704 Oyster Rock

The location is hard to beat, and the hotel has undeniable charm, but I found the stay very disappointing. Our suite was comfortable and spacious, yet it didn’t have a way to block the early morning sun. At more than 2pm, it still wasn’t ready for check-in. The patio furniture was dirty and our room wasn’t cleaned consistently. Nobody explained the hotel facilities, where to find them, breakfast times or the in-room amenities. When we asked, we were told to look at the guide on the TV. For the price of the Deluxe Sea Facing Suites, which is in the range of international five-star luxury, I expected more attention to detail and consistently personalised service that goes beyond expectations. I feel the hotel’s charm and setting can cast a spell on guests, but the experience fell short of true five-star luxury and service, and of the wonderful reviews I’d read.

I’d heard stories about the Oyster Box Hotel for years, but never understood the excitement until I visited during a business trip to Durban. One morning I dropped in and was blown away. The maitre d', Julian, gave me a tour and was both lovely and incredibly professional. I was amazed by all the luxury: fresh flowers at the entrance, an inviting breakfast area, beautiful art, the impressive Clock Library, a private cinema, a white wedding Ball room and an underground Dining Room. It all felt like something from a movie. From the rooftop bar, the views were breathtaking, with the iconic Red & White Lighthouse in front of me and the big blue ocean behind it. I had a quick refreshment on the gorgeous beach patio, enjoying Umhlanga’s warm weather. A little monkey swooped down from the roof to try to steal food left on a guest’s breakfast plate. It was entertaining and peaceful at the same time. Julian was so kind and gracious. I won’t forget it, and I hope to stay the night at the Oyster Box someday. The hotel and staff have earned a return visit.

I tried to book dinner for my fiancée and me by phone, but the call was cut off twice. I then drove over and waited in line to speak to the woman taking reservations. She made eye contact, ignored me and spoke to the people behind me. When I explained I wanted to book dinner, she wrote my details on a piece of paper rather than in a book. The next evening, when we arrived for our curry buffet reservation, she ignored us again. She couldn’t find my details until I reminded her about the day before. That was already extremely unprofessional. The food was mediocre at best: the fish and chicken were dry, and the dessert was awful and barely had any taste. At R695 per person, it wasn’t worth it. We were hugely disappointed and won’t return or recommend the place. My fiancée also left her glasses there, and somehow they “can’t find it.” They didn’t even check CCTV. The Oyster Box Hotel doesn’t reply to bad reviews, only good ones, so let’s see whether they respond to this.

The setting and food were both amazing, and the staff were so professional. Everyone made me feel comfortable and looked after. Such a lovely hotel. I can’t wait to come back.