Riviera Hotel Durban, Durban ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2024

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About the Hotel

"127 Margaret Mncadi Ave Esplanade, Durban, South Africa, 4001

Riviera Hotel Durban is a modern, budget-friendly tourist hotel situated at the edge of Durban's Central Business District. It is prominently located across from Durban Bay and the bustling Wilson's Wharf. The hotel features 66 rooms, most offering scenic views of the sea. With its historical significance, the property is close to local attractions like the International Yacht Harbour and the BAT Cultural and Entertainment Centre.

Location

Riviera Hotel Durban is conveniently located near key attractions, being only a 10-minute drive from Ushaka Marine World and the main beaches. King Shaka International Airport is approximately 40 minutes away by car. The hotel is situated just 15 minutes on foot from Berea Road, enhancing accessibility to the surrounding cultural sites and leisure spots.

Rooms

The hotel boasts 66 rooms, primarily sea-facing, equipped with a TV, ceiling fans, and en-suite private bathrooms. Family rooms are available, accommodating two adults and two small children, and include breakfast for four. Standard rooms feature two twin beds or a double bed, providing spacious seating areas. Premium rooms offer upgraded amenities like air conditioning and flat-screen TVs.

Eat & Drink

The in-house Riviera Café serves a variety of meals in a relaxed retro diner atmosphere. Renowned for its skilled chefs, the café specializes in dishes such as curries and a secret fish and chips recipe. Guests can enjoy an all-day breakfast, and the bar features live sports shown on satellite TV. Fast food and snacks are also available at the Busters restaurant.

Leisure & Business

Guests can indulge in leisure activities such as billiards in the lively bar or enjoy the hotel’s efficient business services available through the 24-hour front desk. The property includes undercover parking with reasonable rates. Wi-Fi is accessible across several areas of the hotel, enabling guests to stay connected during their visit.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Family Room

Max:

2 persons

15 m²

Bed options:

2 Single beds

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Budget Double Room

Max:

2 persons

8 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

room details

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Deluxe Double Room

Max:

2 persons

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Air conditioning

room details

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Durban800 m

Airports

King Shaka International (DUR) 35.8 km

Pietermaritzburg (PZB) 75.9 km

Train

Durban Railway Station 1.9 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Paid Wi-Fi

Parking

ZAR 30 per day

Luggage storage

24-hour services

24-hour reception

General

Non-smoking rooms
Paid Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage

Sports & Fitness

Golf course
Billiard tables

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Dining

Restaurant

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Room features

Sitting area

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

"127 Margaret Mncadi Ave Esplanade, Durban, South Africa, 4001

Map view

"127 Margaret Mncadi Ave Esplanade, Durban, South Africa, 4001

City landmarks

Amusement Park

uShaka Marine World

2.5 km

Garden

Durban Botanic Garden

2.1 km

Museum

Durban Natural Science Museum

1.0 km

Museum

Port Natal Maritime Museum

1.0 km

Museum

Old Court House Museum

1.0 km

Mosque

Juma Masjid Mosque

630 m

Gallery

Durban Art Gallery

1.0 km

Museum

Kwa Muhle Museum

1.6 km

Marina

Wilson's Wharf

800 m

114 Snell Parade

Mini Town

2.3 km

Public Building

Durban City Hall

1.0 km

Church

St Paul's Anglican Church

630 m

Event hall

The Bat Centre

1.0 km

Anton Lembede St

Francis Farewell Square

1.0 km

Castle

The Old Fort

1.0 km

45 Bram Fischer Road

Durban Icc

1.4 km

Indian Quarter

1.3 km

Casino

Suncoast Casino

3.1 km

Library

Durban Museums Library

940 m

Samora Machel St

Gugu Dlamini Park

990 m

Golf Course

Royal Durban Golf Club

2.4 km

Botanical Garden

South African National Biodiversity Institute

2.2 km

204 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

Moth Museum of Militaria

1.3 km

Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Temple

1.3 km

86-92 Dale Road

Swaminarayan Temple

1.3 km

1 Derby Road

1860 Heritage Museum

1.4 km

Museum

Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre

2.4 km

Nearby

Corner Cathedral Lane and Queen Street

Emmanual Cathedral

310 m

Mosque

West Street Mosque

310 m

31 Diakonia Ave

Old House Museum

310 m

Restaurants

Vida e Caffe

1.1 km

92 Bertha Mkhize Street Ground Floor

Patels Vegetarian Refreshment Room

1.1 km

202 Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

64%

liked the hotel and would stay again

Welcoming Service

Convenient Location

Limited Dining Options

Mosquitoes in Rooms

6.4/10

Nice

Rooms

6.8

Location

7.0

Service

7.0

Dining

5.7

3.5/5 based on 40 reviews

#33 of 76 hotels in Durban based on Tripadvisor

Edward

United States, May 2024

7.6/10

I had a pleasant stay at the hotel. The rooms were clean and the breakfast was awesome, but there were issues with mosquitoes. The service was welcoming and trustworthy, from reception to the cleaners. The location is near the beautiful Durban Harbour and close to amenities, offering convenience. The dining experience had limited options for non-meat eaters. Overall, a comfortable stay with excellent service.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were clean. The breakfast provided tea, coffee, and milk, though not always refilled on time. There were mosquitoes present.

Service

9.0

The service was welcoming and trustworthy, with friendly and courteous staff.

Location

8.0

The location is near the beautiful Durban Harbour and offers proximity to amenities, though it could use more lighting and character.

Dining

6.0

The dining options were a bit disappointing, especially for non-meat eaters.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were adequate for a comfortable stay.

Welcoming Service

Limited Dining Options

Stephen

United States, April 2024

5.0/10

The hotel room we stayed in was facing the harbour, and it was quite a surprise to find it in bad condition. The service, especially during the day, was the main problem, as it lacked welcoming vibes. The location, although close to the harbor, felt a bit dangerous, but the staff deserves a thank you for their dedication. The dining options were limited and repetitive, not changing much daily.

Rooms

5.0

The room facing the harbour was in bad condition, which was surprising.

Service

5.0

The service was not welcoming at all, with a lack of friendliness during the day.

Location

5.0

The location, although close to the harbor, felt a bit dangerous.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience offered limited options, with the menu staying the same daily.

Facilities

6.0

The property had common areas close to the harbor.

Jennifer

United States, March 2024

6.8/10

The hotel had some shortcomings like no fridge causing our food to get spoiled and occasional plug issues in the room, but it was clean and the breakfast was fantastic. On the bright side, our room had a fridge and a microwave, which was convenient, and there was a nice touch with tea offered for visitors in the room.

Rooms

7.0

The room was clean and had essential amenities like a fridge and microwave, but had some maintenance issues with plugs sometimes not working. The absence of a phone for reception calls was a downside.

Service

8.0

The staff was friendly and ensured our rooms were well cleaned and maintained while we were out, which was very reassuring.

Location

7.0

The location was convenient, close to amenities like the harbor and banks, and in Durban Central. It was a bit of a letdown due to the distance from the beach, but it suited my visit for a cruise being close to the harbor.

Dining

6.0

The dining options were decent, but lacking variety, especially for non-meat eaters. The freshly prepared food was enjoyable but could use more options.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were adequate, but there is room for improvement to upgrade and make them more appealing to attract more visitors.

clean

maintenance issues

Charles

United States, February 2024

7.0/10

The hotel offers a mix of convenience and beautiful surroundings. The rooms are impeccably clean with fresh towels daily, but they are on the smaller side. The service has some issues regarding demands for tips and parking concerns. The location is a major plus, being close to essential amenities and the harbor. The dining experience falls short on variety and expectations. Overall, a decent stay with some room for improvement.

Rooms

8.0

My room was spotless with fresh towels and bathing essentials daily, though on the small side.

Service

5.0

I had some issues with the service, particularly regarding tipping demands and parking matters.

Location

9.0

The hotel is ideally situated close to taxis, essential services, and the harbor for sea cruising.

Dining

6.0

The dining options were limited and didn't quite meet my expectations.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel offers a decent range of facilities to enhance the stay.

Joey

United States, February 2024

6.4/10

The hotel room was very nice and clean, but the noise from the road and loud guests made it a sleepless night. The room was cozy and had some good views, but the noise was a downside.

Rooms

7.0

The room I booked was clean and cozy with some good views.

Service

6.0

The staff welcomed us with a big smile and were very trustworthy in maintaining our rooms. However, there was a long wait for food, and there was pressure to tip excessively.

Location

7.0

The hotel is a bit scary at night, but it's close to taxis and not far from the city center. It's also near the harbor and conveniently located for reaching various attractions.

Dining

6.0

The dining choices were good but could have been better. The food quality was not consistent, with the homegrown organic fruits being a pleasant exception.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were not outstanding but met basic needs. The hotel was convenient for our stay.

clean

noisy guests

United States, January 2024

8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at the hotel. The rooms were really comfortable with a great view of the harbor, everything was perfect, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The place was very clean and hygienic, which was impressive. The service was friendly, efficient, and professional, and the staff were very helpful. The location was perfect, especially being close to the city center and having a beautiful view. The dining experience was good, and the facilities were top-notch.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were clean, comfortable, and offered a great view of the harbor.

Service

9.0

The service was excellent. The staff were friendly, efficient, and professional, always ready to help.

Location

10.0

The location was perfect, close to the city center with a beautiful view of the harbor.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was okay, nothing exceptional but satisfactory.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were great, offering everything needed for a comfortable stay.

Larry

United States, October 2023

6.2/10

The hotel has a convenient location near the river and the harbor for sea cruising. The rooms, though not entirely clean, are in good condition overall. The service was helpful, with a few incidents regarding tipping. The dining experience was below expectations, lacking variety. The hotel facilities are adequate, offering decent value for money.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms are good, albeit not entirely clean.

Service

7.0

The service was appreciatively understanding, with a minor issue about tipping.

Location

6.0

The hotel is close to taxis and offers good prices, but has some noise and theft concerns.

Dining

5.0

The dining options were limited, missing certain popular dishes.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel offers basic facilities, meeting general expectations.

John

United States, October 2023

5.2/10

The hotel was a mixed experience. Although the rooms lacked essential amenities like a fridge and a working phone, the staff was positive. The dirty and smelly carpet was a downside, but the value for money was good.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms were lacking some key amenities like a fridge and a working phone. The plugs were unreliable at times, and the carpet had a bad smell, which was a letdown.

Service

7.0

The service was decent; the room was cleaned daily, and the reception staff were visible and helpful during our stay.

Location

6.0

The location was convenient despite being detached from the beach, and we could see the harbor. However, there was a rude security guard in the parking area, and occasional smoke from the bar area on the first floor was not pleasant.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience, particularly breakfast, was subpar. We had to settle for dry brown bread, which did not meet our standards.

Facilities

5.0

The facilities were lacking, and the absence of basic amenities in the rooms was a significant downside. The hand-made pasta was a unique dining feature worth trying.

Comfortable dining area

Dirty carpet

Katherine

United States, June 2023

6.8/10

The hotel was clean and neat, with a place to hang clothes in the room, but the noise from the road and very noisy guests made for a sleepless night. The service was reliable and trustworthy, especially from the staff who worked on Saturday and Sunday morning shifts. The location was perfect and beautiful, though slightly dangerous. The dining options were limited for non-meat eaters, and the facilities were decent.

Rooms

7.0

The room was clean and neat, with a place to hang clothes.

Service

8.0

The staff made sure our rooms were properly cleaned and were trustworthy.

Location

6.0

The location was absolutely perfect and beautiful, though it seemed a bit dodgy.

Dining

7.0

The dining options were good, but limited for non-meat eaters.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were decent.

Jacob

United States, June 2023

6.8/10

The hotel had a great location close to the beautiful Durban Harbor, near shops and tourist attractions. The rooms were clean and comfortable, but the smell of smoke was off-putting, and the quality of some amenities like the toilet paper was subpar. The breakfast was awesome but lacked options for non-meat eaters.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were clean and comfortable, although they smelled of smoke and had subpar amenities like crumbly toilet paper.

Service

8.0

The service was friendly, with trustworthy staff ensuring the rooms were well-maintained. However, one staff member demanding a tip felt inappropriate.

Location

6.0

Situated near the Durban Harbor, shops, and tourist attractions, the location was convenient but needed better lighting and character.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was good, with freshly prepared food, but lacked variety and options for non-meat eaters.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities need improvement in maintaining a high level of hygiene, but overall, they were satisfactory.