Audacia Manor Boutique Hotel

What a let down.

I'm actually at a loss for words with disappointment.

I was given a well torn hand towel. The phone in my room didn’t work. I put my suitcase on a chair as there was no provision for it. No hand soap in the bathroom.

The cherry on top was the first morning. I waited at the breakfast table and when no one approached. I eventually walked towards the kitchen. The chef told me that she was alone as receptionist was still not in. I asked if I could have takeaway yogurt as it was 6h40 and I had to get to the conference. She explained that they don't have it - fair enough. I called an uber and waited at the foyer.

I overheard the chef telling the cleaner that "I was complaining with a grim face and what was she supposed to do as the receptionist isn't in."

Totally unacceptable. The place also needs a proper revamp and staff training.

Such a beautiful place but unfortunately their service is pathetic. We had booked the venue including meals for 32 people. The planning was done via the GM and it was gone over quite a few times between the both us personally and via email. On the day of the function it was total chaos as the GM was off & the lady in charge had no clue what was happening. Firstly none of the guests were screened or sanitized. There were no sanitizer anywhere in sight for the guests. Not one of our arrangements were met. My guests were left waiting for the welcome drinks which was not ready for them. As per the programmer the patio was to be set for us with a mobile bar and platters ready for the guest. We were left waiting around for them to bring out the drinks and platters were not what were promised. It came out in dinner plates! From there it just got worse. The menu which I picked was messed up by the incompetent staff. The guests were seated for the meal and I realized the starters were missing. When I confronted them in the kitchen there was total confusion. The cook had the audacity to ask me how many started I want. I paid for 32 people and I expect 32 portions at least. This was so embarrassing as we had printed out menus for each guest. Instead of hassle back potatoes we got sliced potatoes with the roast. Stuffed chicken became roast chicken pieces with no cranberry or macadamia anywhere in s sight. Salmon terrine become a pancake with smoked salmon. All this done while the guests were waiting to start dinner. Worst experience and totally embarrassing as we paid in advance and it wasn't cheap. I called Liesl the GM and asked her what was going on. Said she will speak to the cook. Afterwards switched her phone off. Really sad as this was a a top place
previously and is going downhill fast. The room we booked
had no towels and bath was a mess. Disgraceful! Dirty. Total disappointment. Won't recommend to anyone for the price they charge.
I will however give credit to the waiter Malik who was running around all alone with one other waitress trying to service 32 people. There was no communication between the GM and her staff or they just didn't care about their guests. Sad and disappointed!

Nice hotel with spacious room, and friendly staff, but the furnitures inside the room were about to break down and the carpet was not in the best condition. Far fron being a 5 star hotel...

A beautiful boutique hotel with large rooms an attentive service

With COVID we looked for a hotel that was spacious with few guests. The hotel has spacious rooms and with only 10 rooms, it suited our needs.

The hotel failed to mention that they hire out the premises for events. One such event was scheduled for the Sunday morning - the team setting up worked outside our room for most of the night, and got pretty rowdy from around 6am on the Sunday morning. Completely unacceptable.

The party further increased the number of people sharing the space (a converted house) by over 40 - we could not use the main entrance as this was set up for the party and most of the 40+ guests did not wear masks, nor did they practice social distancing. The hotel did nothing to correct this.

The only up side to the stay was that management was gracious enough to let us check out early and refund us.

Lovely hotel, average service, and a complete disregard for the safety or comfort of guests!

Wonderful large room comfortable firm bed large bathroom and nice balcony with view. Area relatively safe. Very accommodating staff. Good breakfast.

My husband and I were so blessed to have had the opportunity to stay at this beautiful place. The manor is a piece of history and a place to treasure. We will never forget staying there. From the moment we checked in and until we checked we checked out we felt at home and safe. Your staff were professional, and most gracious to us. Breakfasts were delicious. Our heartfelt thanks to all the staff for taking care of us. We look forward to staying at the manor when we come back to South Africa.

lovely rooms, good wifi good air condition. very slow service at breakfast .few things to be fixed in rooms and bathrooms, towels not impeccable, 1 bath foam and shampoo, 1 coffe sachet ...for the price of the room a bit more effort

bellissima casa, personale gentile, ottima air condition e wifi , il tutto avrebbe bisogno di una rinfrescata e di personale piu' esperto

Lovely hotel in a quiet part of town overlooking the city. Loved the staff who couldn’ t do enough for us including leaving us fruit to eat as we had a 4.00am departure. Food beautifullly presented and so tasty.
On the other side of the coin we felt the pool area needs some attention to draw guests to make better use of it.
If we had to single out a member of their great staff it would be Agnes who was amazing!!

The hotel and grounds are simply breathtaking, perfectly located and well maintained. The rooms are elegantly furnished and we loved the outdoor shower and jacuzzi facilities. The staff were friendly and attentive (we would like to especially thank Cadet ensuring a lovely stay) and all the meals at the hotel we absolutely delicious! We would love to return and wouldn't even think of staying anywhere else when in town!

The staff and property was very nice. We had a miscommunication about our driver that we had for the day. Did not realize that we will be charged for the mileage. Thought the price that he gave us for the day was the only price.

Inspite of booking two days in advance for a birthday celebration comprising of twelve individuals, we had the worst experience ever. After confirming on their selected menu, we were advised just two hours before the event that they had to cancel our event because they did not have stocks. Their service is nothing short of being a disgrace to the hospitality industry.

Pickey.

They staff is so lovely and friendly. The building is interesting and has lots of potential. The room was comfortable - the best part is the little balcony with sea view. It is a "shared" balcony some of the rooms have private balconies. No attention to detail (no extra cotton wool or amenities in bath room only just bare minimum). New towels are sorely needed.
Although there are some special furniture and art pieces, the place lacks luxury atmosphere. We expected more of 5 star establishment.
Lovely pool area.
The food not great. We had breakfast and dinner over 2 days and felt the kitchen can do better. The dinning room courtyard needs to spruced up. (needs flowers and plants. The fountain is not operational). It can be a haven if things are jacked up a bit.
It is clear that some effort has been put in however to compete with 5 star accommodation and attract the discerning traveler requires more improvements.
Room tip - if you are a light sleeper choose a room not overlooking parking area. Noisy people arrived, loud music woke us up. The checkin and checkout was smooth. Lovely people.

Old world charm in modern day. Love this spacious gracious beautiful hotel with h-u-g-e grand bedrooms. Our go to place when in Durbs. This hotel is well positioned and great when traveling alone. Close to nearly everything.

This last weekend my husband and I visited Durban for a weekend away. Never having stayed Audacia Manor before, we were so pleasantly surprised with the peace and tranquility of the beautiful boutique hotel. Would definitely go back for another romantic weekend away.

What a treat to return to an old favourite place. Every visit takes you back to the days of afternoon tea, and G&T sundowners. This time we stayed in the Coach House, beautifully appointed room with views of the pool and glorious house. Pop up and have a drink poolside, you won't be disappointed. Elegance of days gone by.

Some changes since my last trip, helpful staff, ready with a smile....

Can't wait to go back!

After being to the hotel earlier this year and being disappointed by the food, the Manager Shannon at that point turned my experience from an average to amazing! I thought I'd pop by for an enquiry on a function hoping to meet the same manager however to my disgust and disappointment had no one to greet me even though the parking lot was empty. The hotel seems to be taken over by new owners, the new staff have no clue as to what is going on. I spoke to Kazi who claims to be the manager and advised Shannon is no longer there, with no hesitation I turned and walked out. Such a pity that a historical property is being run down and wasted. Will not try here again.

There was no one around to check us in. The place was chaotic. It is a small hotel and a private birthday party was being held when we arrived. The party took up the whole ground level plus garden and pool area so we were not able to use it. This same party lasted the whole afternoon and as I write this, is still continuing at 1.10 in the morning. We have complained three times to management who seem to be at a loss. We eventually called the local police. Still awaiting for them to arrive. So many facilities don’t work in both our rooms too. Totally unacceptable for this so called 5 star establishment. Never again. Please don’t waste your money.

Great staff, very accommodating and saw to every need