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The Oyster Box

5.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Oyster Box

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Front of property - evening/night
Luxury Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
Presidential Suite | Balcony
Presidential Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Pool
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym

Explore the area

Map
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320
  • Umhlanga Lighthouse
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Durban (DUR-King Shaka Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite | Exterior detail

Presidential Suite

  • 4844 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin, Garden)

Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin, Garden) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin, Garden)

  • 1130 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 388 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 592 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Deluxe Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 818 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

  • 689 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

Scooter/moped

Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

  • 388 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Twin Room (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin, Garden)

Classic Twin Room (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin, Garden) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Classic Twin Room (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin, Garden)

  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Classic Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 291 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

  • 388 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About this property

The Oyster Box

5-star Umhlanga hotel walkable to Umhlanga Rocks Beach
Catch some rays at the beach or spend the day relaxing at The Oyster Box's full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. Housekeeping is available on request.
The Oyster Box offers 86 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and safes. Rooms open to patios. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 43-inch Smart televisions come with premium satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Umhlanga hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs, and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary newspapers and complimentary bottled water. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily. Amenities available on request include irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is provided on request.

2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a health club and a sauna.

Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite spa has 6 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with Turkish bath/hammam.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Lie back and work on your tan with relaxing beach amenities like umbrellas and sun loungers. At The Oyster Box you can cool off in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

Dining is available at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants and guests can grab coffee at the coffee shop/café. The property also has a snack bar/deli. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's bars, which include 3 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. A computer station is located on site and wireless Internet access is complimentary. This luxury hotel also offers a complimentary children's club, a health club, and a sauna. Limited complimentary onsite parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a car charging station is available.

The Oyster Box has designated areas for smoking.

Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
The Ocean Terrace - Overlooking the ocean, this family restaurant specializes in Indian cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.
Palm Court - This coffee shop specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open 24 hours. Reservations are required. Open daily.
The Grill Room - This fine-dining restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves dinner only. Reservations are required. Open daily.
The Lighthouse Bar - This rooftop bar specializes in international cuisine and serves light fare only. Open daily.
The Oyster Bar - This Champagne bar specializes in international cuisine and serves light fare only. Open daily.
Late night fare is available from 24-hour room service.

Awards and affiliations

The Oyster Box is listed in the 2021 Travel + Leisure 500.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, French, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: ZAR 695 for adults and ZAR 695 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Palm Court
  • The Grill Room
  • The Lighthouse Bar
  • The Ocean Terrace
  • The Oyster Bar

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Free children's club
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Library
  • Sauna
  • TV in common areas
  • Wine tasting room

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • Free children's club
  • Free supervised activities for children
  • Highchair
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business center
  • Computer station
  • Conference center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 6 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Swedish massages
  • Turkish bath

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Handrails in hallways
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchairs on site

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1947
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch smart TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Electrical adapters
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of ZAR 1000 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of ZAR 1000 per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
12 children can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 950.0 per night
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Breakage deposit: ZAR 1000 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately ZAR 695 for adults and ZAR 695 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 1045 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 7)
  • Pet deposit: ZAR 1000 per night
  • Pet fee: ZAR 1000 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 950.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 18 years old
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number CMP62944

We should mention

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility without adult supervision
Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Box Oyster
Oyster Box
Oyster Box Hotel
Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga Rocks
The Oyster Box Hotel
The Oyster Box Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga Rocks
The Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga

The Oyster Box Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 255 out of 295 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 295 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 295 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 295 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 295 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is an elegant, extraordinary property in a stunning location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best Hotel in the World!

Still my favourite hotel anywhere in the world!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mattias

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rehandre

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing people

Amazing staff! Great location! Exceptional Breakfast! Pool service amazing! See you soon old lady!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johannes Petrus

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clark

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fabulous

We love it so much here, we extended our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

julie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is exceptional. The Grill offers wonderful dining with great value overseen by George and his team who always offer first rate service with pinache and style and the bossa nova singer provides the perfect accompaniment . The spa staff are lovely and offer amazing treatments Still my favourite hotel .
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pascal

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Attention to every detail. It was a true ultra prestige experience.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best hotel and staff ever!

The best hotel we have ever stayed it! The staff are incredible, the food delicious and the beds so comfy. Will definitely stay here again, can't wait!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donald H

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old style hotel, with Raffles-like entrance, and excellent service. Wonderful buffet breakfast. Excellent grill room.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We took our little dog with us - the staff were all amazing with her. Definately seen an improvement with staff service. They were all OUTSTANDING
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

julie

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is an exceptional hotel . The level of service and its unique style is incomparable . George the Maitre D and Somolier in The Grill Restaurant is an absolute asset to the hotel and to The Red Carnation Group
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mandisa

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas, Fareham

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yet again another amazing stay at the Oyster Box. Thanks to all the staff involved for making the 8 days so perfect, all were exceptional but we would like to give a special thank you to 3 staff that made our 3 hour breakfasts on the Terrace so wonderful, Stephanie, Letho & Andile you were amazing and we can’t wait to come back and see you again next year if not sooner.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roberto, Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the most stunning hotels I have ever stayed at in the world, everything was of top quality, from the team to the property to the food. Outstanding.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

mark, taplow

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay

Amazing hotel. Perfect location. Wonderful staff. Excellent restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful stay

Absolutely super hotel. Excellent service all round. Incredible staff, lovely pool. Great restaurants. Grill room superb. Ideal location
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Yegan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness

Oyster Box - Disappointing Stay

The service from staff and overall friendliness of the staff is outstanding. The hotel itself leaves alot to be desired. The rooms are small and everything is crammed into this small space. The set up is old and outdated with take away from the appeal of the hotel. The rooms are not cleaned properly and we often found slithering insects/worms on the floor. The Ocean Terrace - the food was good, not outstanding but my main issues is that staff are not knowledgeable on the wine list or dishes offered. The seating seems to be subjective as on my 1st visit, I was seated right at the door of the hotel. This was uncomfortable. The 2nd night, I was seated under the broken roof, again not ideal. All restaurants close at 10pm even for hotel guests, this is another major issue. When I compare this to the Saxon which is similar in pricing then this hotel is a rip off. The Saxon Hotel is miles ahead on every aspect.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fabrizio

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved absoultey everything about this magnificent property. We look forward to our next stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Olivier

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Adrian

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Complim

Its was good however the fruit that was placed in the room was not checked.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

gamenio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023