The Midlands Ultra Triathlon returns to Midmar Dam on Sunday, 13 September 2026, and if you’re racing, you already know that what happens before and after the start gun matters just as much as the race itself. Getting your accommodation right is part of the preparation. ANEW Hotel Hilton, located at 1 Hilton Avenue in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg, puts you just 12km from Midmar Dam, a straightforward 9-minute drive via the N3.
What room options does ANEW Hotel Hilton offer for race weekenders?
The hotel offers 100 rooms across several categories, giving athletes and their support crews plenty of flexibility:
- Standard King Rooms: comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with a king-sized bed, ensuite shower, and all the essentials
- Deluxe King Rooms and Suites: ideal for athletes who want a bit more space to spread out gear and recover properly
- Family Rooms: spacious options with two queen or king-sized beds, perfect for support crews or family members making a weekend of it
- Presidential Suite: a separate lounge, clawfoot bathtub, and rainfall shower for those who want the full recovery experience
- Universally Accessible Room: a wheelchair-friendly option with a king bed and accessible ensuite bathroom
Every room includes complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities, and an en-suite bathroom.
What facilities does ANEW Hotel Hilton offer for triathletes?
ANEW Hotel Hilton has the practical amenities endurance athletes actually need:
- On-site gym: keep your legs ticking over before race day without leaving the property
- Swimming pool: ideal for light recovery sessions after the event
- 24-hour room service: fuel up or refuel at any hour, without having to leave your room
- Secure on-site parking: essential for athletes travelling with bikes and race equipment
- 24-hour reception: helpful for early race-day departures
Where can athletes eat and recover after the race?
Ellingtons Restaurant & Café is ANEW Hotel Hilton’s on-site dining venue, offering a modern à la carte menu with a strong focus on local cuisine. It’s the kind of place where post-race hunger gets taken seriously. The bar and lounge area is well suited for unwinding after a long day on course, and a private dining room is available for team gatherings or group dinners, worth considering if you’re travelling with a relay team or a larger group.
Room service is available around the clock, so if your legs aren’t up for moving after the race, you don’t have to.
What is there to do in the Midlands for family members and support crews?
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offers more than enough to keep non-racing companions busy on race weekend. ANEW Hotel Hilton sits at the start of the Midlands Meander, the well-known arts and crafts route that winds through the rolling hills of the region. Nearby attractions include:
- Howick Falls: a striking 95-metre waterfall, a short drive away
- Nelson Mandela Capture Site: a significant historical landmark
- Karkloof Club and Karkloof Canopy Tours for the more adventurous
Does ANEW Hotel Hilton offer a loyalty programme?
Yes. ANEW Rewards members earn Wena Bucks (valued at R1 each) on every qualifying stay, redeemable against future bookings, food and beverages, and more. Members also receive early check-ins, late check-outs, room upgrades (subject to availability), and an extra 5% discount on existing promotions. Membership tiers: Gold, Platinum, and Black, reward guests who stay regularly across the ANEW Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
Book Your Stay Before Rooms Fill Up
The Midlands Ultra Triathlon has historically drawn a strong field of athletes to Midmar Dam. With race day set for 13 September 2026, accommodation in the area will fill up quickly. ANEW Hotel Hilton offers the right combination of proximity to the venue, practical athlete-friendly facilities, and genuine comfort, exactly what you need to arrive rested and leave recovered.
