Skip to main content

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

4.0 star property
Beach hotel with spa, near uShaka Marine World

Choose dates to view prices

Durban Beachfront's Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani offers the ultimate retreat with a poolside bar, 3 outdoor pools, and a children's pool. Indulge in international cuisine at one of the 4 on-site restaurants or unwind with a hot stone massage at the onsite spa. Guests appreciate connecting to WiFi from their rooms.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • 4 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges
  • Full-service spa
  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Beach towels
  • Self parking
  • Children's pool
  • Pool bar
  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • Conference center
  • Business center

Feel at home (6)

  • Children's pool
  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities

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
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Coffee/tea maker
  • 20 sq m
  • Sea view
  • 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
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Coffee/tea maker
  • 20 sq m
  • Sea view
  • 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
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
  • 200 sq m
  • Sea view
  • 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
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 200 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sea view
  • 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
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Coffee/tea maker
  • 20 sq m
  • Partial sea view
  • 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
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Coffee/tea maker
  • 20 sq m
  • Sea view
  • 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
Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Coffee/tea maker
  • 20 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Room

Highlights

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

Superior Twin Room

Highlights

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

Executive Twin Room

Highlights

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

Studio

Highlights

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

Similar properties

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; beach views
The Edward Hotel
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Parking available
7.8 out of 10, Good, 222 reviews
The price is CNY547
CNY629 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 21 - Jan 22, 2026
The Edward Hotel
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the neighborhood

Map
63 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4000

What's nearby

  • Mini Town - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Golden Mile - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Blue Lagoon - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Durban Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR) - 29 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Joe Cool's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Island Style - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Hollywoodbets Bunny Bar at Kingsmead - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Durban Beach Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Spice Emporium - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is a great choice for your beach stay in Durban. 3 outdoor pools provide a splash of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, facials, and mani/pedis. Dining choices include 4 restaurants and the 3 bars/lounges are great places to grab a cold drink. Other highlights include a poolside bar, a children's pool, and a snack bar/deli.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 734 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Onsite self parking (ZAR 50 per day)
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • 4 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges
  • Poolside bar
  • Coffee shop
  • 24-hour room service
  • Snack bar/deli

Traveling with children

  • Children's pool

Working away

  • Business center
  • 10 meeting rooms
  • Conference center

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • Beach towels

Facilities

  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Terrace
  • 3 outdoor pools
  • Full-service spa
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Handrails in stairways

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

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

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Free tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Thai massages, and facials. The spa is open daily.

Dining

Grill Jichana - This steakhouse specializes in international cuisine and serves dinner only. Open select days.
Panorama Bar & Pool Deck - This restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Ocean Breeze - This restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast only. Open daily.
Lingela Restaurant - This buffet restaurant specializes in local cuisine and serves dinner only. Open daily.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 595 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
  • Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Parking

  • Self parking costs ZAR 50 per day

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

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

Policies

Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club

National rating

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

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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

Yes, there are 3 outdoor pools and a children's pool. Guests have pool access from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Are pets allowed at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Is parking offered on site at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

Yes. Self parking costs ZAR 50 per day.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 595 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11 AM.

Is there an onsite casino at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World (17-min walk) and Sibaya Casino (19-min drive) are both nearby.

What is there to do at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani and nearby?

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani has 3 outdoor pools and 3 bars, as well as a spa.

Are there restaurants at or near Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

Yes, there are 4 onsite restaurants, featuring international cuisine.

What's the area around Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani like?

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is located on the waterfront in Durban Beachfront, a short 5-minute walk from Blue Lagoon and 5 minutes' walk from Golden Mile.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.4

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.6

Staff & service

8.2

Eco-friendliness

8.0

Property conditions & facilities

Popular mentions

Room
View
Breakfast
Bathroom
Service staff
Location

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

The location is great The staff were friendly Amenities were not so much but ok Breakfast was great
Isam, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Everything was excellent
What a magnificent view
Zanele, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Nolusindiso, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

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
Mrs M, 5-night trip

4/10 Fair

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.
Alasdair, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Glisson, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Spectacular!

A great hotel with a fabulous view and good food!
Cecilie, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
John, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

Property is dated. A/C was almost non existence. Made the stay horrible on hot summers day
Taiwo, 8-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

2021 Holiday

Myself and my family enjoyed the stay and the wonderful breakfast.
Haroon, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Angela, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Room was great. The bathroom definitely needs an update.
Michelle, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

The carpet seem too old, it is stuffy stinking. Staff attitude was very good though.
Velaphi, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

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
Aaliyah, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

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.....
Noxolo, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

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.
Gerald, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing stay but parking a big issue
Kevin, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Felicia, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

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
moaaz, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Rachael, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

too many room for cleaning riom on time is not execute generally is acceptable of maintenance but hotel too much aged
2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Freindly staff. Great location and seaview was amazing
Bitha, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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
Jashika, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Value for money, room was larger than normal with sea view
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Recommended

Wonderful friendly staff and quiet, clean room with a view of the beach. Would recommend without hesitation.
John, 1-night trip