Having spent more than 30 years of my life in Durban, I was at a loss to explain to friends why I would want to spend the night in a city hotel when I could be comfortably ensconced in my countrified cocoon.
The place in question was Signature Life’s Docklands Hotel, situated in the Point development area a short way past uShaka, with views across the harbour and Durban. The questioning ended when my friends saw my room.
This 83-room hotel is really worth a look, even if it’s just from a design point of view. Even the parking lot is something you won’t find elsewhere in Durbs, surrounded as it is by crumbling façades of demolished warehouses and businesses with worn paint and fading signs left as is.
The main building continues the theme. The façade is Victorian brick and plaster and much of the interior is a mix of red brick, raw cement, industrial metals and funky signage. It really works.
As does the chic central courtyard with water feature, couches, shrubs and trees sheltered by a vast Bedouin style awning. Oohs and ahs also punctuated our meal at the vibey Wodka restaurant downstairs.
New chef Daryn Bowers is enthusiastic and passionate and I blame my morning food hangover entirely on him. What also kept me lying in bed was the fantastic view from suite 4016 –the Loft Room – with its floor to roof windows. It gave me a new perspective on my home town.
The bedrooms are primarily black with earthy tones, offset by crisp white linen and ceramics. There’s an expansive black-tiled shower, flat screen TVs, a simple clothing rail, plus large mirrors and windows. Downstairs are three function rooms of varying sizes.
There is a really good vibe at Docklands and vivacious general manager Ellen Aucamp’s energy is clearly infectious. It’s also surprisingly tranquil for a city hotel. Most noise comes from the busy port but once the bedroom windows are shut there is no real disturbance. It doesn’t hurt that the road in front of Docklands is blocked off for months to come, nor that the area is a far cry from its seedy past.
Rates begin at R950 per person sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. To reserve your spot call 031 332 8190 or visit signaturelifehotels.com - Sunday Tribune