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Overlooking the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse and Indian Ocean, The Oyster Box is a 5-star hotel offering timeless luxury and comfort as part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Guests can enjoy elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and villas—some with private patios or plunge pools—each with handcrafted furnishings, complimentary Wi-Fi, and thoughtful amenities. Dining includes The Ocean Terrace, known for its famous curry and seafood buffets; The Grill Room, offering fine dining in a classic setting; and three distinctive bars: The Oyster Bar, the vintage-style Chukka Bar, and the rooftop Lighthouse Bar with panoramic ocean views. With two swimming pools, a serene spa, a private cinema, and a well-equipped gym, the hotel is ideal for both relaxation and celebration. Just steps from Umhlanga Village and the beach, the hotel is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and perfectly suited for honeymoons, group getaways, and memorable occasions. Free private parking is available.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

    • Located in the best-rated area in Durban, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.8

    • Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly-rated for its very comfy beds.

    • Breakfast Info

    • Full English/Irish, Buffet

    • Free parking available at the hotel

    • Loyal Customers

    • There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.


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Availability

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Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
and
2 bunk beds
1 king bed
Bedroom
1 king bed
Living room
1 sofa bed
1 king bed
Bedroom 1
1 king bed
Bedroom 2
1 king bed
1 king bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Etienne
    South Africa South Africa
    Everything was exceptional except our Saturday evening dinner at The Grill room, where they forgot to put out main course order through to the kitchen.
  • Rochelle
    South Africa South Africa
    Great location. The property is well maintained. Everything was comfortable.
  • Chris
    United States United States
    One of the most luxurious accommodations I’ve ever experienced and I’ve been all over the world.
  • Jonathan
    South Africa South Africa
    Breakfast is a highlight, staff are very attentive
  • Zukiswa
    South Africa South Africa
    Amazing experience! From the warm welcome on arrival to the responsiveness of all staff to every request. Nothing is ever a nuisance to ask from all of them.
  • Mariam
    United States United States
    Exceptional friendly and professional staff who cater to every imaginable need.
  • Valentino
    United States United States
    The level of service was impeccable. Upon arrival, we were greeted with hot towels and sparkling wine. All of the staff were welcoming and seemed to go out of their way to be helpful — Especially the head Concierge (Kishan?)who advised us with a...
  • Valentino
    United States United States
    The level of service was impeccable. Upon arrival, we were greeted with hot towels and sparkling wine. All of the staff were welcoming and seemed to go out of their way to be helpful — Especially the head Concierge (Kishan?)who advised us with a...
  • Leanie
    South Africa South Africa
    What is there not to love about the Oyster Box? We loved everything about it. The staff, the white and red decor, the views, waking up to the waves every morning, and the bubbly breakfast!
  • Kate
    United States United States
    The setting is stunning. The upkeep of the property shows they care.

Hotel area info

Restaurants

3 Restaurants On Site
  • Grill Room
    • Cuisine
      International
    • Open for
      Dinner
    • Ambience
      Traditional • Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
  • The Ocean Terrace
    • Cuisine
      Indian • Pizza • Seafood • Local • South African
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambience
      Family-friendly • Traditional
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
  • Palm Court (High Tea)
    • Cuisine
      International • South African
    • Open for
      High tea
    • Ambience
      Family-friendly • Traditional
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of The Oyster Box

Great facilities! Review score, 9.6

Most popular amenities

  • 2 swimming pools
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Free Wifi
  • Beachfront
  • Airport shuttle
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
  • Bar
  • Private beach area

Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathtub
  • Shower

Bedroom

  • Linens
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Alarm clock

View

  • View

Outdoors

  • Beachfront
  • Sun deck
  • Private beach area
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Kitchen

  • Coffee machine

Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Activities

  • Live sports events (broadcast)
  • Live music/Performance
  • Cooking class
    Additional charge
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Themed dinners
    Additional charge
  • Movie nights
  • Stand-up comedy
    Additional charge
  • Bar crawls
    Additional charge
  • Game drives
    Additional charge
  • Beach
  • Evening entertainment
  • Kids' club
  • Snorkeling
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Horseback riding
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Diving
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Windsurfing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Playground
  • Fishing
    Additional chargeOff-site

Living Area

  • Desk

Media & Technology

  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Cable channels
  • Satellite channels
  • Telephone
  • TV

Food & Drink

  • Coffee house on site
  • Wine/Champagne
    Additional charge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kids' meals
    Additional charge
  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Internet
Wifi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking
Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Valet parking
  • Accessible parking

Front Desk Services

  • Invoice provided
  • Concierge
  • Baggage storage
  • Tour desk
  • 24-hour front desk

Entertainment & Family Services

  • Strollers
  • Outdoor play equipment for kids
  • Indoor play area
  • Board games/Puzzles
  • Babysitting/Child services
    Additional charge

Cleaning Services

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service
    Additional charge
  • Dry cleaning
    Additional charge
  • Laundry
    Additional charge

Business Facilities

  • Fax/Photocopying
    Additional charge
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
    Additional charge

Safety & security

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe

General

  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Pet bowls
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Smoke-free property
  • Wake-up service
  • Heating
  • Car rental
  • Packed lunches
  • Elevator
  • Fan
  • Family rooms
  • Ironing facilities
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wake-up service/Alarm clock
  • Room service

Accessibility

  • Lowered sink
  • Raised toilet
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible

2 swimming pools

Pool 1 – outdoorFree!

  • Open all year
  • All ages welcome
  • Infinity pool
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end
  • Swimming pool toys
  • Pool/Beach towels
  • Pool bar
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Beach umbrellas

Pool 2 – outdoorFree!

  • Open all year
  • Adults only
  • Shallow end
  • Pool/Beach towels
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Beach umbrellas

Spa

  • Locker rooms
  • Fitness
  • Full-body massage
  • Hand massage
  • Head massage
  • Couples' massage
  • Foot massage
  • Neck massage
  • Back massage
  • Spa/Wellness packages
  • Spa lounge/Relaxation area
  • Spa facilities
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Turkish/Steam Bath
  • Massage
    Additional charge
  • Spa
    Additional charge
  • Fitness center

Languages Spoken

  • Afrikaans
  • English
  • French
  • Xhosa
  • Zulu

House rules

The Oyster Box takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 2:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
Until 11:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

0 - 2 years
Crib upon request
Free
3 - 12 years
Extra bed upon request
Free
13+ years
Extra bed upon request
ZAR 950 per person, per night

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Groups
When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
Cards accepted at this hotel
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubUnionPay credit card Cash is not accepted

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform The Oyster Box of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary, and other relevant info on dates where such guidelines exist.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), make sure you're booking this property in accordance with the destination's local government guidelines, including (but not limited to) the purpose of travel and maximum group size.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.

FAQs about The Oyster Box