Bayside Hotel 116 West Street

The hotel is widely regarded as a surprisingly high-quality option within its urban setting, with many guests highlighting its exceptional cleanliness and the friendly, welcoming staff as signature features that make for a memorable stay. It offers great value for money and is well-suited for a variety of travelers, including couples or friends seeking a convenient night out, families on vacation, and event attendees due to its proximity to key venues. While most guests enjoy a peaceful environment, some advise confirming specific room amenities like towels and irons upon arrival, and being aware of potential noise from the surrounding area.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be decent, with many appreciating the availability of high-speed Wi-Fi and convenient plug sockets in rooms. Each room typically includes a microwave and a fridge, though some guests noted the fridge capacity is limited. A fantastic air-conditioner is consistently praised for keeping rooms cool. While DSTV channels are available, some guests reported issues with TV functionality or Wi-Fi connectivity. A kettle is provided, but many reviews mention a lack of coffee/tea supplies such as sugar, cups, or actual coffee/tea. Irons are available, but often without ironing boards, and hairdryers are only available upon request, with toiletries being minimal.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives widespread praise for its overall cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms, bathrooms, and serving areas as spotless. Reviewers frequently mention non-stop hot water and spacious showers, contributing to a comfortable stay. Rooms are generally kept neat, and some guests appreciate daily sheet changes and comfortable bedding. However, a notable number of guests reported significant issues, including the presence of cockroaches and, more critically, bed bugs, which severely impacted their experience. Other concerns include squeaky beds, worn towels with holes, mouldy ceilings in bathrooms, worn cabinets, and cold ceramic floors lacking rugs. Some rooms were also described as being a bit dark.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive positive feedback from guests. The breakfast is frequently described as exceptional, with food being consistently hot and fresh. Many reviewers commend the tasty food and well-prepared meals, highlighting the speedy service provided by the restaurant staff. The hotel features an on-site Wimpy restaurant, which offers convenient room service for guests. The quality and efficiency of the food service are often cited as reasons for a pleasant dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location within the Durban CBD, which is a significant advantage for many guests, placing them within walking distance to the beach and offering proximity to the Comrades Marathon starting point. This makes it convenient for exploring the city's attractions. However, the surrounding area receives mixed reviews; while central, it is frequently described as extremely dirty and a sketchy area. Guests also note that the hotel is located on a noisy street due to being a busy street, which can impact the peacefulness of the stay. Paid parking is available, though some guests expressed a desire for complimentary parking.

Staff & Service
While many guests consistently praise the staff's friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor, describing them as amazing and efficient, a notable number of reviews highlight significant issues with communication and booking management. Positive experiences include excellent customer service, approachable receptionists, friendly security who are often informative, and overall good service or even superb service. Some staff members are noted for being multilingual and providing excellent reservation assistance. Conversely, a recurring negative theme involves unresponsive communication via phone and email, rude receptionists, and critical problems with booking confirmations and refunds not being processed as per policy.

Additional Information
The hotel provides 24/7 security, which guests appreciate for contributing to a sense of safety. They also make an effort to inform guests about load shedding information, which is a thoughtful touch. However, a significant and recurring concern among guests relates to the hotel's online booking and refund policies. Multiple reviews detail instances where bookings were made and paid for online, but the hotel became unresponsive to calls or emails, leading to guests being stranded upon arrival or unable to secure promised refunds for canceled bookings, despite adhering to stated policies.