Protea Hotel by Marriott Umfolozi River

We had a blast and would recommend a visit. My partner and I spent a lot of time at the absolutely amazing pool, and the rooms were clean and neat. Guest services were friendly and accommodating. We'll definitely visit again. Thank you for an amazing stay at the Marriott.

The dinner buffet had good options and was nice, while breakfast wasn't enjoyable. Staff were laid back but polite. The twin chalet was a large, pleasant room, though the toilet didn't flush properly and there was a sewage smell outside. The pool floors need renovating and aren't inviting. It was hard to find the hotel because the signs were poor. There was no welcome drink or help with our bags. It's decent if you're visiting the game reserves or St Lucia, but there's nothing for children to do and no play area. I won't be back.

The staff were amazing during our three-day conference stay, and I liked the large, clean rooms. The food and the way it's run need a rethink. I didn't enjoy the menu options or the taste during my stay. Some soft drinks included in the conference package weren't available at dinner, the bar closed early, and there weren't many alcohol options. For a hotel in this area, it should improve.

The pool was fantastic, usually warm, and pool towels were provided. The layout feels modern and fresh for the area, though getting to a room can mean a long walk, especially if it's near the pool. You have to carry your own luggage down ramps and stairs. There was no clean drinking water, and sometimes the water was discoloured. Rooms had no fridges, and there were no Braai facilities, so you had to eat the hotel food, which was very overpriced and not that tasty. There were no mosquito nets, and it didn't seem to get a deep clean to remove the spiders. There were bats and rats in the roofs too.