If you’re looking for a beachfront hotel in Durban that feels calm and clean and is right on the ocean, Blue Waters Hotel is one of my top picks. I’ve stayed here several times, and what I like is that it feels more relaxed than the bigger busy resorts, yet still close to everything. So yeah, that’s definitely one I’d recommend.
If you’re booking Blue Waters Hotel Durban, let me give you my #1 tip: book a room facing straight to the beach.
I’ve stayed in 3 different rooms here, and the beachfront ones were by far the best.
The rooms I loved the most were:
- Room 1216 – first time I stayed
- Room 1215 – second time
- And one on the 5th floor – around room 5
Blue Waters Hotel Durban Room Prices & Best Room Types For 2026
One of the biggest reasons people rebook Blue Waters is the rooms. They’re not fancy 5-star, but they’re clean, spacious, and most importantly: most have balconies with ocean views.
Here’s the breakdown of room types, prices, and who they’re best for:
Standard City View Room at Blue Waters Hotel
- Price: From R1,200 – R1,600 per night ~ $65 – $90 USD
- What you get: Queen or Twin beds, 24m², TV, AC, WiFi, tea/coffee
- Best for: Budget travelers, business trips, people who won’t spend time in the room
- Heads up: No ocean view. You miss the whole point of Blue Waters.
Ocean View Room with Balcony ⭐ My Pick
- Price: From R1,700 – R2,400 per night ~ $95 – $135 USD
- What you get: 28m², King or Twin beds, big balcony, direct ocean view, mini fridge
- Best for: Couples, first-time visitors, anyone on holiday
- Why book this: This is Blue Waters. Waking up to waves, coffee on the balcony. Rooms 12xx and 5xx floors have the best straight-on views.
Durban family room price blue waters hotel
- Price: From R1,600 – R3,500 per night ~ $145 – $195 USD
- What you get: 2 separate bedrooms or 1 big room with 2 Queens + 1 Single, 40m², 2 bathrooms, kitchenette, huge balcony
- Best for: Families with 2-4 kids
- Why book this: Right on the beach + uShaka 5 min walk. Kids can sleep and parents still have balcony space.
Executive Suite – Ocean Front
- Price: From R3,200 – R4,500 per night ~ $180 – $250 USD
- What you get: 60m², separate lounge, King bed, huge balcony, oceanfront, Nespresso machine
- Best for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, longer stays
- Why book this: Most space + best views in the hotel. Perfect if you want to work from the balcony.
At Blue Waters Hotel, room prices change all the time. So you always have to check in advance to be sure.
Sometimes the price goes up. For example, a luxury king or twin room facing the sea can cost up to four thousand for three nights R4.320. The prices are not fixed, so you have to be careful and check ahead of time.
Most Popular Facilities At Blue Waters Hotel Durban
I’ve stayed at Blue Waters 3 times, and honestly the facilities are simple but they work. This isn’t a resort with 5 pools and a spa. It’s a beachfront hotel that gives you exactly what you need for a Durban holiday.
Two Swimming Pools
Yes, Blue Waters has 2 swimming pools. The main one is outside by the beach and that’s where everyone hangs out during the day.
There’s also an upstairs pool that I saw once. I think you need a key card to access it. I didn’t end up using it because I was always downstairs at the beach pool. But it’s there if you want something quieter.
- Direct Beach Access – 1 Minute Walk ⭐ Best Facility
This is why you book here. The beach is literally in front of you. Walk out the hotel, cross the road, and you’re on the sand in under 1 minute.
The beach in front is safe with lifeguards and shark nets. And if you feel like walking, you can go all the way from Blue Waters to uShaka Marine World on the promenade. It’s about 5-10 minutes and you’ll pass restaurants, shops, and street performers. - Restaurant + Breakfast
You don’t need to leave the hotel for food. There’s a restaurant on site and the breakfast buffet is great. Ocean view while you eat, and they have all the South African + continental options.
If you want something different, there are tons of restaurants on the promenade too. - Bar With Outdoor Seating
My favorite spot. The bar is on the ground floor and it has outdoor seating. I went there a couple of times in the evening.
Sit outside with a cold beer and get the fresh air straight from the ocean. Perfect after a day at the beach. - Private Parking + Free Public Parking
Blue Waters has underground private parking but it’s paid. I wasn’t driving so I didn’t use it.
Most people uses the free public parking right in front of the hotel. There are lots of them along the Golden Mile so you’ll always find a spot. but not that safe. - Room Service, Tea/Coffee & No Smoking Rooms
- Room service: Available 24/7. Super handy if you don’t feel like going out.
- Tea/Coffee: Every room has tea and coffee facilities. First thing I did every morning.
- No Smoking Rooms: Available if you request when booking.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The hotel has access ramps and elevators. I saw the signage for it at reception.
My Honest Take
Blue Waters isn’t trying to be fancy. The facilities are practical. Pool, beach, restaurant, bar, parking. That’s it.
But because the location is so good, you don’t care. You’re at the beach all day, uShaka at night, and back to the hotel to sleep with the sound of waves.
Map & Location
One of the best parts of staying at The Blue Waters Hotel is how convenient the location is for exploring Durban. Positioned right along the Golden Mile, the hotel gives you direct access to the vibrant beachfront promenade.
From the moment you step outside, you’re greeted by the lively energy of the area, with joggers, cyclists, and families enjoying the ocean breeze and beautiful coastal views. It’s an ideal spot for morning walks or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Getting around the city from the hotel is also incredibly easy. During my stay, I noticed that many key attractions are within a short distance.
For instance, Moses Mabhida Stadium is nearby and offers activities like the SkyCar ride, which gives you panoramic views of Durban. If you’re more into nature, the Durban Botanic Gardens are just a quick drive away and provide a peaceful escape with lush greenery and stunning plant collections.
For those using public transportation, I found the area to be well-connected with plenty of options, including buses and taxis.
If shopping or nightlife is more your speed, you’ll be happy to know that popular spots like Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Florida Road aren’t far either.
I took a short drive to Gateway for some retail therapy and was impressed with the variety of stores and dining options. Later, I visited Florida Road, which was buzzing with energy and offered a great selection of restaurants and bars.
Overall, the location puts you at the heart of everything Durban has to offer, and the surrounding area feels safe and welcoming, making it a stress-free experience whether you’re venturing out on foot or by car.
Things to do near Blue Waters Hotel
Durban is packed with exciting activities and attractions, many of which are just a stone’s throw from The Blue Waters Hotel.
One of the highlights for me was taking a short drive to Moses Mabhida Stadium. Whether you’re into sports or just love a good view, the SkyCar ride to the top of the stadium is absolutely worth it—it offers some of the most stunning panoramic views of the city.
For something a bit more relaxed, I enjoyed spending time at the Durban Botanic Gardens. The gardens are incredibly peaceful, with winding paths and unique plant collections that make it easy to lose track of time.
If shopping is more your thing, Gateway Theatre of Shopping is a great spot to check out. It’s not just a mall—it’s a full entertainment experience with stores, restaurants, and even a movie theater.
I spent a few hours there and left with more shopping bags than I’d planned! Florida Road is another must-visit area. It’s a hub of energy in the evenings, filled with trendy restaurants and bars. I stopped by for dinner one night, and the lively vibe, paired with great food, made it a memorable outing.
For family-friendly fun, uShaka Marine World is just a short trip away. I didn’t travel with kids, but I couldn’t resist checking out the aquarium—
it’s one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and has such an impressive variety of marine life. Plus, the water park looked like a blast for families or anyone looking to cool off.
Another unexpected highlight was walking along the beachfront promenade. It’s vibrant, with street performers, local vendors, and people enjoying the outdoors.
There’s a sense of community there that’s hard to describe but really adds to the experience. And if you’re an art lover, you can explore the Durban Art Gallery, which showcases incredible works from local and international artists. It’s a bit tucked away but worth finding if you have the time.
questions and answers
Q: Does The Blue Waters Hotel have parking available?
A: Yes, the hotel offers parking for guests. Whether you’re renting a car or driving your own vehicle, the parking lot is convenient and hassle-free to access.
Q: Can I book tours or activities through the hotel?
A: Absolutely. The Blue Waters Hotel partners with local tour operators, making it easy for guests to arrange excursions to popular Durban attractions. The staff can assist with recommendations and bookings.
Q: Is the hotel suitable for business travelers?
A: Yes, the hotel caters to business travelers with conference rooms equipped for meetings and events. The complimentary Wi-Fi and central location also make it a practical choice for work trips.
Q: Are pets allowed at the hotel?
A: Unfortunately, The Blue Waters Hotel does not allow pets, so guests will need to make alternative arrangements for their furry friends.
Q: What are the check-in and check-out times?
A: Check-in at The Blue Waters Hotel starts at 2:00 PM, while check-out is at 10:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request, depending on availability.
Q: Does the hotel have a pool?
A: Yes, the hotel features an inviting swimming pool where guests can relax and enjoy a serene environment.
Q: Are there options for vegetarians or special dietary needs at the restaurant?
A: The on-site restaurant aims to accommodate various dietary preferences. Guests with special requests are encouraged to inform the staff, who are usually happy to assist.
Q: How far is the hotel from major attractions like uShaka Marine World?
A: uShaka Marine World is just a short drive from the hotel, making it easy for guests to enjoy its attractions. Other key sites, like Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Durban Botanic Gardens, are also nearby.
Q: Is the beachfront easily accessible from the hotel?
A: Yes, the hotel is located right along the Golden Mile, giving guests direct access to the beachfront promenade for leisurely walks and stunning ocean views.