If you are searching for the best summerstrand accommodation, we have listed some of the best places to stay.

We have looked through all the hotels and guest houses available in the area and whittled down to what we think are the top 5.

Why Summerstrand?

Summerstrand is the crown jewel of Port Elizabeth and where most of the attractions for visitors, local and international, are located. It is peppered with exclusive apartments and seaside cafes, along with gem of Port Elizabeth, Brookes Hill Drive with views of the ocean

The suburb offers the same seaside luxuries as those found in the best cities but is much more affordable compared to Durban and Cape Town. As a result, it is earmarked by many savvy travelers as the base from which to discover the friendly city.

List of Best Summerstrand Accommodation

No 5 by Mantis

No 5 by Mantis is one of the few 5 Star accommodation in Summerstrand, offering guests a top shelf experience in the marquee suburb of Port Elizabeth. The hotel is all about luxury, and is akin to living in an art gallery, with over 200 pieces of art from local artists from Sam Ntlengethwa to Andy Worhol.

Rooms

This boutique hotel has 10 suites, all of which are en-suite and have a private patio on the ground floor or a private balcony on the first floor. The rooms are spacious, measuring between 45m2 for the suites, to a 60m2 for the presidential suite. The interiors are neat and modern, decorated with high end furniture and vibrant linens that add to the luxury.

Room at No 5 by Mantis

Location

No 5 by Mantis is located no Brighton street, which is one street behind Marine Drive. This means that the beach is a short 5-minute walk away from the hotel, while being sheltered from all the traffic on the main drive. The trade-off with the hotel is that it does not have views of the ocean unlike the high rise buildings and those on Marine Drive.

Amenities

When you are feeling peckish, the is a distinctive on-site restaurant serves a fusion of international cuisine and South African favourites. The restaurant, called the Jazz Room, is adorned with art work dedicated to celebrating jazz greats.

No 5 is also home to one of the branches of the well-known Camelot Spa, where you can enjoy a variety of therapeutic and beauty treatments.

Pool area at No 5 by Mantis

Other facilities for guests to enjoy include a cellar dining room, champagne lounge and a cinema. There is complimentary WiFi throughout the guest house and free parking

Overall

This is a boutique hotel aimed at the discerning traveler seeking a curated experience. If you have a taste for the finer things in life, then No 5 by Mantis is well worth your consideration. While it does not boast the views of the front line hotels, it’s a 5 star destination where you can enjoy luxury privacy on your stay.


The Beach Hotel

The Beach hotel adds some character to our list, being one of the most storied hotels in Summerstrand and the city of Port Elizabeth at large. It’s a historic hotel that is over a century old, having been first opened in 1894. It typifies old world charm with a more classical style if interior, with modern sensibilities.

Rooms

The Beach Hotel gives you the choice of luxury 4 star accommodation at the hotel, with 24-hour room service available, or you can do self-catering in the Little Bandle Self Catering Accommodation adjacent to the hotel.

Room at The Beach Hotel Summerstrand

The rooms décor in the rooms is classic, with a rich fabrics in whites and blues that complement the nautical theme and the ocean side setting.

Location

The Beach hotel is located on Marine Drive, right next to the famous Boardwalk complex. This is a prime location in Summerstrand in the middle of all the action. All the major attractions and cafes are right within reach and a short stroll away.
Port Elizbeth International Airport is 5km away and there is an airport shuttle available on request.

Amenities

The hotel has 3 restaurants on site with 2 different settings. You can have a casual visit to The Verandah, enjoy a buffet at The Crest, or if you are one for finer foods, you can have a steak or seafood at Ginger Restaurant.

The Beach Hotel Summerstrand

When you want to recline under the rays, you can sunbathe by the poolside or relax on the sun terrace with your choice of cocktail from the bar. Free WiFi is available at the hotel and there is ample free parking on-site.

Overall

The Beach Hotel, as the name suggests, boasts a prime location on Marine Drive. It’s a 4 star hotel with a great selection of services and an elegant classic style. It is perfect for the leisure traveler who is looking for accommodation at the beach with a more traditional and homely atmosphere, coupled with a central location.


Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth

The Radisson group of hotels is known for a high standard of quality in hotels, and Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth is no different. It enjoys a great location on Marine Drive with sea views and access to the entertainment hotspot of Summerstrand’s boardwalk.

Rooms

Rooms at the Radisson come in 5 categories mainly differentiated based on size. The rooms can accommodate two adults, with the junior suite and premium room including a sofa bed.

Room at Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth

The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with chic décor that gives the rooms a modern and airy feel. Rooms are spotless and the beds are extra comfortable. Our obvious recommendation is getting one with a sea view, which makes a huge difference to the experience.

Location

Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth, is located on Marine Drive and overlooks Pollok Beach. The location is on a less busy part of the strip, west from the boardwalk area.

The hotel is also popular for travelers participating in the Ironman in Port Elizabeth, as all of the meetings relating to the event happen outside of the hotel.

Amenities

You can enjoy a dinner at the Tabu Grill, from which you will have views of the Indian Ocean as you spoil yourself to great food. If don’t want to miss a step in your fitness regimen, there is a well-equipped gym. Thereafter, you can relax yourself in the Amani Spa.

There is free WiFi at the hotel. Private parking is available but comes at a nominal fee.

Overall

If you like a high end hotel with ultra-modern finishes on the interior, the Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth is of pick, with its forward thinking design and attention to detail. Coupled with a reputation for excellent customer service and a reasonable price point, there is a lot of value for money on offer.


Protea Hotel Port Elizabeth Marine

Protea Hotel Port Elizabeth Marine is part of the popular and international Marriott group of Hotels. The hotels are known for maintaining a high standard of quality and reliability and Protea Hotel Port Elizabeth is no different.

Rooms

The hotel offers an array of different room types, from standard guest rooms that are ideal for couples, to 2 bedroom suites that can accommodated up to four adults. The rooms are decorated with modern décor that makes use of elegant minimalist furnishings with neutral colors for a clean look. We recommend getting a room with a sea view to
make the most of the sea-front location.

Room at Protea Hotel Port Elizabeth

Location

The accommodation is located on Summerstrand’s prime seafront strip of Marine Drive. It enjoys uninterrupted views over Kings Beach. It is located in a convenient location for travelers, with Port Elizabeth International Airport being a short 10-minute drive away. The hubs of activity like Boardwalk where all the restaurants and cafes are located is just over 500m away, which is a safe walking distance.

Amenities

The hotel is a 4 star establishment and has all the basic amenities that you need. Rooms are equipped air conditioning, LCD TVs with satellite television convenience items like a laptop safe. There is free WiFi (up to 500MB per day) available to guests.

Restaurant at Pretoria Hotel Port Elizabeth Marine

For your dining requirement, there are two restaurants on-site. La Mer Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and dinner, while De Kelder serves an a la carte menu. Other facilities on-site include a fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool.

Overall

The Protea Hotels is part of a brand known for quality so you know what to expect when staying there. The hotel enjoys a good location with uninterrupted views of the ocean. Limiting of free WiFi is a bit of a downer, though, as internet connectivity is a basic need in the modern day and one would expect a hotel of this stature to make that provision. That doesn’t however take away from the hotel being a top choice for accommodation in Summerstrand.


Isango Gate

Isango Gate is another one of those rare 5 star boutique hotels in Summerstrand, along with another one on our list. The hotel is popular with travelers for its luxury accommodation that is inspired by an African zen theme and aims to be a sanctuary for guests to escape and rejuvenate.

Rooms

The hotel comprises 10 stylishly designed suites that are furnished with luxury furniture and rich linens, coupled with select pieces to add pops of colour for a vibrant and artful aesthetic.

View from Isango Gate

All of the rooms come with king size beds, fully stocked bar fridges and climate control. Premium rooms enjoy private balconies and views of the sea.

Location

The hotel is located on the western end of Summerstrand, on a quiet street that is a few steps away from Pollock Beach. The boardwalk complex is 3km away which, unless you are down for a workout, is easier to reach with a 5-minute drive.

Amenities

There is lounge on the site, a bar and a wine cellar to round up all your needs wen it comes to drinks. If you are feeling hungry, you can gorge yourself at the Pendu Pendu restaurant which serves up gourmet South African dishes, with a selection of local and international wines.

Isango Gate

The infinity pool, in particular, is as suitable an art piece as a place to relax or to keep in shape. Free WiFi is available to all guests and there is secured parking available on-site.

Overall

Isango Gate will please the traveler who enjoys high end luxury at a great price point. It is a legitimated 5 Star experience at a price that is surprisingly affordable. It also enjoys a peaceful location that will allow you to enjoy an escape, while still being able to access areas of interest which are a short drive away.