Garden Court Hotel Marine Parade [Review]

Note: I had the opportunity to review this hotel and was gifted 2 nights.

When last did you go on a vacation with the kids or even a weekend away to escape work, the busy city and try something different?

Honestly, we used to do this quite often until we got so caught up in work this year that we forgot all about family vacations. In September, I had an opportunity to visit Durban for work so I decided to make it a working holiday and take the kids with me.

It was difficult but I knew I had to do it. My kids needed a break from their daily routine at home and I needed them with me. I traveled so much this year without them so this was a good excuse to have them with me because it wasn’t a very long trip and we were near the sea which was great for them since they love the beach!

Durban has so much to offer! It’s a laid-back city filled with good food, beautiful scenery, and gorgeous hotels.

We spent the first 2 nights in uMhlanga and then moved over to central Durban and stayed at the Garden Court Hotel Marine Parade.

This hotel is ideally positioned on Durban’s beautiful Golden Mile.

The Garden Court Marine Parade is the preferred beach hotel for visitors to KwaZulu-Natal’s most popular coastal city. The warm sub-tropical climate makes business and leisure travel a pleasure all-year round and guests can enjoy a combination of comfort, quality service and affordable rates at this Durban hotel.

ABOUT GARDEN COURT Marine Parade:

Newly refurbished, Garden Court Marine Parade offers 352 spacious and comfortably appointed sea-facing rooms. The hotel has 105 Standard Rooms with king size beds and 247 Standard Rooms. Fresh, contemporary styling induces a sense of relaxation. After a day at the beach, guests can enjoy panoramic views as they cool down in the hotel’s sparkling heated rooftop pool.

FIRST IMPRESSION?

To be honest, I wasn’t wowed when I entered the reception. It felt a bit old and the backdrop at reception didn’t catch my attention however when I went upstairs to my room, I was left speechless! The rooms are beautiful.

It wasn’t what I expected at the Garden Court Marine Parade hotel. They definitely surprised me.

OUR ROOM EXPERIENCE:

We had a family room which was huge! I loved the modern touch to the room and the beautiful pictures on the wall.

The room looked elegant and the view from the room was breathtaking. I was standing on the 20th floor facing the ocean. That view made my day! It was picture perfect. All I wanted to do was put on my bathing suit and run into the water with my kids. We didn’t get an interleading room due to availability but that was okay because the scenery made up for it.

If you looking for a hotel with good views, I suggest you check this one out. It won’t disappoint you, especially on a perfect summers day.

SERVICES & AMENITIES AT THE HOTEL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT:

• Baby cots on request
• Babysitting facility on request
• 350mb of free high-speed WiFi per room daily
• Self-service workstations
• Concierge
• Curio Shop
• Bar
• Safety deposit box
• Secure undercover parking (charge)

• Gift shop guest relations
• Highchairs on request
• Ice machine
• Indoor pool – not heated
• Laundry / valet
• Restaurant

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY STAY?

The restaurant!

The restaurant offers “theme” nights every day of the week. The night that I decided to visit, they had an Indian theme. Even though it was Indian, there was something there that everyone would enjoy. You could taste the Indian spices but it wasn’t overwhelming.

Dinner is served from 18h00 to 22h00 daily.

The breakfast is worth it, they have a huge variety and everything is delicious.

WHAT CAN IMPROVE?

Reception Decor and the energy of the staff at reception.

SPECIAL OFFERS:

Save 15% on Your Stay If You Book 21 Days In Advance.

WHAT TO DO NEAR THE GARDEN COURT HOTEL Marine parade?

• Ushaka Marine World
• The beachfront
• Mini Town Durban
• Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World
• Moses Mabhida Stadium

PRICING:

Estimate R 1,810 for a family room per day (2 kids and 2 adults). Pricing may change.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT TO A FRIEND?

Yes.

MOM AND BRANDS RATING: 

I think TSOGO SUN has really outdone themselves with the renovation of this hotel. It’s definitely “the” hotel to stay in during the December holidays and I can predict that the restaurant is going to be very popular if opened to the public as it is along the beachfront.

For more information on the hotel and reservations, visit www.tsogosun.com/garden-court-marine-parade.