The Hilton Hotel in Durban has quietly shut its doors.
Image: Tripadvisor
A well-known sight in Durban's CBD has changed management.
IOL can confirm that as of this month, the Hilton Hotel situated adjacent to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, is now managed by the African American Properties Hotel Pty.
"As of 5 February 2026, African American Properties Hotel Pty, the owning company of Hilton Durban, has unilaterally terminated its management agreement with Hilton. This means the hotel is no longer part of the Hilton portfolio and is not available to book via Hilton," a spokesperson confirmed to IOL.
The group said it was proud of the legacy of hospitality delivered by the hotel for nearly three decades.
"Across South Africa, our four properties continue to welcome guests – and we remain committed to the country with another three hotels in the pipeline," the spokesperson added.
At the weekend, posts began circulating on social media with guests claiming that they were informed of the change in management and how it impacted their booking.
Sharing an email from Hilton, a guest said they were allowed to either rebook at the Hilton Garden in Umhlanga, north of the Durban CBD or further enquire with the new owners of the hotel.
It would appear that Expedia and Hotels.com have updated their status for the Hilton Durban to: “This property is closed from January 9, 2026, to January 31, 2026” even as the news broke today that the hotel was no longer operational.
On Google Maps, the listing has been switched to “permanently closed,” while the Hilton.com site redirects to Gilton Garden Inn in Umhlanga.
Hilton has previously closed its doors – in 2021 – due to severe financial distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a massive drop in business and international travel, high debt, and an oversaturated hotel market.
Hilton's website redirects to Umhlanga when searching for Durban.
Image: Screenshot: Hilton website
In 2024, when it reopened, eThekwini Municipality issued a statement welcoming the re-opening of the hotel.
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