We stayed here based upon the recommendation found in Fodor's guidebook, which rates it quite well. We stayed for one night, June 21. The rooms were decent, about the quality of a Holiday Inn (in the US). It definitely seemed like it was past it's prime. The next morning, at around 7am, we heard a loud explosion. We were in... more

This once grand five star hotel certainly lost its splendour. We had to move rooms as the air conditioning was not functioning. The carpets was clean but stained. Piped music so loud it interfered with sleep. Too many trainees. It was pleasant though, but not worth the rates. more

Some of reviews here are a little harsh but there are some valid comments. We stayed one night. Rooms pleasant (our overlooked the harbour), linen clean and crisp; Ulundi Restaurant serves most excellent Indian cuisine (despite the bizarrely refurbished dining room into a sort of fast-food venue - it used to be "Colonial"in feel); and breakfast good. Staff really friendly... more

way past it's 'sell by' date a worn out hotel with sketchy service, ugly rooms and few qualities more

I'm rating it "terrible" because it claims five stars. The worst part is the service. It makes a mockery of their claim of "uncompromising service and unfailing hospitality". The staff are poorly trained and rude. A waitress rolled her eyes at me for requesting honey at the breakfast table - this is a supposed 5-star hotel! The hotel was downright... more

If you like 1970 furnishings...dismal decor...staff who haven't a clue what they are doing...filthy bedroom windows...useless air conditioning...badly lit bathrooms...and dreadful food served in a massive dining room with no other customers in it, then this is the hotel for you. I didn't think you could eat badly in South Africa. The Royal changed that. The hotel boasts 'a number... more

Stayed at the Royal in early September. While it is obvious the hotel (as is true of much of South Africa) is past it's prime, I found the place clean and well kept, and the staff helpful and courteous. There is an ongoing effort to upgrade the location, including the downstairs grill. I would gladly stay at the hotel again,... more

Advertised as recently refurbished, but in reality more like 20 years ago, they were dirty - the bathroom had not been cleaned before we checked in , dust everywhere. Staff not helpful or friendly and management seemed disinterested . Phone in room did not work and took ages for it to be replaced /repaired. Avoid at all costs! more

We stayed at the Royal for 2 nights during a 2 week stay in South Africa, and the service here was the worst of all the hotels we stayed at. Not to mention that their AC vent pumps air from the first floor all the way to the top, so those of us on the 12th floor were very uncomfortable... more