Durban-29.72815100,
31.07151900,
2 Ncondo Place, Corner Ntusi Road(Show on Map)
8.4
Very Good
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Summary of reviewsThe Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, is widely celebrated for its prime location, nestled near the beach and major malls like Gateway Shopping Centre and Oceans Mall. The hotel offers easy access to key attractions, highways and the serene environment of Umhlanga, making it a perfect retreat for both leisure and business travelers. Guests are particularly impressed with the stunning sea views and the high level of cleanliness maintained throughout the property.
The breakfast experience generally garners positive remarks with guests appreciating the variety and quality of food, despite calls for more diverse options and dietary accommodations. The in-house restaurant, The Butcher Block, is lauded for its delicious offerings, though some guests noted the lack of dinner and room service options as a drawback.
Rooms are praised for their cleanliness and comfort, featuring modern layouts and comfortable beds, although some reviews point out issues like outdated furniture and small room sizes. Interlinked family rooms and spectacular sea views are a hit with guests, yet there are suggestions for room upgrades and the addition of more convenient amenities.
Staff at the hotel stand out for their exceptional service with many guests emphasizing their friendliness, professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile. Specific staff members are frequently commended for their outstanding service, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay experience.
The hotel provides free WiFi, which is generally reliable and fast though some guests experience occasional connectivity issues. The gym and pool receive mixed reviews with the pool being appreciated for its cleanliness and refreshing environment despite critiques on maintenance, size and operational hours. Parking is noted for its safety and convenience, although the additional costs and limited spaces are areas of concern.
Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga is seen as a family-friendly hotel, offering a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Families enjoy the various amenities, although the small size of family rooms and the lack of certain conveniences like microwaves are common points of critique.
In summary, the Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, provides a comfortable and convenient stay with its prime location, clean and modern facilities and exceptional staff service. Some areas like room size, dietary options and additional amenities could benefit from improvements to enhance the overall guest experience further. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in Umhlanga, it provides a budget-friendly option with reliable service. It is suitable for golfers looking for affordable accommodations near golf courses.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel is aligned with IHG's 'Journey to Tomorrow' responsible business endeavor, focusing on carbon and energy conservation, waste reduction, and water conservation. It has eliminated plastic straws and introduced bulk amenities to significantly reduce single-use bathroom miniatures. The property has a reported sustainability level of 70-80 percent based on water, waste, and energy metrics.
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
This hotel is situated in Umhlanga, providing easy access to Durban's nightlife options.
Business Hotel
Offers modern accommodations and essential business facilities. Its location in Umhlanga provides convenient access to corporate offices and commercial centers.
Hotel with Parking
This international brand hotel in Umhlanga provides parking as a core amenity for its guests. The parking facilities are designed to be convenient and accessible for those staying at the hotel.
Hotel with Gym
Holiday Inn Express Durban-Umhlanga is perfectly positioned on the vibrant Umhlanga Ridge, offering the ideal base for both business and leisure travellers. It has fitness facilities in Umhlanga.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel stands out for its outstanding service and guest satisfaction. It offers a bar and a pool. The staff is noted for being very nice and understanding, and the maintenance staff promptly addresses any issues.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga features an outdoor pool. Guests can soak up the sun by the outdoor pool. The hotel also offers a fitness center.
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Panoramic View Pool Outdoor Pool
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Panoramic View Pool
Room Types
Standard Twin RoomThis air-conditioned room features a oceanic-themed decor and offers sea, pool or Durban cityscape views. It also comes with a safety deposit box, a seating area, and a work desk.
Standard Double Room with Sofa BedThis air-conditioned room comes with a safety deposit box, a seating area, and a work desk.
Standard RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Double Room with Sofa Bed - SmokingOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Double Room with Sea View - Non-SmokingProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Double Room with Sea View - SmokingOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Twin Room - SmokingOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Twin Room with Sea View - Non-SmokingFeaturing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned twin room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Twin Room with Sea View - SmokingOffering free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned twin room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Twin Room - Disability AccessThe double room offers air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box, as well as heating. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Twin Room with Balcony and Ocean ViewThis air-conditioned twin room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Superior Twin Room - SmokingThis air-conditioned twin room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Double Room with Balcony and Ocean ViewThis air-conditioned double room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Twin Room with Balcony and Ocean View - SmokingThis air-conditioned twin room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Twin Room with Balcony - SmokingThis air-conditioned twin room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
Nestled in a prime spot, the Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, boasts an undeniable advantage with its location. Guests repeatedly extol its perfect positioning, close to both the beach and major malls like Gateway Shopping Centre and Oceans Mall. The hotel's proximity to key attractions, such as Umhlanga Rocks, the main beach and various restaurants and shops, makes it an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers.
The peaceful and centrally-located property offers breathtaking sea views, enhancing the overall stay experience. Many reviews highlight the convenience of easy access to the highway and nearby points of interest, making it simple to explore the surrounding area. The quiet and safe environment of Umhlanga adds to the appeal, ensuring a tranquil retreat after a day of activities.
In addition to the great location, the hotel is praised for its cleanliness and friendly staff, contributing to a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Whether for a business trip or a relaxing getaway, the strategic placement and serene ambiance of this hotel truly make it a standout choice for visitors to the area.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, generally receives positive remarks from guests. Many reviews highlight the delicious, fantastic and superb quality of the breakfast, emphasizing its fresh and tasty options. Guests often appreciate the excellent service and friendly staff, which contributes to a pleasant dining experience.
Additionally, the breakfast buffet garners praise for providing a decent variety of well-prepared items, including hash browns, muffins and croissants. Despite some mentions of limited options, the overall selection is deemed sufficient and satisfying to a wide range of tastes, often surpassing guests' expectations.
However, some reviews indicate areas for improvement, particularly regarding the variety of hot foods, the freshness of certain items and the inclusion of vegetarian options. A notable number of guests expressed a desire for more variety, suggesting additions like pancakes, omelets and better options for those who do not consume pork or beef.
In summary, while the breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga is generally well-received for its taste and service, a few enhancements in variety and specific dietary accommodations could further improve the overall guest experience.
Dinner
The Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, offers a mixed experience when it comes to dinner options. The in-house restaurant, The Butcher Block, receives high praise for its varied menu and delicious dishes, particularly the fillet steak, making it a standout dining venue. Many guests found the food to be very nice and top-notch with some describing their supper as exceptional.
However, the hotel does have some significant drawbacks in its food service. There are mentions of no dinner or lunch options available on-site and a lack of room service can be a discomfort for guests. Limited dinner choices have also been a point of contention, alongside a need to cater better to vegetarians and provide a broader selection, including fish dishes and specific vegetables like mushrooms and onions.
Service timing issues, such as the bar's inconsistent hours, also appear to detract from the dining experience. Despite these drawbacks, when dinner is available, it tends to meet or exceed the expectations of many guests. Overall, while the quality of the food at The Butcher Block stands out, there is significant room for improvement in expanding and streamlining the hotel's dinner service.
Rooms
The rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, are frequently praised for their cleanliness and comfort with many guests noting the spaciousness and well-maintained nature of the accommodations. Many reviews highlight the modern layout, comfort of the beds and availability of basic amenities like fresh linen and towels. However, guest experiences vary; some report issues such as outdated furniture, small rooms, lack of storage space and minor maintenance problems like faulty air conditioning or inconvenient room setups.
Families find the interlinked rooms and separate kids' rooms appealing, although there are mentions that family rooms could be more spacious. The sea views from certain rooms are particularly commendable, adding a special touch to the stay. Nevertheless, there are consistent remarks about the need for room upgrades, as some rooms are described as old, cramped or lacking essential items like microwaves, wardrobes and bottled water.
Overall, while the rooms are clean and comfortable with generally positive reviews, there are areas for improvement, particularly in room size, modern conveniences and maintenance. The hotel offers a good balance of comfort and cleanliness but could benefit from certain updates to enhance the guest experience further.
Beds
The beds at the Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, receive mixed feedback from guests. Many reviewers praise the beds for being comfortable and well-maintained with some appreciating the choice of firm or soft pillows. Several guests describe the beds as neat, tidy and supportive, which contributes to a good night's sleep. However, there are consistent mentions of beds being too small or not very firm, which some guests found uncomfortable. Issues with older mattresses and pillows, as well as beds that move or make noise, are noted. A number of guests suggest that replacing or upgrading the bedding would greatly improve the comfort level. Additionally, some express dissatisfaction with the size of double beds, citing them as too small for two people. The provision of extra blankets is appreciated, although specific problems such as insufficient pillows and old or soiled bedding have been raised. Overall, while many guests find the beds adequate and comfortable, there is room for improvement in the hotel’s bedding quality and consistency.
Cleanliness
The 'Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG' has garnered extensive positive feedback regarding its cleanliness. Guests have frequently commented on the hotel being very clean and well-maintained. The rooms and bathrooms are consistently described as clean, tidy and comfortable with daily cleaning ensuring high standards of hygiene.
The overall property, including common areas and facilities, receives praise for being neat and well-kept. Visitors appreciate the attention to cleanliness across various touchpoints, including room linens, bathrooms and public spaces. The hotel's cleanliness is often highlighted alongside positive remarks about its modern and comfortable ambiance.
There are, however, a few recurring concerns. Some guests noted that the carpets could use a deep clean due to staining and odors. Additionally, there were sporadic mentions of housekeeping not refilling toiletries and certain areas, such as the pool and deck, requiring more diligent cleaning. Some visitors also pointed out maintenance issues like unclean toilet bowls and inadequately cleaned couches.
Despite these minor issues, the overall impression remains very positive, bolstered by the hotel's clean environment and committed housekeeping staff. The friendly and capable staff further enhance the guest experience, offering a tidy and hygienic stay.
Staff
Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, is highly praised for its exceptional staff. Guests consistently highlight the warm and welcoming nature of the team, noting their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. The reception staff stand out for their courteous and efficient service, often going above and beyond to ensure a smooth check-in and comfortable stay. Security personnel are also commended for their friendly and helpful demeanor, ensuring guests feel safe and well taken care of.
Housekeeping and breakfast staff receive applause for their attentiveness and cheerful attitude, contributing significantly to the hotel's pleasant atmosphere. Specific staff members, like Lunga Cele, Brandon and Trisha, are frequently mentioned for their extraordinary service and dedication. The overall guest experience is enhanced by the staff's unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, evident in their readiness to assist, cheerful smiles and proactive approach to guest needs. This consistent kindness and professionalism significantly enhance the hotel's already strong appeal, making it a standout choice for visitors to Durban's Umhlanga region.
Wi-Fi
'Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG', offers a mixed experience regarding WiFi. The availability of WiFi is widespread throughout the hotel and it is free of charge. Many guests have noted the WiFi as excellent, stable and reliable with some even highlighting its high speed. Excellent connectivity is a recurring positive observation among visitors, making staying connected an easy task for many guests.
However, experiences with the WiFi signal are inconsistent. Some guests reported weak, poor and intermittent connections. There are occasional issues with the WiFi dropping or failing to connect entirely and at night, no WiFi connection is a source of frustration for some. Despite these issues, the general sentiment points toward good functionality, especially in public areas, where service seems to maintain a higher consistency.
In summary, the WiFi at the hotel ranges from exceptional to spotty, but the free and unlimited nature of the service, coupled with high speeds in functional areas, provides a generally acceptable experience for most visitors.
Gym
The gym at Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG has received varied feedback from guests. Some visitors highlight the presence of a gym at the facility and a few note that it, along with the swimming pool, is amazing. However, there are critical comments regarding its size with mentions of it being very small and lacking fresh air. Additionally, a recurring issue is that the gym was out of order during some guests' stays, leading to mixed experiences.
Pool
The pool at Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, receives mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many guests found the pool to be clean, well-maintained and enjoyable, providing a refreshing spot to relax. Families particularly appreciated the pool for its beauty and cleanliness and some visitors even had mini picnics by the poolside, appreciating the relaxing atmosphere.
However, there were several criticisms. A common complaint was the early closing time of the pool, which many felt was too restrictive. The pool area also faced issues with maintenance and cleanliness with remarks about it being under-maintained at times and having cleanliness problems, including dirty toilets in the pool area. Noise from the pool area was another disturbance for some guests. Additionally, the pool’s water was remarked to be cold and it lacked heating, which made night swims less appealing. The size of the pool was also mentioned as being too small to comfortably accommodate all guests and some noted issues with unsteady pool chairs and occasional drunk customers causing disruptions.
Overall, while the pool offers a pleasant and refreshing amenity for guests, there are some operational and maintenance issues that the hotel could address to improve the overall experience.
Parking
Guests have frequently highlighted both the positive and negative aspects of the parking situation at Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga. There is general satisfaction with the safety and security of the parking lot with many guests feeling assured about the protection of their vehicles. The parking facilities are often described as adequate and convenient with plentiful options available.
However, multiple reviews mention the additional charge for parking, which was a surprise to some guests, especially when only communicated during check-out. The cost, although sometimes considered affordable, is seen as an unexpected extra by many and some guests felt that parking should be included in the stay. There are also remarks about limited parking spaces with some visitors experiencing inconvenience due to the scarcity.
Overall, parking at this hotel is deemed secure and adequate by most guests, but the additional costs and limited availability are notable points of concern.
Family
Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, presents a mixed bag for families. The reviews highlight a safe and inviting environment which is perfect for family stays. Many guests appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere and enjoyed the various facilities provided with children particularly loving the pool and breakfast times. The supportive and courteous staff received commendation for their family-oriented service, making the stay feel welcoming and enjoyable.
Families found the overall accommodation comfortable and clean, specifically mentioning the family rooms as neat, though there were some recurring critiques. The size of the family rooms was a common issue with many finding them too small to comfortably accommodate multiple family members, especially when traveling with teenagers and young children. Some guests noted the absence of a microwave, which can be inconvenient and recommended improvements like adding an activity room for kids to enhance the family experience.
Despite these concerns, guests frequently mentioned having a good time with their families, affirming that the hotel is generally good for family activities and relaxation. Overall, the Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga stands out as a family-friendly option with room for improvement in accommodation size and additional amenities for children.
3 Star
Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, is a well-managed, affordable facility known for providing a positive experience at an attractive price. This three-star hotel offers good value for money, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers. While the hotel is not a five-star establishment, its customer service occasionally exceeds expectations, rivaling that of more luxurious accommodations.
The hotel’s amenities and facilities are consistent with its three-star rating, including a basic gym and straightforward breakfast options. However, some guests have noted that certain aspects of the hotel, such as small TVs, outdated furniture and air conditioning issues, indicate a need for major renovations.
Despite some shortcomings, the hotel's simple yet clean accommodations are deemed acceptable based on its three-star rating. Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga serves as a practical choice for those seeking affordable lodging with decent amenities and excellent service.
Business
Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG, stands out as an excellent choice for business travelers. The hotel offers good value for money with a strong scope for various business activities. One of the key highlights is the backup generator which ensures guests are unaffected by load shedding, maintaining productivity without disruptions.
The ease of connecting to Wi-Fi and efficient check-in process contribute to the overall superb service. The facility provides essential business amenities including a business center and a plugin service, making it a convenient stop for meetings or a business trip. While the hotel may lack some amenities for extended family holidays, it is well-suited for short business stays and single-night accommodations.
However, there's room for improvement concerning preparedness for power and water cuts, suggesting the need for water tanks and booster pumps to handle such situations better. Despite this, the overall experience makes it a favorable choice for those traveling for business purposes.
Accessible
The Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga offers accessible amenities, making it a convenient choice for guests with disabilities. Visitors appreciated the ease of access to the hotel and found the staff to be particularly available and helpful. The hotel efficiently arranged taxis, further simplifying transportation needs. However, while general access accommodations were noted, some guests found rooms to be less wheelchair-friendly, indicating potential challenges for those requiring specific mobility access features. Despite these concerns, the overall accessibility and commitment of the staff were highlighted positively.
Outdoor Pool
Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga boasts a sizeable and appealing outdoor pool that many guests, especially children, have thoroughly enjoyed. The pool area is not only beautiful and private but also secured, providing a safe environment for kids to swim. Despite these positives, the pool's early closing time at 5 pm has been a point of contention for several guests, limiting evening enjoyment. Additionally, the pool does not feature heating, which can be inconvenient during rainy or cold weather. While some found the cleanliness of the pool area satisfactory, there were instances where it was deemed disappointing. Moreover, the pool area was noted to be small and at times, the pool was out of order, affecting guests' experiences. Overall, the outdoor pool remains a key attraction, though some aspects may need attention to enhance guest satisfaction.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Panoramic View Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express Durban - Umhlanga by IHG has a gym.