Part of the highly regarded Southern Sun chain, the Elangeni has long been regarded as the most prestigious hotel along the Golden Mile—Durban's highest profile stretch of recreational beachfront—and though very upmarket, it is anything but exclusive with almost 450 rooms across its 321 floors.
It lies at the north end of North Beach, set back a couple of hundred meters from the main cluster of beachfront hotels. It is visible from all angles along the beach with its angular exterior of mustard paint and glass that could hardly be described as distinguished.
By contrast, the stylish and spacious lobby makes an immediate positive impression, with its tall curvaceous ceiling
supporting a massive wrought iron chandelier and light brown tiled floor. There's a good selection of tourist-oriented shops off the lobby, as well as a business center and a very tempting coffee shop. Glass panelling separates the latter from the Continental Restaurant, which serves breakfast daily and a good selection of international cuisine in the evening.
Other in-house restaurants are the Darama, which specializes in sushi and other Japanese fare, and the Jewel of India. In addition, there are two bars serving light snacks.
A pair of swimming pools on the second floor is the main center for recreation. The larger pool is set on an artificial grass lawn overlooking the 
palm-lined beachfront, while the smaller one has a more enclosed location at the back of the building—not much of a view, but a better placed to catch the afternoon sun. Other facilities include a fitness center and heath spa, and the hotel is well-positioned for visiting North Beach and the beachfront Seaworld Amusement Park and uShaka Aquarium and Dolphinarium.
A striking feature of the standard rooms is that they seem awkwardly shaped and very small, even cramped, by comparison to other properties in the area. That aside, most rooms do have a decent sea-view, and the decor strikes a good balance between the classic and the contemporary. Carpets are light beige, as are the painted walls, and most of the furnishings are made of wood. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, data port and Internet 
access in-room, a writing desk and wardrobe, phone with voicemail, electronic safe, coffeemaker and hair dryer. Suites have a minibar. The baths are small but functional, with a combination tub and shower and attractive gray and black tiling. Most rooms have a small balcony. Room service is available around the clock.
In most respects, the Elangeni is the best hotel along the Golden Mile, outdoing all the competition when it comes to upmarket facilities and style. The rooms are a bit small, but otherwise this excellent hotel combines most of the strengths of a beach hotel and a city hotel and it should appeal to leisure and business travellers young and old.