Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge
Durban-29.72397200,
31.06849900,
14 Palm Boulevard Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, 4320, South Africa(Show on Map)
8.2
Very Good
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1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsProtea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge is highly recommended for its prime location in Umhlanga, providing easy access to the Gateway Shopping Centre, restaurants, the Virgin Active gym and serene beaches. It is convenient for both business and leisure travelers, being close to the airport and main highways. The hotel is appreciated for its cleanliness, spacious rooms and excellent service. Guests particularly enjoy the garden seating area and swimming pool, though some note the bustling environment can be a bit noisy.
The breakfast offerings at the hotel receive significant praise, referred to as excellent and world-class with a variety of fresh selections catering to various dietary preferences. The overall pleasant ambiance and impressive service from the breakfast staff are highlights, though some mention issues like long queues and high prices. Dinner experiences vary with many guests appreciating the quality and deliciousness of the food along with excellent service, despite some concerns regarding menu limitations and slow service.
Rooms are generally favored for their comfort, modern decor and cleanliness. They are described as spacious and visually appealing with family rooms being particularly appreciated for their suitability for children. A few minor issues such as insufficient towels and smaller-than-expected rooms are noted but do not significantly detract from the overall positive experience. Extensive cleanliness throughout the hotel, including rooms and common areas, reinforces its welcoming and modern feel.
The staff are frequently commended for their exceptional service, characterized by helpfulness, professionalism and a warm, welcoming attitude. Their friendliness and efficiency, especially at the reception, enhance guest experiences. While there are a few reports of less favorable interactions, the overall positive and consistent friendliness of the staff stands out.
WiFi services receive mixed feedback, generally praised for being stable and quick in rooms, but noted to be weaker and inconsistent in common areas. The gym also receives mixed reviews with some guests noting basic facilities and non-functional equipment, while others find it adequately equipped and useful.
The pool areas, including a rooftop pool with great views, are well-received for their attractiveness and cleanliness, despite occasional overcrowding and a desire for more sun loungers. The hotel provides secure parking options, appreciated for safety and convenience, although some guests are dissatisfied with the additional parking fees.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge is also recognized for its family-friendly environment. Spacious family rooms and a fun kids' area contribute to a memorable stay for families, despite a few logistical issues like towel provision and additional charges.
Overall, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge enjoys acclaim for its prime location, cleanliness, comfort, exceptional staff service and family-friendly amenities, making it a solid choice for visitors to Durban Umhlanga Ridge. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Trendy hotel in Umhlanga Ridge, offering easy access to golf courses and other attractions. Provides a stylish and vibrant atmosphere for a memorable stay.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
As a Marriott property, this hotel aligns with Marriott International's 'Serve 360' sustainability platform. This platform includes goals to reduce carbon emissions, water intensity, and waste to landfill, and focuses on responsible sourcing of products across its portfolio.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This hotel offers a trendy outdoor pool area with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for socializing and enjoying a refreshing swim. The pool area includes comfortable seating and a bar.
Rooftop Pool Panoramic View Pool Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
This Marriott-branded hotel in the busy Umhlanga Ridge area provides ample parking for its guests. The parking facilities are an essential part of the hotel's amenities, ensuring a hassle-free experience for those with cars.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers accessible on-site parking and has elevators. Accessible routes are available from the public entrance to various areas including the pool, business center, fitness center, meeting spaces, and restaurants. Accessible rooms feature accessible vanities.
Hotel with Gym
Offers a modern fitness center with a range of equipment suitable for various workout routines. The hotel's vibrant atmosphere adds an energetic touch to the fitness experience.
4-Star Hotel
This hotel offers exceptional service and modern amenities. It's known for its unique and trendy design, providing a vibrant and comfortable experience for guests.
Hotel with Panoramic View Pool
Located in Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, the hotel features a pool with city views, offering a vibrant and modern experience.
Hotel with Rooftop Pool
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge is among Durban hotels with rooftop pools.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Standard King RoomAir-conditioned room with a satellite TV and tea/coffee maker.
Please note that extra beds cannot be added in this room type.
Two-Bedroom ApartmentConsists of 2 bedrooms. Includes kitchen counter with sink, microwave, fridge and balcony.
Double Room with Two Double BedsThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a bath. This double room has a seating area, flat-screen TV with cable channels, an inner courtyard view, as well as wine/champagne for guests. The unit has 2 beds.
Bi-level LoftThis air-conditioned room has an electric kettle and a bathroom.
Executive Suite There is a lounge area, balcony and guest bathroom.
This suite features a electric kettle and air conditioning
Two-Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 3This spacious apartment features a kitchen, a seating area, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchen, which has a refrigerator, kitchenware, a microwave and a tea and coffee maker. This apartment has air conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, city views, as well as wine/champagne for guests. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Twin RoomProviding free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. This twin room features air conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an inner courtyard view, as well as wine/champagne for guests. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest room, 1 DoubleThis air-conditioned double room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge is lauded for its prime location, making it an ideal choice for travelers. Centrally situated in Umhlanga, it offers effortless access to a multitude of amenities, such as the Gateway Shopping Centre, restaurants and the Virgin Active gym. Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to both vibrant nightlife and serene beaches, which are just a short drive away. The hotel is conveniently close to the airport, making it a hassle-free choice for both business and leisure travelers.
The area surrounding the hotel is bustling yet safe with easy access to parking and main highways. The lively vibe of the locale ensures guests are never far from entertainment or essential services like supermarkets and banks. Although some visitors noted the environment can be noisy, many found the convenience of being near shopping and dining options outweighs this minor drawback.
The hotel itself is praised for its cleanliness, spacious rooms and excellent service. The garden seating area and swimming pool also add to the appeal, providing relaxing spaces amidst the urban setting. Overall, the combination of a strategic location, cleanliness and good service makes it a highly recommended choice for anyone visiting Umhlanga.
Breakfast
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge has garnered considerable praise for its breakfast offerings from its guests. Many guests celebrated the breakfast as excellent, delightful and even world-class, appreciating the large variety and deliciousness of the food. The breakfast buffet stands out with its diverse and fresh selections, meeting a range of dietary preferences including vegetarian options. Guests highlighted the impressive service from the breakfast staff and the overall pleasant ambiance in the dining area.
However, not all feedback was purely positive. Some guests faced issues such as long queues, cold food when arriving late and occasional complaints about the consistency and variety of the buffet. The breakfast was also noted to be highly priced, a point of contention for a few guests who found it expensive for what was offered. Despite these minor drawbacks, the prevailing sentiment about breakfast at this hotel is overwhelmingly favorable, making it a memorable part of many guests' stays.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge has garnered a mix of opinions from guests. Many reviews highlight the positive aspects, such as the food being described as very good, delicious and amazing. Guests commend the quality of the food and several reviews specifically mention the excellent service provided by the restaurant and bar staff, enhancing the overall dining experience.
However, there are also notable concerns. Some guests were disappointed to find the dinner menu limited with several dishes not available despite being listed. The service from the dinner kitchen staff was often reported as slow with delays leading to meals arriving late and at times incomplete. Instances of poor organization were noted, especially when guests were not informed of changes such as the absence of a buffet dinner due to special events.
The taste and presentation of the food received mixed feedback; some guests found it not up to the standards expected of a four-star hotel and on occasion, the food was deemed substandard or not great at all. There were calls for greater variety in the dinner menu to cater better to guests' expectations.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed the food and service at the restaurant, there were significant issues related to menu availability, service speed and communication that detracted from a seamless dining experience for some.
Rooms
Located near Gateway and within easy reach of the beach, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge offers an accommodating stay with rooms that generally receive high marks for comfort and cleanliness. The rooms are praised for their spaciousness, modern decor and impressive cleanliness. Many guests noted that the rooms were not only visually appealing but also comfortable for their stay.
The hotel’s family rooms are especially appreciated with parents highlighting their suitability for children and the courtesy of the staff in extending check-out times. The layout, featuring bi-level lofts and two-bedroom suites, adds to the flexibility and comfort, particularly for families or groups.
Guests also comment positively on the room service and the friendliness of the staff, making the stay even more pleasant. However, a few issues such as insufficient towels, malfunctioning electrical points and occasional unpleasant smells were mentioned but were minor in comparison to the overall positive experience.
Some visitors pointed out that the rooms were smaller than expected based on pictures with limited storage space and window sizes contributing to a less airy feel. Despite these small drawbacks, the hotel maintains a reputation for well-maintained and inviting rooms, making it a solid choice for travelers to Durban.
Beds
At Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge, guests have shared mixed experiences regarding the beds. Many guests found the beds to be comfortable, praising the plush duvets and soft pillows. There were several mentions of beds being not too soft and not too firm, striking a perfect balance for a good night's sleep. Families also enjoyed the comfort, noting that their kids especially loved the family room beds.
However, some reviews highlighted that the beds felt old and worn out with certain mattresses visibly sinking and uncomfortable. A few guests mentioned issues with the cleanliness of bedsheets and the need for more padding or softness in the mattresses. Despite these concerns, the hotel staff were appreciated for their responsiveness, often extending checkouts to accommodate guests' needs.
Overall, while the beds at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge generally offer a comfortable sleep, there are occasional issues with the quality and maintenance that future guests might want to be aware of.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge is frequently praised by guests with many highlighting its immaculate standards. Reviews consistently mention that the hotel is very clean with neat, spotless rooms that are both comfortable and welcoming. Guests appreciate the pleasant cologne smell and the well-maintained facilities, indicating thorough daily cleaning. The hotel's establishment is described as pleasant and modern with clean units and efficient housekeeping. Guests found the rooms spacious, clean and airy, contributing to a comfortable stay. Friendly and attentive staff further enhance the experience, ensuring that hygiene standards are rigorously upheld. Additionally, passages and common areas are reported to be kept in pristine condition, reinforcing the overall impression of a well-maintained hotel. Despite a few isolated issues with room cleanliness, the general consensus emphasizes a high level of cleanliness throughout the hotel, making it a delightful place to stay.
Staff
The staff at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge receive frequent praise for their exceptional service. Guests frequently highlight their helpful, professional and accommodating nature. The reception team, in particular, stands out for their friendliness and efficiency, ensuring a smooth check-in experience. The overall hospitality of the staff, from the front desk to the cleaning crew, is described as warm, welcoming and attentive. Many guests appreciate the extra mile taken by the team to provide outstanding customer service and maintain a high level of cleanliness.
Despite a few instances of less favorable experiences, such as issues with room service and occasional lapses in competence, most guests share positive impressions. The staff are often noted for being friendly, polite and courteous, creating an inviting atmosphere. The hotel's management clearly prioritizes guest satisfaction with various mentions of the staff members' willingness to assist and their consistent friendliness without compromising professionalism.
The positive energy and warmth of the staff extend beyond reception, as the restaurant, bar and security personnel also receive commendations for their excellent service. Whether for business or leisure stays, many guests find the staff interactions a highlight of their experience, making the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! a commendable choice for visitors to Durban Umhlanga Ridge.
Wi-Fi
The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge garners mixed feedback regarding its WiFi services. Guests generally praise the WiFi connection in the rooms, describing it as stable, quick and excellent, which is particularly beneficial for families with children. The hotel also offers uncapped WiFi, allowing unlimited usage.
However, the WiFi performance appears to drop in certain areas. Some guests noted that the WiFi in the lobby and restaurant was weaker and inconsistent. A few reviews pointed out issues with the reliability and speed of the internet, suggesting room for improvement in these aspects. Overall, the WiFi service is suitable for basic needs but may need enhancements to provide a more consistent experience throughout the hotel.
Gym
The gym at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge received mixed reviews. Guests noted that the facility was basic and not very spacious with some equipment needing a touch-up or being non-functional. There were instances where the treadmill and other gym equipment were reported as broken or malfunctioning. However, other guests found the gym to be well-equipped and the overall facilities were described as awesome. While the gym might benefit from additional equipment and a bit of a refresh, the fitness center still managed to meet some guests' needs effectively.
Pool
The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge offers a variety of pool experiences that have received a blend of positive feedback from its guests. The standout feature is the rooftop pool located on the 7th floor, providing a lovely setting with beautiful views, although some found it to be less private as it often becomes a hub for photoshoots. Despite this, many guests appreciated the beautiful pool area and found the outdoor pool with its fun photo areas to be enjoyable and in excellent condition. Children also seemed to have a great time in the pool.
However, several guests remarked that the pool area can become overcrowded and could benefit from more sun loungers. The pool size was noted as somewhat small by some visitors and a few suggested that a heated pool would have been preferable. Cleanliness was generally praised, although there were occasional issues reported, such as the rooftop pool not always being spotless. Overall, the pool areas provide an attractive and pleasant spot for relaxation with some room for improvements to enhance guest comfort and convenience.
Parking
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge offers secure and safe parking options for guests with facilities that include underground and outside parking areas. Many visitors appreciate the convenience of having parking close by and highlight the ample parking space available. However, there are mixed feelings about the parking fees. A daily charge of R65 for parking is mentioned frequently with some guests expressing dissatisfaction about having to pay extra for parking. Despite this, the secure nature of the parking facilities, which include an underground carpark, is consistently noted as a positive aspect. There are also mentions of free parking, though it seems less common. The hotel's parking infrastructure is generally praised for its safety and security, though there are occasional comments about the parking being often full and some guests suggesting that parking should be free for hotel patrons.
Family
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge is well-regarded for its family-friendly environment, making it a prime choice for those traveling with children. The hotel's family rooms receive high praise for their spacious and comfortable setup, perfectly catering to a family of four. Many guests have appreciated the design of the apartments, which include convenient features such as separate TVs for kids and adults, ensuring a pleasant stay for the whole family.
The hotel excels in creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for children with specific remarks about the kids' area and kiddies pool setup. Educational bonding time is facilitated through these thoughtfully designed spaces, which have delighted many young guests.
While the property is mostly appreciated for its family accommodations, it might not be entirely suitable for families with tiny toddlers. There were some mentions of logistical issues, such as inadequate towel provision for a family of four and additional charges for family rooms, but these seem minor compared to the overall positive feedback.
The two-bedroom apartments and spacious lofts are highlighted as particularly great options for larger families, combining convenience and comfort. Overall, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge stands out as an excellent choice for families seeking both relaxation and quality time together during their travels.
4 Star
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge boasts a blend of convenience and modern amenities, making it a highly regarded choice among travelers. Many reviews highlight the hotel's neat, clean and comfortable rooms. The hotel's hospitality and pleasant environment contribute to its overall appeal. Guests are particularly impressed with the big variety in the breakfast buffet and entertainment options available.
The location of the hotel is a significant advantage, being within walking distance of the Gateway Mall. This convenience has been noted as a major plus point. Despite some comments questioning its four-star rating, many guests feel the service and facilities are in line with such standards with some even suggesting that it could be rated higher.
The hotel has a modern and classy ambiance that adds to the overall value. While opinions vary, the general consensus leans towards this hotel being an excellent choice for both convenience and comfort.
Business
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge has established itself as a prime choice for business travelers. Its reputation as a good business hotel is reinforced by its convenient location, ideal for those on business trips. The hotel stands out with its 5-star convenience, especially for short business stays of 2 to 3 days.
The lobby is inviting and the hotel offers spaces conducive to working, making it a typical but effective setting for business needs. Situated close to the business district, the hotel’s location is particularly advantageous for conducting business meetings. Guests have noted the spacious rooms and the overall suitability for business activities.
Business travelers, in general, have expressed satisfaction with their stays, often finding the hotel perfect for their needs. The hotel seamlessly caters to its guests during work weeks, ensuring a great stay. Additionally, amenities like room service and conference facilities add to the convenience. The staff are also accommodating with instances of guests being allowed to use spaces next to the reception office, showcasing the hotel's commitment to meeting business travelers' demands.
Accessible
Located in a perfect and central area, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge offers outstanding accessibility for guests with disabilities. The hotel's strategic positioning ensures guests can effortlessly reach key destinations. While reviews did not delve extensively into specific accessibility features, the frequent emphasis on its prime location and ease of access suggests a thoughtful consideration for disabled travelers. Many guests found the hotel to be definitely recommended for its accessibility conveniences paired with its excellent placement.
Rooftop Pool
The rooftop pool at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge offers a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere, particularly enhanced by a DJ on Friday evenings. Guests can enjoy the stunning sunsets from this elevated vantage point while making use of the fun photo areas around the pool to capture memorable moments. The area is also complemented by amazing drinks and food, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. The combination of beautiful views and well-thought-out amenities makes the rooftop pool a recommended spot for visitors looking to relax and unwind.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge is a notable highlight located on the 7th floor. The pool area is described as clean and well-maintained, providing a pleasant environment for guests. It features a heated pool, which appears to be a popular amenity, mentioned multiple times for its comfort. Additionally, the area includes a dedicated kids pool, ensuring that younger guests are also catered to. Complementing the swimming facilities is a stunning outdoor area that enhances the overall experience, along with a restaurant conveniently situated nearby.
Romantic
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge offers a beautiful and intimate room experience complemented by a great location and good service. Its amazing location is frequently praised, making it a perfect spot for both romantic getaways and family visits. The hotel environment, including the lobby, bar and garden area, contributes positively to guests' enjoyment. While room service has received some negative feedback, overall, the establishment is often highly recommended. The decor and areas for family activities further enhance the appeal of staying here.
Yes, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Rooftop Pool, Panoramic View Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge.
No, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge.
Yes, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge has a gym.