Other options we considered

Mtunzini-on-the-Green

This was R1 000 for the five of us, and offered a pool and braai area, but although it was on the coast it was not directly at the seaside. airbnb.com

The Hatchery

At Amatikulu. The Kelp Room cost R1 200 for all of us, but it has no pool or Wi-Fi and the offspring and husband balked at this. Penny’s Cottage looked good but was R200 over our budget; it had the essentials but wasn’t pet friendly. thehatchery.co.za

Kwa-Eden

This spot in Zinkwazi had the best web photos, was rated four stars and had all the mod cons. It would have cost only R900 a night for all of us. However, they didn’t answer their phone. safarinow.com

Beautiful Ocean View Guest House

At Tugela Mouth. The web pics looked amazing but the owners have dogs so we couldn’t take ours. R349 plus R303 pp (sleeps eight). airbnb.com

Mphushini Falls Resort

Right in Eshowe, this was our original final choice – it has a pool, free Wi-Fi and was described on Booking.com as ‘one of our bestsellers’. However, the booking was bungled. R1 600 for a self-catering family room (sleeps five). booking.com