f you were looking for the definition of a sunrise hotel, this is it. What happens at day end is a matter for the bar-tender (and the wine is very good), but the way the light erupts into every room of the Maharani hotel and its sister Elangeni on Durban’s 7km beachfront promenade is incredibly special, and worth coming back for. I have been doing it for a few decades now.
The Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, to give them their correct titles, are located on Durban’s Golden Mile at 63 Snell Parade, two vibrant, full-service 4-star hotels just 200 meters from North Beach.
Rooms feature private bathrooms with baths or showers, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries. Guests praise the comfy beds and ocean-facing balconies but note some rooms may feel dated or lack sufficient lighting.
The joy of the bedrooms is that they all offer that special sea view, and that is something very special when the horizon on the Indian Ocean. begins to light up, dark maroon. purple and eventually red from 6am in the morning. Our room 839 had a twin bed with the television. and artwork on a facing wall, writing desk with adequate plug points and a lamp, another table with tea and coffee facilities and three shelves, a chair beside the bed. and a mirror facing the wardrobe and bathroom entrance. The bathroom has separate bath and shower units. The sink comes with its own shelf underneath at a towel rail with toiletries.
I like to keep the window open to hear the sound of the ocean. One year, I got up to go to the toilet in the dark and tripped over a seagull who had come to enjoy the hospitality. It is a favourite story form my travels.
Early in 2025 Southern Sun was confirmed as the preferred bidder for a 50-year lease renewal for the Elangeni & Maharani property, securing its operation beyond the previous lease expiration at the end of 2025. Announced by eThekwini Municipality, this ensures the hotel remains a cornerstone of Durban’s North Beach, with Southern Sun as the sole bidder in a tender process. The lease renewal includes plans for redevelopment, though specific details on new facilities, renovations, or upgrades for 2025 are not fully outlined in available sources.
The lease renewal alleviates concerns about the hotel’s closure, which could have impacted North Beach’s vibrancy. Guests can expect continuity in service, with Southern Sun leveraging its nearly five-decade history at the property to enhance guest experiences.
Southern Sun’s CEO, Marcel von Aulock, has reiterated the group’s commitment to the property, suggesting future enhancements to maintain its status as a premier destination. While no concrete projects (e.g., room refurbishments, new restaurants, or expanded amenities) are confirmed for 2025, the R220 million revamp in 2013, which merged the Elangeni and Maharani into a single 734-room property, sets a precedent for significant investment. Visitors may see early signs of upgrades, such as refreshed public areas or improved conference facilities, as the hotel prepares for long-term operation.
The hotel’s role as KwaZulu-Natal’s largest residential conference hotel will likely be retained for spme time, with its nine conferencing venues and pool deck catering to large-scale events, potentially tied to Durban’s tourism recovery or major events like the Commonwealth Games (though not confirmed for 2025).
The hotel has a 2025 Booking.com Traveller Review Award. Guests enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and proximity to Durban’s attractions. Check-in is after 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM, with late check-out or early check-in available upon request.
It’s a short walk to attractions like uShaka Marine World (1.9 miles), Moses Mabhida Stadium (1.3 miles), Mini Town (0.1 miles), Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre (0.2 miles), and Suncoast Casino (0.9 miles). Durban’s city center is 0.8 miles away, with the Durban ICC and Kingsmead Cricket Ground nearby, making it perfect for leisure and business travelers.
The hotel group offers a total of 734 modern, air-conditioned rooms across the Elangeni and Maharani towers, many with breathtaking sea views. Room types include:
- Standard and Standard Premium Rooms: En-suite bathrooms, ocean views, and amenities like tea/coffee facilities, ideal for couples or small families with two double beds.
- Superior Rooms: Spacious with spectacular sea views and enhanced amenities.
- Executive and Executive Premium Rooms: Business-friendly with work desks and ocean views.
- Family Rooms: Two double beds, en-suite bathrooms, and family-oriented amenities.
- Luxury and Presidential Suites: Opulent with lounges, dining areas, and kitchens for ultimate comfort.
Amenities and services
- Dining Options: The hotel boasts four restaurants and multiple dining venues:
- Grill Jichana: A contemporary grill house with African East Coast flavors, serving meats, fish, and vegetarian options.
- Daruma: Japanese specialties for dinner.
- Lingela: International cuisine in a buffet or à la carte setting.
- Ocean Breeze: Light meals and snacks.
- Panorama Bar and Pool Deck: Cocktails and snacks with panoramic coastline views.
- Two Breakfast Venues: The breakfast is worth then journey itself, offering a full meal with curry, potatoes, hot and cold meat as well as traditional eggs-based European offerings, or a full English/Irish or continental buffet. To pick one day’s buffet sale action form our stay: Roast potatoes, butter, pulse, curry, raised sweet corn, cauliflower, and broccoli, au gratin, grilled tomato, baked beans, kippers, lamb sausage, chicken sausage, pork sausage, crispy bacon, selection of fruit, oranges, fruit on the skewer mously chicken pulled meat and beef cold meat.
- Packed lunches are available for day trips, and room service operates 24/7. Nearby restaurants like The Grill Jichana Durban, Daruma Umhlanga, and Billal offer additional dining options.
- Amenities and Facilities:
- Three Outdoor Pools: Including one heated pool, offer relaxation with ocean views. The pool deck is a highlight for its ambiance.
- Camelot Spa: Offers massages, facials, and relaxation treatments for rejuvenation.
- Two Fully Equipped Gyms: Available for guest workouts, though hours should be confirmed with the front desk.
- Conference Facilities: 15 venues, including the Great Ilanga room, accommodate up to 500 guests for business events, medical congresses, or banquets, with packages for day or accommodation conferences.
- Additional Services: Free high-speed Wi-Fi (surcharge may apply), airport shuttle (surcharge), paid private parking, 24-hour room service, babysitting, express check-in/out, laundry/dry cleaning, and a business center with meeting rooms.
- Accessibility: Offers accessible rooms, but the property is not fully barrier-free.
Low season (January, November) or midweek offer the best rates. Average nightly rates range from $70 to $83, with deals as low as $70 in low season (January, November) or on Mondays/Wednesdays. Prices vary by room type, season, and occupancy. Booking directly on southernsun.com or joining the frequentGuest rewards program offers the best rates and savings. Some other tips:
- Specify sea-view rooms or confirm maintenance status (e.g., air conditioning, lighting) to avoid issues noted in reviews.
- Try different on-site restaurants for variety, and venture to nearby eateries for a broader culinary experience.
- Leverage the hotel’s proximity to uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the promenade for day trips. Renting a car ($28/day) is recommended for flexibility, as parking is available (surcharge).
