The Oyster Box

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with 2 outdoor swimming pools

Choose dates to view prices

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Oyster Box

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Indian cuisine
Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite | Living area
Presidential Suite
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast available
  • Gym
    Gym
  • Spa
    Spa
The price is €430
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec

Perks for members at select top-rated stays

Our Silver and Gold members get perks at select VIP Access properties, on top of exceptional service.
Silver tier member
A perk like food and drink extras, free breakfast, or parking credits
Gold tier member
Room upgrades when available, plus Silver perks

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

Presidential Suite

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
  • 450 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
  • 105 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Bathrobes
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bed

Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
  • 55 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
  • 76 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed

Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Bathrobes
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Room (Garden Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Bathrobes
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Bathrobes
  • 27 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Luxury Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • 30 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Map
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320

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 Hospital - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping - 4 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • Durban (DUR-King Shaka Intl.) - 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

Luxury boutique hotel near Umhlanga Rocks Beach
Located close to Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, The Oyster Box provides an airport shuttle, a poolside bar and a terrace. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location and sunloungers. Indulge in aromatherapy, a hot stone massage and a facial at the on-site spa. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, children's meals and Indian cuisine. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a coffee shop/cafe and a garden.
You'll also find perks such as:
  • 2 outdoor pools with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self-parking and valet parking
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and an electric car charging station
  • Babysitting (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and a gift shop
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 86 rooms boast comforts, such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as perks, such as pillow menus and laptop-friendly workspaces.
More amenities include:
  • Highchairs and free infant beds
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters and LED light bulbs
  • Free toiletries and hairdryers
  • 43-inch Smart TVs with premium channels
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, patios and electric kettles

Awards and affiliations

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

Languages

Afrikaans, English, French, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: ZAR 495 for adults and ZAR 495 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Palm Court
  • The Grill Room
  • The Lighthouse Bar
  • The Ocean Terrace
  • The Oyster Bar

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • Free children's club
  • Free cot
  • Free supervised activities for children
  • Highchair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 6 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Swedish massages
  • Turkish bath

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Handrails in hallways
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Lift
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchairs on site

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1947
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free cot
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch smart TV with premium satellite channels

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); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets are allowed for an extra charge of ZAR 1000, per pet, per night, plus a deposit of ZAR 1000 per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
12 children can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 495.0 per night.
Free cots are available on request at the property

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Breakage deposit: ZAR 1000 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately ZAR 495 for adults and from ZAR 495 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 510 per vehicle (one-way)
  • 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 495.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 security system and a first aid kit

We should mention

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility without adult supervision
Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa
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 organisation.

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

Frequently asked questions

Does The Oyster Box have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools.

How much does it cost to stay at The Oyster Box?

As of 23 Nov 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Oyster Box on 1 Dec 2024 start from €429.78, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is The Oyster Box pet-friendly?

Yes, this hotel allows pets (limit 2 total). There's a deposit of ZAR 1000 per night and a fee of ZAR 1000 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at The Oyster Box?

Self-parking and valet parking are free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Oyster Box?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at The Oyster Box?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does The Oyster Box provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 510 per vehicle applies.

Where is The Oyster Box located?

Located in Umhlanga, this beachfront hotel is in the entertainment district and within 1 mi (2 km) of Umhlanga Rocks Beach and Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Umdloti Beach are also within 9 mi (15 km).

The Oyster Box Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 242 out of 280 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 280 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 280 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 280 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 280 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

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Olivier

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely amazing! Great service and stunning hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stuart, Winter Haven

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.

10/10 Excellent

Shirley

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Oyster Box is one of my favourite hotels. The decor is beautiful and the ambiance warm and welcoming. The staff are attentive, helpful and pleasant giving excellent service. As usual the meals we had in the restaurants were delicious. All round another wonderful stay.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ferial

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a short stay both times, so we were unable to use the amenities, however we still had an absolutely amazing stay. Staff and service were exceptional, they were very friendly and always ready to assist, and go over and above. The rooms are beautiful, very comfortable and cater to all needs and they made a special surprise for us when we got to the room for our anniversary celebration. We had a sea-facing room which was absolutely stunning to wake up to the sound of the waves and go to sleep to the same. Food was delicious, and the oyster and sparkling wine breakfast buffet was absolutely delicious and catered to every taste. Definitely worth staying there. We would love to go back!
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is one of the finest hotels we have ever stayed. I couldn't recommend more. Room/view was fabulous. Food exceptional and the staff superb.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Oyster Box Short Break
Excellent hotel and fantastic service
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023