Durban-29.72798300,
31.08704400,
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks(Show on Map)
9.4
Excellent
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The Oyster Box is situated on the prestigious waterfront of Umhlanga, overlooking the famous lighthouse and offering spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. Apart from elegant accommodation, guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool which is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, an award-winning spa centre, as well as delicious dining options with breathtaking sea views from above.
Summary of reviewsThe Oyster Box is a luxurious Edwardian-style hotel located on Umlangha Rocks with a spectacular ocean view. The hotel's proximity to the beach makes it an ideal location for those looking to enjoy the sea. The breakfast experience is a must-try with fantastic, amazing and scrumptious food. The exceptional restaurants offer excellent food with standout dishes and good portion sizes. The hotel offers a range of rooms with different views and decor with sea-facing rooms offering breathtaking views of the Indian ocean. The hotel is renowned for its exceptional service with friendly and thoughtful staff being its biggest assets. The stunning pool area overlooks the Indian Ocean and boasts beautiful views. The hotel boasts an incredible location right by the beach, offering easy access and beautiful views of the sea. The hotel welcomes families with open arms and even provides a special kids program. The Oyster Box is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Africa, offering exceptional facilities and services. The hotel is a top-class hotel that provides life-changing experiences in the beautiful La Belle Époque style. The Oyster Box is a beautiful, glamorous, elegant and effluent resort that offers proper 5-star service. Show more
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Categories
Luxury Hotel
An iconic and celebrated hotel renowned for its understated luxury and gracious hospitality. It offers individually decorated rooms, suites, and villas, an award-winning spa, and a selection of restaurants and bars. Located on the Umhlanga beachfront, it provides remarkable coastal views.
Hotel near The Beach
This hotel is a luxurious option known for its superior amenities and high-class services. It offers a memorable beachfront experience.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel is committed to sustainability by phasing out single-use plastics, offering incentives for beach clean-ups, and donating to Rhinos Without Borders for returned key cards. It utilizes heat recovery from air-conditioning for pools, solar heating for the spa, and recycles greywater for toilets. The property also harvests rainwater for gardens, employs energy-efficient lighting, and uses a building management system for optimal energy control. It is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, which aims for net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and has won awards for sustainable business practices.
Hotel for Honeymoon
The Oyster Box is a luxurious beachfront hotel with stunning ocean views. It offers a Presidential Suite perfect for honeymoons, complete with a personal butler, Moët & Chandon on arrival, and a terrace with a plunge pool. The hotel features award-winning dining institutions, a spa with couples options, and a tranquil lounge overlooking subtropical gardens.
Hotel with Spa
The Oyster Box offers a luxurious spa experience with ocean views, a traditional hammam, crystal-infused oil massages, and all-natural Tata Harper treatments. It features Elemis spa-therapies designed to work in natural synergy with the skin, body, and mind.
Family Friendly Hotel
The Oyster Box offers a luxurious family experience with stunning ocean views and direct beach access. It features multiple pools, including a kids' pool, a dedicated kids' club, and family-friendly dining options. The hotel provides babysitting services, ensuring parents can relax while children are entertained.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel is a top-tier choice for dog owners, offering luxurious accommodations and personalized services. It welcomes dogs and provides amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for both pets and their owners.
Dog Sitting
Do you accept dogs in all rooms? No, some rooms only: Superior Garden villas
Is there an extra charge? Yes, R 60 per night
Should the dog owner notify you before checking in? Yes, During the booking process
What is the maximum number of dogs per room? Up to 2 dogs are allowed in each room.
Is there a maximum weight of dogs accepted? No
Do you provide any specials, treats and toys (check all that apply)?
A place to sleep
Blankets
Towels
Sitters
Special food
Are there any leash-free play areas? No
Should the dog be kenneled at all times in the room? No
Should the dog be kenneled/kept in a pet carrier at all times in public areas? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in the room? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in public areas? Yes
Are the dogs allowed on the furniture? No
Are the dogs allowed on beds? No
Is there a refundable deposit to guard against damages? Yes, R 60
Do you offer any dog related services?
Sitting: R 11 /hour
Do you provide any of these?
Food and water bowls
Except for dogs, do you also accept other pets? Yes
Do you have a written and comprehensive pet policy available on request? Yes
Nestled on the Umhlanga beachfront, this luxury hotel offers stunning ocean views, an award-winning spa, and multiple dining options, perfect for a romantic escape. The attention to detail and exceptional service create an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This hotel boasts a stunning pool area overlooking the Indian Ocean. The pool is heated, providing a comfortable swimming experience regardless of the temperature, and guests can enjoy the poolside service from the Ocean Terrace restaurant.
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
This five-star hotel offers five purpose-built meeting rooms with flexible layouts to suit various business needs. It combines extensive facilities and professional service with a remarkable coastal location, making it ideal for corporate gatherings.
Accessible Hotel
The Oyster Box is committed to accessibility, offering accessible rooms with 32 inches of clear width on entry to both the room and bathroom. It features an accessible airport shuttle, elevators, grab bars near toilets, handrails in hallways and stairways, low-height counters and sinks, and raised toilet seats. A 'Paraplegic Cabana' is also available.
Hotel with Gym
The modern fitness centre in the Spa complex is open 24-hours a day and is fully equipped with various cardio and strength equipment, including a power plate and pilates balls.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
The Oyster Box provides an electric vehicle charging station on-site. Additionally, the hotel offers valet parking, adding a layer of convenience for guests utilizing the charging facility.
5-Star Hotel
Located on the Umhlanga beachfront, The Oyster Box offers luxurious rooms with rich fabrics and furnishings, providing spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. It features multiple dining options, a spa, and direct beach access, making it ideal for a high-end, relaxing getaway.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
The Oyster Box is a luxury five-star hotel known for its two outdoor pools with views of the Indian Ocean. Selected suites and villas at the hotel also offer private plunge pools. The swimming pools are heated using excess heat from the hotel's air-conditioning system.
Hotel with Dog Sitting Service
Room Types
Classic Room with Garden ViewOffering quiet views across the hotel's landscaped gardens.
Luxury Room with Sea ViewThese Luxury Sea Facing Rooms feature a balcony with views of Umhlanga’s lighthouse and coastline. All rooms include a bathroom with double vanity and a spacious separate shower.
Classic Room with Sea ViewThese Classic Sea Facing Rooms have a balcony with views of Umhlanga's lighthouse and the coastline.
Superior Garden VillaThese garden villa features a private plunge pool, terrace and a seating area with a bar. The luxurious bathroom is fitted with a bath and a shower, and comes with complimentary amenities.
The Superior Garden Villas are also pet friendly. Kindly enquire with the hotel for further details.
Sea Facing CabanaThese well appointed Cabanas are situated on the lower ground level with individual terraces and views of the water’s edge. They feature a luxurious king size four-poster bed..
Family Room with Sea ViewThese Family Rooms come with a master bedroom and an additional 2nd bedroom with bunk beds, suitable for children under 12 years of age.
Sea Facing Luxury Suite These individually decorated Sea Facing Suites enjoy magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. They offer a luxurious bedroom with a stylishly decorated and separate lounge area.
Deluxe Suite with Sea ViewLocated on the lower ground level with private plunge pools and terraces, the Deluxe Suites provide guests with luxurious bedrooms and separate lounge areas.
Garden-Facing Loft RoomThis loft room has a DVD player, bathrobe and CD player.
SuiteThis spacious suite includes 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a bath and free toiletries. The air-conditioned suite offers a TV with streaming services, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Double RoomProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned triple room provides a TV with streaming services, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
9.4
Excellent
Location
The Oyster Box is a beautiful Edwardian-style hotel located on Umlangha Rocks with a spectacular ocean view. The location is perfect, set up elegantly with old-world style and amazing pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests will enjoy stunning ocean views, an unbeatable 2.5 kilometer promenade, shopping, dining, coffee bars, yoga, fitness and fantastic spa facilities. The hotel's proximity to the beach makes it an ideal location for those looking to enjoy the sea. The view of the hotel is very beautiful and reminded several guests of the movies from the olden days. The hotel staff is very friendly and provides professional treatment to guests. The Oyster Box's location is truly outstanding and it offers guests excellent service along with breathtaking views of the sea.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Oyster Box is a must-try for any traveler visiting the hotel. According to guest reviews, it's one of the best breakfasts they have ever had with fantastic, amazing and scrumptious food. The variety and quality of food at the VAST and exceptional buffet breakfast will blow your mind and there is so much choice that you will be spoilt for choice. What's more, the breakfast includes sparkling wine and oysters, adding a touch of luxury to your morning meal. The Terrace Restaurant overlooking the ocean provides the perfect setting to enjoy the exceptional breakfast with the biggest variety of excellent foods. The breakfast service may be slow, but the staff is very pleasant and helpful, ensuring an enjoyable experience. Whether it's a delicious buffet breakfast or excellent cuisine, The Oyster Box breakfast won't disappoint, making it a highlight of any stay at the hotel.
Dinner
The Oyster Box has exceptional restaurants that offer excellent food, according to confirmed guest reviews. While some guests found that the food varied too much in quality or that certain dishes, like the prawn curry, were tasteless, these criticisms were outweighed by the many positive reviews of the dinner service and the lovely food. Additionally, the portion sizes were described as quiet big and while some guests felt that the grill room food was not top notch for the price, the majority of reviews raved about the amazing dinner. Overall, it seems that guests can expect a great dining experience at The Oyster Box with standout dishes and good portion sizes.
Rooms
The Oyster Box hotel offers a range of rooms with different views and decor. Guests have described the rooms as wonderful, stunning, exquisite, comfortable and unreal. Sea-facing rooms offer breathtaking views of the Indian ocean, while other rooms face the gardens. Some guests have mentioned that the rooms are small, but others have appreciated the attention to detail and modern conveniences that come with an old-world feel. The decor has been described as beautiful but a bit outdated and some bathrooms are tired and do not represent the 5-star price. However, the staff's friendliness and readiness to assist were exceptional and some guests received a complimentary upgrade to their rooms. The overall ambiance was just perfect with superb rooms and amenities.
Cleanliness
As you prepare for your next vacation destination, consider adding 'The Oyster Box' in your list. Guests who have stayed in this elegant hotel have been thrilled with the level of cleanliness of the facilities. Although a few mentioned the property looking a bit worn, the overall cleanliness of the hotel outweighs any minor flaws. The rooms, although with a few ants and small cockroaches, were cleaned adequately. The corridors, while apparently wet, did not dampen the pristine condition of the rest of the hotel. Guests praised the staff's cleanliness standards and were pleased with the state of the plunge pool albeit the fact that it could have been cleaned more often. Moreover, the reviews often positively described the hotel as 'very clean,' with an excellent acceuil and many guests struggling to find any fault with the level and standard of cleanliness. Even guests who felt that the cleaning of the room was not up to standard appreciated the efforts of the attentive staff. Therefore with the cleanliness of the hotel being one of the most sought-after features of any vacation destination, 'The Oyster Box' provides an excellent option for anyone looking for a pristine and well-maintained hotel.
Staff
The Oyster Box is renowned for its exceptional service with many guests raving about the hotel staff. From the moment you arrive, you will be met with helpful and friendly service. Guests find the staff to be consistent in their excellent standard of service with attention to detail being outstanding. The high level of service is impressive and staff professionalism and friendliness make for a welcoming and pleasant stay. The hotel is praised for its old world charm and the welcoming nature of every single employee, making for a truly comfortable and luxurious experience. The staff is well-trained and super attentive, going above and beyond to make guests feel special. Overall, the hotel's friendly and thoughtful staff are its biggest assets, making it a top choice for those in search of world-class service.
Pool
The Oyster Box is a fantastic hotel, offering luxury and comfort at its finest. Guests have raved about the stunning pool area, which overlooks the Indian Ocean and boasts beautiful views. The pool itself is heated, perfect for swimming no matter the temperature. Comfy loungers line the poolside area and guests have access to a plunge pool as well. Service am Pool is exceptional with waiters at the Ocean Terrace restaurant and pool being described as amazing. The spa is also fantastic and the food is nothing short of delicious. Some guests did note that the drinks can be expensive, but the level of exclusivity is reflected in the price of the establishments. The only downside was some tables at the Lighthouse Bar being booked but not used during busy periods. Overall, the pool, the spa, the food and the room surprising exceeded guest expectations at The Oyster Box.
Beach
The Oyster Box hotel boasts an incredible location right by the beach, offering easy access and beautiful views of the sea. Guests rave about the hotel's Lage, Lage, Lage in the front row facing the ocean with a lovely and secured entrance to the beach. The hotel is situated along Durban's most friendly coastline and the view of the hotel itself is described as "exceptional" and "very beautiful". While the beach was unfortunately closed during one guest's stay due to ecoli, this was not the fault of the hotel. Most guests were enamored with the beautiful beach and the fantastic outlook from their rooms onto the ocean. The hotel's location and proximity to the sea make it a popular choice for travelers seeking a beachfront paradise.
Family
Travelling with kids can be a real challenge but not at The Oyster Box hotel. They welcome families with open arms and even provide a special kids program with a delightful supervisor. Children have access to great playrooms where they can enjoy a variety of activities, including playing Playstation. You'll feel like a family member when you stay here. The hotel staff are always friendly and go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable stay. They even make your children feel special by giving them small gifts on their birthday. However, some reviewers noted that family rooms are a bit small, but you'll forget all about that with such excellent facilities available and a fantastic kids club. Overall, The Oyster Box is the perfect destination for families looking for an unforgettable experience.
5 Star
The Oyster Box is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Africa, offering exceptional facilities and services. The attentive staff provides superb and five-star professional treatment, making guests feel like they're in paradise. The hotel features iconic beachfront location, luxury and warm hospitality, guests highly recommend and wish they could have stayed for longer. Its exceptional restaurants offer top-notch cuisine, while the complimentary upgrade gives guests comfort, satisfaction and a memorable experience. Although some guests criticize the same-old tired bathrooms, The Oyster Box still delivers exceptional services and many people consider it the best or their favorite hotel ever. The hotel is without a doubt, a magnificent stay that provides life-changing experiences in the beautiful La Belle Époque style. With that said, The Oyster Box is a top-class hotel, although some customers viewed it as a 4-star hotel but remains an exceptional hotel and the biggest gem of KZN.
Luxury
If you're looking for pure luxury in a hotel, look no further than The Oyster Box. According to guests, this hotel is one of the best they've ever stayed in with an amazing experience that far exceeded their expectations. From the beautiful old-world feel of the property to the expertly maintained modern conveniences, every inch of The Oyster Box feels like indulgent luxury. The staff are outstanding, offering high-class service with attention to every detail. While it is expensive, the location, rooms and food are all exceptional. But the true beauty of The Oyster Box is in the way that luxury meets warmth - the staff understand the true meaning of luxury hospitality and go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. For many guests, this is their favorite hotel in the world - a beautiful, glamorous, elegant and effluent resort that offers proper 5-star service.
Yes, The Oyster Box has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at The Oyster Box.
Yes, The Oyster Box welcomes dogs. For more information, read the answers to the Dog Friendly questionnaire
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Oyster Box.