A bustling metropolis on the eastern coast of South Africa, Durban is a jet-setter’s paradise, gently caressed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
The city is steeped in history, diversity, and natural splendour, forming a colourful tapestry that shines through its eclectic cuisine, vibrant markets, and pulsating music scene.
With a year-round subtropical climate, friendly hosts, and endless activities on offer, Durban’s accommodations will leave you in awe.
From colonial boutiques to beachfront mansions, here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Durban, South Africa (in no particular order)...
1. Premier Hotel Umhlanga – a trendy, sleek and new hotel in close proximity to local popular attractions
Situated high on Umhlanga Ridge with unspoilt views of the Indian Ocean, this charismatic property blends a corporate feel with a soul-soothing natural presence.
Its style lends itself perfectly to business travellers in pursuit of a spot of pampered luxury, with its magnificent open-air timber deck girdled by glass balustrades.
This heart-warming setting allows you to relax in the backdrop of the surrounding ocean majesty as you savour a crafted beverage. I loved heading up here at the end of the day, as the sun began to set over the horizon and the sky burst with dazzling colours.
Each room comes with a private seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a standalone bathtub.
2. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge – a lavish, retro-chic and cool hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
This 60’s surf-inspired hotel, with its nostalgic undertones, makes for an idyllic Umhlanga escape. Nestled only a short stroll from the sandy shores of Umhlanga Beach, the property is teeming with summertime vibes, which can be relished in full force on the sun-drenched deck area where discerning travellers gather to share stories.
The sophisticated décor and global fare of the in-house restaurant make for a blissful evening, and the luxuriant verdant surrounds set a beautiful backdrop to the open-air, wood-clad hang-out area.
My room was bright, breezy, and ultra-modern, and turned my sleeping experience into one of pure luxury.
3. Belaire Suites Hotel – a stylish, contemporary and spacious hotel within walking distance of several sports facilities and activities
Standing tall and elegant with a serene slice of urban glamour, Belaire Suites is a charming inner-city haven replete with a glorious swimming pool, a graceful restaurant, and plenty of cosy chill-out spaces.
The luxurious interiors, the dazzling ocean views, and the luxury amenities make this accommodation one of the city’s best, and a step outside lands you on a beachfront sidewalk perfect for peaceful evening strolls.
The on-site Jiran Restaurant has been voted one of Durban’s best, and its exquisite cuisine is matched by its award-winning coffee list. My room came with magnificent views of the beach, which offered a scenic, uplifting start to each day.
4. Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani – a fashionable, spacious and iconic hotel in a location perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Here we have one of Durban’s most iconic hotels, which invites guests to experience modern comfort on one of the city’s sun-kissed beachfronts.
Sweeping Indian Ocean views along the 7km promenade set the scene for an unforgettable vacation here, topped with a choice of three outdoor pools, a different dining venue for every night, and a faultless service.
The on-site boutique spa is scented with gentle fragrances and accented with peaceful colours and calming sounds, offering each guest a chance to feel blissfully rejuvenated.
Each room has been carefully furnished to echo the splendour of this coastal paradise, with full-length windows providing a glistening ocean backdrop.
5. The Oyster Box – an award-winning, upscale and 5-star boutique hotel providing guests with breathtaking Insta-worthy views overlooking the Indian Ocean
Poised on the Umhlanga beachfront where the Indian Ocean scuds against coastal rocks, The Oyster Box invites you into a grand lobby featuring whirling palace staircases and liquescent marble floors.
Prepare for a friendly welcome here, as the charming staff presence, the provocative artwork by KwaZulu-Natal artists, and the beautiful Mediterranean tapestries set a vibrant scene.
Facilities at The Oyster Box include two restaurants, an afternoon tea lounge, three bars, a cinema, two swimming pools, a spa, and a gym. I absolutely loved my room, where heavily embroidered floral textiles, vintage beds, and exquisite ocean views brought an invigorating tone to my stay.
To book, check prices or availability for The Oyster Box
6. aha Gateway Hotel Umhlanga – an eco-friendly, quirky and family-friendly hotel steps away from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Conveniently attached to The Gateway Theatre of Shopping, this exclusive downtown hoteloffers the perfect basecamp from which to dive into Durban’s charming cityscape.
The hotel caters to business travellers with its seamless blend of tech-forward innovation and pampered luxury, as well as modern jet setters through its quirky, locally inspired décor.
A stand-out feature for me was the Fig Tree Café, whose resplendent interior aesthetic is matched by its colourful dishes.
This refined eatery is touted as one of Durban’s best restaurants, owing to its glass-walled style, its tantalizing selection of classic cuisine, and its first-rate service.
7. Beside Still Waters Boutique Hotel – a cool, tranquil and hip hotel surrounded by an acre of botanic gardens
The minimalistic-styled rooms at Beside Still Watersare a breath of fresh air, with large beds, crisp white linens, and luxuriant garden views inviting you to feel right at home.
In the garden lies a sky blue, plant-fringed pool inviting guests for a refreshing dip amid the afternoon sun. Beside the pool you can recline on a cosy lounger with a book in hand as you embrace total serenity.
I thoroughly loved my dining experience at the on-site bistro, where every calorie-conscious dish was crafted using organic local produce. The in-house coffee shop offers a beautiful outdoor seating area, which you’re guaranteed to leave feeling calm and replenished.
8. Coastlands Musgrave Hotel – an elegant, modern and stylish hotel featuring a spa and wellness center
This stylish hotel has been decorated to exude a chic glamour, and greets guests with first-rate facilities that offer comfort and sophistication.
From the ground floor restaurant to the lush manicured garden, each space is designed in harmony with the charming surroundings. Having my meals soundtracked by melodic piano music was a memorable experience, and the shimmering swimming pools afforded unforgettable moments of relaxation.
The on-site spa is the perfect spot to soothe the soul after an action-packed day, with facial therapies, body treatments, and massages on offer. There’s also an exceptional golf course nearby, which made my stay even more majestic.
With its sky-blue infinity pool, elegant dining venues, and intimate public spaces, this ‘home from home’ beckons guests to relish a unique South African charm.
The city’s epic attractions are on your doorstep, yet the on-site facilities offer no real reason to leave. From the squash court to the rooftop pool and bar, Blue Waters Hotel is an idyllic spot to bathe in serenity, and each guestroom is accompanied by a charming balcony set before mesmerizing ocean views.
10. Emakhosini Boutique Hotel – a charming, vibrant and unique hotel where guests well equipped for a memorable vacation
Peacefully nestled in the trendy suburb of Morningside, this charming boutique was once the home of the French consulate, and has been beautifully restored to offer an idyllic coalescence of intimacy and vibrancy.
The interior décor is a blend of French colonial with a hint of traditional Zulu, while a sense of African simplicity suffuses the 24 individually appointed guestrooms.
I thought the on-site dining hot spot was exquisite, with Durban’s finest wood-fired pizzas served alongside some of the area’s most renowned and freshest seafood dishes. The Golden Mile, and the iconic stretch of sun-kissed beaches can all be reached within a few minutes drive.
11. Umhlanga Arch 1908 Ocean view Luxury – a sleek, hip and fashionable accommodation where guests can experience exquisite cuisine at the on-site restaurant
This eclectic propertytowers high above Umhlanga with its opulent glass-fronted façade, and invites guests into a world of refined, timeless glamour.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offer each suite a gleaming backdrop of the Indian Ocean, which can be admired from a cosy L-shaped couch.
Delightful floral hues and exquisite artwork mimic the natural beauty for which Durban is famed, and each unit comes with a secluded balcony with a coffee table and chairs.
The on-site restaurant is one of my favourite in the city, and is incredibly popular amongst locals, owing to its exquisite mix of Chinese, Indian, and Italian cuisine.
12. Luxe Suites Boutique Hotel – a contemporary, petite and chic accommodation located in the Durban’s entertainment district
This charming standalone propertycomes with 10 luxuriously decorated suites, 24-hour security, and services that are perfected down to the tiniest detail.
Catering to both business and leisure travellers, the interiors are functional and elegant, and draped in a monochrome colour scheme which oozes glamour and sophistication. This graceful ambiance extends to the guestrooms, which are topped with plush linens and lavish marble-clad bathrooms.
I thought the location was perfect, with Suncoast Beach on your doorstep, and exquisite gardens surrounding the property exuding a peaceful bucolic charm. The wrap-around veranda offers a chance to sit out and soak up the tranquil atmosphere during the day.
13. The Cato Suites Hotel – a bright, quiet and petite accommodation situated near to the city center
I absolutely loved my stay at The Cato Suites, which offer a blissful blend of functionality and elegance, only a couple of minutes’ drive from the Durban Central Business District.
Combining the quietude of a charming residential area with the convenience of having the city’s wonderful attractions at your doorstep, you really can’t go wrong here.
The 8 inspiringly decorated rooms were crafted with comfort at the core, and come with a separate seating area where you can embrace a spot of seclusion. On-site, you can also take advantage of a gracious coffee shop, a spa, and a fully equipped conference room.
14. Avondale Boutique Hotel – a tranquil, lavish and bright accommodation ideal for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway
Centrally situated in Durban’s popular Morningside area, this luxurious hoteloffers a tranquil retreat in the midst of a bustling suburb.
There’s no better position to soak up the city’s natural splendour, and the elegant, warm atmosphere is evident in every fine detail.
The many open-air hang-out spaces are shaded by vaulted roofs which sit atop traditional columns, bringing a dash of cultural panache to the property.
Whether strolling through the property’s plant-fringed grounds, relaxing in your sumptuously appointed guestroom, or revelling in a tranquil garden setting as you tuck into a delicious meal, every experience here will leave a lasting impression on your heart.
15. Quarters Hotel – a unique, charming and modern accommodation moments away from an array of restaurants
Quarters Hotelis the result of a conversion of four Victorian homes, which has brought a luxury boutique accommodation to the vibrant suburb of Morningside.
Since opening its doors in 1999, the hotel has been a beacon of Durban’s quirky charm and character, and inside you’ll find a subtle combination of modern sophistication and old-world allure. This bespoke blend is reflected in everything from the décor to the welcoming & homely staff presence.
Whichever of the 25 rooms you choose, you will find a whole host of modern amenities which include a satellite LCD TV, a mini fridge, and tea & coffee making facilities.
To book, check prices or availability for Quarters Hotel
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
