Road Lodge Umhlanga Ridge

The only person who made a positive difference was Senzeni from security, who was helpful and professional. The rest of my stay at Road Lodge Umhlanga was very disappointing. My phone booking started badly because I wasn't given a proper, professional quote. At 1 AM, I was told to check myself in without help, despite my large luggage, which didn't feel reassuring as a female guest. When I tried to buy water, the receptionist was busy on his phone and disengaged, and told me to go to a garage instead. The bedding was dirty, and it seemed the room hadn't been checked before I arrived, even though staff knew I was coming. The airport shuttle I'd paid for also never arrived the next morning, causing more inconvenience. I don't recommend this location because of the poor hygiene, unhelpful staff, and lack of professionalism.

Right by Gateway shopping centre, there's easy access to shops and restaurants, plus basement parking and a central spot for getting to the business centre. Breakfast is buffet style, and a la carte dinner is available, though there isn't a bar. The rooms are very clean and have a desk, TV, and coffee-making facilities, but they're a bit bare and reminded me of a university dorm. Staff and service were friendly and efficient. A high-end budget hotel.

I had a good stay in room 115 after asking to move out of 102, where cockroaches were crawling around the bed, blankets, and room. The gentleman on duty quickly helped with the move.

Gateway was within walking distance, which was really convenient for choosing a restaurant and going out for supper. Staff were polite, friendly, attentive to what we needed, and made the stay comfortable. When I raised a housekeeping issue in the room, they addressed and resolved it promptly. The one downside was that the door from the overflow mall parking into the building didn't work, so we had to walk around to the front entrance in the rain.