Photo of Port Elizabeth

About Port Elizabeth

Boasting a thriving food culture, taking influences from Portuguese and Malaysian traditions, as well as plenty of seafood offerings, Port Elizabeth is a melting pot for tastes and flavours. With some excellent swimming and bathing beaches, as well as almost every watersport under the sun, and sensational marine life (dolphins and whales can be spotted year-round) there's plenty to keep traveller's in Port Elizabeth occupied. Our collection of the best places to stay in Port Elizabeth showcase the best places for great-value, heritage, and family-friendly stays.

The city centre, once a place to be avoided, has been smartened up in recent years, thanks to several urban regeneration projects, and now boasts a thriving café culture. There are also plenty of smart heritage buildings, most notably the charming 19th-century Cora Terraces. Though to truly explore the city, set off on the Donkin Heritage Trail. A convenient stop along the way to the Eastern Karoo, it's a great stop off for wildlife lovers and Addo Elephant Park beyond.

What not to miss

  • For the best views of the city hike up to Fort Frederik.
  • Follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, passing the much-photographed, 19th-century Cora Terrace and Donkin Street Houses.
  • Overlooked by the Groot Winterhoek Mountains, take a thirty-minute drive out of town and explore the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, where baboon, bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, and much more can be spotted.
  • Take a boat out to Bird Island Marine Protected Area, comprised of Bird, Stag, and Seal Islands. Whilst there, traverse the Bushbuck Walking trail.
  • Or venture to Cape Recife Nature Reserve, one of the best bird-watching locations in Port Elizabeth.
  • Clip-clop your way along the pristine expanses of the Sardinia Bay Beach with Heavenly Stables.
  • Get on your bike! Along the Baakens River Mountain Bike Trail
  • Art lovers can wander The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, showcasing prominent South African artists, new and old.
  • If travelling to town at the end of December, don't miss the three-day Ebubeleni Music Festival, held at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium showcasing some of South Africa's finest music acts.

Our collection of the best places to stay in Port Elizabeth showcase the finest hotels in this welcoming coastal city.

The Best Places to stay in Port Elizabeth

For a great value stay

For a relaxing stay

  • Immerse yourself in an oasis of tranquillity at Singa Lodge. You're moments from the city yet surrounded by lush gardens.
  • Charming English-country style gardens and decor Carlslogie House is an intimate and relaxing stay.
  • Large suites, roll-top baths, manicured gardens and a very inviting pool Millbury Guesthouse is a place to unwind.

For an intimate stay

  • Quirky, modern B&B, Manor 38 offers eight lovingly designed suites at the hand of their delightful owners.
  • With just two suites, yet right in the heart of town 23 On Glen is a well-priced and very intimate stay.

For a family-friendly stay

  • Well-priced, flexible accommodation Ibhayi Guest Lodge is a great option for the family.
  • Laidback living, Admiralty Beach House is a home-away-from-home that all the family can enjoy.
  • Rustic thatched cottages, with plenty of family-suites Lenore Guesthouse, is also very budget-friendly.

For a stylish stay

  • Quirky interiors, No5 by Mantis provides an ultra-modern stay within easy reach of Port Elizabeth's attractions.

For a heritage stay

  • Hacklewood Hill Country House's 19th-century lodgings provide guests with a very refined stay, all period features and silver-service dining, moments from town.

For a stay amidst nature

  • Feel as though you're staying in the African bush at Thunzi Bush Lodge - even though you're only a short drive from the city. Luscious grounds, African-inspired decor and cottage style accommodation.

Travel Information

  • If you want to rent self-drive to explore the Eastern Cape, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Port Elizabeth International Airport is just a ten-minute drive from the city centre - taxis can be booked easily.
  • Pleasant all year round, the best time to visit depends on your preference. During the summer months, November to March, temperatures range between 16 to 27°C, while winters, May to August, are between 8 and 23°C.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Port Elizabeth

Best Hotels in Port Elizabeth

  • St Phillips Guesthouse Port Elizabeth 3 rooms from AU$81

    Value chic  -  Excellent value, delightful owner managed stay
    Sailing  -  Take a sunset cruise from Port Elizabeth Harbour
    Great walks  -  St George's Park is just 1km away
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Air conditioningGardenParkingNo pets

    Traditional 20th-century hotel boasting architecture iconic of its time. Each of its three rooms includes colourful interiors with plenty of original features, including working fireplaces and exposed wood floors. Your choice of English or Continental breakfast is served. See More

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  • Lenore Guest House Port Elizabeth 5 rooms from AU$86

    Value chic  -  A great value stay within easy reach of Port Elizabeth's attractions
    Tennis  -  There are tennis courts for guests
    Great walks  -  St George's Park is just 1km away
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningTennisSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Boasting a veritable breakfast spread and comfortable accommodation, including plenty of family suites and en suite bathroom. There is a pool, gardens, tennis courts, and plenty to keep little ones busy. A great family stay - great value too. See More

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  • The Plantation, Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth 4 rooms from AU$98

    Value chic  -  Beautifully decorated, homely, and excellent value stay
    Sailing  -  Take a boat out to St Croix Island Marine Reserve
    Surfing  -  A popular beach with surfers is Kings Beach
    Local markets  -  Valley Market, held every Saturday
    Air conditioningGardenParkingNo pets

    Beautifully decorated cottage suites with statement wallpapers, wrought iron beds and colourfully upholstered furnishings. A buffet breakfast is served plus there is a small kitchenette in each cottage. Beautiful lawns and leafy grounds provide a relaxing stay. Great value. See More

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  • Singa Lodge Port Elizabeth 12 rooms from AU$103

    Value chic  -  Excellent value, stylish interiors plus a great location
    Local markets  -  Held every Saturday Valley Market is a great spot for locally made food
    Surfing  -  Hobie Beach is a popular surfing spot
    Great walks  -  Through St George’s Park
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A cocoon of tranquillity within close distance to Port Elizabeth. Each of its 12 bedrooms is uniquely decorated with four-poster beds, mosaic tiles, local artwork, and enormous in-room baths. A great breakfast is served plus there beautiful gardens in which to relax. Excellent value. See More

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  • Carslogie House Port Elizabeth 4 rooms from AU$109

    Local exploring  -  A cosy stay - the perfect base from which to explore Port Elizabeth
    Sights nearby  -  Children will love Splash Waterworld
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Surfing  -  Hobie Beach
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    Delightful owner managed bungalow turned popular B&B. Guests will feel right at home in their luxurious abode, styled with silks, ornate lamps, and English country decor. The best opening out onto the pool. A full English breakfast is served each morning. An excellent value stay. See More

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  • Thunzi Bush Lodge Port Elizabeth 6 rooms from AU$109

    Families  -  Self catering cottages and rural location - excellent for families
    Birdwatching  -  Excellent bird watching opportunities
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolViewsParkingNo pets

    Cosy cottage interiors providing self-catering accommodation amidst the beautiful setting of Maitland Nature Park. A fully equipped kitchen, open plan living areas which open out on your private terrace provide a very comfortable stay. Suites include modern bathrooms. Surrounded by nature. See More

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  • 23 on Glen Port Elizabeth 2 rooms from AU$118

    Value chic  -  Great value accommodation, ideal with families
    Great walks  -  Through St George's Park, just 1km away
    Surfing  -  Humewood Beach is 8km away
    Traditional
    Air conditioningParkingNo pets

    Delightful owner managed B&B providing well-priced family accommodation. With just two bedrooms, it's a very intimate stay. Each of its rooms is decorated in muted colours and floral patterns, with attached bathrooms. A full English breakfast is served each morning. See More

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  • Millbury Guest House Port Elizabeth 7 rooms from AU$130

    Total relaxation  -  Boasting a pool, enormous suites, and you're right by a golf course
    Local markets  -  Held every Saturday Valley Market is a popular spot
    Great walks  -  Settler's Park Nature Reserve
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Set within a tranquil garden around a sun-drenched pool providing roomy accommodation in the leafy suburb of Mill Park. Providing the perfect base to explore the surrounding game parks, beaches and golf courses of the Eastern Cape - enormous suites, modern bathrooms, and superb food. A great stay. See More

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  • Manor 38 Port Elizabeth 8 rooms from AU$131

    Value chic  -  A great value boutique stay
    Local markets  -  Every Saturday, Valley Market is a favourite of local foodies
    Surfing  -  King's Beach is a prime surfing beach
    Restrictions on children  -  Children above the age of 12 welcome
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    Delightful owner managed B&B located in the quiet suburb of Summerstrand, yet within easy access of Port Elizabeth. Each of its eight rooms is uniquely decorated, with private balconies, enormous beds and ensuite bedrooms. Spacious living areas, an outdoor pool, and excellent home cooked food. See More

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  • Ibhayi Guest Lodge Port Elizabeth (Summerstrand) 10 rooms from AU$133

    Families  -  Excellent family accommodation with a very attractive price
    Great walks  -  St George’s Park
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Boutique
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolParking

    Budget and family friendly accommodation that benefits from plenty of family suites plus an inviting outdoor pool. A healthy breakfast is served each morning to set you up for a day's exploring - the hotel is walking distance from many of Port Elizabeth's attractions. See More

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  • Admiralty Beach House Port Elizabeth 8 rooms from AU$148

    Local exploring  -  A home away from home: the perfect base for exploring Port Elizabeth
    Local markets  -  Every Saturday, Valley Market is popular with foodies
    Great walks  -  Along the wooden coastal walk
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Delightful owner-managed guest house in the leafy suburb of Summerstand. Benefitting from a local golf course, you're still with easy reach of Port Elizabeth's city centre. Beautiful suites, decorated in creams and blue lookout across the garden and pool. A cosy stay, complete with great breakfast. See More

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  • No5 by Mantis Port Elizabeth 10 rooms from AU$250

    City Style  -  A sleek, modern hotel in the heart of Port Elizabeth
    Local markets  -  The Beachfront Craft Market is the perfect place to pick up some local souvenirs
    Great walks  -  Port Elizabeth's cliff path goes past Hobie Beach and Shark Rock Pier
    Surfing  -  Port Elizabeth is home to some of South Africa's best surfing beaches
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Stylish accommodation within walking distance of Port Elizabeth's restaurants and attractions. Smart suites include four-poster beds and plush interiors. There's a spa, outdoor pool, lively bar, plus an excellent breakfast is served. A great city stay. See More

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  • Hacklewood Hill Country House Port Elizabeth 8 rooms from AU$276

    Local exploring  -  A charming hotel, that feels like home, within easy reach of Port Elizabeth's attractions
    Great walks  -  Settler's Park Nature Reserve
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Surfing  -  Hobie Beach
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Dating back to 1898 this heritage hotel, set amidst an English country garden provides a comfortable homestay. Rooms are decorated in a classic style with floral prints, traditional artwork, and large bathrooms. Cosy sitting rooms include open place fires. Excellent dining - a great stay. See More

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  • Kariega Ukhozi Lodge Port Elizabeth (Kariega Game Reserve,) 10 rooms from AU$1033

    Romantic Break  -  Adults only accommodation with some suites including private pools
    Great walks  -  Guided bush walks with experienced rangers in search of over 25 game and hundreds of birds
    Sailing  -  A boat safari along the Bushmans River
    Kayaking  -  Along the Kariega River
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolViewsParkingNo pets

    Five-star luxury lodge boasting a long list of spa treatments and outdoor activities. Adults only, guests are in for a pampering stay. Each of the ten suites boasts sweeping views, enormous bathrooms, and the best private pools. Dine to your heart's content at this all-inclusive lodge. See More

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