City Lodge Hotel Durban Durban South Africa

Durban's BEST Hotel? City Lodge Review (You Won't Believe This!)

Durban's BEST Hotel? City Lodge Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Because Honestly, I Didn't Either!

Okay, so Durban. Sunshine, beaches, the smell of the ocean… and figuring out where to actually stay. I’ve always been a bit of a hotel snob, you know? Like, I want fluffy towels, a decent coffee machine, and absolutely zero questionable stains. And Durban… well, let's just say my expectations were cautiously optimistic. Enter City Lodge, supposedly Durban's BEST. (That’s what the internets told me anyway). So, here's the brutally, beautifully honest truth, broken down into a delightfully messy and hopefully helpful review, with a healthy dose of my own personal brand of chaos.

First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, The… Okay?

Getting into City Lodge was surprisingly easy. They have a dedicated car park [free of charge] – a huge win because parking in Durban can rival finding a unicorn. From that point on, the elevator was a godsend. Being able to get to my room easily was a HUGE plus, and so was the general accessibility around the property. Didn’t have to climb any mountains of stairs for a coffee, which is always a bonus. But lets be real, I did not check for a whole bunch of stuff, I did not think it would be this good!

Check-in & the Dreaded Paperwork:

Contactless check-in/out – YES! My inner germaphobe rejoiced. Quick, efficient, and minimal human interaction. Perfect. While I didn't take advantage of it, they also had a concierge, and I did see them helping a few guests, which is nice to see.

Rooms – The Real Test (And My Coffee Addiction):

Alright, here’s where it gets real. The room. My room. The promised land where judgment would be passed.

The Coffee. The Coffee!! Okay, hold up. A coffee/tea maker? Check. Complimentary tea? Check. But the most glorious thing? A mini-bar! Stocked with… well, I don’t know, I drank everything that said “please don't be good”. And let me just say, after a long flight, that coffee was a lifesaver. Seriously, it might have saved my soul.
Cleanliness: The room was spotless. Like, ridiculously spotless. Rooms sanitized between stays. Now, with everything going on, I am all about the safety practices. Speaking of, they used anti-viral cleaning products and all the staff were very thorough in this.
Amenities & Comforts: Air conditioning, check. Free Wi-Fi, double freaking check! Seriously, the Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly. Which is a HUGE deal when you're trying to post embarrassing vacation pictures on social media. Blackout curtains? A definite win for a light sleeper like myself. Hair dryer, ironing facilities, safe box – all the essentials.
Extra Touches: Okay, this might sound silly, but I loved the reading light by the bed. And the fact that the window opens! So refreshing.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and the Caffeine Addiction, Obviously)

Breakfast: The breakfast situation was… interesting. Breakfast [buffet] was the main offering and definitely not my style. However the breakfast in room option was top notch! I took advantage of everything.
Restaurants: The restaurant and bar were fantastic places for grabbing a bite to eat and chilling after a long day.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, My Attempt at Becoming Zen):

Pool with a View: The swimming pool [outdoor] was a delight. Lounging by the pool was fantastic.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, and Sauna, I personally did not take advantage of these options, but seeing them gave me the impression that they are all up to standard.
Fitness: A gym/fitness option was also available.

Cleanliness and Safety – Because Seriously, We Need This to Be Good:

Okay, this is important. City Lodge has absolutely aced this part. Like, they’ve gone above and beyond. Here’s what I observed:

Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Seriously, I felt like I was swimming in the stuff. But in a good way!
Staff trained in safety protocol, and they’re all wearing masks and being super-careful.
Daily disinfection in common areas.
Individually-wrapped food options.
Cashless payment service.
Rooms sanitized between stays.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.

Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter:

Laundry service, dry cleaning, and ironing service are a lifesaver, especially after (or during) a week of travel.
Daily housekeeping – my room was always immaculate, magically cleaned while I was out conquering the city.
Facilities for disabled guests, which, as someone who appreciates accessibility, earns major points.
Luggage storage – perfect for those early check-ins or late departures.

The Verdict: Is City Lodge Durban's BEST? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe!)

Honestly? I'm thoroughly impressed. City Lodge exceeded my expectations. The rooms were spotless, the Wi-Fi fantastic, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The cleanliness and safety protocols were top-notch. The location was convenient. Okay, maybe the breakfast buffet wasn't my cup of tea, but you can’t please everyone!

My Unsolicited Advice:

Bring your own coffee pods (if you are particular). Because coffee, people, coffee!
Book in advance. I'm guessing this place gets busy, especially during peak season.
Don't be afraid to chat with the staff. They were genuinely helpful and seemed to care about making my stay enjoyable.

The Offer You Can't Refuse (If You're Smart):

Tired of hotel roulette? Craving a clean, comfortable, and convenient stay in Durban? Look no further than City Lodge. Book your stay NOW and receive:

A FREE upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability).
Complimentary breakfast for two. (Because you deserve a decent start to your day!)
A special welcome treat in your room. (Because who doesn't love a little something extra?)

Click here to book your amazing Durban escape and experience why City Lodge might just be Durban's BEST!

And trust me, after everything, it kinda is.

Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Mollymook Beach House Awaits!

Book Now

City Lodge Hotel Durban Durban South Africa

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this is not your average, pristine travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, trying to pretend I'm organized while navigating the glorious, chaotic mess that is travel. Specifically, getting my (slightly sunburnt) butt around Durban, South Africa, based out of the City Lodge Hotel. Let’s see if I can actually remember all of it, and then, to be honest, probably forget half of it. Here we go…

Durban, South Africa: City Lodge Hotel & the Wobbly Adventures of One Slightly Overwhelmed Traveler

Day 1: The Arrival & The "Um, Where's My Passport?" Panic

Morning (Or, the "What Time Is It Even?" Phase): Landed at King Shaka International Airport. The air… it hits you. Like warm, spicy, "I need a shower after 30 minutes" air. Customs was a blur (seriously, I blanked… did they even look at my passport? I think I stammered something about being “a tourist, mostly”). The real drama? The taxi ride. A charming chap, but oh boy, did he have a lead foot. I swear, I saw him glance sideways at a goat at one point. Arrived at City Lodge. It's… comfortable. Clean. Air-conditioned. Thank goodness. (Did I mention the humidity?)
- Anecdote: First thing, went to grab my passport, ready to check in. Nothing. Panic swelled in my chest. "Where. Is. It?" I rummaged through my bag. My soul nearly left my body. After a full three minutes (which felt like hours), I found it. Inside my pocketbook. The sheer, ridiculous, heart-stopping relief. I'm not getting any younger.
Afternoon (The First Swim, Blessedly): Checked in. The hotel staff were ridiculously lovely. Genuinely helpful. Which was needed. The pool! Oh, the pool. The City Lodge in Durban has a perfectly lovely one, and I needed it. The heat had already started to conspire against me while I was just getting settled. Spent a glorious hour just floating, trying to soak up the sun (carefully! Sunburn is not my friend).
- Quirky Observation: The pool has those little floating things. The most comfortable floating things you can imagine. I almost fell asleep on one, mid-float. Almost.
Evening (Dinner & the "Please, No More Driving" Phase): Dinner at a… well, a restaurant nearby. Nothing to write home about, but filled the void. I ordered the prawns, and they were good! Simple. Perfect. The waiter? Charming, as everyone is in Durban. Went back to the hotel and crashed. Jet lag is a fickle beast.

Day 2: Beach Life & the Curse of Mosquitoes

Morning (Golden Sands & Greed): Woke up with a vague yearning for the beach. Oh, the beach. This is why I came, right? Headed to North Beach. The sand! Soft, golden, like a dream. The waves crashing… mesmerizing. The sun, a beautiful, warm tyrant. Spent the morning just wandering, watching the surfers (I'm much better at watching than doing). Found a little kiosk and grabbed some fish and chips. Best breakfast ever? Quite possibly.
- Humorous Anecdote: I was trying to get a good picture of the waves, so I went nearer to the water. Next thing I know… a wave, a rogue wave, came crashing over me. Completely soaked! Not remotely prepared. Humiliating? Yes. Did I laugh? Absolutely. What else can you do?
Afternoon (Mosquito Mayhem): Returned to the hotel. This is where things went… less idyllic. The mosquitoes. Oh, the mosquitoes. I swear they knew I was a fresh, juicy foreign snack. They feasted. I scratched. I cursed. I learned the importance of insect repellent the hard way. The itching was unreal.
Evening (Battling the Bites & Netflix): Ordered in. Avoided the outside world. Watched Netflix. Planned my escape from the mosquito plague. I was never so glad for the aircon as I was now.

Day 3: The Spice Route & the "I Will Never Understand This Traffic" Saga

Morning (Spicy Senses Overload): Decided to hit the local markets. The Spice Route! Oh. Em. Gee. The smells! The colours! The bargaining. I am not a good bargainer. I'm too nice. I probably overpaid for everything, but the smells, the colours, and the experience where worth it. I bought spices. Several kinds. I have no idea what to do with them. Future me will be having a culinary adventure, or burning down the kitchen, not sure which.
- Emotional Reaction: I felt like a kid in a candy store. Lost! Overwhelmed! And completely, utterly, ridiculously happy.
Afternoon (Traffic Traumas): Decided to go to the Victoria Street Market. This is where the traffic got its revenge. Durban traffic. It's a beast. I'm convinced you need a special degree to navigate it. Seriously. I nearly missed an important turn, and it was a nightmare! The utter frustration of sitting there, inching forward, listening to the car horn concerto… I think I aged ten years.
Evening (Food & Reflection): Found a restaurant that did a Durban curry (of course). Oh, the flavours! The heat! The joy! Durban does food right, I’ll admit. Ate. Reflected on the trip. The imperfections. The heat. The mosquitoes. I also wondered how much money I had spent. Then decided I didn't want to think about it.

Day 4: Botanical Gardens & the "This is What Relaxation Feels Like" Moment

Morning (Gardens Galore): Escaped the city’s crazy hustle and bustle! Found refuge in Durban Botanic Gardens. Lush, green, peaceful. The orchids! The birdsong! The sheer, unadulterated calm of it all. Wandered for hours, letting my mind just… drift. A definite highlight.
- Emotional Reaction: Finally felt a sense of peace. I needed this. My soul breathed a sigh of relief, and a few tears welled up.
Afternoon (Hotel Rest!): Went back to the City Lodge. Read. Napped. Avoided mosquitoes. Absolute bliss.
Evening (A Final Drink & Goodbye): Had a final drink at the City Lodge bar (their cocktails are… well, strong!). Watching the sun set. Bittersweet. This trip has been a mess of good and bad, but it’s made me feel alive again. Durban, you wild, chaotic, beautiful beast.

Day 5: Departure & the "Definitely Coming Back" Promise

Morning (Packing & the "Did I Buy Too Much?" Question): Packed. Realized I had bought way too much. Souvenirs, spices, clothes I’d never wear again… oh. The joy of the holiday spending spree.
- Quirky Observation: My suitcase now seems to have tripled in size. I can't believe how much stuff I bought.
Afternoon (Goodbye & a Promise): Checked out. Farewells. Heading back to the airport. Reflecting on the trip; the wonderful people I’d met, the stunning beauty of the area, and the mosquitoes that feasted on my skin.
Evening: On the plane. Looking at the clouds. I close my eyes and, the next moment, I’m dreaming of Durban, already planning to come back.

Notes & Imperfections:

Transportation: Mix of taxis, Ubers (sometimes they got lost!), and walking (when I could stand the heat). Driving myself? Absolutely not. I’d be in jail by now.
Food: Ate everywhere and everything. From street food to fancy restaurants. The only thing I regret: not trying the bunny chow. Next time!
Things I Didn't Do (But wish I had): Hit the Drakensberg mountains. Not enough time, sadly.
The Biggest Takeaway: Travel is messy. Travel is unpredictable. Travel is amazing. And I'm so glad I came. (And I promise to pack more repellent next time.)

So, that's the wobbly, occasionally mosquito-bitten, and thoroughly imperfect story of my City Lodge Durban adventure. Hope you enjoyed the rambling ride!

Istanbul's Hidden Gem: Karaköy's Chic Hotel Sub (You HAVE to See This!)

Book Now

City Lodge Hotel Durban Durban South AfricaOkay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, wonderful world of… *drumroll* … the City Lodge Hotel in Durban! Forget the sterile, perfectly-curated hotel reviews. This is the *real* deal. Think less travel blogger, more slightly-caffeinated friend spilling the tea (and maybe a little bit of their breakfast buffet) about their stay.

Is the City Lodge Durban REALLY the "Best"? Give it to me straight!

Okay, "best" is subjective, right? Like, what's best for a budget backpacker is different from a luxury-loving socialite. *But* for the mid-range traveller, the person who wants clean, comfortable, and convenient without breaking the bank? LISTEN UP. I’d put money on City Lodge being top tier. I’ve stayed in places where they try to be fancy but forget the basics (like, you know, hot water). City Lodge? Consistently good. Like the reliable old friend that's always there for you whether you're hungover or just plain tired.
But hold your horses! It isn't perfect. More on that later... let's just say I once got stuck in a lift for, oh, only about 20 minutes, so... progress!

What’s the Vibe? Is it all business suits or can I show up in my boardshorts?

Okay, so it’s not a party hotel. Don't go expecting late-night poolside DJ sets. It's more… functional chic. Think clean lines, efficient staff, and a general atmosphere of “pleasant order.” Mostly, it's a relaxed vibe. You can definitely rock up in boardshorts (especially in Durbs!), or a business suit, and you won't feel out of place. The mix is good – families, couples, solo travellers, business people. It's a very "come as you are" kind of place. Which, frankly, I really appreciate. The lack of pretension is a massive plus.

The Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? Spill the Deets!

The rooms are… well, they're *rooms*. They aren't palaces, okay? Don’t expect a jacuzzi tub or a walk-in closet big enough to house a small family. But they are clean, well-maintained, and functional. The beds are comfortable (a HUGE factor, people!), the aircon works (essential in Durban's humidity!), and you get a decent TV with a selection of channels.
One (minor!) gripe? They're sometimes… a little *small*. Especially if you’re traveling with a mountain of luggage. But honestly, for crashing after a day exploring Durban or a meeting, they hit the spot. Also, my last stay, the shower pressure was gloriously strong. Victory!

Breakfast: The Make-or-Break Moment. Is it Good?

Okay, this is where City Lodge *really* shines. Their breakfast buffet is *good*. Like, really, really good. And I am a *breakfast* person. You're talking eggs cooked to order (omelettes are a MUST!), crispy bacon, a decent selection of fruit, pastries you can actually eat (unlike some places!), cereal, yogurt… the works.
I have, more than once, strategically planned my day around the breakfast buffet. *Judge me.* Once, I may or may not have snuck a croissant in my bag for later. Don't tell them! The coffee is decent too, which is a crucial detail in my book. Seriously, a bad hotel breakfast can ruin a day. City Lodge's breakfast? It's a winner.

Location, Location, Location! How Convenient is it, REALLY?

Depending on which specific City Lodge you're at (they have a few in Durban), the location will vary. But generally, they're well-placed. Near enough to the action, without being *in* the chaos. Walking distance to restaurants, shopping centers, and often public transport, or at least close to easy transport options.
I stayed at the Umhlanga one for a while. Super close to the beach, but I also had a slight run-in with a rogue pigeon in the parking garage whilst trying to find my car. Consider yourself warned! It was slightly traumatizing, but overall, the location was fantastic.

Anything I Should Worry About? Any Hidden Quirks?

Alright, let’s get real. No place is perfect, right?
So, the aforementioned lift incident. It did happen. The hotel staff was very apologetic, and they got us out quickly. But it's a reminder that things, even in a generally efficient place, *can* go wrong.
Also, parking. Make sure you know the parking situation at your chosen City Lodge. Some have ample parking, some are a bit… trickier. Double-check before you go!
AND, this is a personal thing, but sometimes the aircon can be a *bit* noisy. Nothing a white noise app on your phone can't fix, but worth noting if you're a light sleeper.
Also, once, I got locked out of my room. But it was my fault, my key card had demagnetized. I blame the heat!

Value for Money: Worth It, Or Overpriced?

Absolutely WORTH IT. Especially considering the location, the service, and that *glorious* breakfast. I’ve stayed in much more expensive places that offered significantly less. Okay, you're not getting a spa treatment or a butler service. But you *are* getting a solid, reliable hotel experience at a fair price. For what you get, I'd say it's excellent value. It might even be *too* good a value, that's how great the breakfast is.

Staff Attitude: Are the People Nice?

Generally, yes! The staff has *always* been friendly, helpful, and professional. They seem well-trained and eager to assist with any issues. This is a huge factor. A friendly smile and a helping hand can turn a good stay into a great one.

The Pool: Is it any good? Because heat and humidity are a thing...

Okay, so I *love* a good hotel pool. City Lodge pools? They're there. And they are generally perfectly fine. Clean, with some sun loungers. But they're not exactly epic, Instagram-worthy infinity pools. They're smallish, functional, good for a quick dip to cool off. Don't go there expecting a lavish poolsideEasy Hotel Hunt