Where to Stay in Durban, South Africa: The 8 Best Hotels

Durban is one of the three largest cities in South Africa located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. It is 'Miami' South African version with a huge beach and a seaside filled with 5 star hotels. The climate is good there at any time of the year (ideal for swimming) but the city has little interest compared to the beauty of Cape Town or historical tours of Johannesburg. We therefore recommend not to waste time here and to use Durban only for its airport which is a good starting or arrival base for exploring North St Lucia with the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi safari Game Reserve. And in the South the hikes in the Oribi gorges or further on the start of the Drakensberg and the famous Sani Pass. In this article, we have selected  the best hotels in Durban for a pleasant night's sleep after exploring the many bars and restaurants on Florida Road or Umhlanga.

The Concierge Boutique Bungalows: the hotel with the best value for money to sleep in Durban

The Concierge Boutique Bungalows is a real nugget! We were surprised to find such a nice and pleasant hotel at such a price (it's really cheap for the service!). We share this discovery with you hoping that the best value hotel in Durban will please you as much as we do. Its rooms are tastefully decorated and are super comfortable: the bed is soft and the bathroom sublime. In addition, the hotel is in a good location (which surprised us given the very affordable price). It's close to the beach and its friendly Golden Mile promenade, and it's less than 10 minutes' walk to Florida Road, the city's busiest street. We recommend that you spend the evening there to eat a traditional bunny chow (a hollowed out and curry-filled bread typical of this region of South Africa) or have a drink in one of the many bars.

The +: Note that the hotel has in its courtyard a very good coffee shop (the freedom cafe) for breakfast.

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For further : Discover the accommodations with the best value for money in South Africa

Essenwood House and Coweys Corner: other great tips for sleeping in Durban, South Africa

If The Concierge Boutique Bungalows is full, we recommend that you go to Essenwood House ou Cowey's Corner. These ones are two other cheap deals that offer excellent value for money. These B & B / Guest House type accommodations have large, clean and well-appointed rooms. We have selected them for their comfort, price and location. Indeed, these hotels are also conveniently located and you can go out to eat and drink in Florida Road at night in just 10 minutes. Also, the welcome is charming and we are sure that you will not regret spending the night in one of these South African guest houses.

1. Cowey's Corner 

Most Cowey's Corner : Its generous and succulent English breakfast.

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For further : Discover the best guesthouses and B & Bs for accommodation in South Africa

2. Essenwood House

Most Essenwood House: Its magnificent colonial-style building with a beautiful view of the garden and its very pleasant swimming pool.

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For further : Discover the best accommodation for each type of hotel in South Africa

Curiocity Backpackers Durban: the best hostel near the Golden Mile promenade

Curiocity Backpackers is by far the best hostel in Durban in South Africa. Modern decors, private rooms or clean, minimalist and functional dormitories: this is THE trendy backpacker par excellence. Here everything is done with taste just like in Curiocity Joburg, the hostel of the same group in Johannesburg that we recommend. Also, the location is top notch. They are located just behind the seafront, a stone's throw from the beach. And to finish convincing you, the atmosphere is really nice. If you want to meet new people and have fun, we recommend this accommodation rather than a B&B. Their double rooms have nothing to envy of a beautiful hotel!

The + : They offer yoga classes, foot massages (for those coming back from the Drakensbergs!) and even bike rental to go for a ride along the Golden Mile promenade by the sea.

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For further : Discover the best hostels to stay in South Africa

Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat: Durban's best B&B in South Africa

Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat is a beautiful guest house and it is for us definitely the best B&B in Durban. The villa is simply sublime: colonial architecture, luxuriant nature, refined decoration, rooms worthy of kings and queens, breakfast terrace with sea view, perfect swimming pool, extremely pleasant garden, warm living room, etc ... It is a true haven peace close to downtown which has a busy list of regular customers! In short, a little corner of paradise in South Africa not to be missed if you are passing through Durban.

The + : the welcome and the attentions of the staff to make your stay pleasant are highly appreciated.

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For further : Discover the best 3-star hotels for accommodation in South Africa

Favorite for Quarters Hotel: the best boutique hotel in Durban, South Africa

When we return to Durban, we always go to Quarters hotel. It is our favorite and it is considered by many locals as the best boutique hotel in Durban. It is ideally located on Florida Road, Durban's busiest street for eating and drinking, but once inside expect a cocoon of tranquility. In addition, the beach, promenade and shops are also very close. Its location and exceptional standing are its best assets. This boutique hotel is very beautiful with its Victorian architecture, comfortable bedrooms and elegant marble bathrooms. We have stayed here numerous times and have never been disappointed. The welcome is always excellent and the service perfect.

The + : If you are leaving early in the morning for the Drakensbergs, the airport or whatever, the Quarters Hotel cooks always prepare a very good breakfast to go for you. Don't forget to ask!

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For further : Discover the best boutique hotels to stay in South Africa 

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel: the best luxury hotel in Durban, South Africa

Durban's waterfront facing the Golden Mile promenade and the beach is home to many 5-star hotels. But the most famous of all luxury hotels of this 'Miami strip' with South African sauce is the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel. The hotel is huge and offers all the services of accommodation of this standard: rooftop swimming pool at 32^rd floors, gym, award-winning spa, bar on the rooftop very pleasant at sunset facing the sea, many restaurants including a very good Japanese, breakfast buffet with a huge choice, etc ... The rooms are all very comfortable and have a wonderful view of the ocean. There is nothing to add.

The + The hotel can rent bikes for you to stroll along the Golden Mile promenade by the sea.

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For further : Discover the best luxury hotels to stay in South Africa

The famous Umhlanga Oyster Box in Durban: one of the best luxury hotels in all of South Africa 

The Oyster Box Hotel is one of the top 10 best hotels in South Africa. It is therefore not surprising that it is the best hotel in Durban (from far away). The best of the best, the most prestigious, exceptional, legendary… There is no lack of superlatives to qualify it. Its superb is also reflected in its price ... If it is within your means, go for it! If you are on a honeymoon or have kept a budget to treat yourself for a night, don't hesitate either. This hotel is a true South African institution. It would be pointless to describe this palace as the photos speak for themselves ... Everything here is world class: the view, the rooms, the award-winning KwaZulu spa, the infinity pools, the restaurants, the breakfast, the gym, the private cinema, the bars, the rooftop, the tea room, etc… It is located in front of the ocean in Umhlanga, a district of Durban by the sea. From the beach you can watch the dolphins, go surfing or even diving.

Consulting : the 'high tea' in the hotel's tea room is so famous that you have to book well in advance to be able to savor their selection of pastries by the end of the afternoon facing the ocean.

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For further : Discover the best dream hotels for accommodation in South Africa

To find out more about South Africa:

• Guide to the best activities of St Lucia in South Africa
• Go on a safari at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa
• Hiking in the Oribi gorges in South Africa
• The best recommendations for visiting Sani Pass
• Where to sleep in South Africa?
• The best routes to visit South Africa