Durban, a vibrant coastal metropolis in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs and preferences. From luxurious hotels to charming guest houses, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal provide a feast of choices amidst breathtaking scenery, lush vegetation, and stunning beaches.
Durban and KwaZulu-Natal: A Variety of Accommodation
KwaZulu-Natal accommodation in South Africa boasts scenery, from sandy beaches, lush vegetation and sugar plantations, to untamed wilderness and the Drakensberg Mountains. Be spoilt for choice between staying on a country golf estate, right on the beach, or in Durban city centre, in Five Star style at these Luxury Durban Hotels.
- KZN Midlands Hotels: The fertile KwaZulu-Natal Midlands are situated between The Drakensberg and Pietermaritzburg.
- Drakensberg Hotels: For superb mountain retreat accommodation with stunning views of the Drakensberg Mountains, these Drakensberg hotels are recommended.
- KZN North Coast Hotels: KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast, also known as the Dolphin Coast, offers the best in beach and bush holiday accommodation. The coastal holiday town of Ballito is a popular destination.
- KZN South Coast Hotels: Laze on the beaches or partake in activities such as scuba diving and surfing at this year-round holiday destination. The South Coast is also a golfers paradise.
As an alternative to hotel accommodation visit Durban Guest Houses.
Popular Areas and Accommodation Options
Umhlanga
Just north of Durban’s city centre, the coastal suburb of Umhlanga is one of the city’s most upmarket areas. It’s one of the best places to stay thanks to its combination of beaches, shopping, restaurants and bars - and its proximity to King Shaka International Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive away. Umhlanga Rocks is popular with visitors as it’s right on the coast.
The Protea Hotel Umhlanga Durban is mere minutes from the beach and a great place for families or those who want to spend plenty of time sunbathing or swimming. You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to dining, with loads of great places to eat within walking distance. If you fancy exploring a bit, take a stroll along the promenade to the coastal Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve.
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The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban Umhlanga Ridge, meanwhile, is right next to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping - and its vintage surfer vibes suit Durban’s beachy lifestyle to a tee. It’s conveniently close to the International Convention Centre for those in Durban on business, but it also puts leisure travellers right in the heart of the city.
Morningside
A more residential option, Morningside is just north of the city centre. It has been gentrified in recent years, becoming a popular place for young trendy folk. It’s known for its Edwardian-style architecture and the newly developed Florida Road, which was once an elephant path to the marsh, where the Greyville Racecourse is now.
If you’re looking for great places to eat, Florida Road and its surroundings offer an array of dishes to try, from pizza and steaks to burritos. Keep an eye out for bunny chow, too. This curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread is a must-try when in Durbs.
Morningside is also a good base if you’re planning to visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium or the Greyville Racecourse.
Illovo Beach
If you’re travelling for the beaches and not the city, why not escape Durban’s urban confines completely? Just half an hour to the south is the resort town of Illovo Beach, located where the Lovu River spills out into the Indian Ocean.
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Between the lagoon and the beach, the Protea Hotel Karridene Beach has a wide range of fun things to do to keep the whole family happy - including three pools, mini-golf, trampolines, table tennis, squash courts, a play park, a spa and a fitness centre. There are great places to eat nearby - serving up steak, seafood or pizza - as well as the on-site Oakwoods Restaurant, which overlooks the lagoon.
Illovo is a great spot for fishing - you might be able to catch kob or garrick. There are surf breaks and nearby trails for hiking or mountain biking. And, of course, you can just kick back on the beach.
Ballito
Another resort just out of the city, Ballito is a little to the north of Durban, on the Dolphin Coast - which makes it conveniently close to the airport and one of the best places to stay if you have a night or two to spare before a flight. This resort town is not only a holiday destination, but also a popular place to live and has boomed in size over recent years.
If you’ve been wondering where to go for the best surfing, this is a top option - the Ballito Pro, the world’s longest running professional surfing event, is held on Willard Beach. The beachfront stretches for over a mile and a half, with scenic tidal pools that are perfect for a morning swim - Thompson’s Bay is a favourite.
For shops and dining options, there are two malls: the Lifestyle Centre and the Junction. You’ll also find plenty of alternative things to do and places to visit in and around Ballito, from the crocodile farm to Holla Trails for mountain biking and trail running.
Read also: Reviews of Kirkwood Hotels
Top-Rated Hotels in Durban
Here's a summary of some of the top-rated hotels in Durban, catering to different needs:
Discover DURBAN'S Hidden Gems!
| Category | Hotel | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Travelers | Belaire Suites | Located steps from Blue Lagoon, with free WiFi and beach towels. |
| Families | The Blue Waters Hotel | Features an outdoor pool and restaurant, close to Mini Town and Durban Beach. |
| Luxury Travelers | Suncoast Hotel & Towers | Luxury hotel featuring a full-service spa and a terrace. |
| Hotels with Pools | Belaire Suites | Features an outdoor pool and free WiFi, steps from Blue Lagoon. |
| Near Airport | The Blue Waters Hotel | Features an airport shuttle and free WiFi. |
Exploring Durban
With its sunny climate and Indian Ocean beaches, Durban is foremost a holiday destination. The famous Golden Mile was first developed in the 1970s and now stretches along the length of Or Tambo Parade (formerly Marine Parade). It's lined by a broad, paved promenade that runs just over 3 mi/5 km from South Beach to North Beach.
An exploration of the bustling city center will give you an insight into the cultural hodgepodge that makes up this part of South Africa. Its history too can be learned through the grand British-built architecture; the markets, bazaars and mosques in the Indian District; and the Kwa-Muhle Museum, which illustrates the country's apartheid era.
Thanks to its subtropical climate, Durban has more than 50 nature reserves, parks and specialized gardens, and the municipality's Parks Department maintains 16,061 acres/6,000 hectares of parkland and recreational open space. The standout is the Durban Botanic Gardens, a beautiful park filled with trees, decorative flower beds and elegant fountains where you can indulge in an old-fashioned high tea with scones or an open-air concert at the lake.
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