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All 6 Ballito hotels »

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge

5.0 of 5
Zimbali Estate, PO Box 404 | Umhlali, Ballito 4390, South Africa
Hotel amenities
Ranked #3 of 6 hotels in Ballito
3.5 of 5 stars 57 Reviews
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57 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    28
    9
    10
    7
    3
Date Rating
Longhini
Colorado
Contributor
15 reviews
8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 January 2012

We'd booked a Forest suite but they didn't have it available so we were downgraded to the Lodge. We were in room 406 which is a ground level room and it had a dead cockroach in the closet, ants in the bed and mold in the shower grout. The common areas are nicer, the beach is public so no chairs/umbrellas... More

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Phoenix R
Phoenix, Arizona
Reviewer
3 reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 December 2011

While in a beautiful location. the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge is tired and has seen better days. We could not get shampoo or wash clothes in our room. "Sorry, the hotel is out of them now". The toilet smelled so badly of urine that even PineSol could not get rid of the smell. It is so dark and poorly lit that... More

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Worlde-traveller
Johannesburg, South Africa
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 November 2011

Nice hotel north of Durban in the wealth-enclave of Zimbali (or property bubble if you wish!). Grand old colonial touches, combined with great views, a golf course, and a rainforest! Rooms large, comfy beds. Decor perhaps a bit tired. Restaurant, Thandi, provided interesting local fare, including the obligatory curry options, Alas, chef must have been having an off-night, as both... More

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Macarad
Contributor
16 reviews
4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 October 2011

Just stayed at the Lodge (1 night) and the Forest Suites (2 nights). The rooms appear nice enough but are poorly maintained (sink blocked, lights not working, door lock faulty). Disappointing. We were there as part of a corporate conference but I found the service slow and generally the staff were pretty disinterested. Don't order an irish coffee in the... More

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Joanne Du Plooy, Public Relations Manager at Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, responded to this review
10 October 2011

Dear Valued Guest Thank you for taking the time to write to us regarding your experience at Fairmont Zimbali Lodge. Guest feedback is extremely valuable to us as it affords us the opportunity to focus on the challenges highlighted by our guests. Please be assured that your comments will be addressed with the department heads concerned to ensure that the... More

Grahamc33
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 October 2011

My partner and I stayed here for two nights in September 2011. The staff were very attentive, very helpful and incredibly accommodating. Wish we'd stayed longer, but time was short. The pool area was a very welcome oasis at the end of the day, and we spent many hours relaxing around in and out of the water. Only one concur:... More

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hajbod
jhb
Senior Contributor
26 reviews
3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 August 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We stayed at Zimbali lodge in March for 2 nights, and wish we had stayed for a week! our room was very comfortable with a huge bathroom and lovely toiletries.The staff were very helpful and friendly, and nothing was too much for them.The whole resort is very well maintained.Loved the pool area ...the view is great from there.A shuttle takes... More

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Shube1
Johannesburg
Senior Contributor
24 reviews
10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 July 2011

One can never beat a location and this is one of them. If you have work to do in Durban then Balito is far out especially if you have to drive back late at night. The newer Fairmont lives up to its standard of other Fairmont Hotels world wide for location and good food. Staff are attentive but we found... More

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tomphil
Frankfurt, Mannheim
Senior Contributor
37 reviews
35 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 June 2011
2
people found this review helpful

Zimbali lodge is suuited either for Durban residents who seek for some relaxation or for travellers flighing via Durban airport who need a hotel close to Durban airport. It is not suited for holiday travelers planning to stay more than one night. Pros: - Location: Only 20 Minutes Drive from the airport - Architecture and interieur design - Service: Always... More

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GrahamTaylor3161
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2011

I am in Southa Africa on an extended business trip and came to Durban for the weekend. Needed some chillout time so found Fairmont Zimabali after Googling around. Absolutely perfect location and setting. Its out of season now so petty quiet which was just what I wanted. Rooms give the feeling of a bygone era and open onto wide balconies.... More

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ruqi
Brisbane
2 reviews
5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2011

Returning to the forest suites after 2 years. Hasn't changed much apart from the new management company - Signature Hotels. We managed to get this unbelievable special through www.adzonemedia.co.za. The quality of service is truly unbelievable, staff are always very friendly and on hand to meet your every need. There are one or two small inconveniences we experienced, such as... More

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Fairmont Zimbali Lodge Also Known As

  • Zimbali Hotel
  • Zimbali Lodge
Address: Zimbali Estate, PO Box 404 | Umhlali, Ballito 4390, South Africa

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Fairmont Zimbali Lodge
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