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Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

4.0 star property
Beachfront relaxation awaits with poolside cocktails and rejuvenating spa treatments at this upscale Durban hotel with multiple swimming options

Choose dates to view prices

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani on Durban Beachfront offers three outdoor pools, including a kids' pool, and a poolside bar. Enjoy meals at four international restaurants or book a hot stone massage at the spa. In-room WiFi keeps guests connected.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 13 of 13 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sea view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Superior Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sea view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Executive Premium

Executive Premium | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Executive Premium

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
  • Sea view
  • 200 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite

Suite | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Suite

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Bidet
Designer toiletries
Bathrobes
  • Sea view
  • 200 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Standard Twin Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Standard Twin Room

7.4 out of 10
Good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Partial sea view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Superior Twin Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Superior Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sea view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Executive Room

Executive Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Executive Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sea view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Executive Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Studio

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Penthouse

Penthouse | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Penthouse

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Apartment

Apartment | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Apartment

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
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About the neighborhood

Located in Durban Beachfront, a neighborhood in Durban, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is in the entertainment district and on the waterfront. Kwa Muhle Museum and The Old Fort are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Durban Country Club and Royal Durban Golf Club. UShaka Marine World and Mini Town are also worth visiting. Visit our Durban travel guide
Map
63 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4000

What's nearby

  • Beautiful Durban as the sun set from Moyo bar on the end of the pier
    Golden Mile
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Clean ocean wave surging crashing towards shallow sandbars at surf city beaches of Durban
    Durban Beach
    13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Mini Town
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Blue Lagoon
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World
    13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR)
    30 min drive

Restaurants

  • Joe Cool's
    8 min walk
  • Island Style
    9 min walk
  • Café Jiran
    7 min walk
  • Jeera Restaurant
    16 min walk
  • Circus Circus
    7 min walk

About this property

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

Upscale hotel near uShaka Marine World
Take advantage of a poolside bar, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. Treat yourself to a facial, a massage, or a manicure/pedicure at the onsite spa. At the 4 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, light fare, and international cuisine. In addition to dry cleaning/laundry services and 3 bars, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • 3 outdoor pools and a children's pool
  • Self parking (surcharge), a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk
  • Multilingual staff, a front-desk safe, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Beach towels, 10 meeting rooms, and concierge services
Room features
All 734 rooms boast comforts such as 24-hour room service and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as thoughtful touches like free WiFi and air conditioning.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and designer toiletries
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
  • Daily housekeeping, desks, and phones

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Self parking on site (ZAR 50 per day)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • 3 bars/lounges
  • 4 restaurants
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Grill Jichana
  • Lingela Restaurant
  • Ocean Breeze
  • Panorama Bar & Pool Deck

Things to do

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Full-service spa

Family friendly

  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 10 meeting rooms
  • Business center
  • Conference center

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • On the waterfront
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily
  • Thai massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • 1 percent tourism fee will be charged

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 595 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
  • Self parking fee: ZAR 50 per day
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector

We should mention

Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Elangeni
Elangeni Southern Sun
Elangeni Sun
Southern Sun Elangeni
Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel
Sun Elangeni
Sun Elangeni Hotel
Elangeni Hotel Durban
Southern Sun Elangeni Durban
Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel Durban
Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Hotel Durban
Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Hotel
Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Durban
Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani
Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Durban
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel Durban

Frequently asked questions

Does Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani have a pool?

Yes, this property has 3 outdoor pools and a children's pool. Pool access is from 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Is Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is available for ZAR 50 per day.

What time is check-in at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee.

Does Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 595 per vehicle applies.

Where is Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani located?

Located in Durban Beachfront, this beach hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Mini Town, Blue Lagoon, and Golden Mile. Dairy Beach and Battery Beach are also within 15 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.4

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.6

Staff & service

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 89 out of 211 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 70 out of 211 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 30 out of 211 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 211 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 211 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Isam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is great The staff were friendly Amenities were not so much but ok Breakfast was great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Zanele

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was excellent
What a magnificent view
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Nolusindiso

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The service was very good but on the last day I had to go at Maharani for the breakfast because at Elangeni it was already full for me its not fair because the breakfast at Maharani is not appertising and the Elangeni breakfast was very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

Mrs M

Cleanliness, especially of bathrooms could be improved. The hotel was a bit overwhelmed with the large numbers of guests due to the Comrades Marathon so breakfasts were chaotic. Service was also impacted by this
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

4/10 Poor

Alasdair

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property used to be a flagship , but there is a dramatic decline in the immediate area and this is reflected in the hotel as well. For a premium brand such as Southern Sun International , it was very disappointing. The roo was clean , but the inofrfmation folder and in house dinning was not there. Until it was reqiested from receptoion. And then it was a flimsy printed paper, as if on a cost cutting excesise. My suggestion would be to go north and stay in the next city north of here and enjoy the environment as well as the hotels, far safer and the view is still the same of the ocean and beaches. With dinning around that is available by car or within walking distance, with out fear of being accosted/mugged/or car jacked. The picture indicated , shows an impressive hotel, but the façade and the building its self is no way representative of what is shown on the main page picture.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Glisson

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a nasty experience where a staff member embarrassed me to the point that i packed my bags and asked for a refund. The hotel manager stepped in quickly and apologised, upgraded my room with goodies and daily checked up on me. Damage was done but its how places respond when they mess up that counts for me. Even though it started off terrible it ended off quite nice. I will actually go back to the hotel again. beautiful views of the shoreline.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cecilie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Spectacular!

A great hotel with a fabulous view and good food!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Convinient and good stay

Great experience, air-conditioning in my room was exceptionally noisy, like broken and they simply just upgraded me and moved me to a different room. Friendly and nice staff. Location was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

6/10 Okay

Taiwo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is dated. A/C was almost non existence. Made the stay horrible on hot summers day
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Haroon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

2021 Holiday

Myself and my family enjoyed the stay and the wonderful breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very functional hotel with great views and lovely staff. The room was a bit old and our air con didnt work at first although they did fix that after a couple of requests.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Room was great. The bathroom definitely needs an update.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Velaphi

Liked: Staff & service
The carpet seem too old, it is stuffy stinking. Staff attitude was very good though.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Aaliyah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Service from Smash

The receptionist at Elangeni was helpful however when I wanted to pay she said i should pay at Maharani as i requested a room there. I had to follow another queue at Maharani just to make payment. Smash was exceptionally helpful to speed up my process as needed to get ready for a wedding. She ensured an iron was also sent up immediately for me. Thanks Smash great customer service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021

2/10 Terrible

Noxolo

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

I was really dissatisfied

The hotel needs renovations I mean major renovations I actually hated every minute spent there the lighting was really awful side lights are soooo ugly...the bathroom was really awful and uncomfortable never mind the wardrobe ...Jesus Christ I will never refer anyone to Southern Sun hotel the carpets are really dirty.....
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Gerald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Overated

This hotel is old, desperately needs maintenance. Windows that don’t seal and the soothing sound of the wind whistling while you’re trying to sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing stay but parking a big issue
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Felicia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Welcoming,amazingly neat and peaceful to relax in.

I had a wonderful stay. It was peacefully as i wished. Everything i expected and more. The front desk was even more welcoming. Unfortunately i needed to have an experience of their restaurant but it was too full to accommodate me.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

4/10 Poor

moaaz

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Terrible stay

Stay was terrible. The hotel needs a revamp. Leaking toilets. Smells like crap. Way over prices for what you getting. Only good thing was the breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rachael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent food, location, staff !!!

If your staying in Durban for any reason, this place is lovely. It’s right in the beach, has a private car park and a great steak house. The concierge Garika is amazing. If she lived in England I’d happily give her a job. Fantastic member of staff.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
too many room for cleaning riom on time is not execute generally is acceptable of maintenance but hotel too much aged
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Bitha

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Freindly staff. Great location and seaview was amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jashika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Weekend escape

What an amazing stay at the Maharani Tower. Service on point. Staff incredibly attentive. Gastronomic affair. Just what we needed as a family to unwind for a weekend. #sho'tleft
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Value for money, room was larger than normal with sea view
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Recommended

Wonderful friendly staff and quiet, clean room with a view of the beach. Would recommend without hesitation.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020