Durban - Upton Hall Boutique Guest House, across the road from President Zuma’s pad (King’s House) sits high on Durban’s Berea and has views over Durban toward Umhlanga, the Bluff and horizon.
Upton Hall is one grand dame. Established in 1931 by the James family, it was restored and converted over a period of three years before reopening as a hotel in 2010. It was recently added to the Three Cities Exceptional Collection of hotels, benchmarking it as extraordinary. In this case, a five-star mix of olde worlde sophistication and modern day Afro-chic.
As I entered the foyer-cum-hall I was struck by how easily African art and artefacts blended with a magnificent old chandelier and grand staircase.
General manager Chris Mitchell greeted us and offered us moist, scented facecloths to soothe our brows, and a drink to ease the stress of our travels (we played along, as it had actually been a remarkably brief drive), before ushering us through the sitting room and on to the gracious veranda with that view – one that really warms a Durbanite’s heart.
After a pleasurable sigh or three we followed our bags to our suite. We had the Rain Forest suite with balcony and that view again.
All the rooms have different themes and feel – I peeked at several – all are superbly designed and finished, and the same can be said of the entire place. Great attention to detail throughout.
The suite is spacious, to say the least, and a lovely destination on its own. There is a well stocked mini bar, espresso machine (fresh milk always scores points), fine china, biscotti and fine chocolate.
The bedroom also had a settee, armchairs and a coffee table, a desk and a very comfy kingsize bed with fine Egyptian cotton linen, soft and firm pillows and cushions. Everything is carefully laid out and beautifully decorated in foresty greens, greys, dark wood and lovely artworks.
The bathroom with double vanity basins, freestanding bath and walk-in shower was a delight. I had to test it immediately (after all that travelling) and found the pressure from the adjustable shower equated to a massage. It was a surprisingly chilly day so I appreciated a warm, lush towel from the heated rail and a robe after drying off.
No need for slippers as the underfloor heating was on!
Revived after a little lie down, we headed to the splendid cigar bar for an expertly prepared cocktail before heading out to dinner. There are loads of restaurants and nightspots minutes away and we plumbed for Harvey’s, the closest and of an appropriate standard.
The wind had subsided completely and a beautiful evening was accompanied by beautiful food, as well as a wonderfully quiet night, even with the veranda door open.
In the morning I headed downstairs for a workout in the gym – though I was tempted to tarry en route in the inter-leading wine cellars that are home to an astonishing selection of wines and champers.
I did linger in the steam room before breakfast, which was really something. Just as well I had that workout as the pastries (and everything else) were too good to resist.
Upton Hall really impressed as an exclusive oasis, even with the city at it’s doorstep. - Sunday Tribune
Rates begin at R1600 per single room. Contact 031 310 3333 or visit www.threecities.co.za.