Port Elizabeth isn’t an A-list beach destination like Cape Town or business travel hub like Johannesburg, and as such doesn’t have the clientele to support five-star resorts or swank boutique hotels. But if you are looking for a wallet-friendly beach destination, then PE delivers a plenty. It is home to a number of good backpackers, guesthouses, B&Bs and more than one solid four-star hotel.
The beachfront south of the CBD in the Summerstrand and Humewood neighborhoods is where you’ll find much of the best lodging in town, but there are a few other spots to check out. Away from the beach, Richmond Hill, just northwest of the city center, has a few cute guesthouses and a solid backpackers lodge sprinkled among its chic restaurants and bars. The Walmer suburb also hosts some fine guesthouses along with some good restaurants.
Hotels
Courtesy of www.thebeachhotel.co.za
Beach Hotel: Inside a magnificent 1920s X style building, the Beach Hotel is one of the most upscale hotels in the city. Right off Hobie Beach and next to the Boardwalk, the location is as good as it gets. Rooms at the four-star property are stylish, and the 3 onsite restaurants do delicious meals.
Courtesy of www.chapman.co.za
Chapman Hotel: A family-run property in the Summerstrand neighborhood looking out at the sea, Chapman Hotel is a solid mid-range choice if you want a hotel environment. This hotel is also great for families. It has a waterfall, rim-flow pool and the contemporary rooms all have balconies with sea views. Look for it next to the Dolphin’s Leap Center.
Courtesy of radissonhotels.com
Radisson Blu: If you need a consistent, international business-class hotel, book into the Radisson Blu. In a tower building overlooking the Indian Ocean and beachfront, it offers Port Elizabeth’s most stylish modern rooms as well as all the services of a Western hotel including fast WiFi.
Guesthouses
Courtesy of thewindermerebymantis.co.za
Windermere: Just a block from the beach on a quiet street in the trendy Humewood neighborhood, Windermere by Mantis is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a contemporary guesthouse, rather than large hotel, stay. The boutique property offers oversized, well-decorated rooms plus a garden plunge pool and outdoor lounge. Service is very attentive, and rates include a homemade breakfast.
Courtesy of algoaguesthouse.co.za
Algoa Guesthouse: Located in the Summerstrand suburb, this guesthouse is just a stroll to the beach front and features some great rooms that open up to an outdoor area full of palm trees and a small swimming pool. It’s definitely one of the most well-rounded options in the area.
Courtesy of foresthall.co.za
Forest Hall Guest House: In the upscale Walmer suburb, this delightful guesthouse has natural light filled and oversized rooms that look down on the manicured grounds and colorful garden area. The hosts are the reason to stay – they go out of the way to cater to your every need and also do excellent three-course homemade meals each evening (sign up in advance).
Backpackers
Courtesy of lungilebackpackers.co.za
Lungile Backpackers: Just a few minutes walk up hill from the beach in the Humewood neighborhood, Lungile Backpackers is the most popular party backpackers in town – it is a designated stop on the Baz Bus route, and has a happening entertainment area inside its A-frame confines. Choose from campsites, dorms and private rooms, including a few with en-suite baths (these are a great choice if you want the comfort of a guesthouse, but still want to mingle with the backpacker crowd). Afrovibe Adventures are also based here and Lungile supports airport and city-center pickups.
Courtesy of www.thehippo.co.za
Hippo Backpackers: In a slightly dodgy looking part of Richmond Hill (it looks worse than it is), Hippo has been around for more than a decade and is near restaurant row on Stanley Street. It offers comfortable dorms as well as private shared bathrooms. It’s a fun place to hang out and meet other travelers and is set up for lounging with two lounges, double kitchens for guests to use and a lovely backyard pool and BBQ area.
To find more great places to stay, visit our Port Elizabeth hotels page.
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