Durban hotels

Hotels in Durban

The third largest city in South Africa, Durban is acclaimed for its pleasant subtropical climate, and is South Africa's leading maritime centre. In fact, the city contains the busiest port in Africa, and has earned the enviable title of 'Surf City' thanks to its big waves and warm waters overlooked by a spectacular sandy beach.

The beach front

Perhaps the main attraction in this vibrant cosmopolitan city is the beach front, which is otherwise referred to as 'The Golden Mile'. It is most noted for its unique Zulu Rickshaw Runners, which carry people along the promenade throughout the day. Here, you can visit the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World, which is the biggest casino in the country and has many great restaurants and several cinemas. The beach front is also adjacent to many fine Durban hotels and some of the city's most reputed attractions, such as:

The uShaka Marine World

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014, the uShaka Marine World is home to one of the world's largest aquariums and a renowned water park with many exciting themed rides. See thousands of aquatic species, visit the dolphin stadium, take part in some beginners' scuba diving, or head to the uShaka Beach and just relax and enjoy the sun.

The Moses Mabhida Stadium

A state-of-the-art venue featuring its very own SkyCar ride, the Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-class family attraction and conference centre that opened in 2009 The stadium, which was one of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, holds numerous major concerts and festivals throughout the year, and can accommodate as many as 54, 000 people.

Other places to visit:

Umgeni River Bird Park

Observe hundreds of interesting bird species at the Umgeni River Bird Park, which opened in 1984 and is known for its Free Flight Bird Show, where you can witness birds from all over the world in a special open-air auditorium. Over the years, the park has protected and bred more than a dozen endangered species, and now features more than 800 birds.

The Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Opened in 2001, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping was inspired by the malls of North America, and comprises almost a quarter of a million square metres of retail space. Here, you can visit hundreds of national and international stores, spend some time at the shopping centre's indoor funfair, or watch a movie at one of the impressive 3D cinemas.

Where to dine in Durban

Dine at the 9th Avenue Bistro for some wonderful fresh seafood and fusion cuisine, or head to Ile Maurice for some truly divine French dishes. Afro's Chicken, meanwhile, is revered for its hamburgers, while The Ocean Terrace offers other tantalising Indian-inspired recipes.

Accommodation

For exquisite surroundings and very comfortable accommodation, choose the African Pride Audacia Manor, or consider the affordable and well-presented Hilton Durban. Other well-regarded hotels include the sophisticated Suncoast Towers, deluxe The St James on Venice, and the value-for-money Quarters Hotel Florida Road.