Pavilion Hotel Durban

I stayed for two nights, and the hallway noise from other guests made things even less comfortable. The main problems started with the air conditioning. Before check-in I asked specifically if it was working and was assured it was, but it didn't work in my room. I called twice for help and no one came. I finally went downstairs myself, and was moved to another room about 40 minutes after reporting it. The next morning I hung out the “Make Up My Room” sign at 07:55am. When I got back at 23:00, the room had not been cleaned or serviced. Reception said they'd speak with the housekeeping manager, but nothing changed and I got no follow-up. Someone did knock at midnight to bring towels. Basic comfort, cleanliness and quiet are reasonable expectations at a hotel. Having to chase staff about unresolved problems and getting no follow-up was really disappointing.

The rooms are neat, but the TV relies on the Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi doesn't work, so the TV doesn't either. The bar fridge leaks. When I set the water for a shower, the hot water ran out. Don't waste your time booking here, you'd be better off sleeping on the beach.

I couldn't sleep after midnight and was still awake when we left for training. The breakfast was another letdown: at 8 there wasn't enough food, and it was coming out in small amounts while we waited. As for the night, a man I didn't recognize knocked at 00:17 while I was asleep. I thought my colleagues were waking me, but when I checked the time and asked who it was, I heard an unfamiliar voice. The man was forcefully pushing my door. I tried calling reception, but the line didn't work, so I used my phone and called Capt Gina, who was in the next room. He could hear the noise. Security took too long, and I had to call again because the man kept pushing. When security arrived, they said nothing to reassure me or explain what was happening. Reception later told me it was a drunk Indian guy who thought it was his room. The next day, a woman at reception gave me the manager's card. I emailed the manager, but then the explanation changed to a young black male who was drunk. The whole place traumatised me. We were there as a group booked by our employer. At first things seemed fine, staff were nice, and the room was clean, but the aircon didn't work and they put in a fan. That was a red flag, though I didn't mind at the time. I also had to request bath towels. Be careful, and don't assume nothing can happen just because you're in a hotel with security.

The welcome and atmosphere were great, and otherwise things were good. The hotel phone wasn't working, so I had to go downstairs to get food when I was already tired and it was late. The TV didn't work either. Kids were making noise in the hallway in the morning, which wasn't great when I still wanted to sleep in. Thank you.