About Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth, the vibrant coastal hub of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, blends sea views, cultural charm, and a buzzing food scene. Hotels here cater to every traveller: sleek design stays and boutique gems cluster around the rejuvenated city centre, while families love the relaxed beachfront resorts near Humewood. Budget-friendly options abound around Summerstrand, with luxury escapes offering prime whale-spotting views. Whether you’re chasing heritage charm, oceanfront indulgence, or great-value comfort, Port Elizabeth’s hotel scene has you covered.

Take in city views from Fort Frederik or stroll the Donkin Heritage Trail past its 19th-century gems. Nature lovers can spot wildlife in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness, bird-watch at Cape Recife, ride horses on Sardinia Bay Beach, or cycle the Baakens River Trail. Boat trips to Bird Island add even more to explore. Art awaits at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum, and December visitors can enjoy the vibrant Ebubeleni Music Festival.

The Best Places to stay in Port Elizabeth

For a relaxing stay

  • Singa Lodge is an oasis of calm just steps from the city. Lush gardens surround you, yet vibrant cafes and local flavours are close by. We’ve handpicked it as the perfect balance between tranquillity and convenience.
  • Carlslogie House blends English-country charm with modern comfort. Intimate gardens and elegant decor create a soothing escape. With the city’s cafe culture and lively dining scene nearby, it’s a carefully chosen stay for relaxation and discovery.
  • Millbury Guesthouse invites you to slow down. Spacious suites, roll-top baths, manicured gardens, and a sparkling pool set the scene. The ideal accommodation when you want indulgence and easy access to the city.

For an intimate stay

  • Manor 38 is a quirky, modern B&B with personality in every corner. Its eight stylish suites reflect the care of its welcoming owners. Close to buzzing cafes and the city’s foodie spots, it’s a smart accommodation choice.
  • 23 On Glen offers just two suites, making it one of the most intimate stays in town. Right in the heart of the action, it’s well-priced, perfectly placed, and chosen by us for its cosy charm and convenience.

For a family-friendly stay

  • Ibhayi Guest Lodge delivers well-priced, flexible accommodation ideal for families. With space to unwind and easy access to the city’s cafes, restaurants, and attractions, it's a smart choice for comfort and convenience for the entire family.
  • Admiralty Beach House offers laidback living by the coast. A true home-away-from-home, it’s perfect for families looking to relax. With nearby beaches and a vibrant local food scene, this is accommodation that makes family time effortless.
  • Lenore Guesthouse charms with rustic thatched cottages and plenty of family suites. It’s budget-friendly yet full of character. Close to lively neighbourhoods and cosy cafes, we’ve highlighted it as great value accommodation for exploring together.

For a stylish stay

  • No5 by Mantis pairs quirky interiors with an ultra-modern edge. Perfectly located near Port Elizabeth’s top attractions, it also puts you close to buzzing cafes and the city’s food scene.

For a heritage stay

  • Hacklewood Hill Country House offers a refined 19th-century escape. Think period charm, elegant features, and silver-service dining. Just moments from town, it’s ideal for those seeking timeless style alongside today’s vibrant cafe and dining culture.

For a stay amidst nature

  • Thunzi Bush Lodge feels like a true African bush escape, yet it’s only a short drive from the city. With luscious grounds, African-inspired decor, and charming cottage-style accommodation, it's the perfect blend of adventure and convenience.
  • Kariega Ukhozi Lodge is an intimate adults-only lodge set in a nature reserve, blending wilderness with indulgence. Think sweeping views, private pools, gourmet dining, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—all designed for pure romance and relaxation.

For a great value stay

  • St Phillips Guesthouse offers intimate, family-run charm with period character. It’s excellent value and puts you close to the city’s cafe culture, buzzing food scene, and historic streets.
  • The Plantation, Port Elizabeth offers charming cottage suites with bold wallpapers, wrought-iron beds, and vibrant furnishings. Each has a kitchenette, with buffet breakfast served daily. Leafy gardens and sweeping lawns create a peaceful, homely escape brimming with character. A great value stay.

Travel Information

  • If you want to rent self-drive to explore the Eastern Cape, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Port Elizabeth International Airport is just a ten-minute drive from the city centre - taxis can be booked easily.
  • Pleasant all year round, the best time to visit depends on your preference. During the summer months, November to March, temperatures range between 16 to 27°C, while winters, May to August, are between 8 and 23°C.

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The best hotels in Port Elizabeth

St Phillips Guesthouse

Port Elizabeth

Traditional 20th-century hotel boasting architecture iconic of its time. Each of its three rooms includes colourful interiors with plenty of original features, including working fireplaces and exposed wood floors. Your choice of English or Continental breakfast is served.

  • Value chic - Excellent value, delightful owner managed stay
  • Sailing - Take a sunset cruise from Port Elizabeth Harbour
  • Great walks - St George's Park is just 1km away
  • Boutique
from $57 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Lenore Guest House

Port Elizabeth

Boasting a veritable breakfast spread and comfortable accommodation, including plenty of family suites and en suite bathroom. There is a pool, gardens, tennis courts, and plenty to keep little ones busy. A great family stay - great value too.

  • Value chic - A great value stay within easy reach of Port Elizabeth's attractions
  • Tennis Court - There are tennis courts for guests
  • Great walks - St George's Park is just 1km away
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from $61 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Plantation, Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth

Beautifully decorated cottage suites with statement wallpapers, wrought iron beds and colourfully upholstered furnishings. A buffet breakfast is served plus there is a small kitchenette in each cottage. Beautiful lawns and leafy grounds provide a relaxing stay. Great value.

  • Value chic - Beautifully decorated, homely, and excellent value stay
  • Sailing - Take a boat out to St Croix Island Marine Reserve
  • Surfing - A popular beach with surfers is Kings Beach
  • Local markets - Valley Market, held every Saturday
from $69 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Singa Lodge

Port Elizabeth

A cocoon of tranquillity within close distance to Port Elizabeth. Each of its 12 bedrooms is uniquely decorated with four-poster beds, mosaic tiles, local artwork, and enormous in-room baths. A great breakfast is served plus there beautiful gardens in which to relax. Excellent value.

  • Value chic - Excellent value, stylish interiors plus a great location
  • Local markets - Held every Saturday Valley Market is a great spot for locally made food
  • Surfing - Hobie Beach is a popular surfing spot
  • Great walks - Through St George’s Park
from $73 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Carslogie House

Port Elizabeth

Delightful owner managed bungalow turned popular B&B. Guests will feel right at home in their luxurious abode, styled with silks, ornate lamps, and English country decor. The best opening out onto the pool. A full English breakfast is served each morning. An excellent value stay.

  • Local exploring - A cosy stay - the perfect base from which to explore Port Elizabeth
  • Sights nearby - Children will love Splash Waterworld
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Surfing - Hobie Beach
from $77 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Thunzi Bush Lodge

Port Elizabeth

Cosy cottage interiors providing self-catering accommodation amidst the beautiful setting of Maitland Nature Park. A fully equipped kitchen, open plan living areas which open out on your private terrace provide a very comfortable stay. Suites include modern bathrooms. Surrounded by nature.

  • Families - Self catering cottages and rural location - excellent for families
  • Birdwatching - Excellent bird watching opportunities
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Spa
from $77 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

23 on Glen

Port Elizabeth

Delightful owner managed B&B providing well-priced family accommodation. With just two bedrooms, it's a very intimate stay. Each of its rooms is decorated in muted colours and floral patterns, with attached bathrooms. A full English breakfast is served each morning.

  • Value chic - Great value accommodation, ideal with families
  • Great walks - Through St George's Park, just 1km away
  • Surfing - Humewood Beach is 8km away
  • Boutique
from $84 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Millbury Guest House

Port Elizabeth

Set within a tranquil garden around a sun-drenched pool providing roomy accommodation in the leafy suburb of Mill Park. Providing the perfect base to explore the surrounding game parks, beaches and golf courses of the Eastern Cape - enormous suites, modern bathrooms, and superb food. A great stay.

  • Total relaxation - Boasting a pool, enormous suites, and you're right by a golf course
  • Local markets - Held every Saturday Valley Market is a popular spot
  • Great walks - Settler's Park Nature Reserve
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from $92 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Manor 38

Port Elizabeth

Delightful owner managed B&B located in the quiet suburb of Summerstrand, yet within easy access of Port Elizabeth. Each of its eight rooms is uniquely decorated, with private balconies, enormous beds and ensuite bedrooms. Spacious living areas, an outdoor pool, and excellent home cooked food.

  • Value chic - A great value boutique stay
  • Local markets - Every Saturday, Valley Market is a favourite of local foodies
  • Surfing - King's Beach is a prime surfing beach
  • Restrictions on children - Children above the age of 12 welcome
from $93 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Ibhayi Guest Lodge

Port Elizabeth (Summerstrand)

Budget and family friendly accommodation that benefits from plenty of family suites plus an inviting outdoor pool. A healthy breakfast is served each morning to set you up for a day's exploring - the hotel is walking distance from many of Port Elizabeth's attractions.

  • Families - Excellent family accommodation with a very attractive price
  • Great walks - St George’s Park
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Boutique
from $95 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Admiralty Beach House

Port Elizabeth

Delightful owner-managed guest house in the leafy suburb of Summerstand. Benefitting from a local golf course, you're still with easy reach of Port Elizabeth's city centre. Beautiful suites, decorated in creams and blue lookout across the garden and pool. A cosy stay, complete with great breakfast.

  • Local exploring - A home away from home: the perfect base for exploring Port Elizabeth
  • Local markets - Every Saturday, Valley Market is popular with foodies
  • Great walks - Along the wooden coastal walk
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from $105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

No5 by Mantis

Port Elizabeth

Stylish accommodation within walking distance of Port Elizabeth's restaurants and attractions. Smart suites include four-poster beds and plush interiors. There's a spa, outdoor pool, lively bar, plus an excellent breakfast is served. A great city stay.

  • City Style - A sleek, modern hotel in the heart of Port Elizabeth
  • Local markets - The Beachfront Craft Market is the perfect place to pick up some local souvenirs
  • Great walks - Port Elizabeth's cliff path goes past Hobie Beach and Shark Rock Pier
  • Surfing - Port Elizabeth is home to some of South Africa's best surfing beaches
from $177 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hacklewood Hill Country House

Port Elizabeth

Dating back to 1898 this heritage hotel, set amidst an English country garden provides a comfortable homestay. Rooms are decorated in a classic style with floral prints, traditional artwork, and large bathrooms. Cosy sitting rooms include open place fires. Excellent dining - a great stay.

  • Local exploring - A charming hotel, that feels like home, within easy reach of Port Elizabeth's attractions
  • Great walks - Settler's Park Nature Reserve
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Surfing - Hobie Beach
from $196 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Kariega Ukhozi Lodge

Port Elizabeth (Kariega Game Reserve,)

Five-star luxury lodge boasting a long list of spa treatments and outdoor activities. Adults only, guests are in for a pampering stay. Each of the ten suites boasts sweeping views, enormous bathrooms, and the best private pools. Dine to your heart's content at this all-inclusive lodge.

  • Romantic Break - Adults only accommodation with some suites including private pools
  • Great walks - Guided bush walks with experienced rangers in search of over 25 game and hundreds of birds
  • Sailing - A boat safari along the Bushmans River
  • Kayaking - Along the Kariega River
from $734 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia