The Harcourt Hotel was a historic and beloved spot on Durban’s Bluff (the Bluff area, south of the city centre), known in the mid-20th century as a popular local hotel and watering hole.
- Location: It was situated on the Bluff, near the beachfront areas like Brighton Beach and Anstey’s Beach. It overlooked the Indian Ocean and was famous for its funicular (a small cable car or incline railway) that ran down from the hotel to the beach below, making it easy for guests and locals to access the sea, tidal pools, and paddling areas.
- Era: It dates back to at least the 1930s (mentioned as existing in 1938 and owned by A.B. Harcourt). It operated actively through the 1950s and beyond.
- Features: It served as a social hub, with mentions of it being a favourite “watering hole” for locals. Advertisements and memories highlight the funicular ride, beach access, and its role in Bluff life during a time when the area had a more relaxed, community feel with spots like paddling pools and home-made curries sold nearby.
- Closure and Fate: The hotel traded for about 25 years (likely from the mid-20th century onward) before it closed. It was later converted into apartment units known as Vistaero (or similar residential blocks). This transformation happened sometime after the 1970s/1980s, with one account noting it was sold by Bernard Faulds and turned into flats. It’s now long gone as a hotel, and former patrons remember it fondly as a “defunct” Durban landmark.
It was part of the Bluff’s old-school charm — think classic South African coastal hotel vibes with sea views, drinks, and easy beach access — before many such places gave way to modern developments or apartments.