Where to stay in Durban when you are going alone

Two linked towers on the Golden Mile with 11 restaurants and bars, 3 pools and a spa.

The evening staff draw as much praise as the morning crew, which tells you something about consistency. The location puts Ushaka Marine, the beach, and bus stops within easy reach. Reviewers mention the AC runs warm, worth knowing if you run hot.

The hallways smell, carpets carry visible stains, and one reviewer left without spending the night. The air conditioning shuts off at midnight in Durban's February humidity, and the windows are too grimy to see the harbour views the hotel trades on.

Rooms include kitchenettes and at least some have direct ocean views.

Reception café offers affordable meals and drinks at R14 each.

At least one room had a non-functioning air conditioner, a wet floor.

Located directly at a bus station on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

The rooftop pool on the fifth floor directly overlooks the harbour.

Steps from the beach and quiet enough that rooms don't carry street noise; housekeeping checks in rather than barges in. One woman arrived at 18h00 to find her booking cancelled without a message, so confirm your check-in time directly with the hotel before you travel.

Parking is challenging but 24/7 security guards assist with parking behind locked gates.

Located on Monty Naicker Road near South Beach and walking distance to Durban CBD.

Women return here specifically for Mr Goodman and his team, who have a name for going well beyond the expected, including walking guests to their rooms. The honesty bar and sherry left bedside are genuine touches; the geckos are plentiful and not shy.

Reception open weekdays 8am to 5pm only, with strong wifi and freshly prepared breakfast.

Rooms with kitchens and an outdoor pool; reception closes at 5pm weekdays, 2pm Saturday.

Rooms on the Golden Mile with room service, satellite TV, free parking and a 24 hour desk.

Restaurant on site, ocean views, Wi-Fi, parking and breakfast included.

Some rooms have whirlpool baths, with parking and event space on site.

Rooms have kitchenettes, with an outdoor pool and braai area on site.

The B&B sits in a secluded area of Durban with direct ocean views.

Rooms with minibars, free Wi-Fi, a garden and veranda; reception open 8am to 6:30pm daily.

Staff have arranged airport transfers at late hours, including midnight pickups, on request.

At least one room includes a private patio with pool access and an in-room spa tub.

Women staying solo for weeks flag the same thing: Don, the host, keeps the place genuinely well-run, with rooms staying clean and towels refreshed without asking. The reviews are warm but short on the street-level detail a woman arriving alone would want.

Secure on-site parking, with public transport links close by on Florida Road.

The lodge has views of Durban Harbour and is within walking distance of the garden.

Located just off Florida Road in Windermere.

The back of the building has been converted to a ladies-only gym, which few places in Durban can match. One reviewer flagged a clogged drain and a sewage smell after bad weather, so it is worth asking about the plumbing before you unpack.

No alcohol on the premises and no restaurant, neither flagged at booking. Walls are thin enough to hear neighbouring rooms clearly.

Pool was out of service at last report; caretaker Sthabile looks after guests.

Apartment units on Florida Road with an outdoor pool, BBQ area, parking and Wi-Fi.

Located in Morningside within walking distance of Mitchell Park and Florida Road.

Reception staffed daily from 7am to 5:30pm, just off Florida Road.

Common area features a pool, bar, and garden space for guests.

Ocean views from rooms allow you to see ships, boats, and the marine park.

Units are described as clean, well-organised, and equipped with kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi.

- No towel racks, so wet towels had to go on the floor or bed.

Quiet street near the Florida Road restaurant strip, with spacious rooms.

Located on Florida Road in Morningside with multiple restaurants within walking distance.

Sleeps up to 15, with a pool and a shared kitchen, off the Golden Mile.

One reviewer stayed for 10 days, suggesting the guest house works for extended stays.

Sits beside the lighthouse, with terrace high tea open to non-guests; check in from 2pm.