The Balmoral is right across the street from the beach promenade in Durban. Its a decent hotel, but we experienced a few problems. First, the A/C was not working in our room the first night and there was brown water coming out of all our taps. We complained to the reception early the next morning, but when we came back from our day trip - neither the A/C nor the water were fixed. There was a new A/C sitting in a box outside of our room. So we contacted the reception again and the mgr came to our room. He was reluctant to do much for us, but after some arguing he offered us a diff room with a working A/C. But the water was brown in that room too. The manager pretty much said he couldnt do anything about it - and was awkwardly trying to get us to just deal. We asked them to 1) fix it; 2) put us in a room which had clean water; 3) find us a room at another hotel or 4) refund us our money. Eventually, they just sent up clean water in buckets to our room, but it was frustrating to deal with. In general, Durban is sort of a dismal city - with not much to do and a aura of nervousness pervasive throughout the town at night (including around the Balmoral).

This was just an ok hotel for me. We stayed for 3 nights just after Christmas. The rooms are very small, not conducive for a family trying to occupy just one room. Upon arrival our TV did not have the proper plug for the wall, thankfully we had our own adapters, our room phone did not work, nor did the air conditioner. When they sent someone up he was clearly intoxicated…but he did manage to fix the phone and a/c. Although the room was non smoking it surely had a musty smoke smell. Maybe it is just time to have the carpets steam cleaned. The beds were comfortable and clean, although the shower did some serious leaking onto the bathroom floor. The best part of this hotel was the breakfast. Each morning we ate on the verandah over looking the ocean. The staff in the restaurant was very attentive and friendly. Parking was a nightmare! The do have a lot but it only accommodated about 10 vehicles, so cars would be stacked and maneuvering to get in or out was an adventure in itself. The location is good as you are across the street from the amusement park on the beach and street vendors. I wouldn’t stay here again because I’m sure there is something better for the price.

Stayed in Balmoral hotel for three nights. It is a really lovely hotel, room is big and spacious, and there is a lovely restaurant at the front of the hotel overlooking the sea front. Staff very friendly, really liked the place and would have no hesitation in recommending it. Having said that, where Balmoral is situated, it is not safe to go outside at night along sea front. Manager told us the first night that there are a lot of muggings and if we had to go out, bring the car. This was the only place in SA i felt was like this at night. Didnt ruin our time there, but just made us more aware!!!!