Durban

The iconic Oyster Box hotel has achieved a perfect marriage between old colonial and African contemporary style in its luxurious accommodations and offers an eye-popping range of services. — Fodor's

Four gracious Victorian houses provide a successful combination of Old World charm and modern sophistication. — DK Eyewitness

Large hostel near Florida Rd... features plenty of communal areas, a pool and bar. Braais and other social gatherings cater to a young, energetic clientele. Monthly accommodation is also available. — Rough Guide

This massive luxury hotel adjacent to the International Convention Centre is relatively close...to the city center and beachfront and is favored by businesspeople and conference-goers. — Fodor's

This hotel is a stone's throw from the beach, and... it's designed in the art-deco style of the 1930s. ... The sea views from the higher floors are spectacular. — Fodor's

They didn’t pull out all the stops on the exterior, but this top-notch classic is deliciously stylish on the inside. It’s the perfect place for a platinum-card splurge. — Lonely Planet

Close to Florida Rd's bars and restaurants, this largish guest house has a range of rooms, including some with balconies and a couple of smaller budget-friendly options (s/d R425/750). — Lonely Planet

Surrounded by secluded indigenous coastal forest, with a private-access beach and golf course, Zimbali is inspired by the architecture of tropical climates. — Frommer's

This reliable chain hotel strikes the right balance between corporate and leisure hospitality. — DK Eyewitness

Making the odd concession to colonial-era splendour, this beachfront place has lashings of understated style and plenty of plush rooms. — Lonely Planet

On a poky little street near the Botanic Gardens, this is an excellent, homey B&B that is terrific value. — Lonely Planet

Immaculately organized hostel with a restful atmosphere, tastefully decorated rooms and single-sex dorms... Strict no-smoking policy and no check-in after 9pm. — Rough Guide

Close to the beach, but in the dodgy part of town on Mahatma Gandhi Rd, is this spacious, well run, warehouse-style accommodation. — Lonely Planet

Translated from Russian as "little hideaway," this delightful boutique lodge has individually styled rooms, each offering a different sensory experience. — Fodor's

The only low-rise hotel on the beachfront, the Balmoral has a faded grandeur born of its former life as a colonial residence. — Lonely Planet

With panoramic views of the harbor, bluff, and Indian Ocean, this grand old Edwardian property, set in lush tropical gardens (often visited by monkeys), offers the best-value stay in Durban. — Frommer's

A superb beachfront option, Garden Court was given a snazzy overhaul in 2014 and now boasts sleek, modern rooms, all with ocean views. — Lonely Planet

It’s hard to miss this white behemoth just over the Umgeni River on the right-hand side. — Lonely Planet