A selection of the best luxury hotels in Durban, South Africa. A selection by Laura Becker
The Oyster Box
The Oyster Box, a highly elegant, historic property with breathtaking views of the Umhlanga Lighthouse and Indian Ocean, offers 2 outdoor pools, an award-winning spa, free Wi-Fi, and a host of other amenities. Located just 2 km from the Gateway Shopping Centre and walking distance to restaurants and shops, the 5-star hotel features rooms decorated with rich fabrics and furnishings, including satellite TV, Mini Bar facilities, tea/coffee making facilities, and some with private lounge area, patio and plunge pool. Dining options include The Ocean Terraces Restaurant offering a delicious seafood and curry buffet, and The Grill Room with premium steaks and seafood dishes. Half-Board reservations include a signature set menu in either The Ocean Terrace or The Grill Room. Guests can work out with cardiovascular equipment at the gym, followed by a soothing massage by one of the onsite experts. Free private parking is available.
Rooms: 80 Stars: 5
Check availabilityRadisson Blu Hotel
Experience the ultimate in luxury at the newly opened Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga. Boasting an outdoor pool, fitness centre, terrace and bar, this 5-star hotel offers a range of amenities including a concierge service, tour desk and free WiFi. All rooms come with air-conditioning, a desk, minibar, TV, safety deposit box and private bathroom. Guests can also enjoy a buffet breakfast, American cuisine restaurant and special dietary options. The property also features a children’s playground and is near popular attractions such as Umhlanga Main Beach, Bronze Beach and Umhlanga rocks Beach. With the King Shaka International Airport only 16 km away, Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga is the perfect choice for a luxurious stay.
Rooms: 205 Stars: 5
Check availabilityEndless Horizons Boutique Hotel
Experience the ultimate in luxury at Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel, located along Umhlanga Rocks Drive in Durban North. Relax in the soothing atmosphere and admire the superb interior design. Enjoy a swim in the infinity pool and take in the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Each of the air-conditioned rooms is elegantly decorated with modern furnishings, a satellite TV, safe, and en suite bathroom, with some offering stunning views of the sea. Dine at the à la carte restaurant or enjoy a drink at the bar. Take advantage of the 24-hour front desk and complimentary WiFi. Shop till you drop at Africa’s largest mall, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, 6.5 km away or explore the Moses Mabhida Stadium 8 km away or uShaka Marine World 13 km away. The King Shaka International Airport is only a 20-minute drive away. Make Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel your destination for a luxurious and relaxing stay.
Rooms: 12 Stars: 5
Check availabilityBlue Waters Hotel
Blue Waters Hotel boasts a spectacular location opposite Durban’s famous beachfront. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, all of which feature LCD TVs, air conditioning and work desks. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea and cake in the Florida Lounge, while the Versailles Restaurant provides buffet and á la carte service for lunch and dinner. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, squash court, sauna and a rooftop pool with a bar for sunset views. The Durban North Beach area is ideal for walking, running and cycling. It is 5 minutes away from the Durban ICC and 10 minutes away from Durban’s city centre, while King Shaka International Airport is 31 km away. Suncoast Casino, Moses Mabhida Stadium, uShaka Marine World and Greyville Racecourse are all within 4 km of the property.
Rooms: 262 Stars: 4
Check availabilityBeverly Hills
Experience the epitome of luxury in Durban at Beverly Hills Hotel, set high on the clifftop in Umhlanga. Enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean from the waterfront terrace or your air-conditioned room, with modern furniture and a satellite LCD TV. Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, work out in the gym, or savour tasty dishes at the Sugar Club Restaurant or Elements café bar. Make use of the business centre, babysitting service and shuttle to King Shaka Airport, just 18 km away. With the Gateway Shopping Centre and Ushaka Marine World nearby, Beverly Hills Hotel is the perfect base for your stay.
Rooms: 89 Stars: 5
Check availabilityLuxe on Ridge Boutique Hotel
Stay in luxury at Luxe on Ridge Boutique Hotel! This newly opened hotel in Durban, just 2.1 km from Durban Botanic Gardens, offers comfortable accommodation with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Enjoy the convenience of family rooms, and the amenities of a garden, private parking and a terrace. Plus, take advantage of the hotel’s close proximity to Durban ICC and Moses Mabhida Stadium. With hip property and comfortable beds, you’ll be in for a wonderful stay. Book now for a stay starting July 2022!
Rooms: 7 Stars: 4
Check availabilitySouthern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
Experience unparalleled luxury at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, one of Durban’s best hotels. Located just 200 metres from the beach on the city’s Golden Mile, this luxurious resort offers modern, air-conditioned rooms with spectacular ocean views. Enjoy 4 on-site restaurants and 3 swimming pools, as well as a gym, spa, and room service. Explore nearby attractions like Kingsmead Stadium, Durban ICC, Greyville Racecourse, Suncoast Casino, uShaka Marine World, Durban Botanical Gardens, and King Shaka International Airport – all within easy reach. A full English breakfast buffet is served daily, and WiFi and airport shuttle services are available for a surcharge.
Rooms: 734 Stars: 4
Check availabilityPremier Hotel Umhlanga
Premier Hotel Umhlanga, a 4-star resort, opened in November 2020 in the beautiful city of Durban. Set within 2.6 km of Umhlanga Main Beach and 2.8 km of Umhlanga Rocks Beach, this non-smoking hotel offers comfortable rooms, equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and private bathroom. Additional amenities include a restaurant, bar, terrace, and room service. Guests can enjoy activities such as fishing and cycling, as well as take advantage of the property’s paid airport shuttle service to King Shaka International Airport, 18 km away. The hotel also offers a continental or Full English/Irish breakfast.
Rooms: 127 Stars: 4
Check availabilityThe Edward
Just steps away from Durban’s Golden Mile, The Edward hotel stands as an iconic Art Deco landmark. It opened its doors in 1911, and since then, has been home to many princes, presidents, millionaires and celebrities. The Edward boasts a newly refurbished selection of rooms, all decorated in a classic style with wooden features and rich fabrics, as well as satellite flat-screen TVs and a private reading area. The hotel also features a panoramic roof-top pool, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying cocktails at sunset. Guests can take advantage of the on-site gym, room service, and airport shuttle (at a surcharge). Explore the area with a walk or cycle along the promenade adjacent to the hotel. King Shaka International Airport is 32 km away, and uShaka Marine World and ICC Durban are both 1.5 km away.
Rooms: 131 Stars: 4
Check availabilityProtea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge
Experience the best of Durban when you stay at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge. Situated opposite the Wavehouse and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the hotel offers views of Chris Saunders Park and air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV. Enjoy a meal in the hotel’s restaurant, take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool, or relax with a drink on the terrace. With easy access to Durban CBD, King Shaka International Airport and uShaka Marine World, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! is the ideal base for your stay in Durban.
Rooms: 205 Stars: 4
Check availabilityBest areas to find hotels in Durban, South Africa
Durban is an exciting and vibrant city in South Africa and offers visitors plenty of accommodation options. Whether you’re looking for luxury, budget or something in between, there are plenty of great areas to search for a hotel in Durban. Here are some of the best areas to search for a hotel in Durban:
1. Beachfront: Durban is home to some of the best beaches in South Africa, and the beachfront area is a great place to stay. This area is lined with hotels, from budget-friendly to luxury accommodation. You can expect stunning sea views, easy access to the beach, and plenty of amenities nearby.
2. Umhlanga Rocks: Located north of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxurious stay. The area is home to a number of high-end hotels and resorts, perfect for those looking for a little extra pampering.
3. Morningside: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Morningside is the place to be. This area is full of budget-friendly hotels, but also offers plenty of amenities and attractions.
4. Umgeni Road: This area is perfect for anyone looking to be close to the city centre. Umgeni Road is home to a number of mid-range hotels, as well as plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to explore.
5. Durban North: Durban North is a great choice for those looking for a quieter stay. This area is home to a number of hotels, all with easy access to the beach.
No matter which area you choose, you’re sure to find the perfect hotel in Durban. With so many accommodation options, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.