Hostel in Durban cost $19 for a dorm. A private room in hostels in Durban cost $42. (based on Hostelz.com Price Comparison)
3 Best Hostels in Durban
Written by Undercover Phoenician| Last update: May 26, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
Twice the Fun, Half the Price—This is your firsthand guide to the absolute best hostels in Durban. Expect super social vibes, perfect for solo travelers to meet new friends, join fun events, and create those unforgettable travel stories we all love. My favorite hostels in Durban truly have it all, loved by backpackers like you and me!
We are Hostelz — the only place where you can compare all hostels in Durban to see all prices and full availability from Booking.com, Hostelworld, and more.
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
With its laid-back atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant blend of traditions, Durban is a destination that promises to leave you enchanted at every turn.
As for a cool, memorable and social place to stay, here are the best hostels in Durban.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Durban
- Smith's Cottage - best for Party Hostel, Youth Hostel
- Glenashley Beach Accommodation - B&B & Backpackers - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
- Umhlanga Self Catering Guest house - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Capsule Hotels, Family-Friendly Hostel
How much are hostels in Durban?
Let's talk about hostel prices in Durban. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Durban
Average Private Room Price per Month in Durban
Full List of best Hostels in Durban
1 Smith's Cottage
- Dorm: from $12.95/night
- Private Room: from $31.16/night
- Based on our data, Smith's Cottage has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Smith's Cottage offers luxurious and affordable accommodation in Durban. With a tranquil sub-tropical garden and modern amenities, guests can enjoy a fully-equipped 2 bedroom self-catering cottage or opt for a family room or spacious dorm. Take a dip in the pool from your front patio or relax in the TV room with DVD and video. An expansive poolside entertainment area with barbecues and secure off-street parking make this one of the best hostels in Durban. Home-cooked meals are also available on request.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Smith's Cottage
2 Glenashley Beach Accommodation - B&B & Backpackers
- Dorm: from $18.04/night
- Private Room: from $48.34/night
- Based on our data, Glenashley Beach Accommodation - B&B & Backpackers has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Glenashley Beach Accommodation - B&B & Backpackers on the Beach offers affordable luxury with panoramic ocean views, en-suite doubles, cozy self-catering dorms and a poolside breakfast. The hostel is situated right on the beach, allowing guests to enjoy a morning dip or search for shells on golden sand. The location is close to restaurants, bars and the cinema, and only a 10-minute drive to the city center.
Glenashley Beach Accommodation - B&B & Backpackerss also features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a garden and terrace, and barbecue facilities. It's one of the best hostels in Durban, with Glenashley Beach, La Lucia Beach and Virginia Beach all nearby.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Glenashley Beach Accommodation - B&B & Backpackers
3 Umhlanga Self Catering Guest house
- Dorm: from $79.75/night
- Private Room: from $48.26/night
- Based on our data, Umhlanga Self Catering Guest house has the cheapest price on Booking.com.
Umhlanga Self Catering Guest house offers cozy capsule-style rooms that come with private bathrooms, balconies overlooking the garden, and all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Each room is equipped with a work desk, TV, and free WiFi, making Umhlanga Self Catering Guest house perfect for both relaxation and productivity.
Guests can kick back on the sun terrace, dive into the outdoor swimming pool any time of the year, or try their hand at water sports right on site. The guest house also features a lively restaurant and barbecue area, plus an outdoor play space that’s perfect for families or groups.
Just a short stroll away, visitors can head to Bronze Beach or explore the nearby nature reserve. For those looking for fun attractions, Umhlanga Lighthouse and uShaka Marine World are also close by, adding plenty of options to keep the days full and exciting.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Umhlanga Self Catering Guest house
Map for 3 Best Hostels in Durban
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Durban. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character
| 🏆 Overall Best Hostel: | |
| 🤹 Solo-Traveler: | |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel with Kids: | |
| 🎉 Party Hostel: |
Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Durban
#1 Top Hostel in Durban: Smith's Cottage
This is the overall best rated hostel in Smith's Cottage. The overall rating is 8.0. You cannot go wrong here.
It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.
The price for a dorm at Smith's Cottage starts from $6.25.
FAQ about Durban Hostels
We've collected the most common questions for hostels in Durban. The more you know, the better you can plan with confidence and ease, right?
How much are hostels in Durban?
How to find hostels in Durban?
Which hostels in Durban are good for families?
What is the best way to find cheap places to stay in Durban?
What are the best party hostels in Durban?
Unleash the Power of Hostel Price Comparison
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So go ahead and start comparing prices and availability for all hostels in Durban with us!
Looking for hostels in a special neighborhood or near a popular landmark? Check out our special guides:
More Hostel Guides in Durban for Backpacking
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Not sure which hostel to pick? Use our Hostel Comparizon Tool to compare your favorite hostels side-by-side before you book.
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About the author: Undercover Phoenician
Hostelz.com is your #1 hostel guide to find the best prices for every single hostel worldwide. We show you all prices and hostels at a glance - save money by using the right booking platform.
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