Business or a break bringing you to Durban? Stay close to the town’s main attraction in these top seaside hotels recommended by Glynis Horning.
Also see: Gorgeous photos of Durban in summer
Not in Durban? Read: Five of the best beach breaks in Plettenberg Bay
Best hotels on the beachfront in Durban
1. Blue Waters Hotel
Blue Waters Hotel
The setting
The Jiran family, well-known hoteliers, created this trendily retro hotel from holiday flats above the Battery Beach pier in the late 1960s. It’s now perfectly positioned between the attractions of Suncoast Casino and the revamped skate park.
The vibe
Laid-back and welcoming as the indoor pool that greets you on the ground floor, along with retro mosaic wall tiles and murals. Bedrooms are contemporary and sleek in cream and dark wood.
The crowd
Holidaymakers after affordable beach breaks, budget-conscious conference-goers, wedding and school groups, and visiting artists.
The rooms
The 262 newly renovated rooms and 14 family suites are spacious and most have balconies. You won’t get dressing gowns or turn-downs, but you will get all the essentials, from air-con to Wi-Fi and a Lindt chocolate on your pillow. All rooms command views of the city or sea.
The food
The rate includes a great value breakfast buffet, while lunch and dinner buffets in the elegant Versailles Restaurant draw guests from other hotels. You can order crispy-based pizzas and sushi at the new Blue Dolphin Bar while the kids romp in a protected play area nearby.
Highlights
Chill on a balcony watching the fishermen on Battery Beach pier and joggers, cyclists and skateboarders lacing the promenade. Join them and end with an award-winning cappuccino at Cafe’ Jiran three doors away. Otherwise hit the hotel’s squash court and sauna.
Need to know
Beds are comfortable but some are on the short side.
Contact
Tel: 031 327 7000, www.bluewatershotel.co.za
2. Protea Hotel Edward
Protea Hotel Edward
The setting
One of Durban’s original grand Victorian hotels, the 103-year-old Edward reclines comfortably above the revamped paddling pools and funfair, a nostalgic reminder of holidays past.
The vibe
Graciously elegant without being stuffy, after a refurb in soft sea shades. A sophisticated mix of stripes and florals, sepia prints and botanical studies offsets the gilded frames and chandeliers.
The crowd
Old Natal families and Zulu royalty, as well as politicians, business moguls and international travellers.
The rooms
Most of the 101 rooms are sea-facing and have balconies except the family ones, for safety reasons. In the splendid Oppenheimer presidential suite (number 601), personal attention extends to framed photos of your family awaiting you alongside a welcome fruit platter.
The food
Dine on classics like beef carpaccio, sole thermidor and malva pud under palms and a high pressed ceiling in the celebrated Brasserie Restaurant. An impressive Friday night curry buffet or Saturday night seafood one includes starters, desserts and a generous cheese board.
Highlights
Bask on Wedge Beach or your balcony above the view by day, then leave valuables in your safe, pocket R150 for two and hit the beachfront. Ride the funfair cable-car, sip a Sex on the Beach under the stars at Joe Cool’s, and grab a Monster Cone at Milky Lane.
Need to know
The hotel lift may be a little slow, but nothing else is – service is impeccable.
Contact
Tel: 031 337 3681, www.proteahotels.com
3. Suncoast Hotel and Towers
Suncoast Hotel and Towers
The setting
The cassata-coloured, art deco-style complex of the SunSquare and Suncoast Towers hotels and Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World anchor the northern end of Durban’s Golden Mile.
The vibe
Fresh and relaxed as the deco-flavoured decor – curvaceous furnishings in pale wood, fluted white pillars, shell-patterned railings, and drapes and sofas in lickable ice-cream hues.
The crowd
High-rollers to local hopefuls, plus holidaymakers, sports and soapie stars, Bollywood hotties, rockers (Eddie Grant) and comedians (Trevor Noah).
The rooms
SunSquare’s 128 standard open-plan rooms are comfortable enough, but opt for the 37 luxury rooms and suites in Suncoast Towers. All have great sea views and the corner suites (ask for number 802) gaze down the Golden Mile to the lighthouse on the Bluff.
The food
Jeera serves authentic Durban Indian cuisine that attracts even locals. Starters range from crispy bhaji salad to home-made samoosas and mains embrace curries and tikkas with all the trimmings.
Highlights
Stroll the promenade to Moses Mabhida and ride the SkyCar. Unwind on a lounger on the lawns or in the Suncoast Spa (have the Sea Whisperer massage, a blissful blend of long Balinese strokes and Thai stretches).
Need to know
The pool is on the small side, but an oasis when the beach is busy or blustery.
Contact
Tel: 031 314 7878, www.tsogosunhotels.com
4. Elangeni and Maharani
Elangeni and Maharani
The setting
These landmark beachfront hotels are being lovingly made over and joined into a single stylish 734-bedroom complex above the revamped Sunken Gardens, skate park and Mini Town.
The vibe
Relaxed sophistication, especially in Maharani Tower, which resembles a boutique hotel with its sleek white reception area and chandeliers and well-appointed suites. The Elangeni refurb is still underway.
The crowd
Local holidaymakers, a smattering of internationals, sports teams (Bafana Bafana, the Indian cricket team) and conference delegates.
The rooms
The 285 Maharani Tower rooms and suites have the style edge at present and boast both baths and showers, but the 449 Elangeni units will catch up soon. All have free Wi-Fi and access to two gyms, three pools (one heated) and 11 restaurants and bars.
The food
The attractive new Grill Jichana serves great aged steaks and rotisserie chicken. For light options, hit Vigour and Verve (first-class pizza) or Ocean Breeze Restaurant on the pool deck, Durban’s coolest new breakfast spot.
Highlights
Hire a hotel bicycle (R50) and ride the promenade to uShaka or Moses Mabhida. Later sip a Panorama Sunrise or Sunset at Elangeni’s new Panorama Bar on the pool deck above the view.
Need to know
The stairway from the Elangeni Towers car park doesn’t create the best first impression, but the refurb should reach there too.
Contact
Tel 031 362 1300, www.tsogosunhotels.com
5. Docklands Hotel
Docklands Hotel
The setting
The flagship of Durban’s Point Development, it has been cleverly fashioned from Victorian warehouses overlooking Africa’s busiest port. What was once a red-light district is going green with scenic canals and attractions such as uShaka.
The vibe
Slick and cool as the decor – public spaces feature exposed brick walls, duct-laced high ceilings and screed cement floors, while a central courtyard is softened by white pear trees and a water feature.
The crowd
Young and happening, from business and political movers to the arts set – this has become a home from home for visiting jazz singers and DJs.
The rooms
Compact functional rooms overlooking the courtyard or suites with balconies and dramatic harbour views – the pick is the deluxe split-level tower suite (number 416). Minimally but comfortably furnished, all are chic in monochromatic shades with red accents.
The food
Look no further than Wodka, the doublevolume 70-seater hotel restaurant and bar. It has a funky industrial feel and serves fusion food plus tasty standards. The New York strip, smoked pork belly, and wild mushroom tagliatelle with Gorgonzola are winners.
Highlights
Don’t go home before snorkelling over the reef off uShaka beach, visiting Sea World and Dangerous Creatures on uShaka Village Walk, or watching the sun set from Moyo at the end of uShaka Pier.
Need to know
Standard rooms may feel cramped and there are no baths even in suites, but showers are spacious.
Contact
Tel: 031 332 8190, www.threecities.co.za
Getting around
Durban’s Golden Mile
Durban’s new promenade, created for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, meanders six kilometres from Blue Lagoon at the Umgeni River Mouth to uShaka Marine World at the harbour. Join enthusiastic locals walking, jogging, cycling and skating (hire gear at the skate park, uShaka or Bike & Bean 082 773 6870), else take a rickshaw or People Mover bus.
Check out more gorgeous tips about Durban in our October 2014 issue.
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