The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box Hotel has such a distinctive style that really adds to the whole high tea experience. It’s got this mix of old-school elegance and coastal charm — polished wood, crisp white verandas, and those signature pops of red that make it instantly recognizable. The atmosphere feels glamorous but still relaxed, like you’re stepping into a timeless tradition with a touch of seaside luxury. Sitting there with tea, scones, and those views, it’s not just about the food — the setting makes it feel extra special.

The hotel's location can't be beat and it certainly has an undeniable charm. I believe that these elements cast a spell on guests and that in truth it falls short of true 5 star luxury and service. With their Deluxe Sea Facing Suites priced in a category of international 5 star luxury, it lacks refined attention to detail and consistent personalised, flawless service that exceeds expectations. In addition to this our suite was not ready at check-in after 2pm in the afternoon. Dirty patio furniture, inconsistent cleaning of our room. No mention was made of hotel facilities, their location or breakfast times or in-room facilities upon check-in. When requesting information we were told to check the guide on the TV in our room. The suite was comfortable and spacious, however, there was no way to block out the early morning sun. A very disappointing stay and an experience that fell horribly short of all the wonderful reviews listed for the hotel.

Since The Oyster Box Hotel doesn't reply on bad reviews, but only on good reviews, let's see if they reply to this - I tried to book dinner for me and my fiancee over the phone, got cut off twice. Then drove there to book dinner, when I got there and waited in line to speak to the lady to make a reservation, she completely ignored me after making eye contact and spoke directly to the people behind me. Then I told her I was waiting to make a booking for dinner, she took my details on a piece of paper, not a book. The following evening on arrival, she once again ignored us after seeing us, then telling her we are here for our dinner reservation (the curry buffet) she could not find my details, I then had to remind her from the day before and she then remembered. This already was extremely unprofessional. The curry buffet was mediocre at best - the fish and the chicken was dry. The dessert was awful with hardly any taste. Not worth R695 per person. It was a huge disappointment and won't go back, nor will I recommend it. My fiancee also left her glasses there and they somehow "can't find it." They didn't even look at cctv.

The Oyster Box is without doubt the Grande Dame of hospitality in South Africa. The stories are legendary. The most moving is how the Tollman family insisted on keeping their staff on full pay whilst the hotel was undergoing refurbishment, for a whole two years. This appreciation is evident from the genuine attentiveness from their staff. The service is subtle but effective and often only appreciated long after the event. It is the magic dust responsible for your regular return. But, let us also pay homage to the legendary curries and expansive breakfasts. The gastronome experience comfortably compensates for the mediocre room experience. Definitely an important destination for any visitor yearning for the traditional service experienced, many years ago, at the famous Maharani. For any east coast visitor the Oyster Box is an imperative!

Greatest hotel experience I've ever had! Everything is 5 star level; from the facilities, to the staff as well as the service. My 3 night stay with the wife felt like we died and went to heaven. A great place to pick back, relax and recuperate!