Of all the backpackers around Durban, Durban Backpackers - On the Beach is the only one on the beach. It is, in fact, a three-star guesthouse, with backpackers' dorm beds also available.
The Location
Located in Glenashley suburb, east of Durban and just west of Umhlanga, this is right across the road from the beach. It is, however, a little difficult to get to without your own transport or without the Baz Bus, which calls in here on request. By public transport, you need to find a minibus taxi from Durban center to La Lucia mall, which is fifteen minutes' walk away. There is also a small shopping mall just over five minutes' walk away, where you can find a supermarket and a couple of cafes/restaurants.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are six rooms overlooking the beach at the front of the house -- a mix of family, doubles, and twins. The white dorms with white bedding are functional and a little dazzling, but they're clean and you get the use of some of the facilities shared with the three-star guesthouse. There is a six-bed dorm in the main house at the back, with balcony, and two four-bed dorms, one for girls only, in the cottage in the back yard. The beds are comfortable and there is air conditioning in the six-bed dorm. The dorms are all en suite with one shower and one toilet per room, and there is twenty-four-hour hot water. There are lockers for all dorm guests in the cottage, but small padlocks don't fit.
Common Spaces
The cottage has a small, cushioned sitting area with TV and there are chairs and couches and cable TV in the dining/breakfast room. This is also where you'll find the small bar. Outside, on the veranda, there is a table and chairs if you want to sit near the swimming pool. There is parking space for around half a dozen cars and there are braai (BBQ) facilities. The small guests' kitchen is in the cottage and has a kettle, microwave, cooker, and fridge. It's a little light on the pots and cutlery, though. The free Wi-Fi is ok and can be accessed throughout the main house, but not the cottage.
Included in the bed price is a continental breakfast. This is served buffet style and comprises fruit salad, yogurt, four types of cereal, toast with six choices of spread, fresh fruit, fruit juice, and tea and coffee, certainly a cut above most backpacker free breakfasts. A cooked breakfast is available for a fee on request, but no other meals are served. Free tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
Summary
As it's the only beachfront hostel in the Durban area, this is good value, especially when you factor in the large breakfast. The property is secure with entry through the gate by key fob. It's not a backpackers' party hostel, but it offers an alternative to staying in the city in quieter surroundings.
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How is Durban Backpackers rated?
Durban Backpackers Reviews
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+4
LondonroadMa
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Jul 2, 2017
Location and Contact
Location
• DIRECTIONS
• ”On The Beach”,
• 17, The Promenade,
• Durban North 4051
• Tel: 031-562 1591
• From the South ( Johannesburg, etc.):
• From the N3, take the N2 exit for the North Coast. Once on the N2, take exit # 182 (Umhlanga / Gateway) and at the robots turn right onto the M 41.This will eventually feed you onto the M4 headed back towards Durban. Take the 2nd exit (Ann Arbor / Glenashley) off the M4. At the T-junction (with the Indian Ocean dead ahead), turn right and we are # 17.
• From the North (Airport, Swaziland, St. Lucia, etc):
• From the N2 take exit #182 (Umhlanga / Gateway) and at the robots turn left onto the
• M 41. Continue along this and you will automatically be fed onto the M4 headed back towards Durban. Then take the 2nd exit (Ann Arbor / Glenashley) off the M4. At the T-junction (with the Indian Ocean dead ahead), turn right and we are # 17.
Map
Address: 17 The Promenade, Glenashley, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Durban Backpackers is listed on the following booking sites:
Hostelworld Booking.com Not listed at HostelsClubWebsite
www.durbanbackpackers.com
Phone Number:
+27 (0)31 562 1591
To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.
Facilities and Amenities
Digital Nomads
Family-Friendly Hostel
Quiet Rest
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Breakfast
Luggage Storage
Parking
Towels
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Wi-Fi in Rooms
Airport Pickup
City Tours
Lockers in Lobby
24 Hour Security
BBQ Grill
Bar
Cable TV
Clothes Dryer
Concierge/Info Desk
Currency Exchange
Hair Dryers
Hot Showers
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Outdoor Seating
Power Point/Sockets in Rooms
Swimming Pool
TV
Wheelchair Accessible
Credit Card Payments
Pet-Friendly
Genders: Males & Females
Min. Age with Parent (dorms): 12
Min. Age without Parent: 16
Checkout: 10:00 (10 AM)
Curfew: No Curfew
Reception Hours: 24 Hours
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