Durban Manor And Conference Centre

The hotel stands out for its historic architecture and vintage charm, offering a glimpse into its past grandeur. Many guests appreciate the friendly staff, affordability, and central location, making it a suitable choice for history enthusiasts, budget-conscious travelers, and business travelers seeking proximity to the city center. However, a significant number of guests report a discrepancy between online photos and the current state of the property, which is widely described as needing extensive renovation. To enhance your stay, prospective guests should manage their expectations regarding the building's current condition and consider inquiring about specific room amenities upon booking to ensure a comfortable experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides several amenities, though their condition often varies. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests experienced weak signals or connectivity issues. Satellite TV is present in rooms, and air conditioning is listed, but numerous reviews indicate that the units are frequently non-functional, leading to uncomfortable room temperatures. The property offers secure parking, though its size is noted as limited. For business needs, boardroom and conference facilities are available. However, guests frequently mention the absence of expected conveniences like bar fridges and microwaves in rooms. The lift system is also a point of concern, with reports of it only working in one direction or being manually operated, and there is no generator to provide power during loadshedding.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly mixed, with a significant number of guests expressing strong dissatisfaction. Many rooms are plagued by smelly carpets, often described with unpleasant odors, and widespread issues with mould and cockroaches. Guests frequently report broken curtains that cannot be closed, and bathroom doors or shower doors that do not close properly or are entirely missing, leading to a lack of privacy and functionality. Issues with no hot water or inconsistent water supply are also common. While some guests found the beds comfortable and rooms neat, others noted old furniture, rusted fridges, and general dilapidation, including water damage on ceilings and walls needing repainting. Noise levels from other guests or external sources are occasionally mentioned, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast service generally receives positive remarks, with many guests describing it as good, delicious, plentiful, and served hot with a variety of dishes. However, it is important to note that guests must inform the staff in advance if they wish to have breakfast, and some experienced delays or found that items had run out, requiring a wait for refills. The hotel's restaurant offers a limited menu, and there is no dinner service available, requiring guests to seek dining options outside the premises. While the overall food quality for breakfast is appreciated, a few isolated comments mentioned specific items not being fresh.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly advantageous central location, placing guests within the CBD and in walking distance of numerous attractions. Its proximity to the harbor offers pleasant views from some rooms and areas. Guests appreciate the easy access to popular sites like Wilson's Warf and Ushaka Marine World, as well as shopping centers. However, some guests expressed concerns about the safety of the surrounding area, particularly in the evenings. A few reviews also noted difficulties in locating the hotel due to incorrect address information provided, and some rooms have views obstructed by dirty windows or nearby buildings rather than the expected scenic vistas.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise, standing out as a major positive aspect of guests' stays. The reception ladies, security guards, and cleaning ladies are frequently highlighted for their friendly, helpful, and attentive service. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as room changes or early check-ins. Many describe the staff as going above and beyond to assist. While the overall sentiment towards service is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mention instances where staff seemed less knowledgeable or slower to respond to issues like room maintenance or specific inquiries, such as airport transfers.

Additional Information
A recurring theme in reviews is the significant disparity between the hotel's online photos and its actual condition, leading to disappointment for many guests. A critical point of concern is the lack of a generator to provide power during loadshedding, leaving guests in darkness. Guests frequently report issues with insufficient towels, often receiving only one for two people, and a lack of replenishment during their stay. Some amenities advertised online are described as non-existent, leading to perceptions of false advertising. Despite these challenges, the building itself holds historical items and offers a unique, old-world charm. The hotel maintains good security, and guests should be aware of a breakfast policy requiring advance notification, with no refunds for missed meals. Occasional noise from TV/movie crews or the hotel's own generator (when running) has been noted.