If you like 1970 furnishings...dismal decor...staff who haven't a clue what they are doing...filthy bedroom windows...useless air conditioning...badly lit bathrooms...and dreadful food served in a massive dining room with no other customers in it, then this is the hotel for you. I didn't think you could eat badly in South Africa. The Royal changed that. The hotel boasts 'a number... more

Stayed at the Royal in early September. While it is obvious the hotel (as is true of much of South Africa) is past it's prime, I found the place clean and well kept, and the staff helpful and courteous. There is an ongoing effort to upgrade the location, including the downstairs grill. I would gladly stay at the hotel again,... more

Advertised as recently refurbished, but in reality more like 20 years ago, they were dirty - the bathroom had not been cleaned before we checked in , dust everywhere. Staff not helpful or friendly and management seemed disinterested . Phone in room did not work and took ages for it to be replaced /repaired. Avoid at all costs! more

We stayed at the Royal for 2 nights during a 2 week stay in South Africa, and the service here was the worst of all the hotels we stayed at. Not to mention that their AC vent pumps air from the first floor all the way to the top, so those of us on the 12th floor were very uncomfortable... more

I stayed at the Royal for 3 nights in this Sep because I attended a international congress at famous ICC (also went to uShaka, a good place). At first I was happy and had expectation because the introduction on their website attracted me and the congress report us a cheaper price than usual. When I arrived, maybe I was spoiled... more

I was not impressed by The Royal Hotel in Durban. I think the over-expectation and sales pitch gave me an over estimated impression of the hotel. We were put on an executive floor and rooms were large in size but the bathrooms had open sockets and needed an upgrade to this century. To market a grand old lady such as... more