The Royal Hotel Durban, DurbanThe Royal Hotel Durban in Durban, South Africa has a corrected score of 2.6 ± 0.3 (fair evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), ranked 44 of 47 hotels we score in Durban. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 2.5 before correction: Booking.com 2.7, Tripadvisor 1.7, Agoda 3.0.The Royal Hotel Durban is a historic property situated in the Central Business District. It sits within walking distance of the beach, the Natural Science Museum, and the Art Gallery. The hotel offers 206 air-conditioned rooms, each featuring individual furnishings and safes. Guests can access two restaurants, a coffee shop, and a rooftop outdoor pool with views of the Indian Ocean. On-site facilities include a spa, a gym, and extensive conference and banqueting spaces. This hotel suits business travellers and families looking for a central base. One limitation is that the windows in the guest rooms do not open.What stands out

Central business district location

Rooftop pool with ocean views

On-site dining and conference facilities

Watch out for

Windows do not open

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.