I stayed at La Bordello about three years ago and it was magical. So much so that I insisted on staying there again so my husband would know exactly what I had been raving about. My friends who had travelled with me the first time decided to join us again for this long weekend in Durban.
They left after the first night. As we had paid in advance (what was i thinking??) we stayed on. The towels had holes in them; the day and night noise from the adjoining bar was ridiculous; there were no bedroom lamps ("you can look in other rooms if you want to find some" when we asked?!?); neighbourhood kids peering in our bathroom window; no privacy at all; dodgy sheets; zero managerial presence; peeling walls full of damp; dirty entrance.
I wrote an email with constructive criticism on how to make this place worthy of the advertising pamphlets and website. Nothing. Nada. Niks. That was four months ago.
Yesterday I heard they had closed down. I hope it's true. It was an embarrasment.

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.