Fodor's Expert Review Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

Overlooking North Beach along the Golden Mile, this combination of two adjacent high-rise hotels is a two-minute drive from the city center and attracts a mix of business, conference, and leisure travelers. Due to the amalgamation, the hotels collectively offer two business centers, three pools, two gyms, and eight restaurants. The Maharani's rooms are in better condition, with a recent refurb, and the contemporary on-site restaurant, Vigour & Verve, does a commendable breakfast and lunch. Though most rooms have views of the ocean, request a room on an upper floor to take advantage of a full sea view. The Elangeni houses one of the few Japanese restaurants in the city, as well as the Lingela buffet-style restaurant. A minimum three-night stay is required during peak season.