Where to stay in Durban

Durban is a favorite destination to visit for people who want leisure and luxury. The city has also made it to the New York Times list of top 52 places to visit in 2015. This City of Sunshine has a very wide range of hotels that provides all that you need, from luxurious hotels to cheap hotels, whether you want to stay close to the beach or want to live close to the business center of the city. Here are some of the top and cheap hotels in Durban.

1 Woodlands Road B&b

 

This is a low budget and cheap hotel, located at only 10 minutes drive from the beaches and Durban’s business district. The amenities include free Internet services, parking, outdoor pool and business center. All rooms have either balconies or patios. The rooms are decorated in a modern style with individual air conditioning system.

2. The Elangeni

 

If you want to stay at a luxurious beachfront hotel, then this four-star hotel is the best for you. This hotel was previously a Holiday Inn. The façade of the hotel is curvy, like a wave. Rooms available are either king size or double queen size, with eastwards views to Australia. The dining rooms include a steak house or seafood buffet and formal Indian and Japanese dining.

3. The Balmoral

Situated on the main North Beach of Durban, although it does not boast the luxuries of a 5 star hotel but it does offer class and charm. The hotel reflects Durban’s halcyon empire period, and has comfortable and cozy rooms. The hotel has a Waterfront Restaurant and Terrace which is a good place for a light and casual meal.

4. The Boathouse

If you want to stay at a place which is a little away from main town then this hotel is a fine option for you. This beach house at the Ballito Beach is just 20 minutes away, north of Durban. The hotel has many open spaces and lightness, great views of the sea and the beach itself, which is according to many people, is the best swimming beach in the province.

5. Holiday Inn Express Durban

Holiday Inn Express Durban is a chic and contemporary hotel that is an ideal location for people on a business trip and leisure tourists. The hotel has stylish, comfortable, luxurious accommodations with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.

6. Hilton Durban

Hilton Durban is located right next to the International Convention Center and luxurious accommodation. The hotel is also close to many popular attractions like the Victoria Embankment and also to Durban International Airport. The hotel also has a magnificent swimming pool, which will cool down all the tiredness after a hard working day. For business the hotel provides world-class conference and function rooms for business meetings and parties.

7. Beverly Hills Hotel

This luxurious hotel attracts many local and international visitors who want to indulge in the sub-tropical weather of this region. The beautiful beaches of uMhlanga are in close proximity of this hotel. Also many tourist attractions and landmarks are in the surrounding areas, which make Beverly Hills Hotel an ideal place to stay, rest and to refresh.

8. Garden Court Marine Parade

Garden Court Marine Parade is located on the Golden Mile beachfront. Visitors can enjoy the luxurious facilities provided by the hotel along with comfortable rooms and high quality services. The central location of the hotel makes it easy for the visitors to hit the beach or to explore other attractions of Durban.

9. Beach Hotel

This hotel is also located on the beach and offers beautiful view of the great Indian Ocean from its fully air-conditioned rooms. Beach hotel has two restaurants and rooms are spacious with marine style decor. The hotel is located only at 15-minute walk from the Ushaka Marine World.

You can also find Direct Accommodation, For travel deals and places to stay in Durban

What To Eat

Durban has a wide variety of eateries and is known for its great curries and especially eastern cuisine. The city has something for people of any taste. So when you are heading to Durban then you should know about some of its best restaurant.

1.Freedom Café

Freedom Café is a foodie hotspot, set in a red shipping container. The décor of the restaurant is a must see, the walls are mirrored with crazy hairdos which in the reflection sit on the top of your head when sitting. The famous dishes of the café are New Yorker hot dog with pickled cucumber, organic salads, open sarmies and wide range of pastries.

2. Bel Punto

This is an Italian restaurant, run by a family. Bel Punto is a stylish, modern and classy restaurant with top-notch service. Some of the favorite dishes are Calamari Riepieni, Prawns Padella, t-Bone Fiorentina and crab soup. It is an expensive restaurant but also one of the best restaurant in Durban.

3. Craft

Food lover and book writer Neil Roake has designed this Italian restaurant with his typical artisanal style. The craft has an interesting and different menu; some of the favorites include the Oxtail ravioli and risotto cakes. The seafood is served steamed and in a bag. And all the pizzas are named after saints.

4. Café 1999

Sean and Marcelle, who have put in a lot of energy and enthusiasm in this Durban restaurant, own this Mediterranean restaurant. The whole ambiance of Café 1999 is very contemporary, trendy and fun. Some of the favorite dishes include sesame and prawn lollies, beef fillet grilled and layered with Camembert.

5. Frank’s Speakeasy

This is also an expensive and high-class restaurant that serves delicious bar style food. Some of the top dishes are beef burgers, jalapeno popper filled with bolognaise, and onion rings with cheddar cheese.

6. Marco Paulo

Owners Marco and Paul run this amazing restaurant, located on the suburbs of the Mount Edgecombe Golf Estate. The environment is very calm so you can sit back and relax after a game of golf. Although the location is not very picturesque, the service is efficient and food is simply delicious. Also the prices are also very reasonable.

7. Hartford House

It is one of the South Africa’s top 10 restaurants. Accommodations are also available on site so it’s good to stay over, have a delicious fine meal and then jump into bed. The Lakeside suites are very unique and different both in design and shape.

8. Impulse by the Sea

It is an Indian restaurant that serves great Indian cuisine. The décor is soft and subtle. The service is friendly and hospitable. The mouth-watering curries are served in brass and copper fire bowls, which create a true Indian environment. The most popular curry is the prawn curry.

9. Butcher Block

This is an excellent steak house, which serves generously basted and delicious steaks. You can order them with different sides like garlic bread or onion rings. Also the view of the sea from the restaurant is just breath taking.