This modern hotel, part of the well-known Southern Sun chain, stands an imperious 20 stories tall above the Golden Mile, the most central stretch of recreational beachfront in South Africa's third-largest city and most important port. Its gleaming white marble and glass exterior is a conspicuous landmark along Durban's beachfront, contrasting with the more staid exteriors of its older neighbors.
The reception area is light and airy, stretching three stories high at the front with views into a glass-sided elevator shaft. The unusual curves incorporate elements of art deco, but are updated with a bright modern touch and offset by purple and red abstract carpeting.
The reception desk is large, efficient and well-staffed. There is a modern-looking coffee shop opposite reception, behind which another door leads into the only all-day restaurant. Disappointingly, this is a bland chain steakhouse called MacRibs, but there is also a superb on-site Indian restaurant called Saagries offering dinner only, and the Garden Grill which serves a buffet breakfast daily. There are plenty of other more individualistic eateries within walking distance of this hotel.
Facilities include a sparkling rooftop swimming pool overlooking the coast, an in-house shop, and a business center with secretarial and Internet facilities. The hotel is a good base for enjoying Durban beachfront and the adjacent North Beach, and it is within 
easy walking distance of many shops, restaurants, bars, the Seaworld Amusement Park and the uShaka Aquarium and Dolphinarium.
Rooms are reached along bright passages with cheerful abstract purple and red carpets. Glass walls opposite the elevator doors afford wonderful beachfront views. All rooms have a partial or full sea-view and they are attractively and boldly decorated with twin or king sized beds, contemporary abstract prints hanging on brightly painted walls, and leather and wood furnishings.
All rooms have air conditioning, radio and satellite TV with in-house movies, phones, modem connections, safes, coffeemakers, hair dryers, a wardrobe and a writing desk with lamp. The baths are unusually cramped and have a combination tub and shower, small marble sink and toilet. Room service runs until 11 pm.
This is a good value hotel with a more modern feel than most along the Golden Mile. Though unabashedly chainlike in some respects, the imaginative design and decor—and cheerful staff—ensure it isn't bereft of personality. Like the nearby Balmoral, it will appeal to a broad spectrum of business and leisure travelers, but it's a lot less stuffy and is definitely aimed at younger travellers and families.