Hotels in Durban1,500+ properties compared
South Africa's warm coast — surf, spice, and the Indian Ocean's golden beaches
Hotels in Durban start from $20-40/night across 1,500+ properties. The best area to stay is Umhlanga Rocks, ideal for Families, beach lovers, safety-conscious visitors. Book on Travorio and pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or 100+ cryptocurrencies.
Quick Facts — Hotels in Durban
Budget
$20-40
per night
Mid-Range
$60-130
per night
Luxury
$150-400+
per night
Best Area
Umhlanga Rocks
Families, beach lovers, safety-conscious visitors
Compare 1,500+ properties in Durban. Pay with crypto or PayPal.
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Where to Stay in Durban
Neighborhood guide with prices and local insights
Umhlanga Rocks
Durban's upscale beachfront suburb with the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse, pristine beaches patrolled by shark nets, and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping — the largest mall in the Southern Hemisphere. Safe, walkable, and the preferred area for international visitors.
$120-350/night
Best for: Families, beach lovers, safety-conscious visitors
Beachfront (Golden Mile)
The famous 6 km stretch of sandy beach from uShaka Marine World to the Suncoast Casino. Durban's iconic promenade with surfers, joggers, and the Moses Mabhida Stadium visible in the background. The heart of Durban's tourism.
$60-150/night
Best for: Surfers, walkers, central location, uShaka access
Ballito
A resort town 30 minutes north of Durban (near the airport) with family-friendly beaches, tidal pools, and the Ballito Lifestyle Centre. A quieter, more residential alternative to Umhlanga. The Ballito Pro surf competition draws crowds in July.
$50-120/night
Best for: Families, surfers, quieter beach stays
Berea & Morningside
Elevated suburbs with panoramic views over the harbour and city. Florida Road in Morningside is Durban's restaurant mile — a tree-lined stretch of converted Victorian houses turned into restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
$40-100/night
Best for: Foodies, Florida Road nightlife, city views
Point Waterfront
The regenerated harbour area home to uShaka Marine World (one of the world's largest aquariums), waterfront restaurants, and new apartment-style hotels. A work-in-progress area with great potential and lower prices.
$25-60/night
Best for: Budget travelers, uShaka visits, waterfront dining
Hillcrest & Kloof (Inland)
Elevated suburbs 30 minutes inland from the coast, nestled in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Cooler climate, lush vegetation, and access to hiking trails, zip-lining, and Zulu cultural villages. PheZulu Safari Park nearby.
$20-60/night
Best for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, cultural immersion
Durban Hotel Prices
1,500+ properties across all price ranges
| Category | Price/Night | Best Areas | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (1-2★) | $20-40 | Point Waterfront, Hillcrest & Kloof (Inland) | Budget travelers, uShaka visits, waterfront dining |
| Mid-Range (3★) | $60-130 | Beachfront (Golden Mile), Ballito, Berea & Morningside | Surfers, walkers, central location, uShaka access |
| Luxury (4-5★) | $150-400+ | Umhlanga Rocks | Families, beach lovers, safety-conscious visitors |
Budget (1-2★)$20-40/night
Areas: Point Waterfront, Hillcrest & Kloof (Inland)
Mid-Range (3★)$60-130/night
Areas: Beachfront (Golden Mile), Ballito, Berea & Morningside
Luxury (4-5★)$150-400+/night
Areas: Umhlanga Rocks
Best Time to Visit Durban
Best for Deals
Year-round warm weather; March-May and September-November for best value. Hotel rates drop 30-40% during off-peak months. Midweek stays (Sunday-Thursday) save an additional 15-20% year-round.
Best for Weather
Year-round destination. March-May for warm seas and fewer crowds; June-July for Sardine Run and Durban July. Subtropical — warm and humid year-round. Summer (Dec-Feb, 28-32°C) wet; winter (Jun-Aug, 17-23°C) dry and mild..
Durban Travel Essentials
South Africa's warm coast — surf, spice, and the Indian Ocean's golden beaches
Durban is South Africa's third-largest city and the country's year-round beach destination. While Cape Town and Johannesburg grab headlines, Durban offers warmer waters (Indian Ocean, 20-27°C), the country's best surfing, and a unique Zulu-Indian cultural fusion that produces some of the best street food in Africa. The famous "bunny chow" — a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with curry — was invented here. It's also the gateway to the Drakensberg Mountains and KwaZulu-Natal safari reserves.
Top Things to Know About Durban
Golden Mile promenade — 6 km beachfront with year-round swimming, surfing, and the Moses Mabhida Stadium
uShaka Marine World — one of the world's largest aquariums with dolphin shows, shark dives, and a waterpark
Bunny chow — Durban's iconic dish: quarter-loaf bread filled with curry, from R40 ($2.20) at Victoria Street Market
Valley of a Thousand Hills — Zulu cultural villages, zip-lining, and panoramic views just 30 minutes inland
Sardine Run (June-July) — billions of sardines migrate along the coast, followed by dolphins, sharks, and whales
Climate
Subtropical — warm and humid year-round. Summer (Dec-Feb, 28-32°C) wet; winter (Jun-Aug, 17-23°C) dry and mild.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination. March-May for warm seas and fewer crowds; June-July for Sardine Run and Durban July
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR). ~R18 = $1 USD. Cards widely accepted; cash for markets and street food.
Language
English (widely spoken), Zulu (most common first language), Afrikaans
Time Zone
SAST (UTC+2) — same as Johannesburg and Cape Town
Visa
UK, US, EU, and most Commonwealth citizens receive 90-day visa-free entry. Passport must have 2+ blank pages and 30+ days validity beyond departure.
Flexible Payment for Durban Hotels
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Crypto in Durban: South Africa leads African crypto adoption. Bitcoin and Ethereum are widely discussed and traded via Luno and VALR exchanges. Growing acceptance at tourist-facing businesses.
Hotels in Durban — FAQ
Where is the best area to stay in Durban?
Umhlanga Rocks ($120-350/night) is the safest and most upscale — great beaches, restaurants, and the Gateway mall. The Golden Mile beachfront ($60-150/night) is central and walkable. Ballito ($50-120/night) is a quieter family option near the airport.
How much do hotels in Durban cost?
Durban offers excellent value. Budget stays in Point Waterfront start at $20/night. Mid-range beachfront hotels average $60-130/night. Luxury properties in Umhlanga Rocks range from $150-400+/night. Self-catering apartments on the beachfront are a popular option from $40/night.
Is Durban warm enough to swim in winter?
Yes. Durban's Indian Ocean waters stay 20-22°C even in winter (June-August), warm enough for comfortable swimming. Air temperatures in winter are 17-23°C — mild and sunny with almost no rain. It's the warmest of South Africa's major cities year-round.
Is Durban safe for tourists?
Umhlanga, Ballito, and the hotel strip of the Golden Mile are safe and well-patrolled. Use Uber/Bolt for transport, especially at night. Avoid walking alone on the beachfront after dark and the inner city areas south of the harbour. Florida Road in Morningside is safe for evening dining.
When is the cheapest time for Durban hotels?
May through September (excluding July school holidays) offers the best rates — 20-30% below peak. Despite being winter, Durban stays warm and sunny. Mid-week stays save an additional 15-20% year-round. The absolute cheapest: mid-May to mid-June.
Can I book Durban hotels with cryptocurrency?
Yes. Travorio accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ other cryptocurrencies for hotel bookings in Durban. Pay in crypto to avoid the 3-5% international conversion fee on Rand transactions.