Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Durban Exterior photoSouthern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Durban Macro Details photoSouthern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Durban Exterior photo

SOUTHERN SUN ELANGENI & MAHARANI, Durban

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Check rooms and rates
From$187 /night
Check-in
03Aug
Check-out
04Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

63 Snell Parade, Durban, 4001
-
Close to the beach
Great
8.1
/10
2.3
3.8
/5

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani - A beachfront hotel with sea-view rooms, three heated pools, and five dining venues

Located on Durban's Golden Mile, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani offers 734 rooms, including Superior, Executive, and Family Rooms, all featuring free uncapped WiFi, flat-screen TVs with DStv, and sea or city views. The hotel includes three heated outdoor pools, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and the Mangwanani Boutique Spa with treatments like hydrotherapy and Himalayan salt room sessions. Five dining venues serve diverse cuisines: Grill Jichana specializes in flame-grilled steaks, Lingela offers an interactive buffet with Durban curries, and Vigour & Verve provides all-day dining. The business center in Elangeni Tower includes workstations and AV equipment, while nearby attractions include uShaka Marine World (3 km) and Moses Mabhida Stadium (2 km). Breakfast is served at Ocean Breeze Restaurant with ocean views.

Pros

The beachfront location is metres from North Beach and the Golden Mile promenade.

Three heated outdoor pools, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views.

Five on-site dining venues, including a buffet and flame-grilled steakhouse.

Free uncapped WiFi and a 24-hour business center with workstations.

Children under 18 stay and eat breakfast free when sharing with adults.

Cons

The rooftop pool area can get crowded during peak seasons.

Some rooms may experience noise from the nearby beachfront promenade.

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the uShaka Marine World for thrilling marine exhibits.
  • Savor bunny chow at The Durbs for an unforgettable local dish.
  • Take a stroll along the Golden Mile and admire the beachfront.
  • Explore the vibrant Victoria Street Market for spices and crafts.
  • Experience Zulu culture at the KwaMuhle Museum in Grey Street.

Select your room type

Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday
  • Elangeni Superior Queen
    2 persons
    20 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Air conditioning
    Bathtub
  • Elangeni Standard Queen
    2 persons
    22 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Air conditioning
    Bathtub
  • Elangeni Standard King
    2 persons
    23 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Bathtub
Show all rooms

Prices and availability

View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included
Facilities: Great
8.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Paid Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Currency exchange
  • Hairdresser
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Wind surfing
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Canoeing
  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar
  • Snack bar
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu
  • Children's pool

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Rooftop pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Beauty treatment
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Dressing area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani boasts a delightful array of dining options that cater to varied palates. From an inviting international buffet to modern steakhouse fare, each venue offers a vibrant atmosphere and unique culinary experiences that reflect the diverse flavors of Durban.
  • Lingela Restaurant

    International
    Ambiance
    Family friendly, warm and inviting atmosphere
    Key Offerings
    A buffet featuring roast leg of Karoo lamb, tender roast beef, Durban curries, and a variety of starters and salads.
    Reservation
    Recommended
    Dinner only, 18:30 - 22:30 daily
  • Vigour & Verve Restaurant

    International
    Ambiance
    Casual and family-friendly setting with a welcoming vibe
    Key Offerings
    A hearty selection for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a mix of local and international dishes in a bistro-style setting.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Open daily for breakfast (06:30 - 10:30), lunch (12:00 - 22:00), and dinner (12:00 - 22:30)
  • The Grill Jichana

    Steakhouse
    Ambiance
    Modern and sleek with an upscale feel
    Key Offerings
    Succulent steaks and cutlets, grilled to perfection, offering a refined atmosphere for an elevated dining experience.
    Reservation
    Recommended
    Dinner only, 18:00 - 22:00 daily
  • Panorama Bar and Pool Deck

    Bar and Lounge
    Ambiance
    Charming poolside setting with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families
    Key Offerings
    Light bites available during lunch and refreshing cocktails during cocktail hour, all with splendid views.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Open for lunch and cocktail hour, 09:00 - 22:00 on weekdays, 09:00 - 23:00 on Saturdays, 09:00 - 22:00 on Sundays
  • Tall Ships

    Bar
    Ambiance
    Relaxed lounge vibe with a cozy atmosphere
    Key Offerings
    Craft cocktails and a refined selection of local and international beverages, perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Open for cocktail hour, 09:00 - 23:00 daily

Location

63 Snell Parade, Durban, 4001
Explore Durban
Experience Durban
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World
30 minutes walking
A massive marine-themed park offering an aquarium, water rides, and dolphin shows, perfect for families and water lovers.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Moses Mabhida Stadium
25 minutes walking
An iconic stadium known for its arch and various events. Offers thrilling stadium climbs for great views of Durban.
Durban Beach Front
Durban Beach Front
7 minutes walking
A scenic stretch of golden sands, ideal for sunbathing and enjoying beach activities. Great for relaxation and family fun.
Durban Natural Science Museum
Durban Natural Science Museum
25 minutes walking
Features extensive exhibits on natural history, perfect for curious minds and families. Free admission on certain days.
Beach Sports
10 minutes walking
Engaging in beach volleyball and water sports along Durban's coast. Maximize outdoor fun with equipment rentals available nearby.
Wellness Retreats
5 minutes walking
Access to nearby spas offering massages, yoga classes, and relaxation sessions, ideal for restoring balance after travel.
Mabhida Stadium Climb
25 minutes walking
A thrilling climb to the top of Moses Mabhida Stadium for panoramic views. Booking is essential for this unique experience.
The Grill Jichana
2 minutes walking
A vibrant eatery specializing in superb grilled meats and local dishes, complemented by a lively atmosphere and friendly service.
Ocean Breeze
3 minutes walking
Offers fresh seafood dishes with stunning ocean views. Great for casual dining or romantic dinners by the beach.
Circus Circus Beach Cafe
7 minutes walking
Casual beachfront cafe with a relaxed vibe. Popular for cocktails, light meals, and watching the sunset over the ocean.
Suncoast Casino
Suncoast Casino
17 minutes walking
A lively entertainment hub featuring a casino, restaurants, and live shows. Offers nightlife fun for adults and couples.
Durban Ice Arena
Durban Ice Arena
6 minutes walking
Hosts ice skating and hockey events. A cool indoor venue perfect for families, with seasonal activities catering to all ages.
How to get around?
  • City Centre
    Durban 18 min  ·  5000 ft
  • Airports
    King Shaka International (DUR) 51 min  ·  21.1 mi
    Pietermaritzburg (PZB) 117 min  ·  48.3 mi
  • Train
    Durban Railway Station 15 min  ·  4000 ft
    Fynnland Railway Station 9 min  ·  3.6 mi
Want to get the best booking rate?
Access special rates for early reservations and start planning your dream beach holiday
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel at .
Breakfast
At the hotel Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of floors:
32
Number of rooms:
726
Former name
Southern Sun Elangeni

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the hotel's prime beachfront location, offering stunning 180° ocean views from many rooms. The spacious rooms are comfortable, with features like bathtubs and the hotel provides daily cleaning. Breakfast receives high marks for its delicious variety, and while some guests have noted that certain aspects of the décor could use updating, the proximity to the beach and other tourist attractions make it a popular choice, with some rooms also offering spectacular city views from the upper floors.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 3477 verified reviews
7.7 /10
Very good
75 %
Recommend
Location
9.0/10
Free WiFi
8.8/10
Facilities
8.1/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Clean room
Amazing staff
Good breakfast
Cons
Musty smell
Guest reviews
based on 3477 reviews
7.7/10
based on 3340 reviews
4/5
based on 10558 reviews
8.1/10
rosalind from united kingdom
Family with children
maharani standard king
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 02, 2026
9.3/10

a nice stay at a beautiful hotel!

friendly team helpful team amazing food visible security
i enjoyed my time at the hotel a lot. the team was friendly and helpful. the food was amazing!!! i ordered the same iron and ironing board for home use because they were very good. i also felt safe due to the visible security.
the room guide book was missing, making it a little tricky to figure out service numbers.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel offers multiple pools and gardens. i saw a spa area available . there is also direct access to the beach.
Service
9/10
reception staff demonstrated efficiency and professionalism even with large crowds. restaurant and housekeeping staff performed their duties with care. i found the overall service levels to be high and responsive to guest needs.
Dining
10/10
the breakfast buffet had a lot of options to choose from. the food tasted delicious and was prepared promptly. redirection of patrons to another dining area helped manage traffic during busy times.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Jackson from United States
Family with children
Elangeni Standard King
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 14, 2026
6/10

mixed experience

faulty air conditioning dim lighting
the room was clean.
the air conditioning didn't work well so i had to open the windows. a bird entered through the window in the morning. the lighting in the room was so dim, i had to use my phone to see.
0 Helpful
Robert from Canada
Couple
Elangeni Standard King
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 10, 2025
9.3/10

Seaside Dreams Realized

beach location friendly staff delicious options fast room service
The location near the beach was indeed a blessing. Each morning, I awoke to the sound of the ocean. The staff was very friendly and always ready to assist. Breakfast included many delicious options, a delight. The room service was fast and precise.
The gym was rather small, and it had limited equipment.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel features multiple pools, each one sparkling under the sun and offers a calm respite. Several on-site restaurants present culinary adventures from around the world. Free Wi-Fi access allowed connectivity in all public spaces.
Service
10/10
Staff at the front desk were helpful and gave great recommendations for local dining. Housekeeping maintained perfect standards and the rooms were always super clean. The concierge were great and ensured our needs were fulfilled.
Rooms
9/10
My room included a king-size bed with soft linens. The bathroom included a large soaking tub and premium toiletries. A private balcony presented scenic ocean views, perfect for a romantic evening.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Leigh from United Kingdom
Couple
Maharani Standard King
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 07, 2025
7/10

Acceptable Stay

The breakfast was good. They catered to different dietary needs with a lamb substitute for those not eating beef or pork. The staff was friendly. The rooms were clean.
Parking became a hassle for two nights. I had to park on the road the first night. The shift changed. The new shift had no information.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
Do the standard king rooms offer a complete view of the sea?
10 December 2024
All standard king rooms feature beautiful sea views.
Is there a spa available for guests seeking relaxation during their stay?
22 November 2024
Yes, there is a Mangwanani Spa on-site for guests to enjoy spa treatments.
Which accommodations work best for families traveling with children?
5 January 2025
Family rooms can accommodate 2 adults and up to 2 children under 18 years, providing a comfortable stay for families.
Are Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani separate hotels or part of the same group?
15 February 2025
Both hotels are part of the Tsogo Sun group and are located adjacent to each other along the Durban beachfront.
Where can guests smoke on the property?
30 March 2025
Smoking is permitted in designated smoking rooms available on-site.
What is the additional cost for adding dinner during the stay?
11 April 2025
Dinner can be added at R385.00 per person per day, excluding soft drinks.
Is there a gym available for guests to use?
28 May 2025
Yes, there is a fitness center for guests to enjoy a workout anytime.
Are monthly installment payments an option for bookings?
14 June 2025
Monthly installment payments may be arranged prior to the due date of payment.
What are the available dining options within the hotel?
12 July 2025
Guests can enjoy a variety of dining venues, including restaurants serving premium steaks, pizza, and a popular buffet.
Does the hotel room come with a refrigerator?
21 August 2025
Each room is equipped with a bar fridge for guests' convenience.
Is there a heated pool available for guests to use?
8 September 2025
Yes, there is a heated pool located on the second floor of the Elangeni Tower.
Can guests confirm which hotel they have booked at if they are unsure?
19 October 2025
Guests can verify their booking by providing the reservation number to the hotel staff.

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