Boutique Hotels in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Often called the Friendly City, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a sun-drenched coastal hub on South Africa's Sunshine Coast. Its main draw is an incredible combination of urban beaches and wildlife. You can spend a morning watching surfers at Hobie Beach, then drive just 20 minutes to see the Big Five at Addo Elephant National Park. The city's rich history is on display in the historic Central area, with its 19th-century architecture, and along the Donkin Heritage Trail.

This is a fantastic, manageable destination for families, with calm bay beaches like Kings Beach, and for self-drive tourists exploring the wider Garden Route. Most visitors find staying along the beachfront strip in Summerstrand ideal for easy access to restaurants and the ocean. The city also serves as a major business and conference centre, well-connected by its own airport and the N2 highway.

Accommodation here is diverse, ranging from good-value guesthouses to modern beachfront hotels. You'll find everything from backpacker lodges in Central to full-service resorts. For a comfortable stay right by the sea, consider the Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth, which offers direct beach access and views across Algoa Bay.