I stayed at this hotel in Aug 2007 for the IFLA conference at the ICC Durban (next door to HIlton) and from speaking to other conference delegates it seemed like we made the most sensible decision. The Hilton is almost linked to the ICC (short walk) Downtown Durban can be quite dangerous, and some delegates staying at hotels on the beach front had some frightening experiences, but this shouldn't put visitors off as Durban is beautiful with plenty to do and eat. I stayed with my husband and then 1 year old and we really enjoyed staying there. The rooms were a decent size (I think mine was larger than some of my single colleagues) and were kept very clean. We had a really good view and on most days could see out to the sea (distantly) I used the hotel restaurants for breakfast and lunch and these were always good and decently priced. Room service was always prompt. The pool was small but was a welcome suprise for my daughter and husband. The staff at the hotel are friendly, but sometimes it felt like some reception staff just couldn't be bothered to go that extra mile, whilst others would immediately fulfill a request. I would reccomend using the hotel taxis (Shashis) to go anywhere - they are a very friendly bunch - remember to use them for the journey back as Durban like many other South African cities have illegal taxis that are incredibly dangerous. This is definately a business hotel, as there isn't much else to do.

I stayed for one night on 22 December 2007, before boarding a cruise ship out of Durban Harbour the next day. I've stayed in many Hilton hotels before, and this one wasn't anywhere near the best. They got my reservation wrong, even though I called the hotel directly the day before to confirm, and gave me a King room when I had my little brother in tow and had (repeatedly) asked for a twin room. After fairly unresponsive service from reception, their trainee on the desk said they had moved me to a Corner Deluxe room in apology (without me asking for an upgrade) - but when I got there and called reception they admitted it wasn't a Deluxe and that they didn't have one to give me after all. The food was nice, the staff were on the whole pleasant, but the only reason you'd want to stay here is for the convention centre next door. I am from Johannesburg, where crime is sometimes a real problem, and even I felt unsafe in the area. This was evidenced in the fact that even on 22 December, when Durban is packed with holiday makers, the Hilton was half empty. If you are planning a holiday, or have business in Durban other then the convention centre, stay away. There are better places for the money.

I'm a Hilton Honors member and have been for many years. I rank pretty highly although that and 3 dollars will get you a drop of water from the mini-bar. So I've stayed in a lot of them worldwide. This is a dull one. Restaurant was fine. Decent food if a little plain. The bar was fun. We had a good time with the staff there. The service was sort of naggy. People were tapping on your door 4-6 times a day. Annoying. The rooms were small-ish. Internet worked well. Laundry was too high so we found a place downtown to do ours for the same price as one shirt would have cost. Everyone warned us not to go around outside. Everyone. And it is a bit sketchy at times. Durban has changed much in the last 20 years since I started coming here. This hotel is way overpriced. I had to stay here, but if I didn't have to, I would have booked one of the fantastic BandBs in the northern part of town or Umhlanga and just driven in. The money you saved would get you a rental car, all your meals and still have some cash left over for the Indian markets off Grey Street. One more thing - I liked the staff here except the very clueless front desk people. It was like speaking to 4 year olds most of the time and I found myself just walking away from several conversations with them because they couldn't follow the basic requests. All in all it was just.... ok. Won't be coming back because there are better places for far less.

I was in town with my girlfriend and her mother for the IFLA conference. I had originally booked a hotel called The Parade on Marine Parade. After having to pay for my room in full (with no refund available) I was approached by someone out front who said for R20 a night he would make sure no one would steal my rental car.That for me was enough. I then went to the Hilton where my girlfriend was staying with her mother. They didn't have a room for that night but they let us get a cot and we booked a room for 3 nights. The front desk women Pretty was very helpful and gave me the rate of R1275 a night including VAT, which works out to about $180 a night. The room was great, I am sure the people who have complained about the room being small and outdated haven't stayed in the other moderate hotels in the area. The front desk staff was the best, in particular were Wellington, Kerri, Pretty and the concierge Jacob. They were always friendly and wiling to help with no matter what, including Fedex shipments. Taxis were almost always available to go to the beach (R20 including tip less then $3 US) and while the Hilton was not next to the beach or Florida road with all the restaurants it was easy to get around by taxi and cheap. Make sure to get a business card from a Shashis taxi driver for your return trip. If we ever find our selves in Durban again we will be staying at the Hilton again.

I recently stayed here for 2 nights, attending a meeting there. The meeting facilities are good. Nothing special but everything you need is there. The service for the meeting rooms was great - coffee, snacks, working lunches etc. all delivered quickly & delicious. The rooms are average business type rooms. Decent beds, pillows, internet access, decent TV, clean bathroom, good shower - all good experience. Only minor niggle is location - close & great for the COnvention Centre but clearly in a security sensitive area. The map in my room advising me which roads were safe to walk on intimidated me! Until it came to check-out. That itself was efficient, with a typically service oriented & smiling lady. However, as I was catching a taxi, I asked for a cash advance. She asked why I needed the money (strange) & when I explained, fetched the manager, who told me 'they do not do that' & I could use the ATM next door. This is the first hotel I have ever stayed in that does not provide this basic service. Apart from that - a good place to stay for business.