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South Africa Guide

KwaZulu-Natal

Accommodation

    Map

    1 Banana Backpackers 61 Pine St, 1st floor, Ambassador House 031 368 4062 admin@africanroutes.co.za Clean and simple dorms and doubles in an airy old Durban building with a congenial courtyard, very close to the beach, Tourist Junction and the Pine St bus terminal. Dorms and rooms Price: Up to R100

    2 Formula 1 Directly opposite the motorcoach terminal, near the corner of Masabalala Yengwa Ave and Jeff Taylor Crescent 031 301 1551, www.hotelformula1.co.za No-frills chain hotel that's tremendously convenient if you arrive late at night by train or bus. Price: R101-200

    3 The Royal Hotel 267 Smith St 031 333 6000 www.theroyal.co.za Once Durban's finest hotel, but now feels a little oldfangled. Smack in the centre of town and used mainly by business visitors, it's worth considering if you can afford five-star splendour and fancy the liveried service and its legendary Ulundi Indian restaurant. Discounts are often available. Price: R751-1000

    4 Blue Waters 175 Snell Parade 031 327 7000 www.bluewatershotel.co.za A delightful 1950s Durban landmark opposite Battery Beach, with mangroves on the pavement and leisure lounge with great views onto the oceanfront. Price: R301-400

    5 Garden Court – Marine Parade 167 Marine Parade 031 337 3341 www.southernsun.com All the rooms face the sea (those on the top floors are best); the view from the thirtieth-floor swimming pool is fabulous. A cool through-breeze offers respite against the summer heat, and a back entrance across from Victoria Park provides handy access to the city centre. Price: R501-750

    6 Protea Hotel Edward Marine Parade, at Seaview Rd 031 337 3681 www.proteahotels.com Crystal chandeliers, a colonial-style ambience, sea-view balconies and a ladies' bar leading onto a cool veranda make this Art Deco mansion the grande dame of the beachfront. Breakfast not included. Price: R501-750

    7 Silversands 16 Erskine Terrace, near the Addington Hospital 031 332 1140 www.goodersonvacations.com/silversands.html These clean, comfortable and spacious self-catering apartments sleeping four to eight people are among the best value on the beach. Safe parking costs R32 per day. Price: R201-300

    8 Goble Palms 120 Goble Rd 031 312 2598 www.goblepalms.co.za Exquisitely decorated home built in 1900, featuring a sunny patio with sea views, a pool and an intimate on-site English-style pub. Price: R301-400

    9 La Bordello 47 Campbell Rd 031 309 1001 www.beanbagbohemia.co.za A funky Moroccan-themed B&B housed in a former brothel, hence the name; the clientele consists largely of models and film-makers.Price: R301-400

    10 Author Pick McAllisters on 8th 11 Eighth Ave 031 303 4991 www.8thave.co.za Some of the cleanest, most stylish rooms you'll find, all decked out in white linen and African artwork, and built around a courtyard pool. Price: R301-400

    11 McAllisters on Madeline 92 Madeline Rd 031 303 4991 www.madeline.mcallisters.co.za Stylish and spotless accommodation. Price: R301-400

    12 Meg's B&B 12 Nuttall Gardens 031 312 9045 maasdyk@mweb.co.za Home-away-from-home comforts in one of Durban's longest-established B&Bs. Recently renovated, with a pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Meg's speciality is her lavish, beautifully presented breakfasts. Advance booking requested. Two-night minimum stay. Price: R301-400

    13 Rosetta House 126 Rosetta Rd & 031 303 6180 www.rosettahouse.co.za Just four rooms, all warmly and tastefully decorated. There's a lush and tranquil garden to relax in, and the hosts maintain a high standard of service. Price: R301-400

    14 Sommersby 17 Claribell Rd 031 312 8667 or 072 529 2594 www.sommersby.co.za Next to the Windermere Shopping Centre, this B&B is in a renovated Edwardian house, with wooden floors and Oregon pine furniture. Price: R201-300

    15 Tekweni Backpackers 169 Ninth Ave 031 303 1433 www.tekwenibackpackers.co.za The cheapest accommodation around Florida Rd, with relaxing communal areas, pool table, a pool, bar and a shady veranda. The friendly staff organize braais and other social gatherings. Long-term accommodation is also available. Price: Up to R100

    16 20 Palm Grove 367 Ridge Rd 031 240 9140 www.20palmgrove.co.za Well-equipped and comfortable self-catering units and B&B rooms, most with separate entrances, set in attractive gardens with two swimming pools. It's close to public transport and restaurants. Price: b&b R301-400Price: selfcat R301-400

    17 Author Pick The Elephant House 745 Ridge Rd 031 208 9580 or 082 4522 574 www.elephanthousesa.com A B&B in Durban's oldest house, built in 1850 as a hunting lodge, in the tranquil part of the ridge where the vegetation has won the day. The extremely generous hosts have a good collection of African literature and love showing travellers around. Highly recommended for those who like to feel as though they are staying in someone's home. Price: R201-300

    18 Author Pick Hippo Hide Lodge and Backpackers 2 Jesmond Rd 031 207 4366 www.hippohide.co.za A stunning, imaginative and cosy lodge in a beautiful garden with a rock pool. It's clean and quiet, with a guesthouse feel, and conveniently located on the bus route to the centre (10min). Some of the doubles are en suite, and there are also log cabins. The owners have opened the new Happy Hippo Backpackers Lodge on Mahatma Gandhi Road near uShaka Marine World. Price: hostel Up to R100Price: hotel R101-200

    19 Napier House 31 Napier Rd 031 207 6779 www.napierhouse.co.za A stone's throw from the scenic Botanic Gardens, recently renovated and featuring charming rooms with flat-screen TVs and a pool. Price: R301-400

    20 Nomad's Backpackers 70 Essenwood Rd 031 202 9709 or 082 920 5882 www.nomadsbp.com An appealing place a short walk from the Musgrave Centre, with a pool, a pool table, the Bambooza Pub and friendly hosts who cook up a mean Durban curry. Dorms and rooms Price: Up to R100

    21 Windmill Ridge 81 Windmill Rd 031 201 4972 or 082 462 2927 www.windmill-ridge.co.za Six comfortable rooms, all en suite, and expansive views over the city. Close to the Musgrave Centre. Price: R201-300