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175 Snell Parade North Beach, Durban 4001 South Africa
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US$161
Fully refundable before Sat, 16 Dec
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US$139
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Traveller (357)
Room & Suite (140)
Pool & Beach (23)

About

#87 of 366 hotels in Durban
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The Blue Waters Hotel is a three star beach front hotel located on Durban's famous Golden Mile in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Blue Waters Hotel specializes in offering the best accommodation at affordable rates to corporate business, honeymooners, sports teams, groups and holiday makers alike. We also specialize in hosting unforgettable wedding receptions. We have a number of wedding venues to choose from depending on the size of the function required. The hotel offers business conference and function facilities for small to large events.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking on-site
Wifi
Pool
Sauna
Free breakfast
Beach
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Parking
Indoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Meeting rooms
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English
822Reviews17Q+A100Room tips
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SH119 wrote a review Oct 2023
London, United Kingdom11 contributions
Blue Waters was a comfortable stay: we booked a twin bed room which was comfortable, had good A/C and a fairly standard bathroom. The service at times, however, was quite slow particularly at reception and in the restaurant which was a surprise particularly given the price of the rooms. A highlight, however, was definitely the buffet breakfast which is included and was very good.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
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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.
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Andy Walters wrote a review Sept 2023
West Yorkshire, United Kingdom27 contributions14 helpful votes
The hotel was what you expect for 3 star. As previously written by other reviews, the reception staff are a little up there own backside and a bit snippy, but I find that with all reception folk usually. We’re white so those saying it’s a “black person” thing aren’t right. They’re equally arsey irrespective of race! The wait staff and everyone else were super friendly and nice like most people we’ve met in SA. The room was average. The A/C kinda worked but this is spring so the temps aren’t too hot anyway and we didn’t need it. We found the room to be clean, tidy and comfy enough with a decent shower with plenty of hot water and pressure. Towels swapped daily and room cleaned and made up just fine. There is a safe box in the room which is free and simple to use. We didn’t notice the fridge had bee set to max cool on the first day and it was quiet noisy on the first night and kept me awake. We noticed in the morning that our one bottle of complimentary water (it wasn’t restocked which I felt was a bit tight) was frozen solid! So we turned the fridge to level 2 and it was much more pleasant sounding from then on so do check yours! Food in the restaurant was again average for the price and if you eat there a few times soon becomes samey with the same types of food served for each meal. I found the evening buffet a bit overpriced too. We enjoyed the pool on the 10th floor in the evenings and also on our last day. Room service could be ordered to the pool so that made it a very relaxing day. The pool is heated despite other reviews saying it’s not, though it’s not bathtub warm, so don’t expect that. The location was nice, right on the beach but at the northern end. We did notice that the local waifs and strays hung around quite a lot opposite near the beach which didn’t enamour us to visit the beach near the hotel. We ventured south a little and that felt much safer. There are the usual hat, sunglasses and photo takers lurking outside trying to sell their wares which are annoying more than anything having to constantly bat them away, but where don’t you get that? For the price we paid, we were happy with the place and would stay again if we could find anything else in that price range, but we would look first to see if there was anywhere else first , so I guess that says something.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
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Wanderer54548458841 wrote a review Sept 2023
1 contribution
The hotel service/staff is horrible. Staff needs to be properly trained or oriented into welcoming and orientating guests. The girls in the front desks are disorganized and seem to have attitude. The breakfast/dinner lady that welcomes you is also just horrible. They have zero attitude especially towards black people. You need to upskill your staff because we essentially are the ones who pay their salaries. So whether I'm black or white it doesn't matter. The parking is the worst of them all. We had to pay R95 for safe parking, why??? which hotel makes you pay for parking? The parking space is a mess and quiet small. It looks like someone could potentially rob you whilst in there. I also had to pay R12 to have my clothes ironed because they will not provide you with a iron in your room. The corridors and the lifts are dirty. Overall experience was 1 out of 10. The hotel is poorly managed. You go to a hotel for the experience, not to be ill treated by staff cause you're 'black and you think you are better'. We go to hotels for the service and the experience. H
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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.
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distantmemory wrote a review Aug 2023
a long way off90 contributions87 helpful votes
Right on Durban's stylish Indian Ocean waterfront the Blue Waters offers good quality accommodation at an affordable price. Everything you would expect is present. The welcoming, friendly and very efficient staff enhanced our stay. The menu provides a mouth watering range of food enough to satisfy every appetite. The public areas allow socialising. Rooms are well serviced to maintain an excellent standard of comfort and cleanliness. After an enjoyable stay I will have no hesitation to return
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
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reynhardtfourie wrote a review Aug 2023
Durban, South Africa8 contributions3 helpful votes
Thanks to Gerrard and his team that makes every visit to the Versaille restaurant a memorible visit. The Blue Waters Hotel is the best hotel on the North Beach. The food is great the Hotel is great keep up the good standards. I'm a customer for life. Reynhardt. 0843011038.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip 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.
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Sightseer16509822174 wrote a review Jul 2023
1 contribution
The location with views over the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the sea made it possible to view sunrise and sunset from the balcony. Restaurants' menu for lunch and dinner very basic with limited options for eating-in. room service better than eating in restaurant. Breakfast is on standard with mainstream hotels. Toiletries, towels and linen are of good quality!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
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suwiemusundire wrote a review Jun 2023
Johannesburg, South Africa1 contribution1 helpful vote
Staying at Blue waters was so good and convenient to many places of interest we wanted. They are so courteous and for us the stay became too short. Their breakfast was good with a wide range of choice of food. The sea view was great. I would stay at this place over and over.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2023
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.
1 Helpful vote
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gemmasimpsonn wrote a review Jun 2023
1 contribution
I regret paying such a high price for such a disappointing experience. Inadequate hot water; only lukewarm showers. Extremely small cups and glasses in room; about 4 sips worth. Disruptive noise from the departing EFF political party conference on first night. Poor housekeeping service; rude and unhelpful staff. Long wait times for elevators on every floor. Unwelcoming receptionist during check-in; lacked warmth and courtesy. Demanding immediate payment for parking, even during naptime; made to wait due to other guests.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2023
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.
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lukasrtb wrote a review Jun 2023
Rustenburg, South Africa208 contributions55 helpful votes
+1
Clean, spacious and very comfortable rooms. The most beautiful views of the Ocean. Safe and quiet. The staff was extremely helpful, and friendly, was able to assist in all our needs. Really good! Safe parking. The best location on seafront.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Undercover safe Parking available for minimal fee.
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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.
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markalderson wrote a review Jun 2023
Madrid, Spain12 contributions1 helpful vote
When taking dinner with free friends on Sunday 11th I can’t even put into words how dreadful the experience and service was. When the lowest rating possible is 1 star it is a little annoying as this place does not deserve ONE! It took around 20 mins to place an order and that had to be repeated at least three times, the drinks took another 15 mins to arrive (we did ask for more but they never arrived!) the waiter came back several times checking if he’d got it right. It really was quite simple, one sirloin, 2 fillets, and one soup. The temperature of the meat was not correct, and that had been repeated at least twice! As for the soup, well that was self service and whilst helping myself I was told by a nearby chef that it was cold as the machine was turned off 40 mins ago! So I had no soup, yet a 4th meat arrived, which I / we didn’t order. My stomach had not been great so wanted something light, well I certainly got light - nothing! The peppercorn sauce was turned into mushroom sauce, again we mentioned it but nothing was done to amend, not even an apology. Honestly with around four waiters bouncing around like Manuel it really was like a set off Faulty Towers! Half way through my friends make, a lady came walking towards our table like on a a mission, immediately asking why I had ordered the fillet and didn’t want it!!! She asked me again, I was shocked at her attitude but it got worse as she called over the waiter and went through the whole order / experience with him in front of us, again questioning me, all while my friends were trying to eat their food! She was by far the worst person in a customer facing role I’ve ever had the misfortune of coming across. I really hope the GM speaks to her and addressing her attitude asap. She is certainly no credit to the hotel nor the industry.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Find elsewhere to eat
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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.
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PRICE RANGE
US$59 - US$122 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
blue waters hotel durban, blue waters durban
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalDurban
NUMBER OF ROOMS
262
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BLUE WATERS HOTEL - Now R 950 (Was R̶ ̶2̶ ̶2̶7̶3̶) - UPDATED 2023 Reviews & Price Comparison (Durban, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Waters Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Blue Waters Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Golden Mile (1.1 km), Suncoast Casino (0.6 km), and Mini Town (0.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Blue Waters Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Blue Waters Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Blue Waters Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Blue Waters Hotel?
Yes, paid public parking on-site is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Blue Waters Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Grill Jichana Durban, Circus Circus Beach Cafe, and Havana Grill.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Blue Waters Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool and a sauna during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Blue Waters Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Blue Waters Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Are there any historical sites close to Blue Waters Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Old Fort (1.4 km).
Does Blue Waters Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.