Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

Hotels
Southern Sun Hotels
8.1 (11792 reviews)
63 Snell Parade , Durban , za

Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location near the beach
Friendly and attentive staff
Cons:
Dirty carpets in rooms
Food quality could be improved

Categories

Cleanliness
7.56
The carpet was dirty and in need of cleaning.
Service
9.03
Well trained staff provided excellent service.
Location
8.57
Great location close to the beach.
Room Quality
8.02
Rooms were generally clean with good views.
Amenities
8.05
The pools need improvement to be fully enjoyable.
Value for Money
7.51
Some guests felt the cost was steep for the experience provided.
Food and Beverage
7.56
Food quality received mixed reviews but there was variety.
Overall Experience
8.53
Guests reported generally positive experiences despite minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-06 05:37

Property Description

Luxurious Beachfront Location
Experience the ultimate beach getaway at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, located just steps away from Durban's stunning Golden Mile. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from modern rooms equipped with top-notch amenities.

Unmatched Facilities
Indulge in relaxation with 3 swimming pools, 4 diverse restaurants, a well-equipped gym, and rejuvenating spa services. The hotel offers convenience with on-site parking, airport shuttle, and WiFi, ensuring a seamless stay for all guests.

Exciting Nearby Attractions
Explore Durban's vibrant attractions including Suncoast Casino, uShaka Marine World, and the iconic Durban Botanical Gardens, all within easy reach. Whether for leisure or business, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani promises an unforgettable experience.

Book now for an unforgettable seaside retreat at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani.

Important information:

Please note that when booking a rate where payment is due before arrival, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani will provide detailed payment instructions, for example a link to a secured payment platform.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: DUR

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and charges are applicable.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs ZAR 50 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.1
Based on 11792 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.56
Service: 9.03
Location: 8.57
Room Quality: 8.02
Amenities: 8.05
Value for Money: 7.51
Food and Beverage: 7.56
Overall Experience: 8.53
B
Balram Gopal family_with_children za
8
comfortable clean room,excellent breakfast
Pros:

breakfast was excellent

Cons:

the parking entrance was shabby

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
A
Andries Nico couple za
5
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
P
Petra couple tz
8
Lovely, very convenient and would stay again
Pros:

Hotel is comfortable with very accommodating staff

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
M
Mtanti couple za
9
This is home away from home …. The hospitality was tops
Pros:

One of my favourites … Gosh the comfort of the bed and pillows 1000/10

Cons:

None

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
M
Meyiwa family_with_children za
4
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple za
8
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
V
Velemseni solo_traveller za
10
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
B
Baxolele solo_traveller za
10
Pros:

Everything more especially the view

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
L
Lamola solo_traveller za
6
2026-07-03 via Nuitee
A
Angela couple za
7
2026-07-03 via Nuitee
M
Masud solo_traveller za
1
2026-07-03 via Nuitee
S
Sarafina solo_traveller za
9
Pros:

Dinner braai was nice.

Cons:

Changing of linens i wasn't happy at all.

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
B
Bongiwe solo_traveller za
8
Great stay!
Pros:

Staff is exceptional , super friendly. We forgot our charging cables and they were happy to help us.Buffet breakfast was amazing!

Cons:

The furniture will need upgrading in terms of design at some point, it's just a little outdated.Could use a microwave in the room.

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
R
Repelang solo_traveller za
8
2026-07-03 via Nuitee
T
Tshegofatso solo_traveller za
8
Be considered for none halal religious people to the breakfast meals. Include options.
Pros:

Customer service from employees.

Cons:

Halal breakfast

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
S
Sitha couple za
8
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
A
Avi family_with_children za
5
A well‑deserved getaway, thanks to the staff who truly cared and the beautiful setting
Pros:

Not everything was negative. The kitchen staff were friendly and professional, and Miriam in particular was exceptional! Kind, attentive, and a bright spot in an otherwise mediocre breakfast experience. I personally sent a shout‑out to her at the main desk. The sea‑facing views are phenomenal if you’re fortunate enough to get the right room, and once we chose to make the most of the situation, the stay became worthwhile.

Cons:

My first night at this hotel was a nightmare. The front desk staff lacked patience, humility, and friendliness,qualities that are especially important over a busy weekend. I was allocated a room directly above the bar and pool area on the fourth floor, which made for a very noisy environment.
Upon check-in, I requested a crib for my 9‑month‑old, but none was delivered. Later that evening, after returning around 9:30pm, the parking was full, and when we finally got to the room, there was still no crib. Multiple calls to reception led to confusion and transfers between departments, with staff assuring me a crib would be sent shortly. It never arrived.
The night was extremely uncomfortable: we had to keep the baby in our bed, the bar and pool noise continued late into the night, and the toilet leaked constantly with water trickling throughout. Sleep was nearly impossible. The front desk staff came across as unfriendly and dismissive, seemingly just going through the motions rather than striving to meet guest expectations.
The next morning, I reported the issues again both the missing crib and the leaking bathroom. Only after repeated requests did we finally receive a crib, and this coincided with being moved to a different room, which was presented as an “upgrade” but felt more like a correction of their poor initial allocation. I cannot shake the impression that the hotel deliberately avoided sending a crib to the first room because it was too small to accommodate one.
The host at breakfast was dismissive, despite clearly seeing me enter with my family, she stopped me when I returned from a smoke and insisted I verify my room number. It felt unnecessary and unwelcoming.

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
H
HIMMESH couple za
8
Pros:

the view is always the strongest point,
i did not have breakfast
the parking was also good

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
S
Sithembile couple za
10
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
Y
Yolanda couple za
7
Pros:

The breakfast was good and the view was excellent

Cons:

The rooms need revamping. They are a bit dull.

2026-07-02 via Nuitee