KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Hotels, Hostels & Accommodation

The Balmoral Hotel

Making the odd concession to colonial-era splendour, this beachfront place has lashings of understated style and plenty of plush rooms. Ask about special rates.

Tropicana Hotel

The bright and breezy Tropicana is another beachfront tower with an '80s feel, with spacious rooms boasting air-con and TV.

Protea Hotel Imperial

With more history than most, the French Prince Imperial rode out from here prior to coming to a sticky end during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War.

Hilton Durban

Glitzy and chic, this modern behemoth offers a predictable hotel experience and attracts mainly business travellers. Ask about the specials.

Quarters Hotel Florida Road

Right in the throbbing heart of Durban’s most fashionable eating and drinking quarter, this attractive boutique hotel balances colonial glamour with small-scale home comforts.

Protea Hotel Edward

King of the seafront hotels, this is classic and comfortable, with fresh-polish smells and full-on decor.

The Royal Hotel

Overlooking the City Hall, this five-star, slightly old-world institution is one of the city’s most historical and swankiest offerings and has hosted royalty and Nelson Mandela. There is a special floor assigned to female clients.

The Riverside Hotel

It’s hard to miss this white behemoth just over the Umgeni River on the right-hand side.

Prince Alfred Street Backpackers

This bright place, with multicoloured mosquito-net extravaganzas and ethnic adornments, has many things going for it: it’s handy to the centre; owner Andre makes gourmet cuisine (Jamie Oliver eat your heart out), and singles don’t pay extra, even.

Gibela Backpackers Lodge Durban

If this hostel, a tastefully converted 1950s Tuscan-style home, were a B&B, it would be described as ‘boutique’. Among Durban’s best hostels, it has sparkling surfaces and rooms neat enough to pass an army major’s inspection.

Hippo Hide Lodge And Backpackers

This clean and cosy hide pulls in the punters with its friendly, informal style, choice of huts and rooms and high standards. It’s a bit of a lengthy saunter to the beach or cafe areas, but staff will help you organise outings.

Tekweni Backpackers Hostel

This old dog ‘keeps on keeping on’; it’s a slightly saggy place that nevertheless attracts the party animals who like raucous, gregarious surrounds.

Smiths Cottage

Travellers frequently praise this comfortable ‘home away from home’. The super-helpful and friendly owners Keith and Pat offer accommodation in all shapes and sizes with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

Inkosana Lodge

When a sign on a bunk says ‘This bed is ready’ you know this is one hell of an organised place.

St Lucia Bib's International Backpackers

Occupying a series of sprawling buildings, the tarnished rooms in this happening place are as tired as its guests after their day of activities.

Blue Sky Mining Backpackers & Lodge

The best budget accommodation along this strip is Blue Sky Mining Backpackers & Lodge, a designer-recycler’s delight where you can sleep in a converted F250, spin out at the funky psychedelics, and chill by the pool.

Quays On Timeball

Bushlands Game Lodge

Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort

Woodridge Country Hotel

Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge

Docklands Hotel

Beach Hotel

Peermont Metcourt Hotel At Umfolozi

Royal Palm Hotel

Westville Hotel

Forest Suites At Zimbali

Protea Hotel Umfolozi River