The 13 best hotels in and around Durban

In the heart of Durban lies our favourite entertainment destination, Suncoast. It’s a home away from home where the friendly staff are equipped to cater for your every need. With easy access to Durban’s famous Golden Mile, it’s the perfect place to stay where activities are a short walk away. Luxury touches, thoughtful amenities and complimentary WiFi help sweeten the deal. In the hotel you will find Jeera, one of KZN’s best Indian restaurants (be sure to check out their curry buffet). A dip in the pool, a trip to the spa, endless days in shades and immersing yourself in Durban culture - this is what being at Suncoast is all about. There is always something big happening in the area.

20 Battery Beach Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban

ANEW Hotel Hilton, formerly The Hilton Hotel, goes beyond a night away - it’s an experience of Midlands heritage. Nestled atop the Umgeni valley, just outside Pietermaritzburg, this hotel welcomes you with its timeless elegance and countryside charm. It has all the comfort you’d expect from a four-star stay. With eight fully equipped conference and event rooms, it’s the ideal location for business meetings, weddings and everything in-between. Treat your tastebuds to something special at the hotel’s newly renovated restaurant, where Midlands produce is the star of the show. The best part is that this is where the Midlands Meander begins, so there is no shortage of things to do in the vicinity.

1 Hilton Ave, Hilton, Pietermaritzburg

Enter a world of serenity and pampering at The Capital Zimbali Resort Ballito. You’ll be awestruck by the panoramic view of KZN’s natural coastal forest and the spectacular Indian Ocean as you enter the lobby. Looking for a destination that ticks every box? The Capital Zimbali truly has it all. Private beach? Check. Golf course? Check. Spa, restaurants, bars, conference centre and jaw-dropping views? Check again. It’s just 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport with staff ready to cater to your every need. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself returning to this paradise. When you arrive, make sure to check out the pool and have a drink at the Stingray café. Then, follow the coastal trail and view the private beach.

6 Zimbali Dr, Zimbali Estate, Ballito

Sitting pretty on the golden uMhlanga coastline is The Beverly Hills. Since 1964, The Beverly Hills has been the go-to for South African celebs, Springboks and jet-setters who check-in when a luxury stay is due. When you visit this sophisticated beachside location, take a gander at the ocean and spot uMhlanga’s iconic lighthouse and pier. They’re even more beautiful at night! This hotel is synonymous with elegance, exclusivity and an uMhlanga Rocks escape. Have dinner at The Sugar Club where the chefs have refined dining with the award-winning service. To enter full holiday mode, get a poolside massage from a Mangwanani spa therapist while you take advantage of the sweltering sunrays. If you aren’t able to stay, experience a luxury afternoon with a High Tea famed among locals.

1 Lighthouse Road uMhlanga Rocks, Durban

Nothing beats having access to the sandy shores of the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal. This is where you will find the most idyllic location and that is where The Oyster Box Hotel can be found. Overlooking the ocean, the uMhlanga beachfront and the iconic uMhlanga Lighthouse, this hotel is breathtaking to say the least. This five-star hotel is renowned for its excellent facilities and service. The hotel hosts many restaurants with world-class cuisine on offer. If you are looking to make memories and take your vows along the coastline, the hotel is also available as a wedding and events venue. A movie theatre is also available and one can ensure quiet, private screenings. Last but not least is the award-winning spa where one can unwind from the stresses of life and work. Beyond the hotel, one may venture forth into the green, ecological space of the Hawaan Coastal Dune Forest. The hotel is also committed to sustainable development and has integrated environmental solutions into the business.

2 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga Rocks, uMhlanga, Durban

The Hilton Garden Inn uMhlanga Arch is a 4-star hotel belonging to the international chain of Hilton hotels. Located 20 kilometres from the city and the King Shaka International Airport, the hotel makes for a convenient stay. With the Gateway Shopping Centre less than two kilometres away, one can easily find any consumer products and restaurants within close reach. The rooms are impeccable with modern designs. The hotel also offers conferencing packages and has ample space and a range of venue options. One can make one’s way down to the uMhlanga beach promenade to take a walk and soak up the fresh sea breeze to wind down from the day’s toils. If you are an ardent hiker, look no further, the uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve and Hawaan Dune Forest are also close-by at a mere four kilometres and one can walk the trail with a guide (bookings essential).

1 Ncondo Place, Umhlanga Ridge Umhlanga

The Coastlands Musgrave Hotel is a 4-star hotel situated on the upper ridge of the Musgrave suburb in Durban. The hotel has excellent views of Durban and the Indian Ocean, and is close to all the tourist amenities the city has to offer. The hotel has its own restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open to the public with a Sunday lunch buffet. As a venue, the hotel offers a number of conference and banqueting venues where one can host conferences, private functions or weddings. Their rooms are stylish and immaculate, with balconies to soak up the sun and get some fresh air.

315-319 Peter Mokaba Ridge, Musgrave, Durban

Located in the upmarket area of uMhlanga, the Radisson Blu Hotel is set in the ideal location of a mixed zoned quadrant, attracting business and leisure activities. The hotel is situated within walking distance of the uMhlanga beachfront and promenade, making this a supreme beach getaway. The hotel has a unique design that is modern and sleek with an artful taste. The rooms are elegant and designed for luxurious comfort. The hotel features a restaurant serving open flame cuisine, a cocktail bar, a wellness centre, a kids’ play area and outdoor pool. Further to this, the hotel is available as a business venue for meetings and events. The hotel is also connected to the Oceans Mall, which may be accessed from the hotel by guests.

7 Lagoon Drive, uMhlanga, Durban

Nothing beats getting away to a tranquil and serene beach location. The North Star Micro Hotel can be found nestled in an idyllic setting along the beachfront. The suites have beautiful deco with ocean views and patios. The hotel has a bar, a fire pit, a pool and a jacuzzi. One can easily access the beach through a private gate on the hotel grounds. Also onsite is the North Star Wellness centre offering cost effective spa treatments. The environment is perfect for leisure activities and just finding a peaceful place to unwind. This venue can easily be a place where imaginative writing and creativity can unfold. So if you are looking for beach accommodation, look no further than the North Star Micro Hotel.

26 Eastmoor Crescent, Umhlanga Rocks, uMhlanga, Durban

Nested in the leafy suburb of Cowies Hill, The Summerhill Guest Estate is a tranquil setting with boutique-style accommodation. Conveniently located between the city centre and the Midlands, the Guest House has six suites and nine rooms. Each is elegantly decorated with a touch of country-chic and fresh modern sophistication. It has an African charm with thatched roofing and Nguni cow rugs. There is a swimming pool with plenty of loungers to soak up the warm sun. On the property is the esteemed fine dining restaurant, The LivingRoom. This dynamic hospitality-focused family emphasises intimate accommodation alongside a high-end dining experience. Guests can stroll around the luscious gardens and request a tour of the extensive vegetable patch. And, yes, all this produce is used in the restaurant for your dining pleasure.

9 Belvedale Road, Cowies Hill, Pinetown

Built on the site of eight heritage-listed 1920s façade remains is the quirky Concierge Boutique Bungalows. This modern and comfy accommodation in the lush suburb of Greyville is a quick 10-minute drive from the Durban beach promenade. There are 12 bungalows beautifully decorated with African-meets-beachy elements and colourful touches to emphasise the city’s vibrant energy. The shaded and private balconies provide a great resting spot after a walk at the beach or an intense business meeting. Alongside the bungalows is the award-winning Freedom Café, where you can enjoy delicious contemporary fusion meals and meet locals who frequently dine. The eclectic and arty aesthetics are matched with friendly service and warm smiles. Oozing with 'Durbs hospitality' vibes, this establishment is one of the city’s long-standing gems.

37–43 Saint Mary’s Avenue, Durban

Thonga Beach Lodge is South Africa’s most luxurious beach holiday. Hidden deep in the wild beauty of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this eco-luxury getaway is for the adventure seekers, the lovers of untouched beauty and anyone who dreams of sipping sundowners with sand between their toes. This is also the only private residence within the World Heritage Site. With only 12 thatched suites, it’s more ‘private island energy’ than ‘hotel lobby hustle’. It’s waking up to the sight of dolphins, ending the day with cocktails under the stars. You will not see another soul unless you want to. Don’t want to spend all day chilling on a hammock sipping on a pina colada? The guided activities will keep you busy all day. There’s turtle tracking, scuba diving, open ocean experiences, spa treatments and so much more. The views are breathtaking. The beach lodge kisses Mabibi beach, a World Heritage site with protected ocean on one side and a canopied forest of ancient milkwoods on the other. Access to this intimate beach haven is via 4x4 only, but the journey is part of the adventure. Daily transfers from Sodwana Bay are available for your convenience. Thonga Beach Lodge is a globally recognised experience.

An institution in KwaZulu-Natal, the Nottingham Road Hotel is one of the most famous places you have to stay at. Notties has a long-standing reputation as one of the spookiest places in South Africa. Legend has it a ghost roams the halls; luckily she is Charlotte the friendly ghost. The place has been running since 1854 and the old-world design choices can still be seen today. There are 14 hotel rooms and 10 garden suites all refurbished to ensure you have a comfortable stay. If you’re feeling adventurous, book room 10, spend the night with Charlotte and find out if ghosts really do exist. Grab a drink and some pub grub at the Notties Pub and Restaurant, they’ve been in business for the last 150 years so clearly the chef is doing something right! Beyond the ghost experience, Notties is famous for its proximity to the Midlands Meander and Midmar Dam, plus the hotel offers local transport from Pietermaritzburg. The friendly staff can guide you through the various experiences available and if you twist their arm, they will give you the full run-down on spirit that looms.

R103 Old Main Road, Nottingham Road

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