The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts
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Summary of reviewsThe Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts, nestled in Durban's central business district, offers an alluring blend of convenience and scenery with its proximity to key attractions like the Durban International Convention Centre and City Hall. The central location, offering breathtaking harbour and ocean views, is consistently praised by guests for its accessibility and picturesque charm.
Morning dining at the hotel stands out with extensive, delicious and well-regarded breakfast options, catering effectively to a variety of tastes. While there are occasional complaints about certain food items or the lack of variety, many guests still find the breakfast delightful and a highlight of their stay. Dinner options also receive high marks for well-prepared and tasty dishes, though there's room for improvement in variety and catering to special dietary needs.
Rooms at The Royal Hotel exhibit a vintage charm, are spacious and often provide stunning views. Feedback on cleanliness is generally positive with many finding the rooms and common areas neat and well-maintained. Nevertheless, inconsistencies in room conditions, including some issues with maintenance and essential amenities, suggest the need for more consistent upkeep.
The staff at The Royal Hotel are frequently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, known for their professionalism, friendliness and efficiency, enhancing the overall guest experience. The quality of service across various departments, from reception to housekeeping, contributes significantly to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The hotel's spa and rooftop pool are notable amenities. The spa, located on the top floor, garners enthusiastic praise for its ambience and excellent service, while the rooftop pool provides a tranquil, clean and relaxing environment, despite occasional operational hiccups.
Parking arrangements, however, are often cited as a significant area needing improvement. Guests face challenges with its complexity, lack of clear instructions and high costs, although security measures are appreciated.
For families, the hotel offers spacious and clean accommodations that make for a pleasant stay, though occasional booking inconsistencies and lack of in-room WiFi and TV can detract from the experience. The beds also receive mixed reviews with comfort varying significantly between rooms.
In summary, The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts is highly regarded for its prime location, excellent dining, friendly staff and enjoyable amenities, though improvements in room maintenance, parking and certain in-room facilities could further enhance the guest experience.
Categories
Morning dining at the hotel stands out with extensive, delicious and well-regarded breakfast options, catering effectively to a variety of tastes. While there are occasional complaints about certain food items or the lack of variety, many guests still find the breakfast delightful and a highlight of their stay. Dinner options also receive high marks for well-prepared and tasty dishes, though there's room for improvement in variety and catering to special dietary needs.
Rooms at The Royal Hotel exhibit a vintage charm, are spacious and often provide stunning views. Feedback on cleanliness is generally positive with many finding the rooms and common areas neat and well-maintained. Nevertheless, inconsistencies in room conditions, including some issues with maintenance and essential amenities, suggest the need for more consistent upkeep.
The staff at The Royal Hotel are frequently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, known for their professionalism, friendliness and efficiency, enhancing the overall guest experience. The quality of service across various departments, from reception to housekeeping, contributes significantly to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The hotel's spa and rooftop pool are notable amenities. The spa, located on the top floor, garners enthusiastic praise for its ambience and excellent service, while the rooftop pool provides a tranquil, clean and relaxing environment, despite occasional operational hiccups.
Parking arrangements, however, are often cited as a significant area needing improvement. Guests face challenges with its complexity, lack of clear instructions and high costs, although security measures are appreciated.
For families, the hotel offers spacious and clean accommodations that make for a pleasant stay, though occasional booking inconsistencies and lack of in-room WiFi and TV can detract from the experience. The beds also receive mixed reviews with comfort varying significantly between rooms.
In summary, The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts is highly regarded for its prime location, excellent dining, friendly staff and enjoyable amenities, though improvements in room maintenance, parking and certain in-room facilities could further enhance the guest experience.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in the heart of Durban, it provides convenient access to nearby golf courses and other attractions. Combines historical charm with modern amenities, making it a great base for a golf-focused trip.
Historic Hotel
Opened in 1845, this is the oldest hotel in Durban. It has a long and colorful history, having hosted royalty and served as a central establishment in the city's development.
Hotel for Honeymoon
The Royal Hotel offers beautiful suites with great views. It is a well-kept hotel with excellent service. The hotel provides a historic and elegant atmosphere.
Hotel with Spa
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts features a spa that offers a variety of treatments, providing guests with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a historic setting.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
The hotel has a swimming pool for guests to enjoy. It provides a relaxing environment for guests to unwind.
Rooftop Pool Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
The Royal Hotel features 9 function rooms, including the Prince Alfred suite which can be divided into 3 smaller venues. Its proximity to the Durban ICC makes it ideal for conference attendees. The hotel offers panoramic views of Durban.
Hotel with Parking
A historic and prominent hotel in downtown Durban, The Royal Hotel offers parking facilities to accommodate guests staying in the city center. The parking is a valuable amenity in this urban location.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel has a long history and a very nice location in Durban CBD, close to the beach. It offers professional and friendly staff with perfect services. The hotel offers spa services.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
The Royal Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, providing guests with a recreational option within the hotel premises.
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Rooftop Pool
Guest Reviews
Located in the heart of Durban's central business district, The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts boasts a prime spot that's both convenient and picturesque. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's proximity to key attractions such as the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), the City Hall and various shops and supermarkets, making it easy to access amenities and transportation. The central location also affords stunning views of the harbour and ocean, which many guests find unforgettable from their rooms. Despite some mentions of the beach being a bit farther away, the hotel's placement allows for easy navigation around the city, making it an ideal choice for those attending business functions or exploring local attractions. The accessibility and centrality of the venue received consistent applause, reflecting its worth for both convenience and scenic value.
The breakfast experience at The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts is generally well regarded by guests with many praising it as delicious, diverse and satisfying. Numerous reviews highlight the extensive variety available in the buffet, ensuring a filling meal that starts the day right. Guests often describe the breakfast as exceptional, top-notch and very tasty with several specifically commending the service and the friendliness of the staff.
The setting for breakfast also receives positive feedback, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. However, some guests have noted occasional issues such as the absence of eggs, food being served cold or a lack of variety, particularly for vegetarians. Despite these sporadic complaints, many visitors still find the breakfast offerings delightful and well-prepared with some going as far as calling it their favorite part of the stay.
A few noted the cost of breakfast as being on the higher side and there were remarks about the menu being repetitive over consecutive days. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment remains favorable with a significant number of guests highly recommending the breakfast at this hotel.
Visitors to The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts have predominantly praised the dining experience, particularly highlighting the excellence of the food. Dinner options consistently receive commendations for being delicious, mouth-watering and well-prepared. Many guests found the breakfast to be a delightful start to their day with terms like awesome and very tasty frequently appearing in reviews.
The room service, often described as quick and efficient, contributed positively to guests' overall dining experiences. The availability of a great selection at the buffet received approval with some guests specifically enjoying romantic dinner setups and well-liked menu items such as the lamb roti roll and hake and chips.
However, some critical points were noted regarding limited dinner choices during renovations and occasional comments on the food being tasteless or not as expected. A few guests were disappointed by the absence of vegetarian options, a perceived monotony in the night menu and unavailability of the Grill room.
Overall, while the majority of the feedback highlights the enjoyable and satisfying meals, there is a scope for improvement in variety and catering to specific dietary needs to enhance the dining experience further.
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts receives mixed feedback from its guests, primarily highlighting the spaciousness and cleanliness of its rooms. Guests appreciated the vintage charm and the spectacular views, especially those overlooking the harbor. The spacious and comfortable rooms provided a pleasant stay for many.
Despite the positive remarks, a recurring issue is the inconsistency in room conditions. Some rooms were noted to be extremely cold, while others suffered from poor maintenance, dusty carpets and unpleasant smells. Specific complaints included non-functioning air conditioning, broken windows, lack of essential amenities such as fridges or microwaves and occasional cleanliness lapses.
Room service received both praise for its efficiency and criticism for its sometimes tardy arrival. The hotel staff were generally described as helpful and friendly, contributing positively to the overall experience. The bathrooms, while sometimes clean, were occasionally reported to have maintenance issues such as leaking taps and bad smells.
In conclusion, The Royal Hotel offers spacious and potentially comfortable accommodations with notable vintage charm and beautiful views. However, the inconsistency in room upkeep and the absence of certain basic amenities might detract from the overall experience for some guests.
Reviews of the beds at The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts present a mixed picture. Many guests found the beds to be very comfortable with some describing them as comfortable enough to enjoy a break away from home and office. Positive remarks often highlighted clean bedding and the availability of extra blankets.
However, a significant number of reviews indicated issues with bed comfort and maintenance. Several guests mentioned being allocated two single beds instead of a requested double, finding the single beds combined to be uncomfortable and difficult to share. Some beds were criticized for being too firm, while others complained about feeling the springs, noise from the beds or general discomfort resulting in poor sleep quality. There were also concerns about cleanliness with reports of dust mites and stained bedding.
Overall, while some guests were pleased with the comfort of their beds, many others noted a need for improvement in both comfort and cleanliness.
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts has garnered mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness, but several positive aspects stand out. Guests frequently praised the spacious and clean rooms with many highlighting that the environment was clean and comfortable. The room service received commendations and the hotel facilities were maintained well, contributing to an overall neat atmosphere. Staff professionalism and friendliness were particularly noted, enhancing the positive guest experiences.
Although some reviewers did notice a few cleanliness issues, such as dirty curtains, occasional dust and stained carpets, the general consensus indicated that the hotel was kept clean. Many guests found their rooms spotless and the view impressive, while the common areas were described as neat. The apartment amenities were described as clean and well-maintained, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to cleanliness.
The breakfast received positive remarks for its quality and taste, which added to the pleasant experience of staying at the hotel. Additionally, the spa and pool facilities were well-received by guests seeking relaxation during their visit.
Despite some negative points, including issues with dated furniture and occasional maintenance lapses, the overall feedback suggests that The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts manages to maintain a clean and welcoming environment, making it a decent choice for travelers looking for comfort and good service in a centrally located establishment.
At The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts, guests have a lot to say about the staff, who consistently made a strong impression on their stay. Many highlighted the friendliness and professionalism exhibited by the entire team, particularly noting that reception staff were polite, helpful and efficient, ensuring a smooth check-in and warm welcome. Cleanliness seemed to be a top priority with numerous reviews praising the excellent job done by the cleaning staff.
The atmosphere radiates warmth and respect with staff members frequently described as pleasant, accommodating and always willing to assist. The service provided throughout the hotel, from the bar to the restaurant and even housekeeping, met high standards with the bar and restaurant staff being particularly notable for their attentiveness and friendly demeanor.
The management and overall attitude of the staff were also exceptional, contributing significantly to the positive experience of many guests. The general manager, as well as other key figures mentioned by name, were recognized for their helpfulness and dedication. Even the security team was praised for ensuring guests felt safe and welcome.
While a few criticisms pointed out occasional inefficiencies or unresponsiveness, the overwhelming consensus was that the staff played a crucial role in making guests feel valued and comfortable. Thus, the staff at The Royal Hotel appear to blend professionalism with a friendly touch, creating a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy their stay.
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts receives mixed reviews regarding its Wi-Fi service. While some guests appreciated the good Wi-Fi connection in certain areas, many visitors faced significant issues. Common complaints include the lack of Wi-Fi in rooms, poor connectivity, slow speeds and overall unreliable service. Some reviewers mentioned that the Wi-Fi worked well in public spaces like corridors but was almost non-existent or incredibly weak in their rooms. Efforts to connect were often fruitless with multiple guests noting that the advertised fast Wi-Fi was far from their actual experience. Suggestions for improvement included installing modems on each floor to enhance signal strength. Despite a few positive remarks about the Wi-Fi quality, the predominant sentiment highlights the need for significant upgrades to meet guest expectations for reliable internet access.
The spa at The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts is a highlight for guests, situated on the top floor and offering an exceptional view and ambience. The spa facilities and setup are described as amazing with guests particularly impressed by the beautiful and fresh bathroom environment. The staff at the spa receive high praise for their hard work and excellent service, enhancing the overall experience. Many guests have enjoyed the massages, describing them as wonderful, amazing and on point. Although there were occasional mentions of the spa being closed, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Visitors consistently recommend the top-floor spa, emphasizing that it is one of the standout features of the hotel.
The rooftop pool at The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts frequently receives high praise for being great and offering a good experience. Guests often highlight its cleanliness and the pleasant environment that makes it perfect for relaxation. The swimming pool area is noted for being clean and well-maintained, contributing to a nice and cool atmosphere. However, some reviews mention occasional issues like the pool being out of order, under construction or unexpectedly closed. A few guests found the water to be exceptionally cold or noted a lack of chairs in the pool area. Despite these inconsistencies, many found the pool to be an exceptional aspect of their stay, enjoying the tranquility it provided.
The parking situation at The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts is mixed with notable challenges and a few positives. Guests repeatedly mentioned the inconvenience and complexity of the parking system. Many found the process to be cumbersome with some describing it as a nightmare that required too much administrative effort. The lack of clear directives from reception and the need to pay for parking separately were common frustrations. Additionally, the parking area itself received criticism for being dark, dirty and lacking sufficient space, making it difficult to find a spot. Issues with ticketing and the high cost of parking were also pointed out frequently.
Despite these drawbacks, a few positive aspects emerged. Guests appreciated the fact that parking was available and many noted that it was safe and secure with 24-hour security present. However, the need to streamline the parking arrangements and address the costs was a recurring theme that guests felt required urgent attention. Overall, the parking experience left many guests feeling inconvenienced and dissatisfied, suggesting room for significant improvement.
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts proves to be a nice place for families seeking a comfortable stay. Families particularly appreciated the spacious and clean family rooms, noting that the hotel made their stay very enjoyable. Kids had fun and enjoyed the whole hotel experience, especially the breakfast which was consistently praised as exceptional. The friendly and attentive staff went the extra mile to ensure families felt welcome and well-cared for throughout their visit.
However, there were a few drawbacks for those traveling with children. Some families pointed out that their bookings were not as requested, such as missing a cot for a child or not having the right bed configurations. Additionally, the lack of WiFi and TV in the rooms was noted as a downside. Despite these issues, the positive aspects of spacious rooms, cleanliness and excellent service seemed to leave a generally favorable impression on visiting families.
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts is a solid choice for travelers seeking affordability and accessibility. The hotel maintains a three-star rating, which is consistent across several reviews and offers basic amenities suitable for guests looking for standard accommodations. The cleanliness of the rooms, food and bathrooms receive positive mentions and the friendly staff contribute to an above average experience.
The hotel is centrally located, making it convenient for guests to reach various points of interest easily. However, some aspects reflect its colonial era origins, which can be charming for those interested in historical elements but may fall short for others expecting modern facilities.
Despite an 8.8 rating on BC, some guests felt this did not align with their experience, pointing to issues such as the absence of WiFi in rooms and occasional outdated amenities, like the iron and air conditioning system. While the hotel offers excellent value for its three-star status, it is noted that it is not a four-star property. With its mix of historical charm and basic comforts, The Royal Hotel remains a noteworthy option for budget-conscious travelers.
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts offers a range of services and facilities catering to business travelers. The hotel is centrally located, making it convenient for those needing access to various city amenities and souvenir shops. It is recommended for its good value for money and ideal setup for business trips, featuring well-maintained business facilities including meeting and conference rooms.
While the hotel does have some drawbacks, such as rooms lacking plug points for chargers and occasional malfunctions with lifts and room lights, the reception is noted to be professional and breakfast is included, adding to the overall convenience. Business travelers find the hotel to be business-friendly despite mixed impressions about the suitability of the presentation rooms.
The potential for large gatherings is evident with facilities like the pool area on the 21st floor, which doubles as an event venue. However, certain aspects like the absence of air-conditioning and challenging printing services may not meet every guest's expectations. In summary, The Royal Hotel is a practical choice for business travelers seeking centrality and decent business facilities at an affordable rate.
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts features a well-regarded outdoor pool that guests frequently describe as lovely and nice. Many appreciate the cleanliness of the pool area, which is repeatedly highlighted in the reviews. However, it's worth noting that some guests have mentioned that the pool area was under renovation or that the pool door was closed during their stay, suggesting occasional accessibility issues. Overall, the outdoor pool is a valued amenity that enhances guests' experiences at the hotel when available.
The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts is steeped in rich history, making it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts. Renowned as the "grand old lady of Durban," this hotel exudes a sense of heritage and historical importance, evident in its authentic charm and classy style. Guests often highlight the hotel’s unique ability to retain the heritage and history of the area, making it a significant landmark for Durbanites. Although it showcases some signs of aging, such as dated carpets, its historical ambiance remains a key attraction. The Royal Hotel continues to offer a glimpse into its glorious past, preserving its historical essence while providing a clean environment and friendly service.
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Location
Breakfast
The setting for breakfast also receives positive feedback, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. However, some guests have noted occasional issues such as the absence of eggs, food being served cold or a lack of variety, particularly for vegetarians. Despite these sporadic complaints, many visitors still find the breakfast offerings delightful and well-prepared with some going as far as calling it their favorite part of the stay.
A few noted the cost of breakfast as being on the higher side and there were remarks about the menu being repetitive over consecutive days. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment remains favorable with a significant number of guests highly recommending the breakfast at this hotel.
Dinner
The room service, often described as quick and efficient, contributed positively to guests' overall dining experiences. The availability of a great selection at the buffet received approval with some guests specifically enjoying romantic dinner setups and well-liked menu items such as the lamb roti roll and hake and chips.
However, some critical points were noted regarding limited dinner choices during renovations and occasional comments on the food being tasteless or not as expected. A few guests were disappointed by the absence of vegetarian options, a perceived monotony in the night menu and unavailability of the Grill room.
Overall, while the majority of the feedback highlights the enjoyable and satisfying meals, there is a scope for improvement in variety and catering to specific dietary needs to enhance the dining experience further.
Rooms
Despite the positive remarks, a recurring issue is the inconsistency in room conditions. Some rooms were noted to be extremely cold, while others suffered from poor maintenance, dusty carpets and unpleasant smells. Specific complaints included non-functioning air conditioning, broken windows, lack of essential amenities such as fridges or microwaves and occasional cleanliness lapses.
Room service received both praise for its efficiency and criticism for its sometimes tardy arrival. The hotel staff were generally described as helpful and friendly, contributing positively to the overall experience. The bathrooms, while sometimes clean, were occasionally reported to have maintenance issues such as leaking taps and bad smells.
In conclusion, The Royal Hotel offers spacious and potentially comfortable accommodations with notable vintage charm and beautiful views. However, the inconsistency in room upkeep and the absence of certain basic amenities might detract from the overall experience for some guests.
Beds
However, a significant number of reviews indicated issues with bed comfort and maintenance. Several guests mentioned being allocated two single beds instead of a requested double, finding the single beds combined to be uncomfortable and difficult to share. Some beds were criticized for being too firm, while others complained about feeling the springs, noise from the beds or general discomfort resulting in poor sleep quality. There were also concerns about cleanliness with reports of dust mites and stained bedding.
Overall, while some guests were pleased with the comfort of their beds, many others noted a need for improvement in both comfort and cleanliness.
Cleanliness
Although some reviewers did notice a few cleanliness issues, such as dirty curtains, occasional dust and stained carpets, the general consensus indicated that the hotel was kept clean. Many guests found their rooms spotless and the view impressive, while the common areas were described as neat. The apartment amenities were described as clean and well-maintained, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to cleanliness.
The breakfast received positive remarks for its quality and taste, which added to the pleasant experience of staying at the hotel. Additionally, the spa and pool facilities were well-received by guests seeking relaxation during their visit.
Despite some negative points, including issues with dated furniture and occasional maintenance lapses, the overall feedback suggests that The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts manages to maintain a clean and welcoming environment, making it a decent choice for travelers looking for comfort and good service in a centrally located establishment.
Staff
The atmosphere radiates warmth and respect with staff members frequently described as pleasant, accommodating and always willing to assist. The service provided throughout the hotel, from the bar to the restaurant and even housekeeping, met high standards with the bar and restaurant staff being particularly notable for their attentiveness and friendly demeanor.
The management and overall attitude of the staff were also exceptional, contributing significantly to the positive experience of many guests. The general manager, as well as other key figures mentioned by name, were recognized for their helpfulness and dedication. Even the security team was praised for ensuring guests felt safe and welcome.
While a few criticisms pointed out occasional inefficiencies or unresponsiveness, the overwhelming consensus was that the staff played a crucial role in making guests feel valued and comfortable. Thus, the staff at The Royal Hotel appear to blend professionalism with a friendly touch, creating a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy their stay.
Wi-Fi
Spa
Pool
Parking
Despite these drawbacks, a few positive aspects emerged. Guests appreciated the fact that parking was available and many noted that it was safe and secure with 24-hour security present. However, the need to streamline the parking arrangements and address the costs was a recurring theme that guests felt required urgent attention. Overall, the parking experience left many guests feeling inconvenienced and dissatisfied, suggesting room for significant improvement.
Family
However, there were a few drawbacks for those traveling with children. Some families pointed out that their bookings were not as requested, such as missing a cot for a child or not having the right bed configurations. Additionally, the lack of WiFi and TV in the rooms was noted as a downside. Despite these issues, the positive aspects of spacious rooms, cleanliness and excellent service seemed to leave a generally favorable impression on visiting families.
3 Star
The hotel is centrally located, making it convenient for guests to reach various points of interest easily. However, some aspects reflect its colonial era origins, which can be charming for those interested in historical elements but may fall short for others expecting modern facilities.
Despite an 8.8 rating on BC, some guests felt this did not align with their experience, pointing to issues such as the absence of WiFi in rooms and occasional outdated amenities, like the iron and air conditioning system. While the hotel offers excellent value for its three-star status, it is noted that it is not a four-star property. With its mix of historical charm and basic comforts, The Royal Hotel remains a noteworthy option for budget-conscious travelers.
Business
While the hotel does have some drawbacks, such as rooms lacking plug points for chargers and occasional malfunctions with lifts and room lights, the reception is noted to be professional and breakfast is included, adding to the overall convenience. Business travelers find the hotel to be business-friendly despite mixed impressions about the suitability of the presentation rooms.
The potential for large gatherings is evident with facilities like the pool area on the 21st floor, which doubles as an event venue. However, certain aspects like the absence of air-conditioning and challenging printing services may not meet every guest's expectations. In summary, The Royal Hotel is a practical choice for business travelers seeking centrality and decent business facilities at an affordable rate.
Outdoor Pool
Historic
Yes, The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Rooftop Pool, Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts.
No, The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts.
No, The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts doesn't have a gym.
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