The Balmoral

This hotel offers a prime location, making it a memorable choice for guests, particularly due to its direct proximity to the beach and its central position within the city, allowing easy access to numerous attractions. It is an ideal fit for sightseers and families looking to explore local attractions, as well as couples seeking a convenient base for a getaway. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, who are often described as accommodating and attentive. The breakfast offerings are also frequently praised for their quality and taste, though some note limited variety. While many appreciate the hotel's overall cleanliness, a recurring theme is that the property, with its older style, shows signs of wear and could benefit from significant updates. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm breakfast inclusion at the time of booking and consider requesting a room that does not face the car park to avoid an unappealing view, and be prepared for potential noise from outside or ongoing maintenance.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's lifts are a frequent point of concern for guests, often described as old, slow, or not consistently working, leading to inconvenience. Parking is another area where feedback is mixed, with many guests noting that space is limited, requiring cars to be parked in a way that necessitates waking up other guests to move vehicles, and some finding the overall parking situation inconvenient despite efforts to provide safe options. While some rooms are equipped with air conditioning, several guests reported issues with its functionality, noting that it was either not working effectively or positioned awkwardly. Additionally, during instances of power loss, the hotel's generator was reported to be non-operational, causing temporary discomfort. Some guests also mentioned limited TV channels in the rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many praising the overall cleanliness of the accommodations and the dining areas. However, some guests noted initial cleanliness issues in public areas upon arrival, and a few reported the presence of insects. The beds consistently receive high praise for being comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most visitors. In contrast, the bathrooms are a significant area of concern, frequently described as old, in need of renovation, and having various issues such as broken shower doors, problematic shower heads, noisy taps and toilets, and low water pressure. Noise is another recurring complaint, stemming from both internal sources like creaky floors and external factors such as street activity and ongoing drilling during odd hours. The presence of carpets in the rooms is a common point of dissatisfaction, with guests reporting them to be dirty, causing a humid smell, or appearing worn, leading to calls for their removal.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience garners mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests describe it as delicious, excellent, and a highlight of their stay, praising the quality and taste of the food. However, some guests found the variety to be limited or basic, with a few noting repetition in the menu. The hotel's dinner offerings also receive positive comments, with specific dishes like the mutton curry being highly recommended for their quality. While most guests enjoyed the dinner, a few expressed dissatisfaction with certain items, such as old chicken or a "fake pizza." A notable positive aspect for many guests is the availability of a fully halaal breakfast menu, which is appreciated. The dining room itself is often described as very clean and cozy, though some guests reported issues with the air conditioning in this area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, with guests praising its direct proximity to the beach, often just a two-minute walk away, and its central position within the city. This allows for easy access to numerous attractions, amenities, and the central business district, making it convenient for exploring on foot. Guests generally feel safe within the hotel premises and when walking to nearby places. However, the immediate surrounding area outside the hotel receives some negative comments. Some guests reported an awful view facing a car park from their rooms, and a few mentioned the presence of beggars and street noise, particularly during weekends, which could impact the overall experience when outside the hotel's direct vicinity.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently describe them as considerate, caring, welcoming, and always willing to go the extra mile to assist with requests. The front desk staff, drivers, and wait staff are particularly commended for their accommodating nature and professional demeanor. The check-in process is generally reported to be quick and efficient, with staff being very accommodating, even for late arrivals. Guests appreciate specific services such as the provision of international travel adapters upon request, the flexibility in room setup (e.g., providing extra beds), and the option for convenient breakfast packs. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of unfriendliness or delays in housekeeping services.

Additional Information
A significant recurring theme among guest reviews is the hotel's overall age and need for renovation. Many describe the property as an "older style hotel" that is "run-down" and past its prime, with specific mentions of old lifts, doors, and furniture needing care. This suggests that while the hotel has historical charm, it requires substantial updates to meet modern expectations. Guests also reported issues with loadshedding, where the hotel's generator was not operational during power outages, causing temporary inconvenience. Furthermore, some rooms and passages were noted to have a distinct smell, described as humid, stuffy, or an overly strong and sweet perfume. A concerning safety issue highlighted by several guests is the presence of uneven or squeaky floors, with some even mentioning holes under carpets, which could pose a tripping hazard.