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4- and 5-star hotels in Port Elizabeth
This shortlist gathers the 4- and 5-star hotels in Port Elizabeth, from beachfront addresses in Summerstrand and Humewood to country houses on the edge of the city. It is for travellers who want a rated, full-service stay and a clear way to pick between them.
Staying in Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth, also known as Gqeberha, is a coastal city known for its beaches, its automotive industry and as a gateway to the Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park. The hotels here cluster in a few distinct parts of the city: Summerstrand and neighbouring Humewood along the beachfront, Walmer to the north, and further-out addresses such as Colleen Glen. Central is the historic city centre with older architecture, museums and business offices.
That spread shapes who each hotel suits. Beachfront addresses in Summerstrand and Humewood put sea-facing rooms, the Boardwalk and the harbour within walking distance of one another, which favours couples and families on a short break. Hotels closer to the centre, in Walmer and Newton Park, work well for business travellers and anyone wanting quick access to the airport and the N2. The country estates further out trade proximity for gardens, pools and space, and suit guests with a car.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa
62 Albert Road Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereNova Boutique Hotel and Spa is the highest-rated address on this list, a 5-star property in Walmer where guests score it 4.8 from 143 reviews. It sits 1.6 km from the centre and pairs an outdoor pool and pool bar with a spa offering massage and a jacuzzi. Air conditioning, free wifi and free car parking come as standard, and the restaurant, bar and room service cover meals without leaving the grounds. Family rooms and a fitness centre make it work equally well for couples and for guests travelling with children.
See Nova Boutique Hotel and SpaIsango Gate
23 Bournemouth Street, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereIsango Gate puts you 4.7 km from the centre in Summerstrand, close enough to the beach to make the sea-facing rooms the obvious choice. This 5-star hotel earns 4.4 from 671 reviews, the largest guest sample among the 5-star entries here. An outdoor pool, jacuzzi and massage service handle the slower hours, while the restaurant, bar and room service keep dining simple. Balconies and a garden give the property an open, residential feel that suits longer seaside stays.
See Isango GateHacklewood Hill Country House
152 Prospect Road, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereHacklewood Hill Country House is a 5-star country retreat 4.1 km from the centre, set in a garden with an outdoor pool, patio and picnic area. Guests rate it highly across the board, and the house combines a restaurant, bar and room service with a golf course on hand for players. Concierge and express check-in smooth the arrival, and a shuttle service covers local trips. Its calm grounds and country-house scale suit guests who want quiet rather than city bustle.
See Hacklewood Hill Country HouseChez Paris
126 1St Avenue, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Coach parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereChez Paris is a 4-star address 5.2 km from the centre with one of the strongest guest ratings on this list, 4.7 from 173 reviews. An outdoor pool and garden anchor the property, and the picnic area and shops add an easy, lived-in feel. Rooms come with air conditioning, balconies, fridges and microwaves, which makes self-catering straightforward. Pets are allowed, so this is a practical pick for guests travelling with a dog or cat.
See Chez ParisNo5 Boutique Art Hotel by Mantis
5 Brighton Drive, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereNo5 Boutique Art Hotel by Mantis is a 4-star property 3.7 km from the centre, rated 4.6 by 348 guests. Its wellness and fitness offering is the strongest of the 4-star hotels here: a fitness centre, gymnasium and massage, plus a garden and lounge for unwinding. Concierge, 24-hour front desk and babysitting service add convenience, and family rooms are available. Dinner and lunch are served on site, so guests can settle in without venturing out.
See No5 Boutique Art Hotel by MantisAhoy Boutique Hotel
19 La Roche Drive Humewood, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Air conditioning
- Wifi
Why stay hereAhoy Boutique Hotel is a compact 4-star option 1.8 km from the centre in Humewood, one of the closest addresses to the middle of town on this list. Guests rate it 4.7 from 130 reviews. The facilities are deliberately simple, with a swimming pool, air conditioning, wifi, a safe and a TV, so the appeal is location and a small, easy scale rather than extensive services. It suits travellers who want to be near the centre and the coast without a large resort around them.
See Ahoy Boutique HotelHERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel
22 Newton Street Newton Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Family rooms
Why stay hereHERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel sits 5.9 km from the centre in Newton Park, a 4-star property rated 4.4 from 391 reviews. The restaurant is the centrepiece, with breakfast, lunch and room service, and special diets can be catered for. Family rooms, kitchenettes with microwaves and fridges, and free car parking make it workable for longer stays and for guests arriving by car. Laundry service and daily housekeeping round out the practical side.
See HERMS Restaurant & Boutique HotelBroughton Country Estate
Portion 9 Honey Bee Road Colleen Glen, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereBroughton Country Estate is the most removed option on this list at 23.4 km from the centre, a 4-star country property with gardens, a terrace and an outdoor pool. It scores 4.4 from 169 reviews. Suites and family rooms are available, and a restaurant and bar cover meals on site, with free car parking for guests driving out of the city. The setting suits travellers who want space, greenery and quiet well away from Port Elizabeth's urban core.
See Broughton Country EstateDe Old Drift Guest Farm
Main Road, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereDe Old Drift Guest Farm is a 4-star farm stay with a spa, massage and outdoor pool, rated 4.4 from 150 reviews. Family rooms, a playground and a picnic area make it unusually well set up for children, while kitchens and kitchenettes with ovens, microwaves and fridges support self-catering. Guests can eat in the restaurant or order room service. It is the only property on this list with a farm setting and playground, which sets it apart for families.
See De Old Drift Guest FarmThe Boardwalk Hotel
Beach Road, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe Boardwalk Hotel is the largest property here, with 6,293 reviews and a 4.3 rating, 3.1 km from the centre on Beach Road. Indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and sauna, a casino, bowling and an arcade give it a self-contained entertainment complex, and shops, restaurants and a beauty salon sit within the grounds. Babysitting service, a playground and wheelchair accessibility broaden who it suits. It is the obvious choice for guests who want everything in one place.
See The Boardwalk HotelThe Beach Hotel
Marine Drive Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereThe Beach Hotel is a 4-star property on Marine Drive in Summerstrand, 3.3 km from the centre and rated 4.3 across 2,304 reviews. Sea-facing rooms, an outdoor pool and a terrace put the coast at the centre of the stay, and a garden and restaurant are on site. Family rooms, a golf course and a shuttle service extend what guests can do without a car. The combination of beach access and a large, established hotel suits families and longer seaside visits.
See The Beach HotelSouthern Sun The Marine
Cnr Of 5Th Ave And Marine Drive Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSouthern Sun The Marine occupies a corner of 5th Avenue and Marine Drive in Summerstrand, 4.0 km from the centre, and holds a 4.3 rating from 1,591 reviews. Sea views, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre with gymnasium are the main draws, alongside a restaurant and room service. Family rooms, kitchenettes and a shuttle service make it practical for groups. It suits guests who want beachfront positioning with the reliability of a larger hotel.
See Southern Sun The MarineThe Paxton Hotel
Carnarvon Place, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Pool and spa · Breakfast
- Outdoor pool
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereThe Paxton Hotel is the closest property to the centre on this list at 1.1 km, a 4-star address rated 4.3 from 1,394 reviews. An outdoor pool, restaurant and bar handle the essentials, and car rental, currency exchange and a shuttle-friendly location support guests moving around the city. Activities including diving, fishing and horse riding can be arranged, with a golf course nearby. It suits travellers who want a central base with straightforward, well-established service.
See The Paxton HotelCourtyard Hotel Gqeberha
Corner Lodge Road & Beach Road, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereCourtyard Hotel Gqeberha stands at the corner of Lodge Road and Beach Road, 2.9 km from the centre, rated 4.3 from 734 reviews. Sea-facing rooms, a garden, a terrace and an outdoor pool give it a coastal, low-rise character. Kitchenettes with microwaves, fridges and minibars make in-room dining easy, and the buffet breakfast and restaurant cover the rest. A fitness centre and free car parking add convenience. It suits guests who prefer apartment-style space with hotel services.
See Courtyard Hotel GqeberhaSinga Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges
15 Scarborough Crescent Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereSinga Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges is a 4-star property in Summerstrand, 4.6 km from the centre, rated 4.3 from 299 reviews. The lodge format brings a garden, terrace, lounge and fireplace, with an outdoor pool and a bar for the evenings. Diving and fishing can be arranged, and a golf course is nearby, which suits guests building a stay around outdoor activity. Family rooms, free wifi and free car parking keep it practical for groups arriving by car.
See Singa Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa | ★★★★★ | 4.8 | 143 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.6 km |
| Isango Gate | ★★★★★ | 4.4 | 671 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.7 km |
| Hacklewood Hill Country House | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.1 km |
| Chez Paris | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 173 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.2 km |
| No5 Boutique Art Hotel by Mantis | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 348 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.7 km |
| Ahoy Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 130 | – | – | Yes | 1.8 km |
| HERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 391 | Yes | Yes | – | 5.9 km |
| Broughton Country Estate | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 169 | Yes | – | Yes | 23.4 km |
| De Old Drift Guest Farm | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 150 | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| The Boardwalk Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 6,293 | Yes | – | Yes | 3.1 km |
| The Beach Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 2,304 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.3 km |
| Southern Sun The Marine | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 1,591 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.0 km |
| The Paxton Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 1,394 | – | Yes | Yes | 1.1 km |
| Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 734 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.9 km |
| Singa Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 299 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.6 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
Beachfront stays
These five sit in Summerstrand, where the beachfront, the Boardwalk and the university are close together. Isango Gate, The Beach Hotel, Southern Sun The Marine, Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha and Singa Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges all list a pool, and several name the sea among their facilities.
Isango Gate · The Beach Hotel · Southern Sun The Marine · Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha · Singa Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges
Top guest ratings
For the highest scores in the list, start with Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa at 4.8 from 143 reviews, Chez Paris at 4.7 from 173 reviews and Ahoy Boutique Hotel at 4.7 from 130 reviews. Nova and Chez Paris both add a pool, and Nova is the only 5-star here with a spa.
Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa · Chez Paris · Ahoy Boutique Hotel
Families
The Boardwalk Hotel combines family rooms, a playground, an arcade and a casino on Beach Road. HERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel has family rooms plus kitchenettes, while Broughton Country Estate and De Old Drift Guest Farm add gardens, outdoor pools and a playground at De Old Drift.
The Boardwalk Hotel · HERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel · Broughton Country Estate · De Old Drift Guest Farm · The Beach Hotel
Business trips
The Paxton Hotel is the closest to the centre at 1.1 km and offers express check-in and a business centre. Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha, No5 Boutique Art Hotel by Mantis and Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa each pair a business centre with a fitness centre for working stays.
The Paxton Hotel · Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha · No5 Boutique Art Hotel by Mantis · Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa
Where to stay in Port Elizabeth
Summerstrand
A coastal suburb with many hotels and guesthouses, close to beaches, the Boardwalk and the university. Isango Gate, Southern Sun The Marine, Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha, Singa Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges and The Beach Hotel all sit on Summerstrand addresses, with the beachfront and Boardwalk within walking distance.
Our picks here: Isango Gate · Southern Sun The Marine · Singa Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges · The Beach Hotel
Humewood
Adjacent to Summerstrand, this area is home to the beachfront, the harbour and several established hotels. Ahoy Boutique Hotel, on La Roche Drive, is the Humewood address in this shortlist and sits 1.8 km from the centre.
Our picks here: Ahoy Boutique Hotel
Walmer
An upmarket residential and commercial suburb with shopping centres and a selection of guesthouses and small hotels. Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa, on Albert Road in Walmer, is the 5-star address here and the top-rated hotel in this shortlist.
Our picks here: Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa
Newton Park
HERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, on Newton Street in Newton Park, is the address in this district. It is 5.9 km from the centre and pairs family rooms and a restaurant with kitchenettes, making it a base for guests travelling by car.
Our picks here: HERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Port Elizabeth is served by Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, located a few kilometres from the city centre and the beachfront, with direct flights to major South African cities including Johannesburg and Cape Town. By road, the N2 highway links the city to Cape Town to the west and East London to the east, and long-distance buses and trains connect to other parts of the country. Getting around is easiest by car, as public transport is limited; taxis and ride-hailing services are available but can be sparse outside central areas. Many attractions, such as beaches and the Boardwalk, are within walking distance of each other in the Summerstrand and Humewood areas.
When to go
Port Elizabeth enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months from November to March, when temperatures are warm and rainfall is lower. This period is ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. Winter, from June to August, is cooler and wetter, though still suitable for indoor attractions and wildlife viewing. The city can be windy at times, particularly in spring, and the peak holiday season around December and January sees higher demand for accommodation.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Port Elizabeth?
The Paxton Hotel, on Carnarvon Place, is 1.1 km from the centre. Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa in Walmer follows at 1.6 km and Ahoy Boutique Hotel in Humewood at 1.8 km. The country addresses, such as Broughton Country Estate at 23.4 km, are the furthest out.
Which hotels have free parking?
Free car parking is listed at Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa, Isango Gate, Hacklewood Hill Country House, Chez Paris, No5 Boutique Art Hotel by Mantis, HERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, Broughton Country Estate, De Old Drift Guest Farm, The Boardwalk Hotel, The Beach Hotel and Southern Sun The Marine.
Which hotels allow pets?
Chez Paris, on 126 1St Avenue, is the only hotel in this shortlist that lists pets allowed among its facilities. If you are travelling with a pet, it is the one to check first.
Which hotels have a pool or spa?
Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa has both a spa and an outdoor pool, and The Boardwalk Hotel lists a spa, a sauna and indoor and outdoor pools. Outdoor pools also appear at Isango Gate, Hacklewood Hill Country House, Chez Paris, Broughton Country Estate, De Old Drift Guest Farm, The Beach Hotel, Southern Sun The Marine, The Paxton Hotel, Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha and Singa Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Boardwalk Hotel has family rooms, a playground and an arcade, and De Old Drift Guest Farm adds a playground, gardens and an outdoor pool. Family rooms are also listed at No5 Boutique Art Hotel by Mantis, HERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, Broughton Country Estate, The Beach Hotel and Southern Sun The Marine.
Which hotel has the highest guest rating?
Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa leads with 4.8 out of 5 from 143 reviews. Chez Paris and Ahoy Boutique Hotel are next at 4.7, from 173 and 130 reviews respectively, followed by No5 Boutique Art Hotel by Mantis at 4.6 from 348 reviews.
Which hotels have a restaurant?
Restaurants are listed at Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa, Isango Gate, Hacklewood Hill Country House, HERMS Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, Broughton Country Estate, The Boardwalk Hotel, The Beach Hotel, Southern Sun The Marine, The Paxton Hotel and Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha. Several of these also offer breakfast in the room or room service.
Do any of these hotels offer airport transfers?
Shuttle service is listed at Hacklewood Hill Country House, Chez Paris, The Beach Hotel, Southern Sun The Marine and Singa Lodge Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges. The Paxton Hotel lists a car rental service instead.