It’s always summer at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge! Just a short drive from Moses Mabhida Stadium and sunny uMhlanga Beach, north of Durban – you won’t have to go far to feel the sand between your toes and the ocean breeze on your skin. Our 60s surf inspired hotel with its nostalgic undertones makes for an idyllic uMhlanga escape. The sun-drenched deck area is the ultimate hot spot to meet up and chill out. Our trendy restaurant, serves up delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner – not to mention killer cocktails and coffees. Bright, breezy and ultra-modern rooms are ideal for unwinding after a big day out, while complimentary uncapped Wi-Fi keeps you connected. Get down to business in our versatile meeting and event venues perfectly catered by our switched-on team. The hotel is just a few steps away from the buzzing Gateway Theatre of Shopping with its impressive range of retail outlets and entertainment areas. Stay fit in our gym and refresh in our sparkling pool.
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.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
As you enter the hotel from the parking it smells fresh and lovely, it is so welcoming, the decor is beautiful throughout the hotel. We loved relaxing by the pool, it was beautiful and the atmosphere was amazing. I was just disappointed as we were given a menu to order cocktails only to be told when we placed our orders that there is no rum, etc and no beer on tap, we can only have options of vodka and gin. We had to go to the restaurant across the road. In the morning we phoned in housekeeping requesting toothpaste that we forgot pack, a fee was required which we were prepared to pay, waited an hour no toothpaste, so we checked out at 10h30. Over all staff were extremely friendly and place and rooms are clean and beautiful.
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
I chose this hotel based on a couple of photos I saw and thought it was pretty cool for a non-beachfront hotel.
The location of the hotel is pretty decent being next to a mall and several restaurants in the vicinity. There’s a nice club/lounge too right across the hotel.
COVID protocols were decently followed by staff any guests alike and regular sanitizing of hands when you come in.
I wasn’t happy at all with the size of the rooms. Everything felt all too cramped up together. The bathroom is equally as small. This was the lowlight of the stay.
Cleanliness was good and towels were changed regularly.
The buffet breakfast was not bad but i preferred grabbing breakfast outside the hotel , especially at Tasha’s. I found the food over there much better than the hotel.
Another culture shock was that during checkout I expected my bags to get brought down for me and lo and behold I was told that that’s not the norm. Talk about disappointment.
All in all, it’s not the worst experience I’ve had but it certainly wasn’t the best
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Great location!
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.
Came with my wife and two kids and was excited as the web pictures were great and their two bedroom apartment seemed to have everything we needed. Unfortunately the experience was underwhelming in the end due to some issues:
1. Other reviewers mentioned this, but I must say it again: There is a huge NIGHTCLUB across the road. On the Friday night they went full blast until 2am with blaring music and cars revving so loud, we could barely sleep. All the family rooms seem to look out over the club with poor soundproofing on that side. So avoid over weekends! I honestly don't know how a hotel can get away with this. I guess it is because the smaller rooms are on the other side where it seems the sound does not reach so business travelers are unaffected?
2. Family apartment has only two tiny cupboards with almost no shelves or storage space, so you have to live out of your luggage bags. Kitchenette has almost none of the basics: a few plates, 4 cups, only 1 (yes 1!) glass and a few spoons is all you get. It is a joke really.
3. The staff are really friendly and I think they try really hard, but were still found lacking at times. I booked directly on the Marriot website where I was offered the option of a deal where kids eat lunch and dinner free with a paying adult. Unfortunately, none of the staff seemed to know or understand anything about this. Many conversations, and screenshots of my own reservation that I had to email to the manager, later it was sorted. Incredible that I had to explain my rate plan to staff looking at me as if I come from another planet.
The breakfast is decent (the "egg frying guy" is a real star), but the spread is pretty much the same each day. (and the pastries might have been from a previous day...) One morning they somehow had no regular tea (really?), the other morning they ran out of cream.
I love Protea hotels and have had some amazing stays in other locations, but this is not one I can recommend for a family at all.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Underground parking is good. Restaurants at the mall across the road are bland. Much better and...
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.
The Protea Hotel by Marriott in Umhlanga Ridge is well-located, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and a large shopping mall within walking distance. Since there’s no public transport, a rental car is essential. The hotel has 205 rooms, including suites.
The check-in process was smooth and welcoming, with staff showing genuine interest in our trip and making us feel at home. Check-out was quick and efficient, and the front desk staff consistently offered friendly and helpful service. Bell boys were outstanding, always ready to assist.
The junior suite was fantastic, featuring two levels. The lower floor had a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a cozy living room with modern, surfing-themed decor. The upper floor included a king-size bed, walk-in closet, desk, and a master bathroom. The suite was bright and welcoming, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a homey atmosphere. Note: street-facing rooms can be noisy, so request a courtyard-facing room for more quiet. F&B:
The bar had a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and a well-stocked menu. Breakfast on the first floor was fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented, with eggs cooked to order. Dinner at the ground-floor restaurant was equally impressive, with delicious dishes and excellent service. The new executive chef has significantly elevated the dining experience.
The pool is small but sufficient for a city hotel, with ample seating around it. The rooftop deck now hosts yoga sessions, replacing the previous small pool. The gym is compact but equipped with quality machines.
This was another wonderful stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Umhlanga Ridge. The modern design, attentive staff, and exceptional service across all areas make this property a top choice. Overall experience is fantastic, and we look forward to returning. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
Very friendly staff and clean and neat rooms. The only down side is the noise levels at night, particularly at reception. Perfect location if you do not require and early night in as noise subsides after midnight.
Other than that, a convenient and good stay as shops are in walking distance and apartments are fully equipped with kitchen utensils needed for a comfortable stay and have a good view.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Be prepared to not sleep in before 12am due to noise levels.
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 Joseph Segers, General Manager at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban Umhlanga Ridge
Responded 07 Jul 2024
Thanks, Nabeela, for the review and recognizing the many great aspects surrounding your stay. Our apologies you found the reception area noisy, and I would have guessed it was because of an activation underway during your stay as we cannot through this platform see your details of your stay. We apologize or this and will certainly pass this review into consideration as we plan our events and happenings into the future. Thank you for being a most valued guest.
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Reminiscent of the Colonial Era when the Boss delegated to a subordinate is my recent experience with Protea Hotels I have always patronised Protea, moreso because of the Prokard The only place where one may be able to use the Prokard in the whole of Durban is Fire and Ice Umhlanga Due to Covid and age My Wife and I refuse to leave home. We had to go to Umhlanga and I suggested to my wife that we have a meal at the Fire and Ice Protea in Umhlanga A disastrous experience. Order was taken from the Menu provided. Ingredients were not in the kitchen and we had to leave with abitter taste in our mouths Every attempt to address this with someone in authority was thwarted . The task of resolving this unpleasantness was delegated to some junior person and the problem was not resolved Delegation in this instance was abdication. I was directed to assume that people in senior positions were in such lofty positions that it was beneath their dignity to talk with disgruntled customers. It cannot be denied that the hospitality industry is reeling from the Covid impact. One would believe that the hospitality industry would make every effort to ensure satisfied customers My recent experience will ensure that I never visit Fir and Ice Umhlanga ever again To complain is not to bring the institution into disrepute but to describe the unfortunate experience so that thos sitting in ivory towers express gratitude for the time and expense of the customer and to ensure that the situation is addressed and further such mishaps are averted BUT when arrogance of theose in senior positions borders on recklessness the customer is compelled to approach other avenues to express their discontent Such reluctance to be proactive brings the Protea/ Marriott group into question and also militates agains all the efforts by the tourism centre and the hospitality industry to enhance customer satisfaction It is ironic that those dependent on customers and should thrive on ensuring customer satisfaction fail in this noble and praiseworthy task and end up doing the very opposite: bringing the institution that pays their salaries into disrepute I believe such deleagtion and abdication must of necessity be stoped as a matter of urgency. Roles and functions must all focus on enhancing customer satisfaction Coincidently, my Son spent a weekend at this institution and promised never to return because of the dilapitated condition of the room
Yet all this could have ben averted should one of the mighty agreed to be humble enough to listen and agree to ensure that the problem would not recur. To boot even e mails are deemed too servile to respond to!!!!
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Date of stay: November 2021
Service
Room Tip:Find another hotel
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.
I have supported this hotel during the Covid 19 lockdown phases when hotels were barely surviving and my experience on this occasion was appalling.
From booking, to check in, from service to facilities, everything went wrong. But the worst would be the staff and their behaviour. When I requested to use their facilities for a function, my catering options even thou I mentioned were strictly halaal (no pork or unhalaal meats) Bacon was added to my menu options. My booking was altered without my permission, my requested preferences were not met despite my membership status with the group. The outdoor furniture was so badly damaged it was a hazard. One of the rooms were missing furniture. A staff member threatened me for a breakfast bill and called several security guards to escort me off the property (which of course did not happen as I was not in the wrong). Another staff member pretended to be the general manager over the phone and when I asked her to email me her request her position stated otherwise. They asked me to vacate the hotel due to the incapability to fulfil my requirements (instead of just fulfilling it as I was only asking for what was due) which I agreed but they failed to refund me or honour their suggestion of arranging alternate accommodation or refunding me as they suggested.
In all of this chaos (3 nights and 3 paid rooms) later the Hotel Manager is still “unavailable”.
The general manager is not fit for the position and her staff have adopted her poor ethos and no care attitude.
If the staff including the GM of this hotel is not changed urgently I would not support or suggest supporting this hotel.
Customer Service needs serious attention at this hotel. Staff who cannot understand the value of a customer cannot be positioned in the hospitality industry.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Avoid the hotel until staff changed and facilities maintained.
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 Thuthukile Moloto, General Manager at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban Umhlanga Ridge
Responded 11 Nov 2021
Good Day Mr. Vally, Thank you for taking the time to let us have feedback with regards to your recent stay. Please accept our sincerest apologies in regards to your stay Mr Vally. Please note sir, we do not condone threats of any sort towards our staff members. We take threats in a serious light. We can confirm that your concerns have been addressed and have been shared with the team. Once again, thank you for providing us with your feedback. Kind Regards, Nomonde Mkhabela Guest Relations Liaison
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We were upgraded to a duplex room on the 7th floor due to my Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, which was very spacious and comfortable. The location of the hotel is excellent and is within walking distance of Gateway Mall. Parking is available underground with direct access to the floors with rooms (key access to residential floors). Staff were also very friendly and helpful. Definitely a highly recommended property!
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Date of stay: October 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.
Response from Joseph Segers, General Manager at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban Umhlanga Ridge
Responded 17 Oct 2023
Thanks Sean, what a superb review of the team, hotel and all the facilities on offer. Appreciate you allowing us the pleasure of hosting you and thanks for being a most valued Marriott Bonvoy Elite member.
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It’s a beautiful hotel and I loved the surfboard/beach theme throughout. Untrained staff however let the hotel down. Room smelt foul, phone in room wasn’t working, plug in bath wasn’t sealed. Air control was switched off and I woke up soaked as it was so hot in the room. The waiter in the breakfast dining room didn’t know what butter was. Reception was just a disaster when I booked in after a long and very tiring day. It took ages, and it was clear that the staff member did not understand the system. My original room was changed for a room far more inferior. It’s sad as it is a hotel where I always wanted to stay. The night manager was great though, and she was very apologetic. Hopefully I will get another opportunity that will leave a better impression.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
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 Joseph Segers, General Manager at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban Umhlanga Ridge
Responded 12 Mar 2024
Such a pity we didn't deliver a better experience. We trust with the reflection of regular, great comments that this reflects we also have off days and sadly get it wrong. Quick word of apology and to note that your comments have been highlighted and dissected through the team with the urgency and respect that they deserve. We certainly trust on your next visit we knock your engagement and experience out the park. We truly valued the pleasure of hosting you!
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Located just twenty minutes from Durban airport, this Protea hotel is part of Marriott Bonvoy membership. Clean qnd functional rooms. Outstanding breakfast for meat lovers. All day restaurant and bar and small outdoor pool. Decent quality accommodation.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip 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.
Cape Town, South Africa16 contributions32 helpful votes
Hi, we didn't use the pool. So much things to do outside the hotel. You must visit Ushaka Marine World, if you have kids. Plenty of fun for them, there! And shows to see...for adults and children.
"No sponge or liquid dishsoap provided & had to buy our own. Necessary,as maid only washes next day and cups;etc needed! Choose room far from Mall noise. Noisy fri-sun"
There are more places to choose from in the Umhlanga Rocks area.
PRICE RANGE
R 1,533 - R 1,884 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Protea Hotel Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalUmhlanga Rocks
NUMBER OF ROOMS
205
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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