Did you know that a reservation at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel grants you exclusive access to 3 swimming pools, a luxurious spa and wellness centre, Private parking and a convenient airport shuttle service.
If you ask me where to stay in Durban for the first time, my number one pick is always the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani and The Blue Waters Hotel in Durban.
⭐️ RATING: 8.1/10 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 63 Snell Parade, 4001 Durban, | ✅ Book it!
What I love most about this hotel is its prime location. It is exceptionally safe and situated directly on the beachfront. Although it is not set right on the sand, you simply step out of the hotel, cross the road, and you are immediately on the beach.
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Amenities
Amenities are in all rooms unless noted otherwise
- Air Conditioning: Several recent reviews and complaints report that the climate control/cooling systems in certain rooms struggle to cope with high temperatures, or fail to cool the rooms adequately.
- Balcony/Terrace (some): Most standard ocean-view rooms do not feature walk-out balconies; instead, they offer large, expansive windows overlooking the Indian Ocean and Durban’s Golden Mile
- Coffeemaker
- Daily Maid Service: provides daily housekeeping and maid services as a standard part of guest stays.
- Mini-Bar (some): Rooms at the this hotel come standard with a small bar fridge or un-stocked mini-fridge rather than a fully pre-stocked, charged mini-bar
- Free Newspaper: tis hotel provides a free newspaper as a standard amenity for guests during their stay
- Rooms for Non-smokers: the hotel offers dedicated non-smoking rooms across its room categories, though smoking policies and guest experiences can vary.
- Telephone
- Refrigerator (some): Rooms at this hotel come standard with a small bar fridge or mini-fridge in select accommodations, though guest reviews note that the standard room fridges are quite small
- Safe (In Room) (some): , as amenities vary depending on the specific room type or tower section you book.
- Cable/Satellite Television
- Television. Satellite channels
- Internet Access (High Speed & Wireless) available in all areas and charges are applicable.
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Activities & Recreation
On-Site Activities
- Health Club
- Health Spa/Massage
- Pool (3 Outdoor Pools)
Nearby Activities
- Beach: sits just 200 meters from the golden sands of North Beach along Durban’s famous Golden Mile.
- Boating/Sailing: If you are staying at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, you are situated right on the Golden Mile, meaning multiple top-tier boating, sailing, and yachting hubs are accessible just a short drive south down the beachfront.
- Fishing: Fishing near this hotel is highly accessible, offering diverse experiences ranging from casting a line right off the nearby beachfront piers to booking deep-sea charters out of the nearby Durban Harbour. and i been experience some for myself.
- Golf Course: The closest top-rated golf course to Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is the historic Durban Country Club, located just minutes away.
- Shopping Mall/Area: The closest shopping centers to the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani (located at 63 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban) are Saxony Workshop Shopping Centre and City View Shopping Centre, both offering convenient retail and dining options just a short commute away
- Tennis (Indoor Tennis, Outdoor Tennis)
- Water Skiing
Rooms With an Ocean View
All 734 rooms in both the Elangeni and Maharani towers are designed for comfort. Every room includes:
- Air conditioning, private bathroom with rainfall shower
- Balcony or terrace – many with direct sea views
- Mini bar, safe, tea & coffee making facilities
- High-speed wireless internet access
- 32-inch flat-screen TV, workspace, and 24-hour room service
- Non-smoking rooms available
Wake up, open your balcony, and the Indian Ocean is right there.
Elangeni Standard Side Sea Facing Double Double
Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. This double room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 2 beds.
Nightlife & Things To Do Within Walking Distance From The Hotel
Most guests choose Elangeni & Maharani because of its location for nightlife and daytime activities. Within a 5 to 15-minute walk you have:
- Beach Clubs & Bars: Joe Kool’s, Havana Beach Club and The Boom Boom Room on the Golden Mile.
- For Upscale Nightlife: Umhlanga Rocks is 20 minutes by Uber.
- For Restaurants-Turned-Clubs: Florida Road and Morningside are 10 minutes by car.
- Daytime: uShaka Marine World, Suncoast Casino, Moses Mabhida Stadium and Mini Town are all within 3km. The hotel concierge can book tables and taxis for you.
Check-In, Check-Out, Breakfast, Parking & Booking Tips at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 11:00 with late check-out on request.
Breakfast: Served daily 06:30 – 10:30 in the Lingela Restaurant, continental and full English included in most rates.
Parking: Secure on-site parking available for ZAR 50 per day.
Best Time To Book: Durban is busiest from December to January and during holidays. Book 3-4 weeks in advance for sea-view rooms. Free cancellation is available on most rates if you book direct on Southern Sun website.
FAQ – Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel
Where is Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani located?
The hotel is located at 63 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban – directly on the Golden Mile beachfront. It is a 5-minute walk to Durban Beach, 3km from Suncoast Casino, and 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.
Is the area around the hotel safe?
Yes. The hotel is in the safest part of the Durban Beachfront. It has 24-hour security, CCTV, secure access, and guarded on-site parking. The beachfront promenade is patrolled and very busy with tourists.
Does the hotel have direct beach access?
Yes. You walk out of the hotel and you are on the Golden Mile promenade. The beach is 1 minute away.
What is included in the room?
All rooms have sea views, air-conditioning, free WiFi, 32-inch flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities, safe, rainfall shower, daily housekeeping, and 24-hour room service.
What restaurants and bars are inside the hotel?
The hotel has 4 restaurants, 3 bars and lounges, 1 poolside bar, and a coffee shop. You can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks without leaving the property.
Is it good for nightlife?
Yes, this is one of the best hotels for nightlife. Joe Kool’s and Havana Beach Club are within walking distance. Florida Road and Umhlanga Rocks are 10-20 minutes by Uber. The concierge can book tables and taxis.
How much does it cost per night?
Prices start from approximately ZAR 1,594 – ZAR 6,158 per night for a Standard Room and Luxury Suite depending on season. December to January is high season, so book 3-4 weeks in advance.
Southern Sun Elangeni OR Maharani?
They are actually ONE hotel now – Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. But 2 towers joined together, and they ARE different:
- Elangeni Tower – BEST for most people
This is the renovated, modern side.
- Fully renovated in 2022/2023
- More modern rooms, bigger bathrooms
- Better sea views
- More quiet, more upscale
- Where most couples and business travelers stay
Book this if you want nightlife, modern, clean, Instagram-worthy.
- Maharani Tower – Good for families / budget
- Older rooms (still clean, but not as modern)
- Slightly cheaper – usually ZAR 300-500 less per night
- Closer to the family pool and kids area
- Can be a bit noisier
Book this if you want to save money or traveling with kids.
Which one should YOU book?
For Durban nightlife, beach clubs, Florida Road: Book Elangeni Tower, Superior Sea Facing. That’s the one all travel blogs recommend. You are 1 min from Joe Kool’s, Havana Beach Club.