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3-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 10:00

Island Hotel

Island Hotel offers a cozy, clean stay near Isipingo Beach, South Africa. Enjoy highly rated Indian dishes like bunny chows and curries in a relaxed art deco setting. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, parking, air-conditioning, restaurant, bar, and airport sh

19 Beach Rd, Isipingo Beach, 4133, South Africa View on map
7.8/10
Good Based on 1086 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Paid breakfast Free parking Air-conditioned Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort with a focus on authentic local cuisine

Visitors appreciate the hotel's casual, laid-back atmosphere and especially enjoy the Indian food served at the on-site restaurant, which is frequently described as tasty and generously portioned. While the setting is simple, the service is friendly and accommodating. This hotel suits travelers looking for a no-frills stay close to key local attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Authentic and flavorful Indian dishes, including highly recommended bunny chows and curries.
  • Generous meal portions that offer good value for money.
  • Friendly and helpful staff who contribute to a positive dining and stay experience.
  • Cleanliness and ample free parking facilities.

Worth knowing

  • The restaurant has a basic, canteen-like atmosphere rather than a formal dining environment.
  • Flavors can be strong and occasionally overpowering, such as notable ginger or chili notes in some dishes.
  • Breakfast is available but paid; complimentary breakfast is not included.
  • The hotel lacks a pool, fitness center, and does not allow pets.
  • Situated 2 km from the beach and close to popular family-friendly attractions like uShaka Marine World.

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a casual hotel experience with emphasis on authentic local Indian cuisine.
  • Travelers who prioritize convenient free parking and proximity to attractions like Moses Mabhida Stadium.
  • Families and those wanting kid-friendly accommodations without luxury amenities.
  • Guests looking for a laid-back hotel with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.
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About this property

Welcome to Island Hotel

Island Hotel, located at 19 Beach Rd, Isipingo Beach, South Africa, offers visitors a distinct blend of authentic local flavor and relaxed coastal ambiance. This hotel, rated 3.9, stands out for its renowned restaurant, which has earned a loyal following among both locals and travelers. Guests frequently praise the quality and generous portions of traditional dishes, particularly the iconic bunny chows and richly spiced curries that evoke the vibrant culinary heritage of Durban.

Patrons like Lavendren Vadivelu and Pranesh Sewsunkur commend the restaurant’s authenticity and inviting atmosphere. The food’s consistency and depth of flavor suggest a dedication to craft and tradition, with particular highlights including mutton bunny and prawn curry. The attentive and friendly staff, notably Steven, enhance the experience by providing genuine hospitality that resonates beyond the plate.

The hotel itself, housed in a charming art deco building with an annexe, provides a clean, straightforward setting with essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and ample parking. While the dining hall may not mimic the ambiance of a fine restaurant, it carries an honest, unpretentious charm—much like returning to a familiar neighborhood eatery. This simplicity is often appreciated by guests seeking comfort and good food without the pretense.

Island Hotel is well-positioned for visitors eager to explore local attractions, set just 2 kilometers from the beach and within easy reach of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. It caters to families and travelers alike, offering a kid-friendly environment and practical services like airport shuttles and a smoke-free atmosphere.

Ultimately, Island Hotel leaves a lasting impression with its rich culinary offerings rooted deeply in Durban’s Indian heritage, paired with warm, straightforward service in a relaxed setting. For those looking to escape the hustle and reconnect with authentic tastes and genuine hospitality by the sea, Island Hotel provides a memorable experience worth returning to.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Paid breakfast
Free parking
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

LV
Lavendren Vadivelu Mar 28, 2026
10

The restaurant food is always amazing. Started visiting often. Great bunny chows and curries.

N
N Mar 19, 2026
8.0

A very basic restaurant but clean. The food is reasonable, large portions and tasty. We had the mutton bunny, prawn curry and samosas

PS
Pranesh Sewsunkur Mar 08, 2026
8.0

I visited in December all the way from Joburg. The food was fantastic. Very authentic Indian food. In my opinion, best bunny chow in Durban. Did it again in 2024. Steven was friendly and helpful, overall great experience. Highly recommended.

RA
Rob Adam Mar 05, 2026
8.0

Its been a while since we managed to get back to the Hotel. Still the most amazing curry..brought back wonderful memories.

RM
Riccardo M Feb 15, 2026
8.0

Drove from Amanzimtoti to have their bunny chow. Had their fish cakes as a starter. 2 generous sized fish cakes served with a side salad and chilli/tomato dipping sauce. Fish cakes we done very nicely and salad was a refreshing side. The bunnies followed shortly after..Flavor was good, could've been great if it wasn't for the noticeable ginger flavor.. enjoyed it nonetheless. Portion was big for a 1/4 - ample gravy, potatoes and meat with the right amount of spices...bread was fresh and well soaked with gravy. Eating area was quite nice, very clean and tidy. Not alot of patrons were there when we arrived...service was good. Will visit again.

GC
Grant Chianese Feb 13, 2026
10

Great spot. Clean. Lots of parking. Loverly Bunnies. Good service. Great spot if you want a break from the rat race.

AH
arfin hasnat Jan 11, 2026
10

Enjoy eating the bunny chows that are on offer. Meals overall are priced ok. The dinning hall is just that. Like being back at school. Not a Restuarant feeling if that is what you want to experience. The wait staff are friendly overal

LS
Lyle Steele Jan 03, 2026
8.0

Tried their mutton bunny and was not too disappointed, for me I found the chilli overpowered the flavour. Pleasant staff in kitchen and entrance dining hall. Reasonanle price. 6/10 mutton bunny

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Island Hotel

Isipingo Beach, South Africa

Set in an elegant art deco building with an annexe, this laid-back hotel is 2 km from the beach and 5 km from the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

  • King Shaka International Airport 43 min Car
  • Pietermaritzburg Airport 1 hr 10 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in South Africa. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

uShaka Marine World 56,016 reviews

uShaka Marine World

1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa

4.5 · Theme Park
Durban Botanic Gardens 10,541 reviews

Durban Botanic Gardens

9A John Zikhali Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001, South Africa

4.5 · Botanical Garden
Moses Mabhida Stadium 16,299 reviews

Moses Mabhida Stadium

44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4023, South Africa

4.4 · Stadium
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