Hilton Garden Inn has made its South African debut in Durban (Photo: © 2020 Hilton)

The 203-key Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch, part of Durban’s Umhlanga Arch mixed-use development, is the prolific hotel brand’s first property in South Africa.

Rising 14 storeys high, Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch boasts 139 king, 55 twin, five accessible and four ensuite rooms. We find out more about this exciting property.

A full set of modern guest facilities

Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch offers a selection of en-suite rooms and suites ideal for solo travellers, couples, business guests and families in town for work, pleasure or both.

After a restful night, guests can enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant Together & Co, or grab a quick snack at The Shop, a 24-hour self-service space selling snacks, personal items, and locally sourced food and beverages. An outdoor heated swimming pool with sweeping ocean views and a 24-hour fitness centre complete the leisure offering, while a self-service laundry room adds convenience and flexibility for guests.

Hilton Worldwide’s Digital Key is another noteworthy feature that the Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga offers. It allows for contactless check-in and lets guests select a room, use the lift and unlock their door via the Hilton Honors App on their phone.

Umhlanga Arch’s new lifestyle destination

Located only a 20-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport, the hotel is set within Umhlanga Arch. From here, guests can explore the rest of the mixed-use scheme, including its variety of dining venues and its European-inspired high street, which is home to many exclusive retailers.

At the hotel itself, the Together & Co restaurant deserves an extra mention. It’s the brand’s first venue in South Africa and the operators are keen for it to bring people together over delicious food and drinks. Head chef Sibusiso Nhleko wants to help build a sense of community by offering sharing dishes and platters, so guests will truly experience a meal together instead of merely eating alongside each other.

Lovet Robinson, general manager, said: “My team and I are blessed with supportive property ownership that entrusted us to operate this beautiful property with fantastic facilities. Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch, with its bright, open and cosy feeling, is a property to very easily fall in love with.”

The property, which is managed by Hilton, is owned by UA Hotel Company.

According to the TOPHOTELCHAINS online database, Hilton Garden Inn is Hilton’s second most active brand, with 139 hotel projects currently being planned around the world: