Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

Hotel · Durban · KwaZulu-Natal

The Riverside Hotel

A 4-star hotel in Durban North, a short stroll from the river and beaches, with an outdoor pool and a full-service spa.

  • Outdoor pool with sun loungers
  • Spa & wellness centre with sauna and Jacuzzi
  • On-site restaurant and bar
8.2 Great 642 reviews Booking.com 8.2 · 642 reviews

About

The Riverside Hotel

The Riverside Hotel sits on Kenneth Kaunda Drive in Durban North, a secure suburb between the city centre and the northern beaches. The hotel is roughly a 20-minute stroll from the Model Yacht Pond and a pleasant walk from the lagoon, with several shops and dining spots nearby.

The hotel offers 13 room categories, from Standard Double or Twin Rooms to Family Suites with a king and sofa bed. Most rooms include air conditioning, a kettle, and a sitting area; many have bathtubs. The property features an outdoor pool, a spa with sauna and steam room, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar. Guests also have access to a business centre, meeting rooms, and a children's play area.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Highly praised staff and service — Guests consistently mention the friendly, brilliant, and efficient staff, from check-in to housekeeping.
  • Central, secure location — Situated in Durban North, close to the lagoon, beaches, and attractions, with a short walk to shops and restaurants.
  • Comfortable, recently refreshed rooms — Rooms feature comfortable beds, a kettle, and in many cases a couch or sitting area; several have been renovated.
  • Good on-site facilities — Outdoor pool, spa with sauna and steam room, fitness centre, restaurant, and bar are all available without leaving the property.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Facilities rated below other areas — The lowest rating category is Facilities at 5.0, which may indicate dated or limited on-site amenities compared to expectations.
  • Some rooms are small — A few guests found the rooms compact, though adequate, and appreciated the comfortable beds.
  • Breakfast quality can vary — While most guests praised breakfast, one specifically disliked the sausages, suggesting the hot options may not suit everyone.
  • No pets allowed and early check-out — Pets are not permitted, and check-out is at 10:00, which is earlier than at some comparable hotels.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Suite River View

  • 1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
  • Shower
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Deluxe Double or Twin Room River View

  • 1 King-size bed

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

  • 1 King-size bed

Double or Twin Room View

  • 1 King-size bed

Family Room Lake View

  • 2 Single beds

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

  • 1 King-size bed

Triple Room

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Double or Twin Room Disability Access

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Air conditioning

Standard Double or Twin Room

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Suite

  • 1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed

Family Suite

  • 1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed

Family Room

  • 2 Single beds or 1 Queen-size bed
  • Shower
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe deposit box
  • Key card access

Experiences

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Beauty treatment
  • Fitness centre
  • Golf course
  • Canoeing

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour
  • BBQ facilities

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Accessibility & Family

  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's buffet
  • Children's play area

Room Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Mini-bar
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Electric kettle
  • Ironing facilities
  • Free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.2
Great 642 reviews

Guest-rated 8.2/10 from 642 reviews

Booking.com · 8.2 · 642 reviews
8.2Verified guest

“The rooms were good value for money, recently refreshed with comfy beds and a fire alarm. There was a microwave and an electric kettle ready for us. The hotel is right in the centre—next time we'd love a better view, though!”

8.2Verified guest

“The staff were fantastic and brilliant. Breakfast had plenty of choice, the beds were lovely, and having a sofa and kettle in the room was a nice extra. The location was superb, a short stroll to Tops at Spar.”

8.2Verified guest

“Good spot, just off the lagoon. Found a Wimpy about a 25-minute walk away and ate there.”

8.2Verified guest

“We stayed over the Easter holidays with our 11-month-old twin girls. The hotel was spotless, welcoming, and the staff were extremely friendly. Breakfast was lovely every morning. We'll definitely be back next time we visit KZN.”

8.2Verified guest

“Great facilities made our stay comfortable. The central location near lovely beaches and attractions was handy, and we liked being in the secure Durban North area.”

8.2Verified guest

“The view was outstanding.”

04 — Location

Getting around Durban

The property sits in Durban.

Getting there: The hotel is on Kenneth Kaunda Drive in Durban North. A paid airport shuttle can be arranged.

Nearby: It's about a 20-minute walk to Model Yacht Pond, and the lagoon is close by. Shops and eateries like Tops at Spar and a Wimpy are within a walk.

Beaches: Durban's beaches are a short drive away, with the hotel offering beach umbrellas and sun loungers.

10 Kenneth Kaunda Drive, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 7435, South Africa

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
168 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What time are check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 15:00, and check-out is by 10:00.

Is parking available at The Riverside Hotel?

Yes, parking is available on site.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at the hotel.

Does the hotel have airport shuttle service?

Yes, a paid airport shuttle is available.

What amenities are in the rooms?

Most rooms include air conditioning, a kettle, a sitting area, and a flat-screen TV. Many have a bathtub.

Is the hotel suitable for children?

Yes, the hotel provides cots, babysitting services, a children's buffet, and a children's play area.

The bottom line

The Riverside Hotel is a solid, well-located choice in Durban North, especially for travellers who value service and comfort over cutting-edge facilities. Its strengths—friendly staff, good rooms, and a convenient spot near the river and beaches—come with a few trade-offs like modest on-site facilities and a few small rooms. It suits families, business visitors, and anyone wanting a reliable base to explore Durban.

8.2Reliable comfort in a secure, convenient spot

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