Southern Sun invests $14.9 million to revamp its biggest hotel in South Africa

Southern Sun is investing R250 million ($14.9 million) to renovate its flagship Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban, one of the largest private investments in the city’s beachfront tourism sector in more than a decade. 

The project comes as Durban works to strengthen its appeal to both leisure travelers and conference organizers.

The renovation is expected to refresh one of the city’s best-known hotels while supporting business activity along the Golden Mile. 

Construction has started on the first phase of the three-year project, with work underway on guest rooms, the exterior of the Elangeni Tower and a new pool deck on the Maharani Tower.

The 734-room hotel will continue operating throughout the redevelopment. 

The investment follows Southern Sun’s long-term lease agreement with the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, giving the company certainty to proceed with the large-scale upgrade.

Hotel to remain open during renovation 

Speaking during the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry annual conference in Durban, General Manager Lettisha Singh said the refurbishment will be carried out in phases to reduce disruption for guests. 

“The hotel will remain fully operational while we complete this work over the next three years,” Singh said.

“It is an important investment for our team, our guests and Durban’s beachfront.

We believe this hotel will continue to play a key role in welcoming leisure and business visitors to the city.”

Investment signals confidence in Durban 

The renovation includes upgrades to every guest room, the Elangeni lobby, conference facilities, restaurants and a new executive club lounge in the Maharani Tower.

City officials expect the improvements to strengthen Durban’s position as a destination for meetings, events and holidays. 

Durban Tourism Deputy Director Winile Mntungwa welcomed the investment, saying it reflects confidence in the city’s tourism industry.

“This project supports both leisure and business tourism. It also shows that companies are prepared to invest in Durban because they see long-term value in the city and its tourism offering,” she said.

Long-term commitment to the beachfront 

Southern Sun secured a new long-term lease for the beachfront property after its previous 50-year agreement expired.

Municipal officials have previously said the group’s broader beachfront investments could reach about R1 billion($59.6 million) over several years. 

Southern Sun is one of Africa’s largest hotel groups and is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The company operates hotels across South Africa, as well as in Mozambique, Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates.

Its Durban portfolio includes the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Garden Court South Beach, Garden Court Marine Parade and The Edward.