Summerstrand is one of Port Elizabeth’s hottest accommodation spots because it’s right on the sandy doorstep of its gorgeous beaches and only minutes away from malls and the airport. It’s also abuzz with a constant vibe and hum that happens when top restaurants and water sports combine with the promise of long, lazy beach days.
Staying in the guest houses, hotels, B&B’s and self-catering apartments of Summerstrand puts you right in the middle of all the PE action. We’ve put together some of our favourite spots to sleep, eat and have a ball in the area.
SLEEP
There are so many gorgeous places to spend a night here. Some Summerstrand accommodation options are right on the shores overlooking the bay, while others are a little deeper in the suburb, which is quiet and tranquil.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Pine Lodge Resort
Pine Lodge is the ultimate in a family holiday resort that offers a bit of everything. Log cabins are nestled in the coastal scrub and sand dunes of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve and can accommodate up to eight people. The cabins have private braai areas, ceiling fans and heaters. Although the beach beckons, guests can also play a round of golf at the nearby Humewood Golf Course, explore the nature reserve or watch the penguins being released at SANCCOB.
On the Bay Bed and Breakfast
This 3-star B & B is only a block away from the beach and has a number of suite options for families of up to two adults and two children. Each room has its own entrance, patio, en-suite bathroom, handy amenities and free Wi-Fi. There are also braai facilities. Spend a day splashing in the waves or picnicking on the beach, then head back to your cosy lodging for a real injection of R & R.
Carslogie House
Elegant rooms and some 4-star spoils go a long way at this gorgeous, family-friendly B & B. It’s only 200 metres from the white sands and warm blue of the Indian Ocean and boasts its own crystal-clear swimming pool and private patios. Each room has satellite TV, heaters, fans and other amenities that make them feel like home. The family room is ideal for two adults and two children that have planned a stunning beach getaway.
First Avenue Lodge
This chic spot boasts beautiful gardens, a private swimming pool and tastefully decorated rooms. It is close to the beach and has a bar area – giving moms and dads plenty of opportunities to relax, take in the prettiness of the beach or pool, and regroup. There are two family rooms, each of which sleeps four. A cot and high chair can also be arranged. Delicious breakfasts are part of the lodge’s experience.
Self-Catering Accommodation
Brighton Lodge
This 4-star guest house is fabulous for travellers that prefer to cater for themselves during their time in the Friendly City. Each suite has its own tea- and coffee-making facilities, bar fridge, en-suite bathroom, separate entrance and private patio. The family rooms also have kitchenettes to make your stay even more comfortable. This lodge is five minutes from the airport and within walking distance of The Boardwalk and beach.
@ 47 Guest House
Secluded deeper within the suburb of Summerstrand, this self-catering spot is serene. It is only a kilometre from the scenic Hobie Beach as well as the many shops and restaurants that line the beachfront. Each of the rooms has a private entrance, air-con, DStv and a well-equipped kitchenette.
Admiralty Beach House
This spot has a distinctive beach-house look and feel, with plenty of unexpected treats, just 100 metres from the seashore. Each luxurious suite has its own entrance, private patio, free Wi-Fi and all of the home comforts that turn a trip into a real holiday. There is also an irresistible swimming pool as well as sea views from some of the suites. Look out for whales in the bay between July and December.
Margate Place Guest House
Each of Margate Place’s well-appointed rooms has its own fully-equipped kitchenette, as well as a private courtyard with braai, en-suite bathroom and separate entrance. These are ideal for travellers that just want to get away from the hum of city life. There is also a shared entertainment area with a swimming pool and an inviting pub.
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation
Cape Flame
Secluded within the suburb, just a short walk from the beautiful Pollock Beach, is this elegant home-away-from-home. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms, private patios, air-con, heated floors, and a distinct African style. In the morning, head down to the well-lit dining room and savour a hearty breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee before a cool dip in the pool. In the evenings, relax at the bar or in the lounge.
About Africa Beach B&B
This 4-star B & B offers gorgeous rooms with private entrances, en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, fans or air-con, heaters, and an array of home comforts. It is just a short walk from The Boardwalk and the beaches, as well as a range of eateries and vibey cocktail spots. Bayworld (the oceanarium and museum) is five minutes’ drive away.
EAT
Summerstrand is a prime spot for holiday accommodation and tourists, so it’s no surprise that it is home to so many restaurants, cafés, craft breweries and take-away spots. For some classic flavours and breath-taking views of Shark Rock Pier, head to Blue Waters Café. The menu offers a balanced variety of light and hearty meals; including fresh seafood, grills, pastas, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Charlie’s is renowned for its excellent pizzas and pastas that are trendy, innovative and always delicious. If you’d prefer a more classic spoil, head to De Kelders, Ginger, Kiplings Brasserie, or Coachman on the Bay. Coachman is best known for its unbelievable steaks.
For sundowners and cocktails, Something Good on Pollock Beach and News Café at the Boardwalk are both fabulous choices.
DO
Being the very heart of Port Elizabeth’s beachfront, Summerstrand is the perfect place for water sports enthusiasts and families that want to spend long days on the white sands. Try your hand at stand-up paddling, surfing, body-boarding, kite-surfing or snorkelling in the warmer waters of this beachfront. Other local attractions include:
- Bayworld – this is a wonderful place for families to visit some of the local sea life and to learn more about them and their land-based mammals.
- Humewood Golf Course – this award-winning links course is challenging, scenic and always fun.
- The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex – home to so many shops, movie houses, kiddies’ rides, restaurants, and, of course, the casino; this place never stops.
- Shark Rock Pier – walk into the water on this long pier and cast your eyes down to spot some fish and, if you’re very lucky, dolphins or hammerhead sharks.
Stay in Summerstrand
To make the most of the loveliness of Summerstrand, explore it on SA-Venues.com; where we’ve listed hundreds of Summerstrand accommodation venues, activities and attractions in the area.
