Let me first say that I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to hotels. And that I've lived in and travelled around Africa for several years. So I think my expectations are realistic and I know what I should get for a certain price.
That said, the Bordello is TERRIBLE. It attempts to skate by on "vibeyness" (which basically translates to "noise," which wasn't actually a big problem for us) and its location next to the Bean Bag Bohemia. (Which turns into quite the meat market on weekend nights; entertaining but the food is nothing to write home about.)
The sheets are not clean. The linens and towels are scratchy and in poor repair. The hot-water heater gives you two minutes of hot water. And the owner/manager is wont to knock around the halls at 6 a.m. on a Saturday barking instructions at the (very nice, bless their hearts) staff. Who serve a good breakfast, I'll give them that. The neighborhood is super-dodgy but even that sort of works, as long as you're not planning to walk anywhere at night. And they can't help that.
At the end of the stay, I got the clear impression that the enterprising owner decided he'd buy the property next door and to try to make as much money as possible, with no regard for the fundamentals of hospitality. And I repeat: clean sheets, good towels, hot water and some peace and quiet. This is all I ask for. And this is all achievable. The Bordello fails on all counts.
But it looks cool!

I had an amazing time! Except for confusion at first about where to get key etc. we found our rooms and they were beautiful! Very bohemian and very comfortable. GREAT AIRCON! ;) I just love putting on my aircon and snuggling up to my blankets! Breakfast was delicious and great after HUGE delicious meal at the BBB. Funny enough - I have been going to BBB for 3 years now, and only recently found out about La Bordello. Maybe they should make the entrance to the west end of the property? Parking was outside and at first I was scared that it was not safe. But there was a security guard all night (even when we got home at 2 in the morning) and needless to say, my car, my friend's car and my families car was all safe and sound. I AM HAPPY TO SAY THERE IS NO OTHER PLACE I WANT TO STAY AT WHEN I GO TO DURBS <3.

There is a few things that bothered me - this is not a boutique style hotel/guesthouse, whatever you want to call this. There is not even a proper check-in area and there is no parking - this, according to me qualify as a backpackers. I have stayed in quite a few boutique hotels and guesthouses, but i have never stayed in a backpackers before... but this is what I would imagine a backpackers would be like??....

From arrival and trying to find someone in the restaurant to assist with accommodation and not a table and then waiting outside for someone to guide you on where to go to...

I would not stay here again, I also did not feel too secure.... not even proper locks on the bedroom doors, except locks that you use in your house for bedroom doors.

The restaurants' service was so BLOODY slow = would definitely not recommend.

I must say I have mixed feelings about la Bordello. I am not a picky traveller but a few things did bother me.

First, we checked in in the adjacent restaurant and came to the first waitress we saw. She didn't ask for our names or anything but all she said was "I'll go and get the key" and then "follow me".
Now, this is not informal check in, it is rudeness to me. I don't expect to be received like a king but a "hello" would have been appreciated (not to mention a "welcome" plus information on when and where breakfast is served...)

The room we were given (number 6) is quite nicely decorated but that there is no separation between the bedroom and the bathroom. And since the bed is located right near the bathroom entrance, you can imagine the problems...
We had to request an extra blanket because there is no heating in any of the rooms and even though winters are not very cold in Durban, it still is a problem as some of the rooms don't get much sunshine.

On the second night (Friday), the bar and restaurant was packed and became very noisy. So much so that we couldn't sleep at all.
By 11.30 pm, I went to see the manager and asked him to get us another room, which he did immediately . We were then given a very nice and large room (number 4)
(we found out later on that on the day we arrived, only 2 rooms were booked, I wonder why they gave us room number 6 as they must know it is too close to the noisy bar/restaurant)
When we came back at the end of the day, we realised that our things had been moved to a third different room!! (the manager explained the room had been booked for several nights)
Anyway, our third room was very nice too.

The following day we asked for breakfast boxes because we had to leave for a day trip early in the morning. We asked it twice, and each time, we were promised that the boxes would be left on the breakfast tables by 6 a.m. The problem is, there were no boxes to be seen...
About breakfast, I'll confirm what is said in the other reviews, it is a real plus with a choice of 4 or 5 types and served by very nice ladies. The restaurant and bar is a great place, very trendy with all kinds of people mixing together.

That's why I have vary mixed feelings about this hotel. The rooms are all very nicely decorated, breakfast is great, location is good but if you stay in winter, bring your potable heating with you (maybe they should invest in a few of them...)! And if you book directly through their website, request a quite room!
Only after these warnings, would I recommend la Bordello to a friend.