The Pearls of Umhlanga, or Oceans Apts

Hotels
6 Lagoon Drive 11 , Umhlanga Rocks , za

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Facilities

Pets allowed
Non-smoking throughout
Self parking (surcharge)
Covered parking

Review Highlights

Pros:
Strong location close to restaurants, beach, and shops
Some rooms described as clean, modern and comfortable
Nice views mentioned in a review
Helpful/attentive host in at least one arrival
A luxury/comfortable apartment experience reported by one guest
Cons:
Multiple reports of poor service or unresponsive agency (missed calls, cancellations, alleged scams)
Check-in problems and long waits / face-control style access
Broken or non-working amenities (air-conditioning, stove, tumble dryer)
Overpriced and extra/hidden booking fees; reports of being overcharged
Privacy and communal-lounge issues (room is part of apartment, lack of privacy)
Apartment condition issues in some units (not in good condition)
No water reported in at least one stay
Outside noise due to needing to open windows when AC was broken

Categories

Cleanliness
1
Mixed but several positive mentions ("Clean and modern", "Everything was perfect", "room was beautiful, clean, and very comfortable"); overall leans slightly positive.
Service
1
Consistently negative: multiple reports of poor host/agency communication, no response, booking cancellations and alleged scams, long/unhelpful check-in delays and lack of refunds.
Location
1
Strongly positive and frequently mentioned: close to restaurants, beach, Ocean Mall; reviewers repeatedly praised convenience and central location.
Room Quality
1
Mixed: some rooms described as beautiful, comfortable and modern, but others report the apartment not in good condition and issues with basic fixtures.
Amenities
1
Notable negative mentions: air-conditioning not working, tumble dryer and stove issues; multiple reviews cite broken or missing amenities that impacted stays.
Value for Money
1
Negative: reviewers report being overcharged, extra booking fees, and statements of being scammed or overpriced relative to expectations.
Food and Beverage
1
Not mentioned in reviews; assigned target overall rating (0.0).
Overall Experience
1
Overall mixed-to-negative: several pleasant stays noted, but numerous serious negative experiences (scams, no water, poor communication, privacy issues) pull the overall impression down.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-03-25 01:19

Property Description

Discover the perfect seaside getaway at The Pearls of Umhlanga, where luxury meets comfort in the heart of Durban.

Prime Location
Nestled conveniently near breathtaking attractions, you’re just moments away from Umhlanga Main Beach, the iconic Umhlanga lighthouse, and the serene Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve.

Comfort & Convenience
Our spacious accommodations come equipped with private bathrooms and select rooms feature fully equipped kitchenettes, ensuring you feel right at home during your stay.

Delicious Dining
Start your day off right with our delightful à la carte or full English/Irish breakfast, tailored to energize you for a day of exploration.

Experience the allure of Durban and make your reservation at The Pearls of Umhlanga today!

Important information:

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

Cleanliness: 1
Service: 1
Location: 1
Room Quality: 1
Amenities: 1
Value for Money: 1
Food and Beverage: 1
Overall Experience: 1
A
Angeline • couple • za
8
2026-03-18 • via Nuitee
A
Ayanda • couple • za
1
There was no water and the agency did not take our calls, the service was really bad.
Pros:

The view

Cons:

There was no water and the agency did not take our calls, the service was really bad.

2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
A
Alexander • extended_group • za
5
It was OK but wouldn't go there again
Cons:

Too much hustle and bustle to get access to the property - took more than an hour to go through face control registration like if it was some high security premises. That really doesn't make sense.

2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
S
Saint • couple • za
1
I booked the place when I arrived they told me the place is taken and i must sleep in the car
Pros:

Nothing i didnt even enter

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-22 • via Nuitee
A
Anton • extended_group • za
3
Uncomfortable
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Alot of the things like tumble dryer and AC wasn't working

2026-01-21 • via Nuitee
S
Shereez • couple • za
1
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
W
Walter • couple • za
10
Cons:

Everything was perfect

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
N
Norman • extended_group • za
7
Suitable for my purposes
Pros:

Variety and quality and service

Cons:

Nothing really

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
T
Tshepo • couple • za
10
Pros:

The property close to restaurants and the beach

Cons:

N/A

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
C
Callum • extended_group • za
1
Horrible experience from hosting to accommodation. These apartments should be removed from booking.c
Cons:

Our host scammed us and didn’t refund the money. She cancelled the booking the day before arriving because there were “plumbing issues” saying she would do a refund within seven days and we never got the money back. Zara scammed us and was a terrible host

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
N
Nonhlanhla • solo_traveller • za
9
Owner and stuff was very helpful because I arrived very late
Pros:

Clean and modern

Cons:

Air conditioner is not working so I had to open the windows which means hearing the outside noise for the rest of the night

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
leon • extended_group • za
1
stay away !!!!!
Pros:

not much

Cons:

what a embarrassment and disgrace booked for a friend for his birthday , NO WHERE on booking does it state that there communal lounge etc and it is actually just a room in a apartment. so limited privacy other guest in lounge etc, agent also had the audacity to ask him to check other guests in and give them their keys as they will check in late !! even gave him their contact details!!!! they then proceeded to phone him relentlessly to let them in!!!!!!! this totally unacceptable in all years using booking .com I have never encountered any thing like this , even Raddison is cheaper, false advertising stay the hell away

2026-01-16 • via Nuitee
T
Tyreze • couple • za
5
2026-01-16 • via Nuitee
M
Mlamleli • couple • za
6
2026-01-15 • via Nuitee
Z
Zweli • couple • za
10
Divine !!
Pros:

The apartment offers the pinnacle of luxury and comfort at a steal of the price. Backed up by a proactive, always present, friendly, and helpful service agent that deserves an OSCAR Award !!!

Cons:

N/A

2026-01-09 • via Nuitee
S
Sifiso • solo_traveller • za
3
2026-01-09 • via Nuitee
N
Nkondlo Sihle • couple • za
6
Okay
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Stove not working

2025-12-29 • via Nuitee
A
Arlene • couple • za
5
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Overpriced considering there was no view. Booking.com charged additional fees

2025-12-28 • via Nuitee
F
Farai • solo_traveller • za
1
Pros:

I was scammed by the booking. They took more money than what was shown. I will be opening a police case

Cons:

i was scammed i liked nothing

2025-12-27 • via Nuitee
N
Njabulo • extended_group • za
7
Great location and comfort, but long, poorly handled check-in process
Pros:

I loved my stay at The Pearls of Umhlanga or Oceans Apts. The room was beautiful, clean, and very comfortable, with everything I needed for a relaxing stay. The location is honestly one of the best parts as it’s perfectly situated and convenient. Everything is close by, from restaurants to Ocean Mall, all just a short walk away. Being so central made it easy to explore Umhlanga without any stress. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and great surroundings all in one place.

Cons:

Unfortunately, my check-in experience was very disappointing. I waited close to an hour at reception while my check-in was being sorted out. The hotel did not initially recognise my booking on their system, despite it being a valid reservation made through Booking.com. During this time, communication from the host was poor, with very little explanation or updates provided while the issue was being resolved. The lengthy delay was extremely inconvenient and unacceptable, as it caused me to miss plans I had scheduled. This significantly impacted what was otherwise a good stay.

2025-12-22 • via Nuitee