Nelson Mandela Bay is an ideal destination to get down to business while having a bit of fun on the side; you can dip your feet in the Indian Ocean in the morning, experience the wildlife in the afternoon and the city’s heartbeat at night and still be on time for a conference or that very important meeting.  The Bay, with its sound infrastructure, prides itself on being a hub of regional, national and international business, providing modern conferencing facilities and venues.

Nelson Mandela Bay offers business travellers a stress-free environment, ease of access due to centrally located Port Elizabeth International airport with all its car hire companies, the opportunity to make use of Uber, good weather all year round and 5-star hospitality services.

We know your time is precious; your day consists of meetings, juggling phones, flights, suits, laptops, spreadsheets, proposals, wearing different hats and making big decisions. Who has time to be on the lookout, read reviews and devour the internet of where to go for this and that?

Let’s get down to business in the Bay

Where to have your conference

The list of hotels and venues to have your conference is endless, you can enjoy  the beach view from the Radisson Blu, go to the tranquil garden suburb of Walmer to 39 On Church Guesthouse and Conference Centre, enjoy the opulent elegance and ambience of Tuscany at the Tuscana Boutique Hotel and Conference Venue,  experience a bit of Port Elizabeth’s history at the Athenaeum’s venue or be one with nature with the conference rooms offered by The Plantation.

If you are looking for a conference organiser, click here, and for other other conference services, click here.

Where to grab a bite

We know you have a busy schedule, so we’ve search for the best restaurants in Port Elizabeth (as voted by the very hungry) that you can visit during your business trip to Nelson Mandela Bay.

For fine dining, why not try out Ginger on the beachfront, the legendary Old Austria Restaurant or Kipling Brasserie?

And don’t forget about Fushin, De Kelder, Mellas Dim-Sum & Noodle Bar, Muse Restaurant, the Coachman Restaurant, Two Olives and Blue Waters Café.

Stay tuned to the events page, there might be a Goodnight Market, Valley Market or Baakens Food Truck happening while you're visiting. You definitely don't want to miss out on that!

Where to shop for the necessities

If your shoe broke or if you’re in need of a new shirt, charger or other electronics or necessities, make sure to visit some of the city’s malls with top fashion outlets and stores such as Greenacres Shopping Centre, Walmer Shopping Centre and Baywest Mall.

Where to relax your weary business travelling feet

Do you have some time to relax before the next big meeting?

Here are some places where relaxation is guaranteed:

Shambala Wellness Spa.
Africology Spa
Camelot Spa
Isango Gate
The HEALINGearth Retreat

Where to sleep

To save you some time, we read the reviews left by business travellers and found a list of the top 5 business hotels in Port Elizabeth where you can stay during your business trip to Nelson Mandela Bay.

Protea Hotel by Mariott

You can relax and work in comfort from this 4-star hotel that is an unparalleled experience as it overlooks the sun-drenched sands of Pollock Beach with sweeping views of Algoa Bay. Visit their website for more.

Business travellers said: “On the beach front!”.

Where: Corner of 5th Avenue and Marine Drive, Summerstrand.

Paxton Hotel

The Paxton Hotel is located in the bustling precinct of Humewood and with the combination of the luxury-inspired decor and backdrop of Port Elizabeth's harbour, you will have a truly unique experience. Visit their website for more.

Business travellers said: “The perfect business trip hotel”.

Where: Canarvon Place, Humerail, Port Elizabeth.

Radisson Blu Hotel

Enjoy expansive and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean from each of the Radisson Blu's 173 modern and elegant rooms as well as premiere amenities to ensure an experience filled with excellence. Visit their website for more.

Business travellers said: “Blu with a view, great hotel for business or pleasure.”

Where: Marine Drive and 9th Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.

The Boardwalk Hotel

The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World offers 5-star hotel accommodation, with rooms featuring private balconies from where you can watch dolphins and whales, only a few minutes away from the Blue Flag awarded Hobie Beach. Visit their website for more.

Business travellers said:  “Impressive facilities and services, excellent hotel for business”.

Where: Beach Road, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.

Kelway Hotel

The 3-and-4-star timber-structured Kelway Hotel is situated a mere 5 minute walk from a pristine beach and offers unique dining experiences from terraces allowing you to take in the views across Algoa Bay. Visit their website for more.

Business travellers said: “Perfect business hotel! Good value for money.”

Where: Brookes Hill Drive, Humewood, Port Elizabeth.

Where to stay fit

While the majority of Nelson Mandela Bay's business hotels do offer fitness facilities, visitors can also enjoy a walk or run on the promenade, visit one of PE's many gyms, join the PE Hobie Peach Park Run (which is in its 4th year already) or, if time is on your side, head out on one of the Bay's hiking trails or go for a dip in the ocean. 

What to do in your free time

Nelson Mandela Bay offers an array of activities for visitors staying for anything from a few hours to a few days. Our bragging rights include being the bottlenose dolphin capital and home to the Big 7; why not get yourself sorted with a Nelson Mandela Bay Pass Card? This card will allow you to experience more for less! Have a look at the local bloggers' suggestions of things to do in Nelson Mandela Bay in 48 hours.

Have a pleasant stay if you're in the Bay on a business trip and if you're a leisure traveller, the Bay is your oyster, start exploring!