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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

South Africa

Accommodation Types

Hostels

  • Ideal for Budget Travelers

    Dormitory beds, private rooms, communal kitchens, lounge areas, and social events. Examples: Lungile Backpackers and Island Vibe Port Elizabeth.

  • Social Atmosphere

    A great way to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.

  • Communal Facilities

    Shared spaces foster interaction among guests.

  • Organized Events

    Hostels often arrange activities for guests.

Guesthouses & Bed & Breakfasts B&Bs

  • Personalized Service

    Often family-run, offering a home-away-from-home feel.

  • Breakfast Included

    Usually part of the stay, ranging from charming Victorian to modern.

  • Intimate Experience

    More private than larger hotels.

  • Popular Mid-Range Choice

    A popular lodging choice in South Africa.

Neighborhood Guide

Each neighborhood has a distinct character.

Summerstrand

Advantages
  • Close to The Boardwalk Casino and Nelson Mandela University.
  • Numerous restaurants, direct access to popular beaches (Hobie Beach, Kings Beach).
  • Convenient proximity to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport.
  • An excellent base for beach activities and entertainment.
Considerations
  • Can be crowded during peak holiday season (December-January).
  • Prices can be higher during peak times.
  • Generally a very safe area for tourists.

Humewood

Advantages
  • Often offers good value for money on accommodation.
  • Close to the beachfront promenade, Bayworld.
  • Convenient access to the city center.
Considerations
  • Less nightlife and fewer restaurant options compared to Summerstrand.
  • Generally safe, similar to Summerstrand.

Walmer

Advantages
  • Tranquil, very safe.
  • Boasts excellent independent dining options.
  • Conveniently close to the airport.
  • Offers a more relaxed and local experience.
Considerations
  • Requires transport to reach the beaches and the city center.
  • Less nightlife.
  • Considered a very safe and affluent neighborhood.

Other Neighborhoods

Richmond Hill

Bohemian charm, diverse dining on Stanley Street, good for Donkin Reserve and Route 67. Exercise caution at night.

Central Business District (CBD)

Historic core, museums. Higher crime rates after business hours; generally advisable for tourists to visit during the day.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure your preferred accommodation and save money.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (December to February): Booking ahead is advisable. 3-6 months, or earlier for Christmas/New Year.
  • Shoulder Season (March-May & September-November): 1-2 months ahead to secure good options and rates.
  • Low Season (June to August): More flexibility and better last-minute deals during winter.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are significantly higher during peak summer (Dec/Jan) and major events.

Trusted Booking Platforms & Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda are widely used.
  • Direct Booking: Many local guesthouses offer better rates or perks directly.
  • Airbnb: A popular choice for vacation rentals and self-catering.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Check policies carefully before confirming. They vary.

Additional Booking Tips

Walk-in Rates
  • For smaller, independent guesthouses in low season, slight room for negotiation exists, but this is not widespread.
  • Most established properties have fixed rates.
Read Reviews
  • Read recent reviews to gain insight into the property's current condition.
  • Review service quality.
  • Check neighborhood safety.

Online Booking Platforms

Booking.com

Find a wide range of options on Booking.com for hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.

Agoda

Consider Agoda for potentially diverse listings, particularly in certain categories.

Vrbo

For self-catering homes and unique stays, Vrbo features many private properties.

Accommodation Recommendations

Highly-regarded accommodation options in Port Elizabeth, catering to different budget levels and traveler types.

Budget to Mid-Range Stays

Hostel: Lungile Backpackers

Social, budget-friendly, central. Average R200-400/night.

  • Social atmosphere
  • Communal facilities
  • Organized events
  • Dormitory and private rooms
Guesthouse: Hacklewood Hill Country House

Historic charm, elegant, personalized service. Average R2000-3500/night.

  • Historic charm
  • Elegant setting
  • Personalized service
  • Walmer neighborhood

Mid-Range to Luxury Stays

Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Port Elizabeth

Beachfront, modern amenities, sea views. Average R1800-3000/night.

  • Beachfront location
  • Modern amenities
  • Sea views
  • Summerstrand neighborhood
Vacation Rentals

Space, privacy, kitchens. Popular for families and groups.

  • Self-catering apartments
  • More space and privacy
  • Kitchen facilities for cost savings
  • Find options on Vrbo or Booking.com

Traveler-Specific Recommendations

  • Family-Friendly Options:

    Self-catering apartments in Summerstrand or Walmer. Resorts like Willows Resort cater well to families.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations:

    Hostels like Lungile Backpackers for social environment. Guesthouses offer comfortable single rooms. Prioritize safer neighborhoods.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations:

    Self-catering apartments and aparthotels offer weekly/monthly rates. Walmer and Summerstrand options.

  • Unique Properties:

    Guesthouses in Richmond Hill for Victorian charm and artistic connection.

Specialized Accommodation

  • Homestay Opportunities:

    Local tour operators or community initiatives sometimes offer cultural homestay experiences.

  • Camping & Outdoor:

    Campsites and resorts offer facilities for tents, caravans, chalets. Willows Resort and Happy Wanderer Resort.

  • International Hotel Chains:

    IHG Hotels for reliable stays. IHG Hotels. City Lodge and Courtyard by Marriott.

  • House Sitting:

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique long-term stays with pet care.

Important Considerations for Booking

Reviews

Read recent reviews to gain insight into the property's current condition, service quality, and neighborhood safety.

  • Customer feedback
  • Property condition updates
  • Service quality insights
  • Safety notes
Direct Contact

For specific needs or cultural experiences, contact properties or local tourism boards directly.

  • Special requests
  • Cultural experience details
  • Local insights
  • Personalized assistance

Accommodation Search Platforms

Global Booking Platforms

Find a wide range of options on Booking.com for hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.

Asia-Focused Options

Consider Agoda for potentially diverse listings, particularly in certain categories.

Vacation Rentals

For self-catering homes and unique stays, Vrbo features many private properties.