We never planned to stay here but having found the accommodation we booked to be awful, damp and out in the suburbs, the Protea Edward was a welcome sight. The hotel is a quality hotel with helpful porters knowledgable on the area, where to go etc and whilst our room was clean, the bed measured 4 ft which for a double room really is a joke.

Breakfast is not included and whilst I'd say you are 100% safe at this hotel, shop around on the front and you can probably get a better deal elsewhere.

We were well greeted by friendly staff but this was spoiled almost immediately by a warning that we should not leave the hotel on foot as it was far too dangerous! Locals might argue differently but for a couple of tired tourists, hardly the perfect greeting. Having been warned to use the room safe (crime again) we discovered that it had been broken. Change of room and by now we were wondering what we had let ourselves in for.

However things were rescued somewhat by a retreat to the excellent bar followed by the excellent restaurant. This, plus the staff, make the hotel one of the better in Durban. However our tour of the city the next day, arranged by the concierge, and rather overpriced even by UK standards (extortionate in Rand terms) led us to the conclusion that Durban was rather run down and shabby, not a lot to see and, indeed rather intimidating at times.

Our advice - stay to the north or south of the city - but if you must stay in town - this hotel is fine for a maximum of 2 nights.

The Protea Hotel is a fine hotel and has definitely earned their 4 star status. I was impressed with the level of service and would recommend this hotel. I would have given a 5 star rating but I had problems with the way they have designed their bath/shower. The shower screen was inadequate and meant every shower; water would go on the floor. Apart from this I am likely to return later next year.

I don't know where to start. The hotel staff is the best I have ever encounter anywhere. Can a staff be too attentive? If this hotel were in New York, I could not afford to stay here. An old hotel , but like aged wine. Maintained so well and located right on the beach. The dinning room is elegant and the dinner buffet! Why would you want to eat somewhere else? Relax in the wood paneled bar and know that you are in the company of the distingushed and elite who have sat right where you are seated and were no more impressed than you will be. We loved this hotel. And did I mention the breakfast? Pefect! Just like everything else!