Hotels in East London

For a coastal city with a distinct character, look to East London. This is the kind of place where you can watch surfers tackle the waves at Nahoon Reef in the morning and later explore the fascinating history of the city at the East London Museum, home to the only known dodo egg. The main draw is its relaxed, authentic beach life, centered on the long stretches of sand at Orient Beach and the family-friendly coves of Gonubie. It’s a city that feels lived-in, offering a genuine slice of the Eastern Cape’s coastline without the pretence.

Most visitors find it convenient to stay in the beachfront areas of Nahoon or Orient Beach, which provide easy access to the sand and a good selection of restaurants. The city centre suits business travellers with its proximity to the convention centre, while the quieter suburbs like Vincent appeal to families. East London is well-connected by its own airport, and the N2 highway makes road trips to the Wild Coast or the Amatola Mountains straightforward.

On HOTEVI, you’ll find 16 different places to stay in and around the city. The selection is practical and varied, dominated by good-value guesthouses and a few modern hotels right on the beachfront, with a couple of budget-friendly options for backpackers passing through on the Baz Bus route.