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Summary of reviewsThe Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga is celebrated for its exceptional location, providing easy access to the beach, a variety of restaurants, shopping centers like Oceans Mall and Pearls Mall and key attractions such as Ushaka Marine and the boardwalk. Its proximity to the airport, stunning ocean views and safe parking further enhance its appeal for both beachgoers and visitors looking to explore the vibrant surroundings.
Guests commend the breakfast offerings at the hotel, highlighting the delicious, diverse selection with fresh fruits and well-prepared hot dishes. The friendly and helpful staff contribute to the pleasant breakfast experience. However, some guests believe that the breakfast could benefit from more variety and dietary options with a few considering it overpriced.
While the hotel lacks an in-house dinner restaurant and room service, its central location amidst numerous dining options makes this less of an issue. Guests appreciate the convenience of nearby eateries and the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.
The rooms receive positive feedback for their spaciousness, cleanliness and modern decor. Guests enjoy beautiful ocean views, comfortable beds and good room amenities, despite occasional issues such as limited TV channels, unpleasant smells and inconsistent housekeeping services.
Cleanliness is a strong point with guests frequently praising the hotel as extremely clean, modern and well-maintained. The friendly and attentive staff, particularly at the front desk and housekeeping, enhance the guests' experience, making them feel welcomed and well looked after. However, there are occasional reports of lapses in room cleaning services.
The staff at the hotel are frequently commended for their friendliness, professionalism and exceptional service. Guests highlight individual staff members for their welcoming and helpful demeanor, contributing to a warm and accommodating environment.
The wifi experience receives mixed reviews with some guests finding the connection poor and spotty. There is a general consensus that improvement is needed to better meet the needs of business and leisure travelers.
The pool area, although clean and eye-catching, is often described as small and crowded, detracting from the relaxing experience. Nevertheless, the hotel's close proximity to a clean and safe beach offers a convenient alternative for seaside enjoyment.
Parking at the hotel is viewed positively for its safety, security and reasonable rates, though some guests find the parking area tight and navigation challenging. Additional parking fees and the need for better communication regarding these costs are noted concerns.
The hotel is family-friendly, offering spacious rooms that comfortably accommodate families. The attentive and friendly staff make the stay pleasant for families with children, despite minor issues such as insufficient drinking water and a small pool. Overall, the hotel stands out as an excellent choice for family vacations.
In summary, Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga delivers a largely positive experience with its prime location, comfortable accommodations and welcoming staff, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors seeking convenience and vibrant surroundings in Umhlanga. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Situated in Umhlanga Rocks, it's close to golf courses and the beach. Offers a comfortable stay with easy access to both recreational activities.
Family Friendly Hotel
Situated in Umhlanga Rocks, this hotel provides comfortable accommodations and family-friendly services. Its proximity to the beach makes it a desirable option for families.
Business Hotel
This hotel provides essential business amenities and services. While specific details are limited, Protea Hotels generally offer meeting facilities and business-friendly services.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers a comprehensive range of accessibility features, including accessible on-site parking, elevators, and accessible routes to public areas. Accessible rooms provide features such as accessible vanities, adjustable height hand-held shower wands, bathtub grab rails, and toilet seats at wheelchair height.
Hotel with Gym
Offers a fitness center. It provides essential equipment for a basic yet effective workout.
3-Star Hotel
Located near the beach in Umhlanga Rocks, this hotel provides family-friendly accommodations with free WiFi and air-conditioned rooms. It is praised for its friendly staff and excellent service.
Hotel with Panoramic View Pool
Situated in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, this hotel offers a pool with views of the coastline, providing a convenient and scenic stay.
Hotel near The Beach
Hotel for Honeymoon
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Rooftop Pool Panoramic View Pool
Hotel with Parking
Hotel with Rooftop Pool
Room Types
Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThese spacious rooms offer air conditioning, a desk, satellite TV and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The en suite bathroom provides either a bath or shower and free toiletries.
SuiteThese spacious rooms offer air conditioning, a desk, satellite TV and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The en suite bathroom provides either a bath or shower and free toiletries.
Large Double RoomThis double room offers air conditioning, a desk, and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The en suite bathroom provides either a bath or shower, and is equipped with a hairdryer.
King RoomThis standard room offers air conditioning, a desk, and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The en suite bathroom provides either a bath or shower and is equipped with a hairdryer.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga boasts an exceptional location that consistently wins praise from guests. Nestled in the heart of Umhlanga, the hotel is ideally situated for easy access to a variety of amenities. It's within walking distance to the beach, a multitude of restaurants, shopping centers such as Oceans Mall and Pearls Mall and entertainment venues.
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's convenience, emphasizing its proximity to key attractions like Ushaka Marine, the boardwalk and numerous eateries that line the street near the hotel. Its central positioning allows for a stress-free stay with quick access to the main amenities and a short stroll to the beachfront, which is a significant advantage for beachgoers and those enjoying the lively atmosphere of the area.
The prime location also means that the hotel is a short 15-minute drive from the airport, making travel logistics straightforward. Whether guests are looking to dine out, shop or enjoy a day at the beach, everything is conveniently close by. The stunning ocean views and safe parking further enhance the overall positive experience.
Overall, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga offers a perfectly situated base with excellent accessibility to restaurants, shops and the scenic beachfront, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors seeking convenience and vibrant surroundings in Umhlanga.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga has garnered a variety of feedback from guests. Generally, guests have praised the breakfast for being delicious, tasty and abundant with highlights including a wide variety of options, fresh fruits and well-prepared hot dishes. The buffet setup, in particular, was mentioned frequently for its diverse choice and excellent quality. Guests found the breakfast to be superb, perfect and even out of this world with some describing it as fantastic and exceptional.
Many also appreciated the friendly and helpful staff, who were willing to assist with a smile, making the breakfast experience even more enjoyable. Specific mentions of staff like Martha receiving guests as VIPs added a personal touch to their stay. Despite these positive notes, some guests felt that the breakfast could benefit from more variety and found the service a bit chaotic at times with occasional delays in getting coffee or having tables cleaned.
There were mixed opinions regarding the cost of the breakfast with several guests finding it overpriced compared to local restaurants. Some reviews also mentioned the absence of breakfast included in the room rate, which was a point of disappointment. Due to these pricing concerns, a few guests opted to dine elsewhere for breakfast. Additionally, some feedback suggested that more options for dietary preferences, such as halal choices and increased menu variety, could enhance the experience.
Overall, the breakfast at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga is largely viewed as a highlight of the stay, offering a tasty and plentiful start to the day despite some areas for improvement.
Dinner
Guests at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga have noted the lack of an in-house dinner restaurant and room service for both dinner and breakfast. While the hotel does not serve dinner and lacks a dedicated dining restaurant, it benefits significantly from its prime location. Positioned in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood, the hotel is surrounded by a large variety of restaurants and bars, providing numerous nearby dining options. Guests can easily find great restaurants and good food within close proximity.
The absence of all-day dining or room service means that guests need to step out for meals, but the convenience of being close to so many eateries makes this less of an inconvenience. Additionally, the hotel’s location next to amenities and the beach adds to its appeal for those willing to explore the local dining scene.
Rooms
The rooms at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga offer a mixed bag of experiences, but a majority of the reviews highlight positive aspects. Guests frequently comment on the impressive room sizes with many describing the rooms as spacious, large or even huge. Cleanliness is another strong point, as numerous reviews mention the rooms being clean, spotless and well-maintained. The modern decor and finishes also add a stylish touch to the overall ambiance.
Many guests appreciated the beautiful views from their rooms, including views of the ocean, which contributed to a pleasant and memorable stay. The comfortable beds and good room amenities are other highlights that enhance the overall experience.
However, not all feedback is glowing. A few guests faced issues such as rooms being cold, not having an advertised view or limited TV channels. Some reported unpleasant smells, including cigarette smoke and dampness. Housekeeping services also received mixed reviews with some guests noting delays or incomplete cleaning tasks.
In summary, while the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga generally impresses with its spacious, clean and well-appointed rooms, there are occasional hiccups in service and maintenance that future guests may want to be aware of.
Beds
Guests consistently praised the beds at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga, describing them as super comfortable, comfortable and even amazing. The comfort extends to the pillows and quality linen with mentions of king-size and queen-size bed options. Many reviews also highlighted the overall comfort of the rooms, noting that they provided everything needed for a pleasant stay. Reviewers frequently mentioned the excellent comfort of both the beds and the bedding, contributing to a very relaxing experience. The feedback suggests that the hotel rooms are newly furnished, adding to the overall comfort and satisfaction of the guests. Despite a few minor issues with bed and pillow preferences, the majority of guests found the arrangement and comfort of the accommodation to be highly satisfactory.
Cleanliness
Nestled in the vibrant area of Umhlanga, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban showcases an impressive standard of cleanliness as praised by numerous guests. The overall experience reflects a high-degree of hygiene with many highlighting the hotel as extremely clean, modern and well-maintained. Both rooms and common areas were frequently described as neat, spotless and comfortable, offering guests a reliably refreshing environment.
The modern décor and immaculate condition of the hotel are particularly appreciated, contributing to a sense of well-being during one’s stay. Additionally, the rooms are not only clean but also spacious, enhancing the comfort of being away from home. Helpful staff further ensure the hotel remains tidy and well looked after.
However, consistency in room cleaning services had occasional lapses with a few reports indicating that certain rooms did not meet the expected standards or had issues such as dirty windows or an unpleasant smell. Some guests noted specific inconveniences like a stuffy atmosphere in the room or dirty towels and floors, albeit these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Despite some minor setbacks, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga appears to excel in delivering a predominantly clean and comfortable stay, highlighted by the generally positive feedback regarding its cleanliness and upkeep.
Staff
The staff at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga consistently receive high praise from guests for their friendliness, professionalism and exceptional service. Guests have described the staff as welcoming, helpful, accommodating and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay. There are numerous mentions of individual staff members and managers, such as Buhle at reception and the hotel manager, who are highlighted for their exceptional hospitality and polite demeanor.
The friendliness and helpfulness of the front desk and housekeeping staff are frequently noted with guests often commending the great service from the reception team and the prompt assistance provided by the porters and security personnel. Despite occasional mentions of passive-aggressive or dismissive attitudes from some reception staff, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive with many guests highlighting the staff's dedication, politeness and attention to detail.
Both front desk and room service staff have been appreciated for their efficiency and courteousness, often described as professional and extremely friendly. Security staff at the gate and reception also receive repeated commendations for maintaining a welcoming and secure environment.
Overall, the hotel's team stands out for their consistent welcoming hospitality, making guests feel at home with their friendly and attentive service.
Wi-Fi
The wifi experience at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga has been a mixed bag for guests. While there have been mentions of a good wifi signal, many guests have found the connection to be poor, spotty or even nonexistent. Several reviews highlighted issues with wifi that made business meetings difficult and some guests were not informed about the availability of free wifi. Others noted that the wifi connection was slow and intermittent with practically no signal in some rooms and sluggish speeds even in the lobby. Overall, while there are occasional praises for the wifi signal, the general consensus points to a need for improvement in the hotel's wifi services to better meet the needs of business and leisure travelers alike.
Pool
The pool at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga is frequently described as small and many guests express disappointment at its limited size, particularly considering the number of guests the hotel accommodates. Although the pool area is clean and eye-catching, it could benefit from better maintenance and occasional upgrades to enhance the experience for families and children. Despite its size and occasional maintenance issues, some guests still find enjoyment in the pool area, appreciating its lovely ambiance. Overall, while the rooftop pool offers a decent getaway, it often becomes crowded, detracting from the relaxing experience many expect.
Beach
Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga offers guests easy access to a clean and safe beach that is just a short walk away. The hotel's proximity to the beach makes it incredibly convenient for guests looking to enjoy the vibrant seaside atmosphere. With the beach less than five minutes away on foot, it's perfect for quick visits and leisurely strolls alike. The surrounding neighborhood is described as vibrant, adding to the overall appeal of the location. Despite occasional weather issues or crowds, the beach remains a key highlight for visitors, offering a nearby retreat for relaxation and enjoyment.
Parking
The parking situation at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga presents a mixed bag of experiences for guests. On the positive side, many have found the parking to be safe, secure and convenient with plenty of well-maintained space available. The on-site, undercover parking comes at a reasonable rate, ensuring peace of mind for those who prioritize vehicle security. Complimentary and off-street parking options add to the convenience and guests appreciate the cleanliness and good security of the car park.
However, several guests have noted challenges. Some find the parking area tight, limited and confusing to navigate. Accessing rooms from the parking can sometimes be difficult and additional hidden fees for parking have been a common concern. Many feel that parking should be included in the booking price rather than an extra charge with the recurrent issue of paying for parking standing out as a negative aspect.
Overall, while the hotel provides a secure and well-kept parking area, potential guests should be aware of the additional costs and occasional frustrations related to space and access.
Family
Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga offers a welcoming retreat optimized for family stays. Confirmed guest reviews highlight spacious and clean rooms that comfortably accommodate families, even those with four members. The family rooms are particularly praised for their ample space, making it one of the best options in the area for family vacations. Many guests noted the hotel's family-friendly atmosphere and options, making it a great choice for family getaways and nice family breaks.
Additionally, the hotel's staff is described as exceptionally friendly and helpful, especially with small children. Guests mentioned that the staff's attentiveness and friendliness significantly contributed to a pleasant stay, keeping families happy throughout their visit. The presence of swimming towels and accommodating family-related requests further assure a comfortable experience.
However, some minor issues were noted, such as insufficient drinking water for families and a small pool that kids found less enjoyable. There was also an unfortunate incident where a young child got lost in the lift, indicating a need for extra caution in specific areas.
Overall, Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga stands out as an excellent choice for families seeking spacious accommodations and a supportive environment with the prospect of many families planning to return.
3 Star
The Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga is a three-star accommodation that manages to exceed expectations for its rating. Guests have noted that while the hotel has some limitations, such as no individual bedside lights, no rooms with heating systems and limited TV channels, it still offers a decent performance ratio. Despite being described as an average, basic hotel, it stands out for providing more than what might be expected from a three-star facility. While there are concerns about maintenance and the overall state of the property with some rooms having a terrible smell, many guests found most aspects of their stay satisfactory. However, the hotel could benefit from improvements in services and upkeep to enhance the overall guest experience.
Business
Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga is a commendable option for business travelers, offering a prime location that suits the needs of those in town for work. The hotel provides conference facilities and a business suite in the reception area, ensuring essential services for professional engagements. While the business centre is noted to be open and somewhat noisy due to its proximity to social areas, the hotel still serves adequately as a basic, no-frills choice for business stays. It's often chosen by travelers as a preferred stay for future work trips, suggesting a satisfactory experience despite the minimalist approach.
Yes, Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Rooftop Pool, Panoramic View Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga.
No, Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga.
Yes, Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga has a gym.