Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, UA Silver, HHDmd, MBvLTPLT, PCAmb/Dmd, HYT Dis
Posts: 1,579
When I was there in 2013, stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Umhlanga. It is south of the airport, so you would have to backtrack about 15-20 mins, but not all the way downtown. There were a few other options in that area. It was right off the highway and easy to get in and out of.
The other place I considered was the Fairmont Zimbali - which is north of the airport. Not sure when your trip is - looks like it is currently closed. Seems like there are several options in that Ballito area.