Durban's Most Stunning Penthouse: Ezulweni's 42nd Floor Paradise!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the Ezulweni Penthouse – Durban's alleged "42nd Floor Paradise!" Right? Right. I'm gonna be brutally honest, sometimes a bit chaotic, and hopefully, you'll still stick around. This ain't your sanitized, perfectly curated hotel review. This is me, raw and unfiltered, ready to spill the beans. Let's go…
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The Arrival & First Impressions – OMG, the Views (and a Minor Panic!)
Okay, first things first: getting to the Ezulweni. Accessibility is a crucial one for me (and for many of you, I'd bet!). The website claims to be fantastic about it. Fingers crossed. Once inside, the Elevator situation is key – essential for a 42nd-floor haven. I’ll come back to this and drill deeper.
Stepping out of the private elevator – yes, private – felt like entering a Bond movie. The immediate impression? Views. Glorious, gut-drop, breath-taking views. The Indian Ocean splashed turquoise against a dazzling Durban sky. It's what you're paying for. Period. You can see the whole city, and honestly it's a great view.
Now, full disclosure: I'm notoriously bad with heights. A little flutter started in my stomach that almost made me wobbly in the knees! The sheer scale of it all, the city sprawling beneath me… It’s a lot to take in. But there's a definite "wow" factor. The kind that shuts you up for a second.
Rooms & Amenities – The Good, The Bad, & the Slightly Odd (and the FREE Wi-Fi!)
Let's delve into the nitty-gritty of the rooms. They are, as advertised, very luxurious. Massive windows, blackout curtains (thank heavens!), and a seating area perfect for… well, just staring at the ocean. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, with my extra long bed and linens that felt like a cloud. The bathrobes and slippers, however, were a bit…scratchy. Minor detail, but hey, I'm being thorough!
The Internet access situation. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it worked. Internet [LAN] is also available for those who still live in 2005. Internet services are available. I even got work done, which, believe me, is a feat. Satellite/cable channels kept me entertained during the evening, and my room had a window that opens!
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (duh!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, and Wake-up service.
Then there’s the bathroom, huge and gleaming. The separate shower/bathtub was a godsend, especially after a long travel day. I'd pay extra for a decent bathtub, and this one delivered. However, the bathroom phone? Honestly, who even uses those anymore? Little details you have to be aware of.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa, Pool, and…More Views
Okay, the big draw after the rooms themselves? The Pool with a view (I'm going to keep saying that!), and the Spa. I decided to take advantage of the Spa/sauna as I was exhausted.
The Fitness center, yes, they have one. I'm not much of a gym person, so I peeked in, and it seemed to be well-equipped. The Sauna was a nice touch. There's a swimming pool [outdoor]. And a Steamroom. Don't forget the Foot bath!
There are Body scrub and Body wrap treatments available. The staff are friendly and attentive. I'd happily spend a full day there!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Journey (Mostly Good)
Now, the food. Restaurants, plural. Breakfast [buffet] was included in my rate. Massive. Really. A lot of options, and not all of them were amazing. The Asian breakfast was excellent, though. Other options include A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. There are Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a Coffee shop.
The Poolside bar… well, that's where I spent a fair bit of time. Happy hour is a must. The cocktails were strong, and the snacks were decent. Snack bar, check. Bottle of water? Yes, they supply them. Room service [24-hour] is handy. I indulged in the Breakfast in room one morning, a very nice touch, with Breakfast takeaway service. Soup in restaurant is available. There are good Desserts in restaurant.
Cleanliness & Safety – The Heart of the Matter (Especially Now!)
Okay, this is HUGE right now, isn't it? Cleanliness and safety. The Ezulweni seems to be taking it seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products are a relief. The Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays are reassuring. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Shared stationery removed. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and Safe dining setup. Good stuff.
Accessibility – A Deeper Dive (and a Minor Hiccup)
Back to Accessibility, because it's important. Let's break it down. There's an elevator. However, during my stay, it experienced… a "minor technical glitch." This meant a temporary switch to the service elevator. The service elevator was indeed a bit less…glamorous. I really need to see how this is to the extent I was hoping! The Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so I’m hoping they will have great accessibility going forward. It also means this review becomes less helpful if its not done well.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
They've got pretty much everything: Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes.
For the Kids – Family Fun?
They have a Babysitting service, and call themselves Family/child friendly, so I’d ask other clients to check this out, as I didn't travel with kids, and so I cannot really comment. They list Kids facilities, and Kids meal.
Getting Around – Getting There and Beyond
Airport transfer, Taxi service, and Valet parking. I always go for the convenient car park, which is free of charge.
The Bottom Line – Should You Book?
Look, the Ezulweni Penthouse ain't cheap. It's a splurge. But if you're looking for the quintessential Durban luxury experience, with drop-dead gorgeous views, a fantastic spa, and generally attentive service, then go for it. Just be aware of the potential elevator issues (as of my stay).
Quirky Observation: I swear, the sunsets from that 42nd floor are actually… better. And the way the city lights twinkle at night? Magical.
Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 champagne flutes. (Minus half a point for the elevator drama and the slightly iffy bathrobe situation).
Call to Action – Book Now!
Tired of the same old hotel stays? Crave breathtaking views, luxurious comfort, and a touch of Durban magic? Then, you need to book Ezulweni Penthouse. Our 42nd-floor paradise awaits!
Here's why you can't miss out:
- Unbeatable Views: Wake up to the Indian Ocean and panoramic Durban vistas. Seriously, it'll
Penthouse 42: Durban Daze & Sun-Kissed Haze - Itinerary (Maybe? We'll See)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn’t your pristine, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is a diary, a confession, a cry for help (maybe) disguised as a plan for a week in Durban. We're shooting for Penthouse 42, Ezulweni. Famous last words, right?
Day 1: Arrival & Disorientation (Also, Did I Pack Enough Sunscreen??)
- Morning (Sometime After Sunrise - Damn you, jet lag!): Touchdown! King Shaka International Airport. Already sweating, which is a good start, I guess. The visa process… well, let’s just say I’m pretty sure I resembled a bewildered gazelle trying to navigate rush hour. Found a taxi, haggled (badly), and now… we pray the GPS knows the way to Ezulweni. The excitement! The humidity! The fear of accidentally ordering something bizarre at a gas station!
- Midday (Whenever I Actually Arrive): Check-in at Penthouse 42. Oh. My. God. The view. Seriously, people, it’s like the ocean just… fell into my lap. Breathtaking. I'm already plotting a lifetime spent sipping Amarula on that balcony. Did I mention this is the life, and I deserve it. No wonder there are tons of hotels with fantastic views.
- Afternoon (Post-Panic-Attack-About-Lost-Luggage-Itinerary-Not-Working): Unpack (ish). Discover I forgot my favorite sandals. Mild meltdown. Force myself to explore the immediate vicinity. Find a tiny cafe that smells of coffee beans and something vaguely floral. Order a latte and a slice of, what I think, is carrot cake. Discover it’s actually zucchini bread. Amused. Embrace the chaos.
- Evening (Sunset, Fingers Crossed): Drinks on the balcony. Seriously. The ocean is calling my name. Trying not to think about the emails piling up back home. Tonight is about letting loose and maybe taking a dip in the infinity pool. Ah. The life.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & Botanical Garden Bedlam (Or, How I Lost My Hat)
- Morning (Sun's Up, Head's… Not Really): Head to the beach. Uhm. Let me tell you something about the beach. SAND. Everywhere. So much sand. I swore I felt it between my teeth at one point. But the waves! The sheer, unadulterated joy of splashing around in the Indian Ocean… priceless. This is what I came for. This is better than the whole city.
- Midday (Post-Sunburn-Attempt-Number-One): Botanical Gardens. Now, I’m not usually a "garden person," but these are gorgeous. Like, seriously, Instagram-worthy gorgeous. Wandered around, oohed and aahed at the orchids (they looked like tiny, exotic ballerinas). Then, disaster struck. Wind gust, hat blown off, into a freaking pond. Rescued it (looking like a drowned rat). Dried it. Rescued it, but I have forgotten who I am. And the hat… still wet.
- Afternoon (Post-Hat-Debacle): Back to Penthouse 42 (for a needed break and a massive, restorative dose of sunscreen). Ordered room service – a burger that was surprisingly delightful. Watched the waves. Contemplated the meaning of life. Decided it was probably something related to afternoon naps.
- Evening (Sometime after 5 pm): Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel. The food, the music, the people-watching… a solid win. The wine, maybe a bit too solid. Currently, writing this feeling very relaxed. Praying the waiter doesn’t remember my terrible Afrikaans attempt.
Day 3: Culture Shock & Curry Conundrums (Or, My Stomach's New Best Friend)
- Morning (Woke up late, again): Decided to be adventurous and explore the Victoria Street Market. Sensory overload! Spices, fabrics, jewelry – so many colors and smells! Tried to haggle for a scarf, but my negotiation skills are… lacking. Ended up buying a bright orange one. Embrace the orange.
- Midday (Post-Market-Mayhem): Headed to the Indian Quarter. OMG. The curry. I ordered a lamb something-or-other. My mouth is still tingling. I'm pretty sure I accidentally inhaled half a chili pepper. Worth it. Absolutely, unequivocally worth it. My stomach may disagree later, but right now, pure bliss.
- Afternoon (Coping with Pepper-Induced-Spiciness-And-Stomach-Aches): Relaxing by the pool. Reading a book. Trying to decipher the local slang. Still working on it. Watched the local children playing, and it looked like a dream.
- Evening (Still recovering from the curry): Decided to stay in. Ordered pizza. Watched a terrible rom-com on TV. Bliss.
Day 4: Zulu Encounters & Emotional Rollercoasters (Or, I Saw A Giraffe!)
- Morning (Early!, for once): Day trip to a nearby game reserve. This was supposed to be a nice, calm safari. I didn't expect the pure, unadulterated magic of seeing a giraffe in its natural habitat. My breath hitched. I teared up. I'm not even kidding. It was… profound. Then, saw a lion, which, frankly, was terrifying.
- Midday (Safari-Post-Trauma-Clean-Up): Lunch at the reserve. The food was decent, but I was still processing the giraffe. And the lion. And the fact that I was actually there. This is the time when I need to start a travel journal.
- Afternoon (Post-Safari-Reflection-And-Slight-Existential-Crisis): Back at Penthouse 42. Staring at the ocean. Thinking about the fragility of life. Realizing I need a nap. A massive nap.
- Evening (Nap-Induced-Reality): Dinner. Again. Feeling restless. Wondering if I should have booked a tour of the Drakensberg Mountains. Or maybe a shark diving excursion. The indecision is killing me.
Day 5: Coastal Drives & Coffee Shop Dreams (Or, Back on Track?)
- Morning (Slow start, thankfully): Scenic drive along the coast. Stopped at a charming little coffee shop with views of the ocean. The coffee was perfection. The pastries, even better. Spent a good hour just soaking up the vibes. Feeling… content. Like, actually content.
- Midday (Post-Coffee-Shop-Bliss): Explored a small art gallery. Didn't buy anything but got inspired. Inspired. I like this feeling.
- Afternoon (Back at the apartment): A whole load of nothing. Reading. Napping. Doing some serious sunbathing.
- Evening (Dinner Time?): Back to the same restaurant as Day 2. Why mess with a good thing? Decided to try something new. The menu is always so packed, which makes my decision making… difficult.
Day 6: Adrenalin & Ocean Adventures (Or, How I Conquered A Fear (Maybe))
- Morning (With so much adrenaline): So, I did a thing. Booked a jet ski adventure. My inner child is screaming. My adult self? Mildly terrified. The adrenaline was so real, i may have closed my eyes for brief moments. Oh my goodness.
- Midday (Post-Adventure): Head on the beach for a much-needed rest. Got a good swim. Got sunburnt.
- Afternoon (Recover): Read and rest.
- Evening (Party!): I made friends with with the locals, and they promised to take me out, which. is good.
Day 7: Farewell (Sob) & The Long Journey Home (Or, Did I Really Live?)
- Morning (Early): Last sunrise over the ocean. I'm going to miss this. Packing. Tears. More tears. Why does vacation have to end?
- Midday: Last view from the balcony. One last coffee. One last moment to breathe it all in. Maybe… I’ll come back. Actually, definitely.
- Afternoon: Airport. Goodbyes. Already planning my return. Pray I am in a good mood when I land, or I may cry.
Yeah, this itinerary is a mess. Imperfect. Likely to change on a whim. But it's mine. And Durban is a damn good place to get lost in.
P.S. Still looking for my sandals.
London Party Pad Sleeps 23! (Near Vendeuil, France!)
So, *Ezulweni*... 42 floors up. Is it actually as ridiculously amazing as the photos make out?
Okay, deep breath. Let me tell you something... Yes. It's *worse*. Or, rather, *better*. The photos are good, don't get me wrong. They capture the… the *vastness* of it all. But what they *can't* capture is the sheer, utter *jaw-dropping-ness* of walking out onto that balcony and feeling like you've accidentally become a cloud. I swear, I yelped the first time. My jaw actually physically ached from being dropped for like an hour. It was embarrassing. My friend, Sarah, she just started laughing. “Did you just *squeak*?” she asked. And I did. It was a squeak of pure, unadulterated awe. And the wind? That wind up there… it’s wild, man. It's like a playful giant is constantly trying to ruffle your hair. I loved it, except when it almost blew my champagne flute out of my hand. Close call. Very close call.
What are the views *really* like? I mean, is it just the ocean?
Oh honey, the ocean is *part* of it. A glorious, sparkling, endless part. But it's so much more. You've got the city stretching out below, a tapestry of lights at night. The harbor, bustling with ships. During the day, you can see the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance! Like, actual mountains! And then, you get those Durban sunsets. They're legendary, right? Well, from *Ezulweni*, they're... well, they're almost *too* good. Like, you start to question reality. "Is this real life," I remember thinking, "or am I in some incredibly well-produced travel commercial?" And I also might have cried a little. Don’t judge. The colours were just… insane. This one time, I swear, the sky was straight-up *purple and gold*. Unbelievable. It felt like the gods were throwing a party… and I was a VIP guest. And the seagulls… the seagulls have their own opinions, because from the 42nd floor, they are not just birds.
Is the decor as luxurious as it looks? And is it comfortable, or is it all just for show?
Luxurious? Understatement of the century. Think... *James Bond villain's lair* meets *beachside chic*. I'm talking plush velvet sofas you could happily sink into for days. Marble bathrooms that are bigger than my first apartment. And the art! Oh, the *art*! I have no idea what any of it cost, but I'm pretty sure it's more than my entire life's savings. And yes, thankfully, it *is* comfortable. It's not one of those places where you're afraid to breathe in case you break something. The layout is actually really clever. It flows beautifully. There's a sense of space, even with all the, you know, *stuff*. I remember being slightly terrified of everything, but it was easy to get accustomed to it. And you know what? It *felt* like home. Just, you know, a *ridiculously* fancy home. The most comfortable part of it all: the silence, broken only by the wind.
Okay, the price tag. How much does it actually *cost*?
Look, I'm not going to tell you the actual number -- mostly because I don't *know* the actual number. I’m pretty sure my bank account would spontaneously combust. But let's just say it's not something you'd find in your average "budget accommodation" search. Think "yachts and private jets" kind of money. Think "maybe I should get a second job... or a third... or sell a kidney." Let's just say it's a good job I wasn't the one paying! I was a guest, and all I can say is the price is reflective of the experience. That said, you can probably get a great view from your window if you're reading this.
Is there anything... *bad* about it? Seriously?
Okay, fine. I'll admit it. Finding the building can be a bit of a drag. It's not the easiest to spot, especially at night. And getting the elevator to the 42nd floor… well, let’s just say it takes a little bit of patience. I'm not going to lie, the first time I rode up, I was a bit terrified. What if it just... *stopped*? Trapped there with all that fabulousness? A nightmare. Also, the sheer opulence can be slightly intimidating. You can feel a bit… clumsy? Like you're going to spill something. And don't even *think* about wearing your old jeans. You'll feel thoroughly out of place. I brought my best outfit. And that wind? Beautiful, yes, but you gotta hold onto your hat. And I'm not going to lie -- leaving was extremely depressing. Like, I considered faking amnesia so I never had to leave.
The pool! Tell me about the pool!
Oh. My. God. The pool. Okay, so the pool... it's on the balcony. Right? Like, at the *edge* of the balcony. And it's… *infinity*. You know, one of those pools where the water seems to just disappear into the horizon? It's breathtaking. Truly. I remember the first time, I literally gasped. It's like swimming in a glass of liquid sunshine. The water was the perfect temperature. And the views! You're swimming, looking out at the ocean, the city, the sky... it's just… pure magic. I spent a good hour just floating, staring up at the clouds. I felt like I was one of those ridiculously rich people in those perfume adverts. And I'm a terrible swimmer but I didn't care! It was so calm, so serene. I might've snuck a cocktail or two poolside. Don’t judge me. It was a good time. The only thing I would change? The fear of dropping my phone in.
Would you go back? Like, right now?
In a heartbeat. A tiny, insignificant, speeding-towards-Ezulweni heartbeat. If someone offered me a magic carpet, or even a really reliable Uber, I'd be there. I’d sell my soul. I'd become a professional pigeon-watcher (if that was what it took). It’s not just a place to stay, it's an experience. It’s a memory. And frankly, I need to go back and confirm it actually happened, because sometimes, I still think it was a dream. So yes. Yes, I would. And if you're ever in Durban, and you get the chanceHotel Explorers
