Note: I had the opportunity to review this hotel and was gifted 2 nights.
This year has been the year for traveling, locally and internationally. I’ve had such a ball traveling to different cities and exploring amazing cuisines!
I’m originally from the beautiful city Durban, I moved up to Johannesburg when I was in grade 8.
I love Johannesburg with all my heart and I will never move back to Durban but… I love going back to KZN when I can with the kids to take a little break from the Jozi busyness.
My daughter loves traveling, she’s such a little explorer already!
This was my son’s first trip outside Gauteng, so this was an extremely special holiday that I will always remember.
Honestly, It felt so good to escape to the seaside for a long weekend. I’ve worked extremely hard this year on many projects which have given me late nights and early mornings away from my kids. I needed this time to bond again with them and relax.
This time around we decided to skip the usual spots and do something different. My husband and I love trying out different hotels and restaurants. It’s such an experience. It makes me want to travel more!
I love hotel rooms and I’m crazy about a good breakfast!
The Garden Court uMhlanga hotel is about 7 minutes away from one of my favorite malls; Gateway! It is in the heart uMhlanga Rocks and is the ideal holiday destination for visitors to KwaZulu-Natal’s picturesque coastline, as well as being a convenient and affordable choice for business travelers.
About Garden Court uMhlanga:
The hotel’s 204 rooms offer a contemporary interior with colors and textures of natural reed that inspires a feeling of relaxation. The hotel’s restaurant caters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a variety of light meals and refreshing beverages throughout the day.
The hotel is spacious and has a modern feel with a beautiful outdoor area that has two heated pools and a sandpit for the kids.
FIRST IMPRESSION?
This is definitely a family friendly hotel! The sandpit was a huge bonus for me because my kids love the sand and can spend hours in it! It got them extremely excited and officially in holiday mode especially since the weather wasn’t the best for the beach.
When we arrived in the room after an easy check in, we were welcomed with a delicious plate of cakes and snacks.
OUR ROOM EXPERIENCE:
We had an interleading room with my mom and cousin. This made the hotel experience so much better since the kids were running from one room to the other during our entire stay. I love their setup for family rooms especially when it is interleading. You feel like you staying in an apartment in the hotel.
I must say, I think I really unestimated Garden Court and what they have to offer. I never expected what we received and I am so glad that I actually decided to try them out.
Note to self: Never judge a hotel without experiencing it first.
We got a family room with 2 double beds, bathtub, and shower. We had the view of their amazing well-lit pool area which looked very fancy at night. The en-suite bathroom really stood out for me because it was extremely spacious. The tub and shower were exactly what I needed with two kids.
SERVICES & AMENITIES AT THE HOTEL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT:
- 350mb of free high-speed WiFi per room daily.
- The Mnandi Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily and offers room service between 17h30 and 22h00 daily.
- Ukuphela Bar – opened from Monday to Sunday, 10h00 to 23h00 and has a good choice of drinks and pleasant ambiance.
- 2 heated pools (one for kids).
- Sandpit for kiddies.
- Fitness Centre to stay in shape during your holiday.
- Self-service WorkStation.
- Car for hire if you want to tour the city with lots of people! We used the shuttle service to visit Ushaka Marine world.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY STAY?
The lovely breakfast and heated pool area. Even though the hotel is situated on a busy corner, you can still relax outside by the pool area with the kids and enjoy the Durban breeze.
Great customer service, the staff is always willing to assist.
WHAT CAN IMPROVE?
No complaints – I think the hotel is fine as it is.
SPECIAL OFFERS:
You have 27 and 28 October to take advantage of the ultimate summer sale, your way.
From only R 995 per room, per night including breakfast. Plus, 2 kids under 18 stay and eat breakfast free when sharing with 2 adults.
What to do near the Garden Court hotel Umhlanga?
- Umhlanga Main Beach
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping
- The Barnyard Theatre Gateway
- Diving with Aqua Rush
- Climb ‘The Rock’
- KZN Science Centre
- Skate at Wave House Durban
- Mr Funtubbles Fabulous Family Fun Fair
For more information, visit www.sa-venues.com.
PRICING:
Estimate R 1,785 for a family room per day (2 kids and 2 adults). Pricing may change.
WOULD I RECOMMEND IT TO A FRIEND?
Definitely.
MOM AND BRANDS RATING: 
Garden Court Umhlanga is a beautiful hotel situated in the perfect spot for tourists wanting to explore uMhlanga.
For more information on the hotel and reservations, visit www.tsogosun.com/garden-court-umhlanga.
6 comments
That’s a lovely hotel. I love the accommodations and the amenities are great, too.
This is a beautiful hotel. I like the sandbox too.
I really want to go on vacation one of these days. 🙂
Good for you for being able to travel much locally and internationally this year. That looks like a nice hotel. Love the pool view from your room!
This hotel is beautiful, and I love the snacks they put in your room. After traveling there is nothing better than some snacks to give you some much needed energy! Looks like a really lovely vacation spot, adding it to my travel list!
Wow, this is such a gorgeous hotel. I’d love to visit uMhlanga someday if I ever visit South Africa! – HilLesha