The Oyster Box

–Excellent location – show map
+172 photos
Scored 9.5
Rated exceptional

Overlooking the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse and Indian Ocean, The Oyster Box is a 5-star hotel offering timeless luxury and comfort as part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Guests can enjoy elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and villas—some with private patios or plunge pools—each with handcrafted furnishings, complimentary Wi-Fi, and thoughtful amenities. Dining includes The Ocean Terrace, known for its famous curry and seafood buffets; The Grill Room, offering fine dining in a classic setting; and three distinctive bars: The Oyster Bar, the vintage-style Chukka Bar, and the rooftop Lighthouse Bar with panoramic ocean views. With two swimming pools, a serene spa, a private cinema, and a well-equipped gym, the hotel is ideal for both relaxation and celebration. Just steps from Umhlanga Village and the beach, the hotel is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and perfectly suited for honeymoons, group getaways, and memorable occasions. Free private parking is available.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular amenities

  • 2 swimming pools
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Free Wifi
  • Beachfront
  • Airport shuttle
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
  • Bar
  • Private beach area

Property highlights

  • Located in the best-rated area in Durban, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.8

  • Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly-rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast Info

Full English/Irish, Buffet

  • Free parking available at the hotel

Loyal Customers

There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.

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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Select occupancy
Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
and
2 bunk beds
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 sofa bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

Pierre
South Africa South Africa
“Breakfast excellent, great variety and good service. The room was not special, relatively small, Something has to be done about conflict between fresh air and monkeys! Dinner at both restaurants just OK, at the price actually not god enough.”
Margie
South Africa South Africa
“Everything was absolutely perfect. loved it all. The Oyster Box is iconic and never fails to impress. Buffet curry dinner was delicious.”
Tim
South Africa South Africa
“Magnificent facilities and furnishings throughout. It has a smokers' bar which we enjoyed. Unfortunately our room on the first night had a bad drain like smell. We reported this and were very thankful to be upgraded to a Villa Unit for our second...”
Josephine
United States United States
“Beautifully elegant hotel, with amazing staff in an ideal location.”
Izza
South Africa South Africa
“Feeling of celebration, flexibility, helpfullness.”
Nathan
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Truly amazing hotel .. nothing not to like .. everyone that works here are super impressive”
Elsa
South Africa South Africa
“EXCEPTIONAL FANTASTIC STAFF CASUAL SMART BUT HOMELY”
Will
United States United States
“Stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the uMhlanga Lighthouse. The feel of the hotel is very unique, almost like a Wes Anderson film. Fantastic dining options, would highly recommend the outside terrace for breakfast and dinner.”
Natasha
South Africa South Africa
“attenuative staff, great facilities, delicious food.”
Virginia
United States United States
“The CURRY BUFFET, aesthetic, staff, champagne menu.”

Hotel area info

Restaurants

3 Restaurants On Site
Grill Room
  • Cuisine
    International
  • Open for
    Dinner
  • Ambience
    Traditional • Romantic
  • Dietary options
    Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
The Ocean Terrace
  • Cuisine
    Indian • Pizza • Seafood • Local • South African
  • Open for
    Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
  • Ambience
    Family-friendly • Traditional
  • Dietary options
    Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
Palm Court (High Tea)
  • Cuisine
    International • South African
  • Open for
    High tea
  • Ambience
    Family-friendly • Traditional
  • Dietary options
    Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of The Oyster Box

Great facilities! Review score, 9.6

Most popular amenities

  • 2 swimming pools
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Free Wifi
  • Beachfront
  • Airport shuttle
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
  • Bar
  • Private beach area

House rules

The Oyster Box takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 2:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
Until 11:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

0 - 2 years
Crib upon request
Free
3 - 12 years
Extra bed upon request
Free
13+ years
Extra bed upon request
ZAR 950 per person, per night

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Groups
When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
Cards accepted at this hotel
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubUnionPay credit card Cash is not accepted

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform The Oyster Box of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary, and other relevant info on dates where such guidelines exist.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), make sure you're booking this property in accordance with the destination's local government guidelines, including (but not limited to) the purpose of travel and maximum group size.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.

FAQs about The Oyster Box