About Durban

Durban, South Africa’s third-largest city, is a sun-soaked seaside hub with a buzzing promenade, year-round surf, and a rich mix of Zulu, Indian, and colonial influences. If you’re here for hotels, you’re spoilt for choice. Umhlanga offers sleek luxury resorts with sweeping sea views, perfect for a pampered escape. Families love Glenwood’s leafy streets and relaxed boutique stays, while budget travellers gravitate toward the lively Station Drive Precinct. From heritage gems to foodie-friendly boltholes, Durban delivers stays with character.

Durban is a city that blends sun, surf, and culture in equal measure. Its famous Golden Mile draws surfers and beach lovers with warm blue waters, lively promenades, Zulu rickshaws, and striking sand art, while inland the city buzzes with creativity, from vibrant street murals and artisan markets to galleries like the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts. The city’s Indian heritage adds rich cultural flavour, best sampled in a Bunny Chow (hollowed out bread filled with chicken or beef curry) after a night out in Durban’s booming gqom-fueled nightlife. Beyond the urban energy, you’ll find mangrove-lined birding spots, tranquil reserves, the lush Botanical Gardens, historic Coedmore Castle, and family favourites like uShaka Marine World. With its mix of beaches, art, food, history, and festivals, Durban feels like a city that never stops giving.

The best places to stay in Durban

For a boutique stay

  • With sleek modern interiors framing sweeping sea views, Endless Horizons perfectly balances style and serenity, setting the standard for a chic, understated boutique hotel experience.

  • Charming to its core, The Benjamin delights with cosy rooms, elegant dining, and pristine gardens—an enchanting boutique escape brimming with character.

  • Bold, vibrant, and distinctive, Teremok Marine dazzles with colourful rooms and striking design, making it one of Durban’s most memorable boutique stays.

For luxury

  • The pinnacle of beachfront luxury, Oyster Box Hotel pairs timeless elegance with a world-class spa, plus an array of top-tier bars and restaurants for an indulgent stay.

For foodies

  • Trendy and full of character, The Concierge places you in the heart of the city with an acclaimed restaurant on-site. Its fun, welcoming vibe appeals to both couples and families, making it an ideal base for exploring Durban.
  • Quarters Hotel blends Victorian elegance with modern comfort. Its beautifully restored façade and charming period interiors create a sense of timeless sophistication, while the location—just steps from Durban’s buzzing dining district—makes it perfect for food lovers and culture seekers alike.

For total relaxation

  • Set in the scenic Drakensberg mountains, midway between Durban and Johannesburg, aha Alpine Heath Resort offers spacious chalets, outdoor activities, and family-friendly amenities—delivering a refreshing getaway and exceptional value in one of South Africa’s most picturesque locations.

For great value

  • Tucked away in lush tropical gardens, Essenwood House offers just six inviting rooms, a sparkling outdoor pool, and a wide veranda for leisurely afternoons. A tranquil hideaway, it’s perfect for couples seeking peace and relaxation away from the city buzz. An affordable choice.

  • With stylish rooms, acclaimed dining, and an enviable location, Aha Avondale Boutique Hotel delivers boutique comfort at unbeatable value. Whether visiting for business or leisure, it’s the ideal choice for travelers who want sophistication without the price tag.

Travel information

  • Durban has 320 days of sunshine a year, so weather-wise, there is never really a bad time to go. Enjoying a temperate climate year-round, ranging from between lows of 20°C and highs of 30°C, the best time to go is probably during the summer when there is less rain and the weather is more clement, though January to March witness the highest rainfall.

  • King Shaka International Airport is approximately a thirty-minute drive from town - taxis can be booked easily.

  • If you want to rent a car, contact our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

  • Expand your search to include all our recommendations in KwaZulu-Natal.

  • Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

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The best hotels in Durban

aha Avondale Boutique Hotel

Durban

Delightful hotel, one of our top picks in Durban. Each of its 17 rooms is decorated in a traditional, country casuals style. Dining is superb with your choice of eggs to order, fresh fruits and juices, and great coffee. There's a spa, plus you're walking distance from many attractions.

  • Local exploring - A charming hotel within easy reach of Durban's attractions
  • Great walks - Through Durban Botanic Gardens is just over 1 km away
  • Local markets - Victoria Street Market
  • Spa
from £58 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Essenwood House

Durban (Berea)

The perfect place to while away a relaxing stay in Durban. With a smart breakfast room, homely living room and cosy bedrooms it makes for a very comfortable stay. Relax on private verandahs, al fresco lounge areas or by the outdoor pool. A perfect little find along the gateway to the safari route.

  • Value chic - Incredible value for such period charm and great location
  • Sights nearby - Durban's CBD is an easy drive
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Boutique
from £67 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Benjamin

Durban

A delightful hotel just ten minutes drive from Durban beach. Each of the 41 rooms is decorated in a homely style, boasting pretty garden views, tea and coffee making facilities, and luxurious en suite bathrooms. There's an inviting pool, where you can enjoy tea and cakes out on the terrace.

  • City Style - A homely stay, excellently located within easy reach of town
  • Great walks - Through Durban Botanical gardens
  • Sights nearby - uShaka Marine World is 4 km away
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from £71 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Endless Horizons

Durban

Modern boutique hotel boasts stylish interiors within a charming Durban neighbourhood. Each of the ten rooms is decorated with quirky prints and contemporary style. There is an inviting pool on the sunny terrace with far reaching views. A hearty buffet breakfast with Full English to order is served.

  • City Style - Stylish boutique hotel within easy reach of Durban's bustling centre
  • Sailing - Boat trips through Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
  • Restrictions on children - Children above the age of 12 are welcome
  • Great walks - To Umhlanga lighthouse
from £81 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Quarters Hotel

Durban

This inviting Victorian hotel provides a very stylish stay. Located amidst what is known as Durban's "dining district" it is walking distance from some of the city's finest restaurants. Each of the rooms boasts its own private terrace and features enormous sleigh beds and stylish en suites.

  • Local exploring - Stylish Victorian hotel located amidst Durban 'dining district'
  • Great walks - Explore Durban's Botanical Gardens, just a few minutes walk away
  • Sights nearby - Durban's beach - take a stroll along Marine Parade
  • Restaurant
from £105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Concierge

Durban ( Greyville, )

A relaxed and friendly boutique hotel, with rooms spread across four chic bungalows, and a novelty foodie café set in an old shipping container. Unwind in the pretty garden or access the neighbouring park to relax during the heat of the day. A chic spot in a very central location.

  • Foodies - Great for foodies, with restaurants and street-food stands serving everything from the best curries to succulent barbecued meat
  • Local exploring - This central location is perfect for exploring this vibrant, multicultural port city
  • Surfing - Beach lovers have golden sands and warm seas to enjoy, as well as excellent surfing possibilities
  • Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Durban Botanic Gardens or the Hare Krishna Temple
from £91 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees