Mackaya Bella Guest House
137 Penzance Road Glenwood, Durban 4001 South Africa
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Avg. RÂ 1,634 /night, 1/22 - 1/23
RÂ 1,653
per night
RÂ 1,625
per night
RÂ 1,597
per night
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About
#3 of 100 guest houses in Durban
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
A 4-star, modern and environmentally friendly guest house serving bed and breakfast. Located in Glenwood, Durban, overlooking a tranquil park, we are known for our friendly hospitality, comfortable rooms, tasty breakfasts and indigenous garden. Local and international guests, business people, tourists, academics and visitors are all welcome. We have 6 double rooms with en-suite DSTV, free wi-fi, study desk plus all necessary amenities, 1 family room with its own kitchen, bathroom and patio, plus 2 smaller budget rooms. These rooms just have 1 x single bed, plus a small kitchenette and ensuite.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Ironing service
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Saltwater pool
Room features
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Location
137 Penzance Road Glenwood, Durban 4001 South Africa
Getting there
King Shaka Intl Airport
32 km•
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Pietermaritzburg Airport
62 km•
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Car Hire
10 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
1 Attraction
within 1 kilometer
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 187
- 54
- 6
- 0
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Detailed Reviews
Nicki and Staff are Awesome, loved our stay there for a few days. I also highly recommend Mackaya Bella to all those who come to our Healing and Deliverance Services in Durban, the rooms are clean, safe and perfect location for local and international guests.. Enjoy your stay. Val Wolff
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MackayaBellaGuestH, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 08 Mar 2020
Thanks very much Val. Glad you had a break away from home and hopefully it felt like a mini holiday to you and your kids! We'd certainly love to host more of your guests so keep 'em coming. Nicki
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thank you Pat and Lynn for an unforgettable weekend. It truly is a place where you arrive as a guest and leave like friends. We are a family of 4 - with two kids (8 and 6 years) and we enjoyed every minute of it. Mackaya Bella is situated between two beautiful forests with an unforgettable view of the Drakensberg.
We were able to hike as a family to the clear water pool in a short, easy walk and play in the stunning river that goes through the the property. We also enjoyed a tasty homemade breakfast and dinner daily which would compete with any high rating hotel. We will definitely be back again.
We were able to hike as a family to the clear water pool in a short, easy walk and play in the stunning river that goes through the the property. We also enjoyed a tasty homemade breakfast and dinner daily which would compete with any high rating hotel. We will definitely be back again.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicki Mahony, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 01 Sept 2020
Hi Yolanda. Many thanks for the lovely review, but unfortunately we can't take the credit for this one! We are Mackaya Bella Guest House, based in Glenwood, Durban. I think you might have stayed at Mackaya Bella Country Lodge in the Drakensberg. However next time, if you make it to Durban, please consider giving us a try as well :) Kind regards, Nicki & Mike
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The owners and staff are warm and welcoming and made me feel at home. The rooms are kept neat and tidy. The outside area and garden is well looked after and the plantation creates a refreshing and relaxed atmosphere
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NickiM361, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 08 Jan 2020
Thanks Mpho. It was lovely having your family stay with us over the Christmas break. Glad to hear you have returned home feeling relaxed and safe. Kind regards, Nicki and Mike
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I stayed here while visiting the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard Campus. The Mackaya Bella is ideally located for such a visit, being about 20 minutes' walk from the main entrance. It is located in a quiet part of Glenwood, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. The nearest shops are at Queensmead but for restaurants you should go to Helen Joseph Street. Mike and Nicki are great hosts and made me feel very welcome, even when I arrived from England dressed ridiculously for a hot February afternoon. The breakfasts are great: we ate on the terrace on three of the four mornings I was there. I had a lovely room and slept very well each night of my stay.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from NickiM361, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 16 Feb 2020
So glad you enjoyed your stay with us Andrew. We have many visitors to UKZN who stay with us because of the close proximity as you mentioned. It's still hot so just about all of our breakfasts are out on the balcony these days! Hope to see you again. Kind regards, Nicki & Mike
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My person & I found some time in our busy schedules and decided to book a last minute getaway on NYE. Found this beautiful place online and decided to enquire, the owner Nicki responded to me and completed the entire booking, payment and confirmation all over whatsapp within a few minutes.
This spot is everything you see in the pics and more, beautiful, serene, quiet, convenient and central.
The owners Nicki & Mike went the extra mile to accommodate us and more, even at the last minute.
An hour before check-in, i requested a room with a tub, microwave, a vase and a ironing board and they Graciously accommodated me.
They make a mean Breakfast.
Even when i needed Superglue, Nicki and Mike came to my rescue.
My person and I loved our time there and look forward to visiting them soon.
Keep up the great work and standards guys.
This spot is everything you see in the pics and more, beautiful, serene, quiet, convenient and central.
The owners Nicki & Mike went the extra mile to accommodate us and more, even at the last minute.
An hour before check-in, i requested a room with a tub, microwave, a vase and a ironing board and they Graciously accommodated me.
They make a mean Breakfast.
Even when i needed Superglue, Nicki and Mike came to my rescue.
My person and I loved our time there and look forward to visiting them soon.
Keep up the great work and standards guys.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicki Mahony, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 12 Jan 2022
You're so welcome Damien. Thanks for the fabulous review. We really do try and make each guest feel like they are at their home away from home - as cliched as that sounds. So happy you have come back to stay with us again tonight and hope we can be your special getaway again, whenever time permits.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hosts are always very friendly and helpful and the location is very convenient. Really enjoy the lush garden and the breakfasts are great. The rooms have everything one needs - the self catering apartment is perfect and great value.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicki Mahony, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 17 Nov 2022
Thanks for taking the time to write your lovely review Amanda. We know how busy you are :) It's always a pleasure having you stay with us and we look forward to the next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mackaya Bella Guest House is truly one of the top accommodations in Durban. Conveniently located in a quiet and safe neighborhood, it is situated next to Durban Girls' High School and just a short distance from UKZN Howard College. For an academic like myself, the guest house provided a perfect balance of comfort and productivity, creating an environment that is both relaxing and conducive to work.
The staff is exceptionally friendly and delivers outstanding service, with breakfast being a particular highlight. They go above and beyond to accommodate any special requests, especially for extended stays. The owners are a warm and respectful couple who ensure that all guests feel well taken care of. Mackaya Bella Guest House is more than just a place to stay; it’s a welcoming retreat that feels like a home away from home.
The staff is exceptionally friendly and delivers outstanding service, with breakfast being a particular highlight. They go above and beyond to accommodate any special requests, especially for extended stays. The owners are a warm and respectful couple who ensure that all guests feel well taken care of. Mackaya Bella Guest House is more than just a place to stay; it’s a welcoming retreat that feels like a home away from home.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent Hosts, Mike and Nikki makes you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Breakfast is served the way you like it. Rooms are very comfortable, great pool and safe parking, I would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Durban!
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicki Mahony, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 22 Dec 2020
Thanks for taking the time to send a review Jode. We had a great time with your group. All the best for a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. Keep up the good work you are doing.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Awesome experience. Nicki and Mike were gracious hosts. Rooms were clean, comfortable and well presented. breakfast on the veranda was excellent. I would stay here again. Thank you for your hospitality... remember to give Tigger the cat a piece of bacon.....
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicki Mahony, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 13 May 2023
Thanks so much Clint for your fabulous review. Really appreciate it. We'd love to have you and your crew back here, so hopefully we will see you all again soon. PS: Tigger get spoilt enough with other treats, so only gets bacon on Thursday - and she knows which day is a Thursday :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We arrived Saturday afternoon and was met by one of the lovely owners. She showed us our rooms, explained the covid regulations and showed us the rest of the quest house. Very friendly and highly professional. My group of business colleagues arrived from other areas in Kzn and were all treated with kindness. It feels like a home away from home. We all had our annual Christmas dinner and spend the night in our cozy rooms. The next morning we were spoiled with a very scrumptious breakfast before we all departed. It never felt like we were in the centre of a big city at all. Highly recommended and Lightstruck will always be back
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicki Mahony, Owner at Mackaya Bella Guest House
Responded 12 Jan 2022
Thanks so much for the great review Lynette. Yes, we have managed to make a little bit of a retreat in amongst the lush gardens, so you don't hear all the noises from the street and you feel quite secluded. It was such fun having you all here and hope you come back again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi. Yes, if they are able to have 2 people in the same room, ie. share a double bed. We only have 7 double rooms, so if they are singles there won't be enough. Kind regards, Nicki
We were 4, but the house had more guests, so I would guess so.
"All rooms are great, the one on the ground which I used always had a weird toilet smell, avoid it!"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 1,597 - RÂ 1,653 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalDurban
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mackaya Bella Guest House
Which popular attractions are close to Mackaya Bella Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Phansi Museum (0.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Mackaya Bella Guest House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Mackaya Bella Guest House?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Mackaya Bella Guest House?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Mackaya Bella Guest House?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Mackaya Bella Guest House?
Conveniently located restaurants include Goundens, Glenwood Bakery, and John Dory's Wilson's Wharf.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Mackaya Bella Guest House?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Mackaya Bella Guest House have airport transportation?
Yes, Mackaya Bella Guest House offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Mackaya Bella Guest House?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.
Are there any historical sites close to Mackaya Bella Guest House?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Old Fort (4.7 km).