Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga

We always leave with full, happy tummies and smiles 😃 I've brought lots of friends here, and it's a treat every time. The whole team deserves five stars for their professionalism, especially at the breakfast buffet. The food is consistently outstanding, the chefs are amazing, the wait staff are so accommodating, and the security at the door are always friendly. Thank you, Team! You're truly amazing 👏 Regards, Mrs Maharaj & daughter

The breakfast was a real disappointment during our stay from 8 -10 May 2026. The menu feels unchanged for over 10 years, with the same boring, dated choices, and there were no suitable options for people who eat chicken but avoid pork and beef. The bread was stale, and on both Saturday and Sunday the pastries and fruit seemed recycled and were put out on filthy platters. Even on Mother's Day, Sunday breakfast was the worst possible. The chef's idea of sunny side up didn't seem right either, as shown in the attached picture. Prep work was done loudly in the open instead of in the back kitchen, so it was hard to hear ourselves talk or eat. This needs serious improvement. Check-in, at least, was quick and efficient. The room and view were good, though the shower door leaked on the left and left the floor wet. That needs fixing too.

I was disappointed by how differently guests seemed to be treated at this hotel. As a member of the brand's loyalty program, I expected consistent respect and service, but I noticed and experienced differences that appeared to be influenced by nationality. That's deeply concerning and unacceptable, especially for a global chain that says it maintains consistent hospitality standards. Everyone should be treated equally, whatever their country of origin. Management should review its service practices and make sure all guests, including loyal members, are treated fairly and consistently. Until that happens, I'd hesitate to recommend this property.

The staff were friendly, and I had a perfect room with beautiful views of umhlanga. Breakfast felt expensive when all I could have was a pastry, pancakes, and coffee. If it's your first visit, you might miss the place because it's tucked away and there's no visible sign from the road.