10 Best Hotels in The Eastern Cape, South Africa

This Fair Trade lodging (Bulungula's only lodge) is owned by the local community, which is not an uncommon thing on the Wild Coast, but what makes it different is that the local people are fully integrated in the running of the lodge. Accommodations are in traditional rondavels (round thatched huts) overlooking the lagoon and ocean with simple furnishings: a bed, a table, and a stick suspended from the roof on which to hang clothes. The eco-friendly, odor-free composting toilets and paraffin-fired hot showers are communal and situated in colorfully decorated thatched buildings. Meals are served in a large lounge-cum-bar, where you can engage in long discussions. You can use the cooking facilities, but far more appealing (and delicious) are the generous, simple, well-cooked meals on offer. A shuttle is available from a pick-up point just outside Mthatha and from closer destinations (where there is safe parking). If you are self-driving, you can find a detailed map on the Bulungula website (and you are warned to follow it very carefully). Guided trips include canoeing, cultural tours, horseback riding, and a 37-km (23-mile) walk to Coffee Bay via Hole-in-the-Wall, but you can opt for a full-body massage, learn traditional fishing skills, or simply hang out and drink home-brewed beer in the village, sitting on the grass and getting to know the residents.

This property boasts some of the best views in Hogsback, as well as 15 acres of handsome gardens (in which there's also one of South Africa's best labyrinths), a range of self-catering cottages that are perfect for families or groups—some are perched right on the cliff's edge and perfect for romance-seeking couples—and 10 simple but comfortable en-suite rooms with whitewashed walls. These rooms have showers but no baths, whereas some of the cottages have both. If you're planning to be in Hogsback for more than a night or two, then definitely take one of the cottages, each of which has its own distinctive theme, including some in the traditional rondavel style; some cottages have two or three bedrooms. All of the cottages have log fireplaces and private decks in a pretty setting. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, light lunches, and an à la carte dinner; there's also a Saturday morning market where you can stock up on artisanal goodies.

Located in the leafy and affluent suburb of Walmer, just a 5- to 10-minute drive from the airport, this friendly family-owned guesthouse is a charming place to pause and recuperate for a night or two before traveling on from Gqeberha. Set around a pretty Victorian-era colonial farmhouse, many of the rooms are in former stables and outbuildings with original exposed beams, while some are in the neighboring house. The grounds comprise lush communal gardens, two pools, tennis court, a braai (barbecue) area, and even a trampoline. If you're staying for a bit longer, you can borrow mountain bikes and golf clubs (the nine-hole Walmer Golf Club, aka "Little Walmer" is right across the road) free of charge. Rooms are large and cozy, with lush carpets and incredibly spacious showers. Luxury rooms also have bathtubs, and all rooms have kitchenettes. The walls feature artworks painted by the owner. If you want the pick of the rooms, ask for "Terrace," which has a handsome, masculine look, or "Cobblestones" which is just so pretty. There's also a three-bedroom "Attic Unit" with full self-catering facilities.

Half hostel, half B&B, this very casual establishment is a shirts-and-shoes-optional sort of place, and it does get quite lively. The dorms are what you'd find at any hostel, but there are also pretty chalets scattered across a wooded slope leading to the beach. They all have cooking facilities, and most have fantastic views over the lagoon and ocean. There are also a handful of spacious, new, more upmarket suites, all of which are ensuite. There's something happening at 4 o'clock every afternoon—a volleyball game, free sundowner cruise, or some other spur-of-the-moment activity, with free wine included. It's a great base from which to undertake a whole range of reasonably priced cultural tours and excursions, which can be booked from here. Breakfast is about R20–R65, lunch (usually served at the pool bar in summer) costs about R25–R55, and a hearty supper will set you back R65–R95. The dining hall was recently upgraded. Children are permitted, and the self-catering cottages are family-friendly. But be warned: this is a PG-13 option, as backpackers can be very casual, and the language might not be what you'd hear in church.

The main (but certainly not the only) attraction of this vibey beachside backpackers' lodge are the surfing lessons; book pretty far ahead to secure rooms with private bathrooms, although the shared facilities are pretty decent, with quaint, artistic touches. Accommodations are in private double rooms (traditional thatched rondavels modified with sliding glass doors), dormitories, or the large self-catering King's House which sleeps up to eight people and has everything you need for a private getaway with family or a group of friends. There are also campsites, and there are traditional thatched huts across the river offering double en suite and dorm accommodations. As at all backpacker lodges, you don't need to be young to stay here, but an open mind and a sense of fun are prerequisites. The kitchen serves three very good meals a day at reasonable prices, and there are two well-equipped kitchens for self-catering. Guided trips include cultural tours and hikes, including one to Hole-in-the-Wall, and there's an opportunity here to gain deeper insight into Xhosa culture.

In a quiet part of the Central neighborhood, this friendly hostel tends to attract mature backpackers who are more interested in culture and adventure activities than partying. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and basic, the communal kitchen is well appointed, and the managers are friendly and helpful. There's a lovely garden looking over the valley, which has a communal braai (barbecue) area and visiting dassies (a guinea pig–like animal that is the closest relative of elephants). You can also camp on the grass if you have a tent with you.

In a quiet part of Summerstrand, this hotel feels cocooned, but it's close to the Boardwalk and Humewood Golf Course and within easy walking distance of Pollock Beach. The rooms are richly furnished with heavy fabrics and dark wood (which is not as overpowering as it sounds). Most bathrooms have enormous tubs and triple-head showers in roomy stalls, though four rooms have showers only.

It's worth staying at this friendly, stylish guesthouse just to see the building, a masterpiece of design that makes excellent use of space and utilizes unusual materials like corrugated iron, bare concrete, wood, and glass in incredibly innovative ways to create a comfortable, stimulating environment. It received a merit award from the SA Institute of Architects. Loft suites have combination tub-showers, whereas the other rooms have only showers; all rooms have microwaves, kettles and fridges. Centrally situated in the suburb of Vincent, Stratfords is close to the East London Museum, shops, and restaurants. It's particularly popular with business travelers.

Two major attractions of this hotel are its good prices and its location—close to the beach on the quieter side of the bay and virtually on top of the excellent Humewood Golf Course. Most rooms are spacious; singles have king-size beds, whereas doubles have two double beds. Ask for a sea-facing room when you book for lovely bay views. Golf course–facing rooms have excellent views of the fourth and fifth holes, plus a generous glimpse of sea. Original artwork decorates the public rooms and suites.

About an hour north of Coffee Bay, thatched-roofed, eco-friendly huts designed after Xhosa rondavels hug the Wild Coast. The huts may look traditional outside, but inside await all the conveniences of modern life. The crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, frolicking whales, and roaming cattle create a true Wild Coast experience.