If you are looking for the best hotels in Port Elizabeth while planning your next visit to the friendly city, then we have you sorted. Port Elizabeth is the windy city of the Eastern Cape and one of the most popular vacation destinations for South Africans. While you are getting up to fun and activities while you are travelling, you will need an equally marvelous place to rest your head.
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List of Best Hotels in Port Elizabeth
We have drawn this list to include a variety of different types of hotels to meet unique needs. Whether you are looking for something modern and trendy or something classical with old world charm, there is something for you. We have covered a variety from high rise hotel with unobstructed views to boutique hotel, to a historic classical hotel that has been around almost as long as Port Elizabeth itself.
Boardwalk Hotel
The Boardwalk Hotel is easily one of the most prominent landmarks in Port Elizabeth. Many consider it to be the standalone best hotel in the city, and a good case can be made for that argument. The hotel offers 5 star accommodation and all the luxuries you are accustomed to. Boardwalk hotel is part of an entertainment complex so everything you will need in terms of entertainment is right within reach. The casino offers 24-hour entertainment and is also the only licensed casino in all of Port Elizabeth.
When staying at this hotel you have direct access to the waterfront, which is one of the most desired visitor locations in Port Elizabeth. One of the defining features is the multimedia musical fountains, which treats spectators to spectacular views and a festival of colorful lights and music at night.
The hotel is in a prime location and you can stay in luxury sea-facing rooms that look over the warm Indian Ocean. The breakfast buffet is excellent, with a good spread of different foods to get your day going. The hotel boasts a spa, gym, and water sport facilities among other amenities. For a fun day you can can play around of mini golf or relax in the sauna. Other complimentary facilities include free WiFi and parking.
An airport shuttle is available on request, and Port Elizabeth International Airport is only 5km away. If you want to go to the beach, Hobie beach is a short stroll away, at less than 600m from the Hotel. For those doing the Ironman event, this the best hotel, as everything outside of the event itself happens at this hotel.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth
The Radisson group of hotels is known for a high standard of quality in hotels, and Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth is no different. It enjoys a great location on Marine Drive with sea views and access to the entertainment hotspot of of Summerstrand’s boardwalk. The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with chic décor that gives the rooms a modern and airy feel. Rooms are spotless and the beds are extra comfortable.
You can enjoy a dinner at the Tabu Grill, from which you will have views of the Indian Ocean as you spoil yourself to great food. If don’t want to miss a step in your fitness regimen, there is a well-equipped gym. After that you can relax yourself in the Amani Spa. This hotel is ideal for both leisure and business purposes, and it has meeting facility for up to 180 people.
All the rooms have free high speed internet and a stocked minibar. There is a breakfast buffet every morning and the breakfast is a good variety of warm and cold foods. For when you want to hit the town, Radisson Blu Hotel is in reach of everything, with Hobie beach being only 300 meters away. The staff at the reception are always friendly and willing to help with any issues you might have. If you stay here, make sure that you get one of the ocean rooms. You would be doing yourself a great disservice if you didn’t.
Paxton Hotel
The Paxton Hotel is the go-between between access to the beach and Port Elizabeth’s City Centre. The hotel has 79 rooms overlooking the harbor, with spectacular views of Algoa Bay. The hotel is situated in the bustling precinct of Humewood, which is right next to Summerstrand. In contrast to the laid back beach feel of other popular hotels on the list, the Paxton sports a more vibrant urban atmosphere, with the harbor serving as the backdrop to with an industrial touch. The décor is designed to exude luxury, with tastefully furnished rooms that are inspired by African Art. The natural textures in the furnishing give the rooms a warm feel.
The use of colour in the decorations is particularly impressive. As with all hotels of this caliber, high speed internet and DSTV come for free. The rooms are spacious, with double bed or twin beds. Room service is available at specified times and there is even a digital safe in the room that is big enough to store a laptop. The place is also ideal for families. The Paxton hotel is a popular choice for many who visit Port Elizabeth for the Ironman competition, probably because of how affordable it is, and the good value for money that you get.
Isango Gate
Isango Gate is one of the rare 5 star boutique hotels in Summerstrand and the Port Elizabeth at large. Built in 1900s, it has been transformed into one of the prime destinations for a luxury experience in the coastal city. The Isango Gate Spa is also one of the betters spas that you can find at hotels in Port Elizabeth. You can go there for a full-on health and beauty treatment or just to relax like you can do at few other places.
The spa is coupled with a fitness centre, to give you an all-round physical health experience in an idyllic setting. The hotel is surrounded by an African zen garden, in line with the theme of the spa. The infinity pool is as suitable an art piece as a place to relax or to keep in shape. For business purposes, there is a conference centre that can seat up to 100 people.
There is lounge on the site, a bar and a wine cellar to round up all your needs wen it comes to drinks. If you are feeling hungry, you can gorge yourself at the Pendu Pendu restaurant which serves up gourmet South African dishes, with a selection of local and international wines. This boutique hotel has 10 rooms, each with a king king-size bed, cable TV and a fully stocked bar fridge. Isango Gate is a sensory experience. The hotel has an excellent ambience, is spotless, and service is cardinal. The employees are a joy and the reception as a guest is polite and professional.
The Beach Hotel, Port Elizabeth
One of the finest and storied hotels in Port Elizabeth is the Beach Hotel. The beach hotel is a piece of Port Elizabeth history, having been opened for the first time in 1894 and more than 100 years old. The hotel has a more classical style of interior decoration that is synonymous with old world charm. It is ideal for a family holiday, a business trip or as a peaceful escape. When it comes to dining, you are spoilt for choice.
The hotel has 3 restaurants on site with 2 different settings. You can have a casual visit to The Verandah, enjoy a buffet at The Crest, or if you are one for finer foods, you can have a steak or seafood at Ginger Restaurant. If you just want to kick back, you can sunbathe by the poolside or relax on the sun terrace with your choice of cocktail from the bar.
The Beach Hotel give you the choice of luxury 4 star accommodation at the hotel, with 24-hour room service available, or you can do self-catering in the Little Bandle Self Catering Accommodation adjacent to the hotel. There is same-day laundry and dry-cleaning services available on request. Airport transfer is affordable and for families with busy parent, there is babysitting service available. Like some of the others on this list, Beach Hotel is right opposite Hobie beach and a stroll away from Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex.