I recently stayed at the Royal Palm Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, and overall, my experience was positive. The room was spacious, neat, and well-equipped with a kitchenette that included plates, cutlery, a working microwave, and fridge. The two bedrooms were adequate for our needs, and the location was excellent, being directly opposite Gateway Mall, which made shopping and dining very convenient. The staff were friendly, and the service was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the breakfast, with the omelette being a highlight.

However, there were a few drawbacks. The room felt a bit old and dated, and the bathroom layout posed a slight challenge for three adults, as there was only one shower, while the other bathroom had a tub. The variety of breakfast options could also have been better. Despite these issues, the stay was still quite comfortable.

Clean. Spacious rooms. Aesthetically pleasing. Close by for shopping, food and entertainment. Friendly staff. Quiet and private. Room was situated near the lift. Wheelchair friendly.

Lifts take too long to arrive. And is usually full whenever needed. Only 2 bottles of drinking water for a family of 4 in a 2 bedroom apartment. Kettle is very tiny. Had to boil a few times to get full mugs of tea for 4 people. Netflix only worked for a few hours on 1 day and then never worked again on our 3 night stay. Key cards keep deactivating even though it was not kept near a phone at all. Had to visit reception to reactivate it.

Room & Location

I believe that you should definitely consider catering for halal breakfast

The room was big and spacious

There was only 1 soap provided. There was only 2 towels provided, for a couple who needed to shower that evening and the next morning. When we requested 2 extra towels, we were told to call when the towels needed replacing and assured that house keeping would be open. Upon using the towels and then requesting replacements, we were told that house keeping was closed, but we were then provided 1 fresh towel for the next morning The kettle did not work or open and we were unable to have tea or coffee.

It was absolutely beautiful, the penthouse was spacious, extremely clean, and just perfect for the amount of people we had… we couldn’t have asked for a better apartment, walking in, this place exceeded our expectation… the reception staff were amazing and soo welcoming…

1) So maybe not a dislike but a suggestion, the property should put up a “no loud anything” after a certain time… it was a bachelorette party so some noise was bound to happen, but I did apologize when checking out, whether or not it was our fault it was the right thing to do… 2) A glass bottle that we brought in, fell and broke, unfortunately there was nothing to clean in it up within the apartment, so we had to call housekeeping, I did understand the lady may have had a long and tiring day but she was less than thrilled and not very friendly with us when we had asked for someone to come up and assist…I wouldn’t hold this against the property maybe we had just caught someone on the wrong day…

The staff at reception was very friendly and helpful. The chef was also kind she made something for my son that was not on the breakfast menu because we are Hindu and don't eat beef and pork otherwise it was ok but could have been better.

Location was great its at the Gateway but easier access doors were closed off ad you have to go around the building to get into the parking which was very scary it was dark and very steep and narrow pathway otherwise ok. Breakfast should have a little more options for people who don't eat meat. The tea and coffee was from a machine not great it was just warm water should have been hot cause after adding milk it was cold. The room is open plan no door into the bathroom nad shower which must be looked at.

The Royal Palm has an amazing homely atmosphere to it and makes you feel relaxed and comfortable during your stay. The decor is completely unique and has an influence on the comfortable stay. The staff are always friendly and more than willing to assist with just about anything. The buffet breakfast is totally amazing, and you'll never get enough of or bored of the different varieties offered. The Royal Palm is honestly underrated and should be given a 5 star rating. If you are coming to Umhlanga, then I would highly recommend the Royal Palm to you and your family..

Nothing at all

I had a pleasant stay at this hotel, the rooms were very clean and smelling very nice. I felt like a queen, the breakfast, Woow my kids couldn’t wait for breakfast every morning, I stayed for 4 days and we still didn’t want to leave on the last day. Oh I forgot to mention that you walk to the mall, Gateway mall and everything is just outside the hotel, restaurants, decent clubs, kids activities. This is definitely my home when I visit Durban again. The staff were very professional and welcoming, there’s a particular lady, I just couldn’t get her name but wow, that lady is so patient, professional and she really impressed me, she went extra mile in making my stay so beautiful and comfortable. I had an issue with my laundry and housekeeping but she made sure she handled it so well. I really appreciate that❤️she deserves her flowers.

The parking😃yoh I felt like I was doing trigonometry in Grade 11…🤣🤣but nothing hectic, I’ve survived😊

Almost everything, friendly staff, rooms opened and the bed was comfortable. The staff at the reception were welcoming and friendly, they explained everything in detail. Secure parking. Location close to all amenities.

Restaurant staff don't pay attention to customer requests. I placed an order for dinner, 1. My husband's meal was missing, the waiter did not include it. 2. I ordered something with chicken, they made seafood. 3. Ordered Chia latte, they brought cappuccino (mind you, I have negative reaction towards high concentrated caffeine). We ended waiting more than an hour for our full order.

Property was clean, neat, presentable and aesthetically pleasing. Rooms were comfortable and space and area were relaxing.

1) Netflix was not working. DSTV app was not working. 2) For a family of 4, we only received 2 bottles of water and only 2 of each of the hot drink sachets, sugar etc. 3) Only 2 hangers in the second room. 4) After house keeping had left, our room door was left open. Upon arriving in the evening we noticed the door was not closed. 5) Upon arrival our microwave, fridge and kettle were not working. The maintenance guy had to switch it on on the switchboard. 6) House keeping keeps their trolleys in the middle of the aisles, we had issues getting to and from our apartment to the lifts as we had a wheelchair. House keeping did not move the trolley upon seeing the wheelchair, instead I had to struggle and move the trolley until I could pass through.