with 100% crisp white linen and luxurious amenities, including an award-winning restaurant, and Spa and six swimming pools, the hotel is the perfect retreat!
If you are in need of unwinding and rejuvenating, just book! Our guests LOVE this hotel! Perfect for romance, girl-time (spa!!) and business!
Cowrie Cove Guest House in La Lucia
This is a hidden gem, an exclusive guest house situated in the warm leafy suburb of La Lucia right next to Umhlanga Rocks. It’s literally two minutes walk from the beach via a private path.
With only 12 rooms and owner managed 5-star service, expect a great stay. We’ve been sending guests to Cowrie Cove since 2005 and all have been very happy.
WHEN YOU ARE IN DURBAN ON BUSINESS
It’s no secret that Durban’s CBD, in similar vein to Pretoria and Jo’burg, was allowed to run to ruin. Business didn’t wait around long before it began a mass exodus to Umhlanga – Durban’s new business district.
And whilst revival projects, like that for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and the Point Waterfront, have set some change in motion business remains resolutely out north, close to King Shaka International airport.
Hotels in Durban’s business district
The Riverside Hotel Durban North
Close to the International Convention Centre, Gateway, the business district of Umhlanga and the trendy restaurants of Morningside, this hotel rests on the banks of the Umgeni River Mouth.
This is four-star luxury with all the comforts of a business stay – air-conditioning, an internet café, and in-house restaurant and bar.
Silver Oaks Boutique Hotel in Morningside
Set back from the road in the tree-lined town of Morningside, and in walking distance of Musgrave Centre. Easy access to the freeway and close proximity to the airport make this a central hotel suitable for a business stopover.
The hotel has a guest lounge, dining area, bar, secure parking and a terrace. All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, tea / coffee facilities, TV with limited satellite channels.
IN DURBAN FOR THE ATTRACTIONS
When in Durban you’ll want to take a drive to the Indian market in Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street (Grey Street) for spices, curry powders and bright material. Go dolphin viewing at uShaka Marine World and grab a meal at Wilson’s Wharf.
Definitely take a Rick Shaw tour, a walking tour of Durban markets, do a visit to the Juma Mosque, Durban’s famous Botanical Garden, the Umgeni Bird Park.
Riding the SkyCar up the stadium arch at Moses Mabhida Stadium is well worth it and shopping at the Gateway Mall – there is much to choose from. Staying in Durban’s leafy suburbs will give you easy access to any and all of these.
Hotels in Durban’s trendy, leafy suburbs:
Ridgeview Lodge in Berea
Ridgeview Lodge is a luxury guest house in Durban, on the Berea. With panoramic views of the city, Ridgeview Lodge offers eight stylishly decorated, double or twin en-suite bedrooms.
Breakfast served daily, free wifi, bar on site and all the facilities you’d expect to find in a 4-star guest house. Its well situated for business.
The St James On Venice in Morningside
Situated in Durban’s leafy Morningside suburb, The Saint James on Venice luxury guesthouse offers guests the perfect base from which to explore the city and surrounds.
The accommodation includes a hearty breakfast in the restaurant and the guest house offers a tour service for those needing help planning their excursions in Durban.
IN DURBAN FOR THE NIGHTLIFE
Durban’s trendy eateries and pubs suffer a similar predeliction for privacy and quiet leafy avenues as Durban’s colonial ancestors. Head for Florida Road, Lilian Ngoye Road, Umhlanga and Hillcrest.
You can stay anywhere in Durban really … take an Uber to your preferred restaurant or party venue!
Hotels in Durban ideally placed for nightlife
Ocean Vista Boutique Hotel in Umhlanga
Within minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of both nga and La Lucia Ridge, this boutique hotel deserves special mention on this list.
Best in location, style and comfort, with exquisite ocean view roof-top deck being a real drawcard! Our guests LOVE staying here, whatever reason they visit Durban for!
IN DURBAN FOR THE ACCESS TO THE INTERIOR
Durban’s Valley of a Thousand Hills, the Midlands Meander and the Drakensberg all provide wonderful day trips or weekends away.
Ideal spots to stay include Kloof, Hillcrest, Westville or Gillitts.
AmmaZulu African Palace in Kloof
Five star luxury surrounded by crafted beaded and mosaiced columns, decorated walkways and bedrooms filled with African craft.
The hotel offers totally unique luxury accommodation on the edge of the Kloof Gorge and Krantzkloof Nature Reserve.
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Which Hotel in Durban would you choose?
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