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3-star hotels in Durban
This shortlist gathers 3-star hotels in Durban, from the Umhlanga coast to the beachfront and the city centre. It is for travellers who want a dependable, well-rated base for beaches, business or a short break without leaving the 3-star bracket.
Staying in Durban
Durban mixes coastal leisure with real urban energy. The beaches and the promenade along the Golden Mile are the main draw for visitors, alongside the cultural and historical sites of the city centre and the hills and game reserves beyond. The city's Indian South African heritage shows in its food, markets and languages, and the harbour is one of the busiest in Africa.
These hotels sit in three broad parts of the city. Four are in uMhlanga, the coastal suburb north of the centre, on Lighthouse & Chartwell Drive, Aurora Drive & Centenary Boulevard, Corner Boulevard & Twilight Drive and Ncondo Place. Several face the sea along Marine Parade and Or Tambo Parade on the beachfront, while others sit inland on K.E Masinga Road, Brickhill and Old Fort Roads, Percy Osborn Road and Smith Street. The mix suits couples after the beach, families needing family rooms and pools, and business travellers who want a shuttle service or a fitness centre.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga
Protea Mall Corner Lighthouse & Chartwell Drive 0, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereSea views, a swimming pool and a fitness center give this 3-star hotel in Umhlanga an easy holiday feel. Guests rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 2087 reviews. It sits 6.4 km from the centre and suits families, with family rooms and babysitting service on hand, plus a restaurant and bar for evenings when nobody wants to go far.
See Protea Hotel Durban UmhlangaGarden Court Umhlanga
Cnr. Aurora Drive & Centenary Boulevard, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA garden, an outdoor pool with a pool bar and a fitness center make this a comfortable Umhlanga base 6.0 km from the centre. Its 4.4 out of 5 rating comes from 2538 reviews. Guests can eat in the restaurant, keep to special diets, and use the free car parking and shuttle service to get around. Good for couples and families wanting pool time and beach access nearby.
See Garden Court Umhlangaaha Gateway Hotel
Corner Boulevard And Twilight Drive, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Kids pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereAn outdoor pool and a separate kids pool make this hotel a practical choice for families, while the concierge and shuttle service help with getting around. It is 6.2 km from the centre. The 4.4 out of 5 rating reflects 2526 reviews. Public transport is close by, the restaurant serves buffet meals, and room service covers breakfast in your room.
See aha Gateway HotelGarden Court Marine Parade
167 Marine Parade 167, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereRight on the Marine Parade seafront, this hotel pairs sea views with an indoor pool, a spa and massage treatments. It lies 8.8 km from the centre and holds 4.3 out of 5 from 5273 reviews. A fitness center, restaurant and room service round out a stay that suits guests who want the beach and wellness under one roof.
See Garden Court Marine ParadeGarden Court South Beach
73 Or Tambo Parade, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSea views, an outdoor pool and a garden give this South Beach hotel a relaxed setting 9.2 km from the centre. Families are well served with family rooms and babysitting service, and the restaurant offers buffet meals. It scores 4.2 out of 5 from 4851 reviews, with free Wifi, a fitness center and a shuttle service adding convenience.
See Garden Court South BeachHoliday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga by IHG
2 Ncondo Place Umhlanga, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereA garden, outdoor pool and fitness center make this Umhlanga hotel a calm spot 5.7 km from the centre, with the sea in view. It earns 4.2 out of 5 from 2502 reviews. Express check-in, free Wifi and a shuttle service keep arrivals and outings simple, and the restaurant caters to special diets. Suits both business guests and families.
See Holiday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga by IHGOnomo Hotel Durban
56 K.E Masinga Road Cnr Sylvester Ntuli, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA garden, terrace and outdoor pool set this hotel apart, and it is 8.5 km from the centre with the beach nearby. Free car parking and a garage take the stress out of arriving by car. The restaurant, lounge and room service cover meals and downtime, and 1942 reviews give it 4.2 out of 5. A steady choice for families, with family rooms and a fitness center.
See Onomo Hotel DurbanCity Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge
2 Palm Boulevard, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereGolf course access, a garden and an outdoor pool make this Umhlanga Ridge hotel appealing to leisure guests, 5.8 km from the centre and near the beach. Free car parking, a car rental service and a shuttle service support trips out. It holds 4.2 out of 5 from 1831 reviews, with a fitness center, restaurant and lounge for the hours in between.
See City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga RidgeCity Lodge Hotel Durban
Cor Brickhill And Old Fort Rds, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereAn outdoor pool and garden give this hotel a quiet feel 8.6 km from the centre, with the beach nearby. Free car parking, express check-in and a shuttle service make coming and going straightforward, and the restaurant serves buffet meals with breakfast in room on request. A 4.2 out of 5 rating comes from 1613 reviews. Works for business and leisure stays alike.
See City Lodge Hotel DurbanRoyal Ushaka Hotel Morningside
298 Percy Osborn Rd, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereOne of the smaller addresses on this list, this Morningside hotel has 157 reviews and a 4.1 out of 5 rating. It is 5.3 km from the centre, the closest of these hotels, and golf course access, free car parking and family rooms suit guests touring the area by car. Sea views appear from some rooms, and the lounge and terrace are places to unwind.
See Royal Ushaka Hotel MorningsideThe Royal Hotel
267 Smith Street, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereA long-established city address 9.6 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurants under one roof. Its 4.0 out of 5 rating comes from 3285 reviews. Golf, canoeing and diving can be arranged, massage is available, and free Wifi plus business facilities suit travellers mixing work with leisure in central Durban.
See The Royal HotelGooderson Tropicana Hotel
85 Marine Parade, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereOn the Marine Parade with the beach nearby, this hotel provides an outdoor pool and a fitness center, 9.1 km from the centre. Rooms include kitchen and kitchenette facilities with a microwave and refrigerator, useful for longer stays. It holds 4.0 out of 5 from 2234 reviews, with restaurants, a bar and room service, and golf, canoeing and diving nearby.
See Gooderson Tropicana HotelParade Hotel
191 Or Tambo Marine Parade, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families
- Family rooms
- Beach nearby
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereThis Marine Parade hotel faces the sea and sits 8.7 km from the centre. It scores 4.0 out of 5 from 1829 reviews. In-room microwaves and refrigerators help with self-catering, family rooms accommodate children, and a casino stands close by for evening entertainment. Lifts, luggage storage and free Wifi keep the essentials covered.
See Parade HotelPremier Splendid Inn Pinetown
65 Kings Road, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereA garden, outdoor pool and free car parking define this Pinetown hotel, the furthest from the centre at 18.3 km. It rates 4.0 out of 5 from 866 reviews. The restaurant, bar and lounge handle meals and drinks, room service and breakfast in room are available, and babysitting service plus family rooms make it manageable for parents travelling with children.
See Premier Splendid Inn PinetownPavilion Hotel Durban
15 K E Masinga Road, Durban, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereFamily rooms, babysitting service and a restaurant suit those travelling with children. It rates 3.9 out of 5 from 4519 reviews, with express check-in, a lounge and golf course access among the facilities.
See Pavilion Hotel Durban
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga | ★★★ | 4.5 | 2,087 | Yes | – | Yes | 6.4 km |
| Garden Court Umhlanga | ★★★ | 4.4 | 2,538 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.0 km |
| aha Gateway Hotel | ★★★ | 4.4 | 2,526 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.2 km |
| Garden Court Marine Parade | ★★★ | 4.3 | 5,273 | Yes | – | Yes | 8.8 km |
| Garden Court South Beach | ★★★ | 4.2 | 4,851 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.2 km |
| Holiday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga by IHG | ★★★ | 4.2 | 2,502 | Yes | – | Yes | 5.7 km |
| Onomo Hotel Durban | ★★★ | 4.2 | 1,942 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.5 km |
| City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge | ★★★ | 4.2 | 1,831 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.8 km |
| City Lodge Hotel Durban | ★★★ | 4.2 | 1,613 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.6 km |
| Royal Ushaka Hotel Morningside | ★★★ | 4.1 | 157 | Yes | – | – | 5.3 km |
| The Royal Hotel | ★★★ | 4.0 | 3,285 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.6 km |
| Gooderson Tropicana Hotel | ★★★ | 4.0 | 2,234 | Yes | – | – | 9.1 km |
| Parade Hotel | ★★★ | 4.0 | 1,829 | – | – | – | 8.7 km |
| Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown | ★★★ | 4.0 | 866 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 18.3 km |
| Pavilion Hotel Durban | ★★★ | 3.9 | 4,519 | Yes | Yes | – | 8.4 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Family rooms appear at Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga, Garden Court South Beach, Garden Court Marine Parade, Onomo Hotel Durban and Parade Hotel. Babysitting service is listed at Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga and Garden Court South Beach, and Onomo Hotel Durban adds a kitchenette. Kids pool is listed at aha Gateway Hotel.
Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga · Garden Court South Beach · Garden Court Marine Parade · Onomo Hotel Durban · Parade Hotel
For beachfront stays
Garden Court Marine Parade, Garden Court South Beach, Gooderson Tropicana Hotel and Parade Hotel all stand on Marine Parade or Or Tambo Parade and list sea views, with Beach nearby among their facilities. This is the strip to pick if you want the promenade and the Golden Mile beaches on your doorstep.
Garden Court Marine Parade · Garden Court South Beach · Gooderson Tropicana Hotel · Parade Hotel
Closest to the centre
Royal Ushaka Hotel Morningside is 5.3 km from the centre, Holiday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga by IHG 5.7 km, City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge 5.8 km and Garden Court Umhlanga 6.0 km. The three uMhlanga properties also list shuttle service and free parking.
Royal Ushaka Hotel Morningside · Holiday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga by IHG · City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge · Garden Court Umhlanga
For business trips
Business Center is listed at Garden Court Umhlanga, Garden Court Marine Parade, Garden Court South Beach, Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown and The Royal Hotel. Each of these five also has a restaurant and a fitness centre or pool, and all are within 18.3 km of the centre.
Garden Court Umhlanga · Garden Court Marine Parade · Garden Court South Beach · Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown · The Royal Hotel
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Durban?
Royal Ushaka Hotel Morningside is 5.3 km from the centre, the shortest of the group. Holiday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga by IHG follows at 5.7 km, then City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge at 5.8 km.
Which hotel is the top-rated pick?
Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga holds the highest guest rating here, 4.5 out of 5 from 2087 reviews. Garden Court Umhlanga and aha Gateway Hotel come next, both 4.4 out of 5.
Do these hotels have parking?
Parking is listed at every hotel on this shortlist. Free car parking is listed at Garden Court Umhlanga, Onomo Hotel Durban, City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, City Lodge Hotel Durban, Royal Ushaka Hotel Morningside and Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown; the rest list a garage or paid parking.
Which hotels have a swimming pool?
Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga, Garden Court Umhlanga, aha Gateway Hotel, Garden Court Marine Parade, Garden Court South Beach, Holiday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga by IHG, Onomo Hotel Durban, City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, City Lodge Hotel Durban, The Royal Hotel and Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown all list a swimming pool. Garden Court Marine Parade adds an indoor pool, and aha Gateway Hotel a kids pool.
Can I bring children, and is babysitting available?
Family rooms are listed at Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga, Garden Court Umhlanga, Garden Court Marine Parade, Garden Court South Beach, Onomo Hotel Durban, City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, City Lodge Hotel Durban, Royal Ushaka Hotel Morningside, The Royal Hotel, Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, Parade Hotel, Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown and Pavilion Hotel Durban. Babysitting service is listed at Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga, Garden Court South Beach, Holiday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga by IHG, Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown and Pavilion Hotel Durban.
Are pets allowed at any of these hotels?
None of the hotels on this shortlist lists pets among its facilities, so pet-friendly stays are not confirmed by the data here.
Which hotels have a spa or massage?
Garden Court Marine Parade lists both Spa and Massage, and The Royal Hotel lists Massage. No other hotel on this shortlist lists either.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is listed at Garden Court Umhlanga, aha Gateway Hotel, Garden Court South Beach, Onomo Hotel Durban, City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, City Lodge Hotel Durban, The Royal Hotel and Pavilion Hotel Durban. Several of these also list breakfast in room or a buffet, so check the room details when booking.