Hotel check: Hilton Durban

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What’s it like?

The modern façade of the 5-star Hilton Durban creates an impression of efficient luxury, and the hotel certainly lives up to the promise. Quiet and understated, the hotel is clean, secure (with underground parking), luxurious, and it has excellent amenities for a business or leisure stay.

Where is it?

The hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the International Conference Centre and on the edge of Durban’s CBD. It is also across the road from Kingsmead Cricket Stadium, and within a few minutes’ drive of Durban’s other major sporting facilities – Durban Country Club, Moses Mabhida Soccer Stadium, and Kings Park Rugby Stadium. The beach is less than a kilometre away and the drive to King Shaka International Airport is approximately half an hour.

Rooms

There are 327 rooms, made up of Suites (77m2), Deluxe Rooms (40m2), Guest Rooms (31m2), and Executive Rooms (30m2). All rooms have king-size beds, a flat-screen TV, telephone and high-speed internet data ports. There are several satellite TV channels and a well-stocked mini-bar in every room, as well as tea/coffee making facilities. Each room has a comfortable desk, and in the adjoining room of my suite there was a comfortable sitting area, as well as another work desk. The bathrooms are equipped with separate bath and shower, along with top quality toiletries. Complimentary daily local newspaper delivery is included. A modern alarm clock radio, which also plays MP3 audio, is situated next to the bed. All rooms are equipped with electronic smoke detectors, a safe and a secondary door lock.

Other Facilities

Guests booking Executive Rooms and Suites have access to the Executive Lounge on the Executive Floor. This facility offers catering and serves light meals throughout the day. The gym, which is accessible to all guests, has top range gym equipment. A professional trainer and sports masseuse is available on request. The hotel pool is situated near the gym. The business centre operates daily from 07h00 to 22h00 and there are stand-alone PCs and staff offering full business support. 

Meeting & Conference Facilities

There is an entire floor dedicated to meeting facilities and the venues can accommodate anything from two to 100 guests. The Ballroom can cater for events for up to 300 guests. Modern state-of-the art audio-visual equipment is available and technical support staff will ensure that your presentation goes off without any hitches.

Restaurants & Bars

The Rainbow Terrace Restaurant is a relaxed place where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. An impressive range of South African wines complement the menu of a la carte signature dishes, or you can select from a wide array of dishes at the buffet. The dinner buffet is exceptionally popular, featuring speciality dishes from around the world, including Indian food and freshly-caught seafood. The Rainbow Outer Terrace is a light and airy outdoor venue, ideal for alfresco dining or a private function. The Lobby Lounge Coffee Bar is conveniently located in the lobby and is an informal venue that serves coffee, light refreshments, cocktails and delicious pastries. It is an ideal place to meet associates and clients in a relaxed environment. Rivets bar is a sophisticated bar that reflects the hotel’s location in a major harbour city. It is a popular watering hole for guests and locals who can enjoy watching sport on television, and one can meet with associates and even order light meals here.

Verdict

A great option, whether you’re doing business in Durban or looking for a central holiday base.

Contact

Address: 12-14 Walnut Road, Durban, +27 31 336 8100, hilton.com 

Lance Rothchild