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Royal Palm Hotel, Durban
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Key details
About the Hotel
6-8 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge,
Durban,
South Africa,
4320,
KwaZulu-Natal
The Royal Palm Hotel is located in the vibrant Umhlanga New Town Centre, making it an ideal base for business and leisure travelers. This upscale apartment-style hotel offers luxurious accommodations that include 14 penthouses and 60 executive suites. Guests can easily access notable destinations such as the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and various nature trails. Since its inception in January 2016, the hotel has become a popular choice for those seeking both comfort and convenience in Durban.
Location
Conveniently situated on Palm Boulevard, the Royal Palm Hotel is within easy reach of various local attractions including Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail and the Mangrove Swamps. The hotel offers arrangements for transfers to and from events within a 20 km radius, enhancing accessibility for guests. The nearby Gateway Theatre of Shopping provides numerous dining and shopping options, making the hotel an ideal location for both exploration and relaxation.
Rooms
The Royal Palm Hotel features 94 luxury apartments, including 14 penthouses, 60 executive suites, and two-bedroom executive suites. Each suite is designed with contemporary furnishings, offering spacious lounges, modern kitchens, and balconies with views over Palm Boulevard. The penthouse suites provide additional living space spread across multiple levels, making them suitable for extended stays. All accommodations are equipped with essential amenities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite television.
Eat & Drink
THYME@ROYAL PALM is the hotel's signature restaurant, known for its fusion of contemporary dining and a sophisticated atmosphere. The dining area accommodates up to 60 guests and features an elegant main room complemented by sliding doors that open onto a courtyard for outdoor dining. The Wild Thyme Bar, adjacent to the restaurant, serves a variety of cocktails and finger foods, creating a casual space for relaxation. Al fresco dining is available, providing an inviting café-style experience amidst beautiful garden views.
Leisure & Business
The Royal Palm Hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities including a health and vitality center with modern equipment and a spa on-site. Business travelers can benefit from a versatile conference venue designed to accommodate up to 80 delegates, equipped with video conferencing capabilities. Various seating arrangements are available for meetings and events, such as cinema and U-shaped setups. Recreational options include dolphin tours and hiking in nearby nature areas, integrating both leisure and business opportunities.
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Select your room type
The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Spacious & Comfortable
“The room was impressively spacious with exquisite furnishings, providing a cozy and luxurious retreat.” view full review
Pleasant Dining Atmosphere
“The restaurant 'Thyme' offers a quiet dining experience with attentive service, although the menu could benefit from more variety.” view full review
Great Kitchenette Setup
“The mini kitchenette was well-equipped, making it easy to prepare simple meals for a relaxing night in.” view full review
Luxurious Bathtub
“The bathroom featured a full bath and shower, creating a relaxing environment to unwind after a long day.” view full review
General
Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Luggage storage
Lift
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Golf course
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Room service
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Beach access
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Room features
Air conditioning
Sitting area
Terrace
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Location
6-8 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge,
Durban,
South Africa,
4320,
KwaZulu-Natal
Map view
street view
6-8 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge,
Durban,
South Africa,
4320,
KwaZulu-Natal
City landmarks
Beach
uMhlanga Main Beach
2.5
km
Mall
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
760 m
1 Palm Blvd G240
Wavepark Gateway
870 m
Palm Boulevard
760 m
4 Umhlanga Rocks off the M
Natal Shark Board
760 m
Lighthouse
uMhlanga Lighthouse
2.5
km
Gateway Mall
870 m
Harbour
Whalebone Pier
2.5
km
16 Chartwell Drive
Africa Art Gallery
1.8
km
Park
Chris Saunders Park
870 m
Shopping Area
The Crescent
690 m
Mall
The Crescent Shopping Centre
620 m
Ster-Kinekor
760 m
14 Chartwell Drive Shop 5b
Makiwa Gallery
1.7
km
Event hall
Kwazulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence
870 m
Granada Square Shopping Centre
1.8
km
Cinema Nouveau
870 m
Theatre
The Barnyard
870 m
Theatre
The Barnyard Theatre
870 m
Kwazulu-Natal Sharks Board
870 m
Shopping Area
Outlet Park
950 m
Gym
Mount Edgecombe Country Club
2.4
km
Grace Family
1.2
km
Church
Grace Family Church
1.3
km
Mall
Granada Square
1.6
km
Nature reserve
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
3.1
km
Beach
Bronze Beach
2.5
km
Unit 205 Granada Square
Mindgame Escape
1.8
km
Church
St Michaels Anglican Church
1.7
km
Shopping Area
Cornubia Mall
2.0
km
Nearby
1 Palm Blvd G240
Wavepark Gateway
580 m
Park
Chris Saunders Park
580 m
Event hall
Kwazulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence
580 m
Shopping Area
Outlet Park
580 m
Restaurants
Barrio
50 m
Palm Boulevard
Dish
80 m
6 Palm Boulevard Royal Palm Hotel
My Diners
330 m
1 Palm Boulevard G354
De'Ma. Restaurant
200 m
Gateway Theatre of Shopping Shop F179 Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Tashas Gateway
210 m
Shop G12
PRIMI Gateway
170 m
Gateway Theatre of Shopping Shop G34/35
Nando's
930 m
1 Palm Blvd Shop G037
Cape Town Fish Market
240 m
Palm Boulevard Gateway Theater of Shopping
Adega Restaurant
240 m
Umhlanga Ridge Shop G018 Gateway Theatre of Shopping
So Whipped
300 m
1 Palm Boulevard Gateway Theatre Of Shopping
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
84%
liked the hotel and would stay again
Spacious rooms
Great location
Intrusive service
Key card issues
8.4/10
Great
Rooms
7.2
Location
9.6
Service
7.3
Dining
5.9
Guest reviews
8.4/10
based on 110 reviews
8.4
8.4/10 based on 3780 reviews
Gary
United States,
January
2025
9.8/10
The hotel has a great location with easy walking access to shopping, movies, and restaurants. While the rooms are spacious and full of light, the service was hit or miss—some staff were accommodating, but others could have been friendlier. The dining experience left something to be desired as the breakfast was not enjoyable. Overall, the hotel is decent for a short stay but could use some improvements in service and dining.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms were huge and filled with light. They feature a suite style with a kitchenette and lounge, which was nice, although it wasn't as nice as my previous stay.
Service
7.0
The service was a mixed bag; while some staff were friendly and helpful, others weren't as accommodating as I had hoped. I did appreciate the complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi voucher when my daily quota was reached.
Location
9.0
The location was perfect for walking access to Gateway shopping, movies, and a variety of excellent restaurants. There was always something to do nearby.
Dining
5.0
Unfortunately, the dining experience was not good at all, particularly the breakfast, which I stopped having after the second morning due to the slow service and limited options.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel had decent facilities, but nothing stood out as exceptional. While they were usable, I expected a bit more.
Irene
United States,
January
2025
9.0/10
I had a mixed experience at this hotel. On one hand, the location is excellent, right by the Gateway Mall, making it convenient for shopping and dining. The staff were incredibly friendly, which made my stay more enjoyable. However, the rooms could use some improvement as they didn't smell as fresh as I expected, and the breakfast options were a bit limited. Overall, it's a decent place, but there are some areas that need attention.
Rooms
6.0
The room was a double floor apartment, but it lacked a nice view and didn't have the fresh, clean scent I usually find in other hotels.
Service
9.0
The service was fantastic; the staff were friendly and welcoming, always ready to chat and make me feel at home.
Location
10.0
The location is perfect, just in front of the Gateway Mall and a short drive to the beach.
Dining
5.0
Dining was not great; breakfast was rather limited and some items were cold. I worked directly with the breakfast manager, but it still felt lacking in variety.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities seemed okay, but they are badly run and definitely need some attention.
Gordon
United Kingdom,
December
2024
8.8/10
I had a good stay at this hotel, which is located in a fantastic area close to shopping and dining. The rooms were spacious and clean, but I did find the bed uncomfortable. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, which made my experience better. However, the dining options left a lot to be desired, particularly during breakfast. Overall, it feels like a decent value for the money, but there's certainly room for improvement.
Rooms
7.0
The rooms were clean and spacious, but the bed was a bit uncomfortable.
Service
8.0
The staff was very friendly and provided exceptional service, although there was a mix-up during our stay.
Location
10.0
The hotel is in a perfect location, convenient for both work and leisure with many nice restaurants within a short walk.
Dining
5.0
Breakfast was on the average side, and options were limited; I'd say it didn't quite meet my expectations.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel had good amenities, but several areas, like the balcony, needed some cleaning attention.
Elliot
United Kingdom,
December
2024
8.0/10
The hotel has a great location, just across from the Gateway Shopping Centre and close to several beaches and restaurants, making it very convenient. The rooms were spacious, modern, and kept clean throughout my stay, which I really appreciated. However, the dining options were limited during weekdays and disappointing in terms of quality. The service was friendly but could be more efficient during busy times, which is something to consider.
Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious, modern, and always kept clean, which made my stay very comfortable.
Service
8.0
The staff was very accommodating, especially Tola and Felicity who were both friendly and efficient.
Location
10.0
The location was perfect - just a short distance to the main beaches and plenty of restaurants around.
Dining
5.0
The dining was quite limited during weekdays, and I found that the quality of breakfast options was quite poor.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities are decent, but there is room for improvement, especially regarding the dining options.
Aaron
United Kingdom,
December
2024
9.8/10
I had a mixed experience at this hotel. On one hand, the rooms were spacious and clean, and its location right next to Gateway Mall made it super convenient for shopping and dining. On the flip side, I was quite disappointed with the service, as some staff were fairly rude and unhelpful. Additionally, while the accommodations were decent, the extra fees for kitchen items caught me off guard.
Rooms
7.0
The rooms were spacious and clean, with nice furnishings, although I was disappointed by the extra fees for kitchen amenities like cutlery and plates.
Service
5.0
Some of the staff were friendly and helpful, but I had a few encounters with rude and impatient staff members that really detracted from my experience.
Location
9.0
The location is fantastic, just across the road from Gateway Mall with easy access to shopping, bars, and restaurants.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience was inconsistent; while the breakfast was okay when the right manager was on duty, the overall service in the dining area left a lot to be desired.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel offers decent facilities, but nothing stood out as exceptional during my stay.
Ethan
United Kingdom,
December
2024
9.6/10
I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The location is fantastic, right across from a popular shopping mall with plenty of dining options. The staff were friendly, but I faced some issues with the service that significantly impacted my stay. The rooms were overall clean, but there were concerns about the maintenance that can't be ignored. It's definitely a family-friendly spot, but it needs improvement in certain areas.
Rooms
6.0
The rooms were clean and up to hotel standards, but I encountered some maintenance issues, like security doors that didn't close properly, which was a little concerning.
Service
5.0
The service from the staff was inconsistent. While some were super nice and helpful, others were quite rude and accusatory, which was disappointing.
Location
9.0
The hotel is in a great location, directly across from the Gateway Shopping Mall with lots of restaurants and shops. It was perfect for our family with teenagers.
Dining
7.0
The breakfast was nice, with many options available, including freshly baked muffins and pastries, but service was a bit slack.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were decent, but given the issues we encountered, it left a lot to be desired.
Liam
United Kingdom,
December
2024
8.8/10
My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The location was great, close to the beach and shopping, and the staff was really friendly. However, the rooms had issues like leaking water and malfunctioning air conditioning, and we even had a rather unsettling moment when cleaning staff entered our room without knocking. Overall, it felt like it could use some maintenance but was still decent value for money.
Rooms
5.0
The rooms were spacious, but we experienced water leaking in the bathroom and air conditioning problems. The cleanliness wasn't up to par, which was disappointing.
Service
7.0
The service from the staff was generally friendly and helpful, although there was an uncomfortable moment when I overheard some gossip that felt quite rude.
Location
9.0
The location was brilliant, not overcrowded and close to the beach as well as the Gateway Shopping Centre for restaurants and shopping.
Dining
8.0
The breakfast was quite good, and my little one really enjoyed the pancakes with syrup. However, it wasn't included in the room rate, which was a downside.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were decent, but it felt like the hotel needed some attention, especially concerning maintenance.
Charles
United States,
December
2024
9.8/10
The hotel has a spacious suite-style setup with a kitchenette and lounge, which made my stay quite comfortable. However, there were several maintenance issues in my room that needed attention, such as a TV that wasn't working and an air conditioning unit that was quite noisy. The friendly staff definitely made me feel welcome and were helpful throughout my stay. Also, being right next to the Gateway mall was a huge plus for easy access to shopping and dining.
Rooms
6.0
The rooms were spacious and suite-style, featuring a kitchenette and lounge, but there were some maintenance issues that needed to be addressed.
Service
9.0
The staff was amazing—accommodating, friendly, and very welcoming, which really enhanced my overall experience.
Location
10.0
The hotel is conveniently located right next to the Gateway mall, making it easy to access shops and restaurants.
Dining
7.0
I found the dining options to be very good, though I think they could offer more variety.
Facilities
6.0
While there were some great amenities, the maintenance issues impacted the overall experience.
Rowan
United Kingdom,
December
2024
8.6/10
The hotel is located in a prime spot, right in front of the Gateway Mall, making it super convenient for shopping and dining. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, making our stay pleasant. However, the room we had could really use some heating, especially since we were traveling with a baby, which was a bit of a downer. Overall, I appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere, but the lack of heating did impact our comfort.
Rooms
7.0
The room we stayed in was a suite and beautifully designed, perfect for the whole family. However, it lacked heating, which we really needed during our stay.
Service
9.0
The staff were very friendly and attentive. They made sure to help us with our bags and welcomed us warmly upon arrival.
Location
10.0
The location was perfect, right in front of the Gateway Mall and close to various restaurants and entertainment options.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was a bit sad, as the food options felt stale and uninspired, which was disappointing.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel has adequate facilities, but some areas could use more attention to make it more enjoyable.
Jay
United States,
December
2024
8.4/10
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel, with spacious and modern rooms that were both clean and comfortable. The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful, which made my experience even better. The location is convenient, being close to a mall and a short drive to the beach. However, the dining choices during the weekdays were limited, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, it's a great place to stay, especially for the price.
Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious, modern, and exceptionally clean, providing a very comfortable stay.
Service
9.0
The staff was very friendly and attentive; they even offered us tea while we waited for our transport.
Location
9.0
The hotel is in a great location, just a short drive to the beach and right by the gateway mall.
Dining
5.0
The dining options were limited during the week, making it a bit challenging to find meals.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel had great amenities, but I wish the dining service was more varied throughout the week.
Julia
United States,
December
2024
9.2/10
The hotel is in a terrific location, particularly for families who want easy access to the Gateway Mall and nearby restaurants. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing plenty of space for kids to play. However, I did experience some inconveniences with service, including unexpected room entries and key card issues. Overall, it's a decent place to stay, but there's room for improvement in terms of service.
Rooms
9.0
The rooms were big, comfortable, and very clean, with a variety of channels to watch. It was excellent, and the bathroom was great too.
Service
5.0
Service was somewhat lacking as they knocked and entered our room without prior notice, which felt intrusive. They also had to change our rooms twice due to key card malfunctions.
Location
10.0
The location is perfect, especially for families, with the Gateway Mall within walking distance and plenty of dining options nearby.
Dining
7.0
The breakfast was decent, with eggs cooked to order and a good selection of breads and other items, though it could be improved.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel has nice facilities, but I didn't get to check out everything. The common areas seemed well-kept.
Spacious rooms
Intrusive service
Theodore
United Kingdom,
December
2024
9.8/10
I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The location is excellent, just across from the Gateway Shopping Centre and not far from the beaches, which was perfect for my trip. The staff was generally helpful, but I did have some issues with unnecessary interruptions and the overall friendliness could improve. The dining options weren't great, but the room was acceptable even if it needed some TLC. Overall, it’s decent but there’s room for improvement.
Rooms
6.0
The room was acceptable, but it was in desperate need of some TLC.
Service
7.0
The staff was very accommodating when I made requests, always helpful. However, I did have a couple of instances where the friendliness could have been better.
Location
9.0
The location is fantastic, right across the road from Gateway Shopping Centre and close to the main beaches; it really met all my needs for this trip.
Dining
6.0
The dining options weren’t the best, with food being mediocre, but I did have a nice breakfast with eggs cooked to order.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were decent, but again, nothing stood out as exceptional.
Victor
United Kingdom,
December
2024
9.4/10
I had a really nice stay at this hotel. The rooms were stylish and comfortable, perfect for my family trip especially because we had a mini kitchenette. The location was fantastic, right next to a shopping mall and restaurants. While the service was generally good, there were a few hiccups with disturbances despite the do-not-disturb sign. Overall, it was good value for money.
Rooms
9.0
The rooms were stylish and comfortable, and having a mini kitchenette was a lifesaver for washing and sterilizing my baby's bottles.
Service
7.0
The service was efficient, and I appreciated the complimentary Wi-Fi voucher, but it was a bit annoying that they kept interrupting us even with a no disturb sign.
Location
10.0
The location is perfect, right next to the shopping mall and restaurants, which made it very convenient for dining and shopping.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was a bit hit or miss; breakfast was nice with fresh options, but I did experience burnt toast one morning.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel had good facilities, although I didn't get a chance to explore them fully during my stay.
Connor
United Kingdom,
December
2024
9.2/10
I stayed at this hotel recently, and while the location was fantastic with easy access to a mall and the beach, I found some aspects of the room and service to be lacking. The spaciousness of the rooms was great, but they didn’t feel very clean at times. The staff were friendly and accommodating, which helped make the stay a bit more pleasant.
Rooms
6.0
The rooms were spacious, but I didn't feel they were very clean during my stay.
Service
9.0
The staff were outstanding and incredibly accommodating. A particular staff member even came to introduce himself, which I really appreciated.
Location
10.0
The hotel was perfectly located just across from a huge mall and close to the beach, making it super convenient for shopping and dining.
Dining
5.0
Breakfast options were a bit limited, and there were some issues with the bookings, which was a letdown.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities, especially the pool area, were well maintained and enjoyable for relaxation.
Michael
United Kingdom,
December
2024
8.4/10
I had a pleasant stay at the hotel, which is conveniently located near the mall and just a few kilometers from the beach. The rooms were spacious and clean, and the breakfast options were fresh and delicious. However, I did have some issues with service, including room changes and key card problems, which were a bit frustrating. Overall, it's a good value for the price with some areas that could use improvement.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms were spacious and clean, exceeding my expectations.
Service
6.0
While the staff were friendly, I experienced some difficulties with room changes and key cards not working.
Location
10.0
The location is excellent, with shops, restaurants, and the mall just a short walk away.
Dining
7.0
The breakfast was yummy and fresh, although some dietary preferences were not catered for.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were generally good, but I encountered some maintenance issues.