Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is a four-class beachfront hotel at 63 Snell Parade, in the entertainment district of the Durban waterfront. With 734 rooms it is among the largest hotels in the city and works like a resort, with three outdoor pools and a children's pool, a full-service spa, four restaurants, three bars and lounges, a coffee shop and a poolside bar. Mini Town is about two minutes on foot, the Golden Mile promenade is about five minutes and Blue Lagoon is about five minutes. Most rooms have sea views, which is the main reason to choose it. The hotel is a practical mid-range pick for families and groups who want facilities on site rather than a quiet boutique stay.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits on Snell Parade, close to the northern part of the beachfront, with the Golden Mile and Blue Lagoon both about five minutes away on foot and Mini Town just beyond the door. The Suncoast casino and entertainment complex is about fifteen minutes on foot. King Shaka International Airport is a thirty-minute drive, and the hotel offers an airport transfer for a fee per vehicle. Self parking costs a modest daily fee, with wheelchair-accessible parking available. uShaka Marine World and the city centre are a short taxi ride away.
The rooms
The hotel lists eleven room types, from standard and superior rooms with a king bed and sea view to twin rooms with two double beds, executive rooms, premium rooms that sleep four, suites, a studio, a penthouse and an apartment. Rooms have air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a desk, a flat-screen television, a rainfall shower and free tea and coffee, and WiFi is free in rooms and some public areas. Ask for a sea-view room on a higher floor for the best outlook.
Who it suits
Families, groups and travellers who want pools and restaurants on site. Children are welcome, but rollaway beds and cribs are not available, so check that your room type fits your group. Pool access runs from six in the morning until six in the evening. The hotel does not allow pets, and a gym is not listed, so you would rely on the pools and the promenade for exercise.
Good to know
Check-in starts at two in the afternoon and check-out is before eleven. The minimum check-in age is eighteen, and the hotel may ask for photo identification and a card or cash deposit at arrival. Guests rate it very good overall. Because the hotel is large, expect a busy lobby and pools at weekends and in school holidays, and ask for a quieter floor if you want calm.
Why stay here
- ✓Three outdoor pools and a children’s pool
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Four on-site restaurants and three bars
- ✓Sea-view rooms
- ✓Free WiFi in rooms
- ✓24-hour room service and front desk
- ✓Airport transfer for a fee
- ✓Wheelchair-accessible parking
Good questions
How far is Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani from the Golden Mile?+
About five minutes on foot, and Mini Town is about two minutes. Blue Lagoon is also roughly five minutes away.
Does the hotel have pools for children?+
Yes, it has three outdoor pools and a children's pool, open from six in the morning until six in the evening. Rollaway beds and cribs are not available.
Does it have an airport shuttle?+
Yes, an airport transfer is offered for a fee per vehicle, and King Shaka International Airport is about thirty minutes away by car.
