Hotels in Richards Bay

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Prices may change – pop in your dates for the best estimate. Note that prices are based on previous traveller searches and partner prices.
Prices may change – pop in your dates for the best estimate. Note that prices are based on previous traveller searches and partner prices.
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Luxury stay or budget getaway?

Whether you're after 5-star comfort or ease on your wallet, we do the searching so you can sleep easy during your stay in Richards Bay.

Fast facts

Sleep easy, armed with the stuff that's good to know before you go.
Highest rated hotelCrayfish Creek Guest House – 4.8
Cheapest month to bookMay
Average 4 star hotel price$165 per night

How to find the best hotel deals in Richards Bay

Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to find the best room rates on the internet? Here are a few tips to help you search and save in seconds.

How to find the best hotel deal in Richards Bay

  • Our search engine is a whiz at spotting flight deals. The good news? It's every bit as talented at sniffing out the best rates on Richards Bay hotels. These tips make it easier to find value-packed stays.

  • Save on your Richards Bay hotel and get first pick of what's on offer by booking early. You'll also have extra time to weigh up your options and choose the perfect place.

  • Still, be prepared to grab any last-minute deals. Some places reduce their rates right before arrival to fill empty rooms. This is more likely to happen on less busy days or in low season, however.

  • Another hack for cheaper hotels? Flexibility. If your itinerary isn't locked in, try a few different travel dates to find out how much you can save.

  • Explore the range of accommodation options with free cancellation and book without the pressure. You can cancel your stay without fees if your plans change or you spot a better offer.

Where to stay in Richards Bay

Central Richards Bay

  • Central Richards Bay places you in the thick of things. If sightseeing is on your to-do list, stay at any of these hotels and be moments from some headline attractions.

  • If you're searching for hotels near Thulasihleka Pan Bird Sanctuary, make your base at Gecko Inn. This 3-star Richards Bay hotel is about 5 kilometres from this top sight and is a favourite with families.

  • Hotels near Prinia Park are also worth considering. Road Lodge Richards Bay is 3 kilometres or so from this leading sight. It's ideally located for discovering the city more broadly.

When to go to Richards Bay

  • Travel demand peaks in July. If you want to be there when things are in full swing, this is a fantastic time to book a hotel in Richards Bay.

  • Explore at a more leisurely pace by locking in a Richards Bay hotel in January. This is the quietest time to visit and it's often easier on the budget too.

  • Think about the type of weather you prefer before you travel. With maximum highs of 29ºC (84ºF), February brings the warmest conditions.

  • July is the coolest time of year, with lows of 14ºC (57ºF).

  • Want to avoid grey skies? Search for Richards Bay hotels in June. It's the driest time to visit, with two days of rain on average.

  • January has the wettest weather. You can expect around eight days of rainfall.

Best hotels in Richards Bay

Best budget hotels

  • Simply looking for a place to sleep? Budget Richards Bay hotels come with the basics so you can spend your cash on what really matters: having adventures and filling your bag with souvenirs. Often equipped with money-saving amenities like kitchenettes and laundry facilities, you'll find at least ten of these affordable stays across the city.

  • Bon Hotel Empangeni offers comfort that doesn't cost a fortune. Make use of air conditioning, Wi-Fi and more at this 3-star option.

  • Alternatively, check the availability at Gecko Inn. Offering conveniences such as internet access and a restaurant, this 3-star Richards Bay hotel packs in everything you need, and nothing you don't.

  • Another great match for budget trips is Nomusa's Bed and Breakfast. This 2-star stay features air conditioning and parking.

Best 4-star hotels in Richards Bay

  • Searching for hotels in Richards Bay that offer more than just the essentials? A 4-star stay makes perfect sense. With around six to select from, they come with attractive extras like pools, concierge service, and stylish restaurants. You get top quality without the top-end price tag.

  • Umqhele Guest Lodge offers everything you'd expect from a 4-star stay. A restaurant and room service help make this accommodation option a favourite for many.

  • Thembela Hotel & Conference Venue is another stylish option. Make the most of thoughtful amenities such as a fireplace and concierge assistance at this Richards Bay hotel.

Best hotels in Richards Bay for families

  • Picking the right hotel can save your sanity when travelling with kids. With things like playgrounds, activity programmes, and large suites, family-friendly hotels in Richards Bay come with perks that just make life easier. Choose from around seven of these stays that get the seal of approval from both kids and adults.

  • If you'd like a more luxurious option, spoil the kids (and yourself) with an escape at Bon Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay. This 4-star Richards Bay hotel offers ironing services and bicycle rentals.

Best hotels with a spa

  • Swap your walking shoes for a pair of fluffy slippers at a Richards Bay hotel with a spa. With roughly three to choose from, they're all about relaxation. Many offer features like hot tubs, massages, beauty treatments, and serene indoor pools.

  • Escape to Premier Hotel the Richards and then forget the outside world. Massage services, a spa and other thoughtful perks await you at this 4-star accommodation option.

Best hotels with a pool

  • There are around ten pool hotels in Richards Bay, each bringing something different to your trip. City hotels tend to feature indoor or rooftop pools, while resorts generally go big with open-air setups and more room to lounge. Whether you're here for rest or play, there's a stay made for you.

  • Gecko Inn offers an outdoor swimming pool, Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. You'll have all the essentials for a memorable stay at this Richards Bay hotel.

  • The Bay View Hotel will also have you reaching for your swimsuit and goggles. Choose this popular option and make the most of an outdoor swimming pool, a games room and parking.

  • Alternatively, find time for fun at Bon Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay. An outdoor swimming pool, this hotel comes with room service and an airport shuttle.

Flying to Richards Bay

Richards Bay Airport (RCB)

  • Richards Bay Airport (RCB) is the main airport for this city. Once your flight to Richards Bay has touched down, it's about 5 kilometres to the centre.

  • Reaching the centre of Richards Bay takes roughly 20 minutes on public transport. When driving, it's about 15 minutes.

  • Gecko Inn is the perfect place to stay if you're flying in late. Within easy reach of the runway, guests are impressed by this 3-star option's location.

Finding cheap hotels in Richards Bay: FAQs

In Richards Bay, the expected average temperature in May is 22°C. The warmest month is typically February, which averages 28°C. The coolest month is July, with temperatures averaging 17°C. The rainiest month is February, and the driest month is July.
You can always cancel or amend your hotel reservation if you need to, but look out for hotels in Richards Bay with free cancellation or flexible booking options if you want to protect your money. Some hotels allow you to cancel and get your money back if your plans change.
Of course - the cheapest hotel deal we found within the next seven days is $17 per night. If you need somewhere in the next 24 hours, we've found you somewhere to stay for $27 per night.
The average price of a hotel during the week is $88 per night, and the average price on weekends is $92. Overall, it looks like the cheapest day to stay in Richards Bay could be Monday.
The nearest airport to Richards Bay is Richards Bay Airport (RCB), which is 7.0km from the city centre.

Other airports include:

Ulundi Airport, which is 80.9km from the city centre.
We crunched some numbers on our calendar and found that Monday is the cheapest day to stay in Richards Bay. And the most expensive day seems to be Sunday
The average price of a 3-star hotel in Richards Bay is currently around $121 per night. And the cheapest 3-star hotel we found is $68 per night.
The average price of a 4-star hotel in Richards Bay is currently around $158 per night. And the cheapest 4-star hotel we found is $107 per night.
The cheapest month to stay in a hotel in Richards Bay is December, with an average price of $88 per night. The most expensive month is May, when the average room rate can rise to $116 per night. These average prices are based on all the hotels we found – from hostels through to fancy 5-star hotels.
The average price of a hotel in May is $116 per night, which is around 17% higher than the rest of the year.
If you're planning a trip with the whole family, the best rated hotels for you near Richards Bay are Crayfish Creek Guest House, Hillton Manor Guest House and Gecko Inn.