The 11 best affordable hotels in and around Durban

Mac Nicol’s is known as “the resort away from it all, that has it all”. This family-friendly getaway is a core-memory for locals who spent many a summer holiday soaking in the rays on Bazley beach. When you visit Mac Nicol’s you feel at home. This is not the first rodeo for the welcoming staff who are able to help you set up your caravan spot perfectly. Since 1971, the Mac Nicol family have been creating an accessible, fun holiday suitable for the whole family (even gran). A little less than a 100km drive from Durban and you will get to experience the lengthy unspoilt beach, stunning swimming pools and the Ifafa Lagoon. This 4-star location is ready to handle your needs with modern ablution blocks and a well-stocked store. During the holiday season there is a full entertainment programme, but even out of season, there is plenty to do. Here, it’s tradition to have complimentary morning tea and scones as you make friends with holiday-makers. For the little ones, there are trampolines, a jungle gym, the Bazley Trails, canoeing on the lagoon, a TV room to watch the big game and much more. At Mac Nicol’s they believe that camping holidays bring families closer together. You haven’t truly bonded as a family until you’ve reversed a caravan together without arguing.

Right in the middle of all the action and across the road from one of KZN’s biggest shopping destinations is aha Gateway Hotel. This grandiose-looking hotel is perfect for a luxury stay on a budget. It is a convenient route to King Shaka International Airport and is a hop, skip and jump away from the famous Umhlanga beach. For travellers seeking both business and pleasure, this three-star hotel is perfect for the whole family. This hotel is tailored to meet the requirements of every guest with 146 rooms, 37 superior rooms, 3 junior suites, 2 paraplegic rooms and 12 sets of interleading rooms. In addition to the amenities, being a conference venue is another one. Do not even get us started on the pool - it is so stylish and worthy of an Instagram post! This up-market, central hotel is located on Cnr Centenary Boulevard & Twilight Drive, Gateway.

For an affordable stay in the heart of Durban Central, look no further than Road Lodge Durban. Whether business or a beach break is calling, Road Lodge Durban offers budget-friendly accommodation with convenience being top of mind. The lodge has 92 rooms that sleep up to three people, ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small groups looking for a comfy place to rest their heads. While staying here, you are truly at the centre of it all. It’s perfectly positioned near the beachfront, Durban ICC, CBD, uShaka Marine World and Kingsmead Stadium. Every room has a work desk, TV and free WiFi (so needed in this day and age), making it a seamless stay. Enjoy a light buffet-style breakfast or take advantage of the eat-in menu for lunch and dinner. Hot tip, the 24-hour vending machines are a lifesaver for late-night cravings! No matter when you arrive, the 24-hour reception is ready to take care of you. The unbeatable proximity to Durban’s top spots make Road Lodge Durban a smart choice to stay. 

The Edwardian is a renowned, comfortable accommodation with panoramic views. If you want an affordable stay on the South Coast of Durban, this hotel is up your alley. The Edwardian is a short trip away from stunning beaches, Wild Coast Sun and Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Durban and have a leisurely stay while exploring the natural beauty of KZN. The Tuscan-style rooms and fresh, locally-inspired cuisine will give you a glimpse into the luxury living one can experience on a beachfront retreat. The best part is it is one of the best, most affordable hotels in the area.

Overlooking the uMgeni River, you will find the marvellous Riverside Hotel. This hotel holds a special place in the hearts of locals as it is an ideal family-friendly hotspot for celebrating milestones. It’s a twenty-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport and just one bridge away from the heart of Durban. This luxury location offers one of the best views in the province. Expect poolside cocktails, an on-site restaurant that knows how to impress and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Riverside Hotel caters for everyone with state-of-the-art conference facilities and elegant open-plan spaces. Here’s the real game-changer: no load shedding and no water worries. The hotel has a dedicated generator and secure water supply to allow you to unwind with no hiccups.

Located at 47 Alan Paton Avenue Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, you will find the Regal Inn. This charming hotel is a great place for an overnight stay on your trip to Durban or while you explore the rich history of PMB. It’s a comfortable, wallet-friendly accommodation with attentive staff and clean rooms. The modern dining experience serves buffet-style breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. There’s free on-site parking, bicycle parking, luggage storage and shuttles. Just ask the 24-hour front desk about what to do in the area, they will have all the answers for you.

A decently priced hotel on Durban’s famous Florida Road. Welcome to the Florida Park Hotel where you’ll be spoiled for choice with a variety of restaurants and bars right on your doorstep. Expect great chow, sophisticated rooms and a safe stay in the heart of the 031. This enchanting hotel is dubbed “a home from home” with its 39 rooms and three spacious suites. Known for their clean rooms and staff go out of their way to help you with a smile - this place lives up to the gold standard. With so much to do in the area, staying here is a no-brainer for those looking to immerse themselves in Durban’s cultural scene. The address is 170 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban. Your bank balance will thank you later!

With stunning ocean views and being located just a shell's throw away from the beach, it’s no wonder Blue Waters is a favourite for holidaymakers. Blue Waters is situated on Durban’s notorious Golden Mile on North Beach. The area is packed with restaurants, entertainment options and local vendors. Everything is perfect: the views, the beach, the comfortable hotel rooms and their buffet breakfast. The service is exceptional, and ideal for a stress-free stay while exploring Durban. If you’re looking to pop the question or host a function, this hotel has you covered.

A bed and breakfast accommodation on KZN’s formidable South Coast awaits. Conveniently located, you will find Saint Michaels at 22 Marine Drive St. Michaels on Sea, Shelly Beach. The luxuriously furnished rooms with modern finishes are ideal for corporate travellers or holidaymakers looking for a comfortable night’s rest. In addition to the hotel stay, self-catering units are available. It’s one of the best hotels in the area and is said to have excellent service. Don’t miss out on a drink at the restaurant where staff are friendly and food pulls on local delicacies for inspiration.

Enter a space of tranquillity and feel the energy of the world-renowned Drakensberg mountains at Cayley Mountain Resort. KwaZulu-Natal is blessed with natural beauty, so staying at a place with nature at its centre is a wonderful experience. Make sure to wake up at sunrise and watch the glow of the Sterkhorn and Cathkin Peaks – it is breathtaking! At Cayley Mountain Resort, the best value is guaranteed. The resort is a one-stop-shop with a restaurant, bar, Body Bliss Spa and convenience store all located on-site. Villas, chalets, and suites are all available for your selection. All over social media, you will come across the Cayley Beach Club. Set on Bell Park Dam, this spot offers water fun like paddleboarding, pedal boats, cruises and an inflatable water park. There’s a deck, picnic area, braai facilities and a kiosk. If you’re looking to get the adrenaline pumping, there is a range of activities for all age groups, such as Quad Bikes and Archery. From free breakfast and free WiFi to free facility passes, Cayley is the best place to have a modest family getaway.

Howzit! If you’re looking to live like a local, Surf Motel in Umdloti is where it’s at. On the Umdloti beachfront, you can experience a clean, stylish and vibey stay at Surf Motel. There are self-catering chalets that offer direct access to the beach. Each of the seven chalets is beautifully decorated in ocean-inspired tones and comes with aircon, Wi-Fi, Dstv, fresh linen and all the self-catering essentials, plus thoughtful extras like complimentary tea, coffee and toiletries. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and right in the middle of Umdloti’s small-town buzz. It’s perfect for solo escapes, romantic getaways, or beachy family getaways.

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