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The Oyster Box

5.0 star property
5-star beachfront hotel near Umhlanga Rocks Beach

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Photo gallery for The Oyster Box

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Couples treatment rooms, Turkish bath, aromatherapy, hot stone massages
Presidential Suite
2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Indian cuisine
Presidential Suite | Living area

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

  • Sea view
  • 450 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

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

Superior Twin Room, Sea Facing (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Superior Twin Room, Sea Facing (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

  • 105 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • Sea view
  • 36 sq m
  • 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)

  • Sea view
  • 55 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Deluxe Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Deluxe Twin Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

  • Sea view
  • 76 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed

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

Scooter/moped

Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

  • Sea view
  • 36 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Classic Twin Room, Sea Facing (Garden Facing)

Classic Twin Room, Sea Facing (Garden Facing)

  • 32 sq m
  • 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)

  • Sea view
  • 27 sq m
  • 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)

  • Sea view
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

  • Sea view
  • 36 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Umhlanga

Beachfront retreat .Stay at this Umhlanga hotel and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Umhlanga Rocks Beach and 2 miles (3 km) of Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Gateway Theatre of Shopping is within 2 miles (3 km) and Umdloti Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • Umhlanga Lighthouse - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Umhlanga Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping - 4 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Butcher Boys - Umhlanga - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Tiki Tonga - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hooters - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Doppio Zero - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The George - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Oyster Box

5-star beachfront hotel near Umhlanga Rocks Beach
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.

There are 2 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/café and a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 3 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This luxury hotel also offers a complimentary children's club, a health club, and a sauna. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Umhlanga hotel.

  • 86 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • 2 dining venues
  • 3 bars or lounges
  • Meeting rooms
  • Built in 1947
  • Deli
  • Kid's club (free)
  • Supervised kid's activities (free)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Conference center
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Game room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
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.

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.

Awards and affiliations

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

Languages

Afrikaans, English, French, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu

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Property amenities

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

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

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 43-inch smart TV with premium satellite channels

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

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: ZAR 1000 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of ZAR 1000 per night
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 12 children stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 950.0 per night.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Breakage deposit: ZAR 1000 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 18 years old. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, debit cards, and cash. This property uses a grey water recycling system. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number CMP62944

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 12 children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using exisiting bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Certain facilities might have restricted access. For details, you can contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
  • 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. 254 out of 293 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 293 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 293 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 293 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 293 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

Johannes Petrus

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

10/10 Excellent

Clark

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller
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

Business traveller, Travelled with group
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

Travelled 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 traveller

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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

8/10 Good

Adrian

Business traveller
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

10/10 Excellent

julie

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is unique and exceptional in every way. It's like stepping back in time but with first rate modern service and attention to detail. The staff are all really lovely, nothing is too much trouble and its the best hotel I have stayed in.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas, Fareham

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yet another fabulous stay at the Oyster Box, such a wonderful place to stay and relax with ultra friendly and efficient staff. We especially look forward to the buffet breakfast, a great way to start the day, sat on the terrace looking out in to the Indian Ocean and spotting the passing whales and dolphins, such a treat. A special mention and thanks must go to Wesley and Clive along with their teams for looking after us as usual, can’t wait for next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Noluthando

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Oysterbox never disappoints 🏆
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pedro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stay here !! One of the best hotels in SA!
This has to be one of the best hotels in South Africa. From service to offerings, to quality of offering, attention, cleanliness. Honestly i can not say one bad word about this hotel. If you can, definitely stay here!!! It is a beautiful stunning hotel! Regards,
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023