I deal with a number of guest houses in Port Elizabeth along with managing and promoting two very successful Guest House listing web sites: Budget Accommodation PE and BnBPE. Allied to that I am exposed to the Cape Town accommodation market through my involvement with MyCapeTown.
What has always fascinated me is that Port Elizabeth is the kind of town where people only talk about low prices and where to find bargains. Contrast that attitude with the ‘faster’ towns such as Cape Town who are more inclined to only talk about high prices and exclusive experiences. It is my firm belief that this is what contributes to the continuing perception that Port Elizabeth is a second rate destination. I think that we are doing the wrong things to attract big spending tourists to our friendly shores.
With this in mind I went to local (Cape Town based) accommodation booking site, SafariNow and did a comparison between the Top 5 highest per person rates on offer in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, the results are startling and can best be summed up as – Port Elizabeth Accommodation represents great value for money and Cape Town is streets ahead in price. For the same amount of spend the well heeled tourist can spend an additional two nights in Port Elizabeth.
Port Elizabeth’s Top 5 rates below are all based on advertised per person sharing rates – click the links to check the present pricing.
- From R1 200 per person: Singa Lodge – a Bed and Breakfast in Summerstrand. Singa Lodge is a unique retreat combining African and Eastern cultures in a distinct style. Set in a quiet part of Summerstrand, Singa Lodge is just a stone’s throw from the popular surfing and bathing beaches of Port Elizabeth.
- From R900 per person: Radisson Blu Hotel Port Elizabeth – a Hotel in Summerstrand. Designed to capture the spirit of Algoa Bay, the Radisson Blu Hotel has a distinct architectural style and offers beautifully appointed guest rooms, the award-winning Filini restaurant, the Sure bar and lounge, and an exceptional spa and wellness area.
- From R975 per person: Shamwari Townhouse – a Boutique Hotel in Summerstrand. The Shamwari Townhouse is superb accommodation for business or leisure. No stone was left unturned to ensure that our seven exquisite suites are masterpieces of comfort and opulence.
- From R850 per person: The Windermere Hotel – a Hotel in Humewood. For the discerning leisure tourist and the top business executive alike, this is the ideal place to base oneself whilst in Port Elizabeth.
- From R800 per person: Isango Gate – a Boutique Hotel in Summerstrand. Isango Gate Boutique Hotel is a serene yet modern setting of African Zen gardens, an open deck area, earth tones, modern lines and style with a calming marine touch that sets the scene for an ideal refuge from the bustling of everyday life.
See the comparison between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth below:
Port Elizabeth Top 5
Cape Town Top 5
From R1 200 per person: Singa Lodge – a Bed and Breakfast in Summerstrand. Singa Lodge is a unique retreat combining African and Eastern cultures in a distinct style. Set in a quiet part of Summerstrand, Singa Lodge is just a stone’s throw from the popular surfing and bathing beaches of Port Elizabeth.
From R3 500 per person: Tintswalo Atlantic – a Lodge in Hout Bay. Stylish, yet understated, Tintswalo Atlantic offers home-away-from-home comforts, discreet service and mouthwatering culinary creations in the most beautiful setting.
From R900 per person: Radisson Blu Hotel Port Elizabeth – a Hotel in Summerstrand. Designed to capture the spirit of Algoa Bay, the Radisson Blu Hotel has a distinct architectural style and offers beautifully appointed guest rooms, the award-winning Filini restaurant, the Sure bar and lounge, and an exceptional spa and wellness area.
From R3 000 per person: The Last Word Long Beach – a Boutique Hotel in Kommetjie. The Last Word Long Beach is located right on the beach in the picturesque fishing village of Kommetjie. It is a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. Guests can enjoy the 8 km of fine sand set against a backdrop of the most stunning sea views.
From R975 per person: Shamwari Townhouse – a Boutique Hotel in Summerstrand. The Shamwari Townhouse is superb accommodation for business or leisure. No stone was left unturned to ensure that our seven exquisite suites are masterpieces of comfort and opulence.
From R3 000 per person: The Last Word Constantia – a Hotel in Constantia. Situated in the Cape’s oldest and most beautiful wine valley, The Last Word Constantia is close to seven of South Africa’s top wine estates and many internationally celebrated restaurants. The Last Word is truly a place of indulgence and would satisfy the most discerning of travellers.
From R850 per person: The Windermere Hotel – a Hotel in Humewood. For the discerning leisure tourist and the top business executive alike, this is the ideal place to base oneself whilst in Port Elizabeth.
From R2 945 per person: 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno – a Guest House in Llandudno. This ultra-luxurious and exclusive coastal Villa on the slopes of the Atlantic Seaboard offers unsurpassed elegance, the ultimate privacy in contemporary luxury and superlative service. Located in the Cape Town residential area of Llundudno, the Villa is ensconced between the ocean/Nature Reserve.
From R800 per person: Isango Gate – a Boutique Hotel in Summerstrand. Isango Gate Boutique Hotel is a serene yet modern setting of African Zen gardens, an open deck area, earth tones, modern lines and style with a calming marine touch that sets the scene for an ideal refuge from the bustling of everyday life.
From R2 930 per person: The Westin Cape Town – a Hotel in the Cape Town City Centre. The Westin Cape Town is a luxury international hotel, situated at the gateway to the VA Waterfront and dedicated to providing 5 Star accommodation and excellent, caring service.
Editors Notes: I have not considered Self Catering or private home rental establishments for the purposes of this exercise – as an example a 3 bedroom self catering penthouse in the Metropolis Building in Cape Town’s De Waterkant is being offered at R20 000.00 per night – click here to see more.
