The Capital Pearls, DurbanThe Capital Pearls in Durban, South Africa has a corrected score of 3.6 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), ranked 5 of 47 hotels we score in Durban. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 3.6 before correction: Booking.com 3.6, Tripadvisor 3.6. Rooms from about $237 a night (cached, not a live quote).The Capital Pearls is a four-star apartment hotel situated in uMhlanga, directly opposite the main beachfront and near the Umhlanga Lighthouse. The property caters to both business travellers and families, offering apartments with king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can access a resort-style swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa. The hotel provides direct access to a private luxury mall and includes an on-site restaurant and bar. While the apartments feature modern interiors and balconies, the property is entirely smoke-free. Self-parking is available on the premises, and the rooms include kitchen facilities for longer stays.What stands out

Direct access to a luxury mall

Located opposite the beach

On-site spa and fitness centre

Kitchen facilities in apartments

Watch out for

Strictly smoke-free property

Better-scored in Durban

Summerhill Guest Estate, Durban: 4.1 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $113 a night. Summerhill Guest Estate is a family-owned hotel situated in the quiet Cowies Hill area of KwaZulu-Natal.

Beverly Hills Hotel Southern Sun Hotels, Durban: 3.8 ± 0.3 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $374 a night. Located on a clifftop in uMhlanga Rocks, this ten-storey hotel sits near the Umhlanga Lighthouse surrounded by landscaped gardens.

The Capital Zimbali, Durban: 3.8 ± 0.4 (thin evidence, 1 of 4 platforms), from $207 a night. The Capital Zimbali is a spa hotel situated within the Zimbali eco estate in Ballito.