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Hotel · Durban · KwaZulu-Natal

Royal Palm Hotel

A 4-star stay in Umhlanga Ridge, steps from Gateway mall and the beach.

  • Close to Gateway Shopping centre and beach
  • Spacious suites with private balconies
  • On-site spa, sauna, and golf course
8.6 Great 3741 reviews Booking.com 8.6 · 3741 reviews

About

Royal Palm Hotel

Royal Palm Hotel sits on Palm Boulevard in Umhlanga Ridge, an 11-minute walk from the Kwazulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence. The 4-star property offers a courtyard, shared lounge, and a golf course on site.

Rooms range from Executive King Suites to a Three-Bedroom Penthouse, many with balconies, bath tubs, and air conditioning. Facilities include a spa, sauna, fitness centre, restaurant, and bar – plus a 24-hour reception and business centre.

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Upgrade-friendly and attentive service — Guests frequently mention surprise upgrades and staff going the extra mile, even after the bar closes.
  • Superb location near Gateway mall — Walking distance to Gateway Shopping centre, restaurants, and a beach across the road – ideal for both leisure and business.
  • Spacious suites with balconies — Rooms come with private balconies, bathtubs, and air conditioning – a comfortable base for unwinding after meetings or sightseeing.
  • Pleasant breakfast spread — Breakfast offers plenty of options, a highlight for many guests.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Some room cleanliness and breakfast service gaps — A guest noted room cleanliness issues and slower service during breakfast, though the overall ambiance remained warm.
  • Mixed value rating — While value scored 8.6, a couple of reviewers rated their overall experience lower (5 and 7.2), suggesting expectations may vary.
  • No pets allowed — If you plan to travel with a pet, this property won't accommodate them.
  • Limited facilities score — Facilities scored 7.5, the lowest category, hinting at possible wear or limited options compared to other aspects.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Executive Twin Suite

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Bathtub
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning

King Room Disability Access

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning

Family Two-Bedroom Suite

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Bathtub
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning

Three-Bedroom Penthouse Suite

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Bathtub
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning

Executive King Suite

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Bathtub
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning

Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite

  • 2 Single beds or 1 Queen-size bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Balcony

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Lift
  • Luggage storage
  • 24-hour security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Room comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Ironing facilities
  • Free toiletries
  • Electric kettle
  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
  • Carpeted floor

Food & drink

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge area
  • In-room breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • Coffee shop

Wellness & leisure

  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Fitness centre
  • Golf course
  • Beach access

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink
  • Business centre
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying
  • Babysitting/Child services

Accessibility

  • Rooms/Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.6
Great 3741 reviews

Guest-rated 8.6/10 from 3,741 reviews

Booking.com · 8.6 · 3741 reviews
8.6Verified guest

“We were delighted to be upgraded to a penthouse suite – a thoughtful touch. Room service was quick, and even as the bar was closing, staff went out of their way to bring drinks to our room, making for a pleasant stay despite a few hiccups.”

8.6Verified guest

“Breakfast offered plenty of great options.”

8.6Verified guest

“The location is handy for getting to local sights.”

8.6Verified guest

“A relaxing five-night stay – the room was airy, spotless, and good value. The hotel is very close to Gateway Shopping centre, restaurants, and the mall, with the beach and shops just across the road.”

8.6Verified guest

“Great for business – the hotel is central, making it easy to explore nearby restaurants and shops. I loved the spacious suite with a private balcony and a luxurious bathroom, perfect for unwinding after meetings. Friendly staff, and check-in was a breeze.”

8.6Verified guest

“The Executive King Suite was spacious with thoughtful touches like a microwave and comfortable seating. Staff were responsive, though room cleanliness and breakfast service speed had some room for improvement. The welcoming ambiance made it feel warm, but a few tweaks could elevate the experience.”

04 — Location

Getting around Durban

The property sits in Durban.

Gateway Shopping Centre: A short walk from the hotel, this large mall offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and a cinema – a convenient stop for any traveller.

Beach across the road: The hotel places you close to the shore, with easy access for a walk along the sand or a quick swim.

Sharks Board Maritime Centre: Located an 11-minute walk away, this centre provides insight into KwaZulu-Natal's marine life and shark conservation efforts.

6-8 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320, South Africa

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-23:59
Check-out
By 10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
93 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00.

Is parking available?

Yes, parking is available on site.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Does the hotel have a spa or wellness centre?

Yes, there is a spa and wellness centre, including a sauna and steam room.

Is there a restaurant on site?

Yes, the hotel has a restaurant and a bar/lounge area, and room service is available.

What room types are available?

Options include Executive King Suites, Deluxe Double Studios, Family Two-Bedroom Suites, and two- and three-bedroom penthouses, many with balconies and tubs.

The bottom line

Royal Palm Hotel is a solid pick for travellers who value location and space. The proximity to Gateway mall and the beach, along with likely upgrades and attentive staff, makes it a comfortable base – though room cleanliness and breakfast speed can be inconsistent.

8.6Best for business trips and shoppers who want a central Umhlanga Ridge stay.

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