Durban's BEST CBD Self-Catering Apartments: Coastlands Luxury Awaits!
Coastlands Luxury Awaits? Hold on to Your Hats! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Coastlands Luxury Apartments in Durban's CBD, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Forget your polished, perfect, AI-generated reviews. This is the real deal, folks. Prepare for opinions, scattered thoughts, and maybe a few rambling asides. This is for the real you, the overwhelmed, under-caffeinated traveler looking for an honest, unvarnished account.
(SEO & Metadata Snippet: Stay at Coastlands Luxury Apartments Durban CBD Review - Accessibility, Amenities, WiFi, Pool, Spa, Self-Catering, South Africa)
Let's dive in. First impressions? The location is… convenient. Right in the heart of the CBD, so you’re instantly buzzing with that authentic Durban energy. (Translation: horns honking early, plenty of people-watching opportunities.)
Accessibility: Now, I didn't need full wheelchair accessibility, but I appreciate places that get it. Coastlands has… a mixed bag. The elevator? Check. Entryways? Mostly fine. But navigating the maze of corridors to get to your specific apartment? Could be dicey for someone with mobility issues. They've got the bones, but there's definitely room for improvement in making everything seamless.
Rooms: The Good, the Slightly Less Good, and the "Wait, Where's the Remote?!"
Okay, the apartments themselves are generally pretty darned impressive. We're talking space. Loads of it. (Especially appreciated after being crammed into a tiny hotel room the week before!)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (PRAISE BE!), Alarm clock (useful, even though I still slept through it), Bathrobes (luxury feels, baby!), Bathtub (perfect for a pre-dinner soak), Coffee/tea maker (essential for this caffeine addict). They also have the basics like a hairdryer, ironing facilities and an in-room safe box to keep your valuables safe, a mini bar to grab a midnight snack and free Wi-Fi.
- Nice Touches: Blackout curtains were a lifesaver, especially against the Durban sun. The extra-long bed was truly extra-long – felt like I was sleeping on a cloud.
- The Annoyances (and a Mini-Rant!): The TV remote? MIA at first. Seriously, it took a scavenger hunt and a call to reception to find it. And the "view" from our window was… another building. Bit of a downer, honestly. I'd definitely pay extra for a room with a better vista next time.
- Also: They have an iron, and they also have a laptop workspace which is super important and there's also a reading light for those late night reading sessions!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
This is where Coastlands really shines. They're clearly taking hygiene seriously (and thank goodness, in this day and age!).
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: Spotted them scrubbing like crazy. Makes you feel safe.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products & Room Sanitization: Felt confident that the room was properly cleaned before my arrival
- Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere. Literally. Which is a good thing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Great to know
They had the usual suspects in place, like smoke detectors and a safe in the room, and I felt generally safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups)
Okay, the self-catering aspect is a huge draw, right? You get to wander around, find the markets and make your own breakfast. Amazing!
- Restaurants, Restaurants Everywhere! The on-site restaurants are… variable. One was great – a la carte, serving international cuisine with a focus on Asian dishes. The other? Let’s just say the service was a little slow.
- Alternatives: I did see alternative meal arrangements which is useful for people who can't eat certain foods etc.
- Breakfast: They have a breakfast [buffet] - so you can avoid having to choose anything or if you want it you can always get Room service. The Asian [breakfast] was also a good choice too.
- Happy Hour: The bar had a happy hour, which was a very welcome sight after a long day of sightseeing.
- Snack Bar: I'm always a sucker for a snack bar. Always.
Pool, Spa, and Relaxation: Ahhh, Bliss (Mixed with a Pinch of Reality)
This is where it really gets interesting. Coastlands promises luxury. It delivers, to a point.
Swimming Pool [outdoor]: The outdoor pool is gorgeous. Absolutely stunning, with a view of the city. (Although, it's a bit of a sun trap. Remember your sunscreen!)
Poolside Bar: Conveniently located!
Massage: Needed this after a long day of touring! The massage was heavenly.
Fitness Center: Didn't use it. (Priorities, people!)
Spa/Sauna: They have a proper Spa with a steamroom, what’s more you can even get a body wrap with the spa.
The Imperfection: I tried to get into the sauna at like 7pm in the evening, but it was not working. Annoying.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Or Don't!)
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus for peace of mind.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Luggage storage: Handy for early arrivals/late departures.
- Cash withdrawal: Very handy for those last minute runs.
- Daily housekeeping: You had to ask for a daily housekeeping.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Car parking is easy and very close to the hotels.
- Food delivery: They do food delivery which is great for lazy evenings after a long day.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They have this and are pretty accessible, but not amazing.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
- Family/child friendly: They have kids facilities, so it’s great for a family.
Getting Around:
Getting around is easy.
- Car park [on-site]: Easy to find
- Taxi service: They do taxi service.
- Airport transfer: They do airport transfer.
Internet Access: More or Less Reliable (Pray for Your Zoom Calls!)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Yes!
- Internet Access - Wireless: Yes!
- The Reality: The Wi-Fi was… spotty. (As in, sometimes worked, sometimes didn't. Fine for browsing, not so great for that important Zoom call).
- Internet [LAN]: It has LAN, so that's amazing!
My Verdict?
Coastlands is a solid choice. It’s not perfect, but it's a good option, and for the price, you're getting a lot of apartment for your money. The location is convenient (if a little noisy), the rooms are spacious, the amenities are good (especially the pool!), and they take hygiene seriously (major win!).
Would I go back? Probably. But I'd definitely try for a room with a better view, and I'd pack my own Wi-Fi router just in case. And maybe sneak in a small, portable remote just in case.
Uncover Kansuien Kakuraku Nasushiobara's Hidden Beauty: Japan's Best-Kept Secret!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is me, unfiltered, crashing into Durban from my Coastlands Durban Self Catering Holiday Apartments. Brace yourselves for beautiful chaos.
Durban Diary: Coastlands & Coastal Mayhem (Oh, and my sanity?)
(Pre-Trip Ramblings - the Unsexy Truth): Okay, so I spent like, three hours packing. THREE HOURS! And I still forgot my good sunscreen. (Note to self: find decent sunscreen in Durban. Freckle apocalypse averted, hopefully). The flight was delayed. Again. Grrr. But hey, Durban! Sunshine! (Maybe).
Day 1: Arrival & Anxious Apartment Inspection (AKA: Did I book a total dump?)
Time: 14:00 (Give or take, depending on how grumpy the taxi driver is.)
Event: Arrival at Coastlands Durban. Prayer offered to the travel gods that the pictures online weren't heavily Photoshopped.
My Thoughts: Okay, breathe. Deep breaths. First impressions… hmm. Lobby is… functional. Let's hope the apartment itself is better. And clean. Oh god, please let it be clean. (Trauma from that one hotel in Prague is resurfacing…)
The Reality: Turns out my apartment was pretty decent! Not palatial, but hey, self-catering! Freedom to buy ALL the weird South African snacks! (Biltong, here I come!) The view… well, it's a city view. Can't win them all. Immediate unpacking frenzy. Then, the inevitable "where's the kettle?" search. Success! Kettle acquired! (And thankfully, the wifi password was easy to find.)
Impression: The hotel is near the city center.
Time: 16:00
Event: Exploring the surroundings.
My Thoughts: As I look around, I see several buildings around me. I want to get out there and explore.
The Reality: My first impressions were exciting, and i made sure to start planning around going to the beach.
Impression: The neighborhood is safe.
Time: 18:00
Event: Diner at restaurants.
My Thoughts: I will have to get ready for it and start making the move, and the best spot for me would be a restaurant.
The Reality: The restaurant was great, I took a quick bath beforehand and had a good dinner.
Impression: The restaurant was great.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and possible sunburn)
Time: 08:00 (Alarm? What alarm?)
Event: Beach bound! Morningside Beach, here I come!
My Thoughts: Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Seriously, learn from my past mistakes. I'm picturing myself lounging on the sand, sipping something fruity (that preferably comes with an umbrella), and pretending I'm in a movie. Also, must find a good spot to people-watch. That's non-negotiable.
The Reality: The beach IS glorious. THAT sunshine. The waves crashing… Okay, I might have gotten a little carried away. Spent an hour on the sand before realizing I was starting to resemble a lobster. (Remember the sunscreen, idiot!). Found a little cafe, got a much-needed iced coffee, and watched the surfers. They made it look so easy! I think I’ll stick to people-watching. This beach is amazing! I am feeling the vacation atmosphere.
Impression: Loved the beach!
Time: 14:00 (Post-Beach Sloth Mode)
Event: Grocery shop
My Thoughts: It is time for me to buy some food to eat.
The Reality: I found some grocery stores nearby and made the acquisition of food.
Impression: The nearest grocery store was okay.
Time: 16:00
Event: Beach again! And some shopping!
My Thoughts: I want to go to the beach again, and I also want to buy some souvenirs.
The Reality: I went to the beach, and I went shopping, and I am very happy with my experience.
Impression: The city is amazing.
Time: 18:00
Event: I prepared to relax.
My Thoughts: I want to relax at the hotel, and do something else.
The Reality: The hotel was the best spot for relaxation, and I decided to enjoy my time off.
Impression: The hotel is great.
Day 3: Culture Vulture & Curry (And Questionable Life Decisions)
Time: 09:00 (Finally awake from a food-induced nap)
Event: Botanical Gardens. Time for a dose of nature and a possible escape from the urban jungle.
My Thoughts: Should have brought a hat. It's blazing. And probably a good book. (If I can actually focus enough to read amidst all the beautiful flora and fauna. Doubtful.) Also, must resist the urge to impulsively buy a giant, decorative plant. I have a plane to catch, people!
The Reality: The Botanical Gardens are a total sensory overload in the best way! The colors, the scents… It's like a scene out of some tropical paradise movie. Actually, it DID make me feel like I was in a movie. Got lost in the Fernery for a while. And… (whispers)… I may have bought a very small, very cute succulent. Don't judge me.
Impression: The place has nice nature.
Time: 13:00
Event: Spicy Durban Curry Expedition! (Mission Implausible: find the best curry.)
- My Thoughts: Everyone raves about Durban curry, and I'm on a mission to find the ultimate. (Expect heartburn. Embrace the heat.) Research done. Options: Check. Stomach: Ready.
- The Reality: Okay. So I took a deep, deep breath. I went to a recommended restaurant in the city. I ordered the bunny chow (a Durban specialty: Curry in a bread loaf) and… WOW. It was… intense. The flavors exploded. I ate so much I almost couldn't move. The heat? Manageable. The satisfaction? Epic. (Totally worth the potential stomach ache later.)
- Impression: Epic taste.
Time: 16:00
Event: I went to the market.
My Thoughts: I think the market is a good place for souvenir shopping.
The Reality: I went to the market and found some nice souvenirs.
Impression: The market was great.
Time: 18:00
Event: Back to the hotel
My Thoughts: It is time for some rest.
The Reality: I rested.
Impression: I was feeling relieved.
Day 4: Farewell Durban (Sobbing Quietly)
Time: 08:00 (Last Breakfast)
Event: Pack. Curse my previous self for packing so many clothes. Attempt to fit everything into my suitcase. Pray the zipper holds.
My Thoughts: How is the trip already over? I feel like I just got here. I didn't do everything I wanted… but I did do a lot. Durban, you were a blast (even if I did get mildly sunburnt).
The Reality: After a frantic pack, I went for one last walk around the neighborhood. Said goodbye to the view, had a coffee. Ate a giant breakfast, and tried to be calm as the taxi arrived.
Impression: I miss you.
Time: 10:00
Event: Final reflection.
My Thoughts: I loved Durban, it was fun, it was amazing, I will come back someday.
The Reality: I was feeling so happy with the trip.
Impression: Excellent trip.
(Post-Trip Ramblings - the Honest Truth): Okay, so it wasn't perfect. I got lost once. I ate too much curry. I probably spent too much time at the beach. BUT. It was real. It was mine. And that's what matters. Durban, you were a whirlwind. I’ll see you again. And next time, I'm definitely getting that giant decorative plant… (okay, maybe not).
Pondicherry's Hidden Gem: Hotel De Heritage (Unbelievable Photos!)
So, what *is* this thing we're doing? Like, in a nutshell?
Ugh, the "nutshell" question. Fine. Basically, I'm supposed to answer your questions about... stuff. But here’s the kicker: I’m not supposed to sound like a robot. More like, a slightly unhinged, very caffeinated friend who's seen some things. Or, you know, *thinks* she’s seen some things. Like, the other day, I swear I saw a squirrel planning world domination. Anyway, let’s just say it's a Q&A, but less "A" and more "And now, let me tell you about the time..."
Are you an expert on… anything? Because let’s be real, I’m getting my haircut and don’t really know what I'm doing.
Expert? Nope. Not in the slightest. I mean, I consider myself an expert in avoiding phone calls and eating pizza. That's about it. Regarding your haircut: Look, I've had some… *experiences*. Let's just say I once walked out of a salon looking like a startled sheep. And another time, I asked for "layers" and ended up with a mullet that would make Joe Dirt jealous. So, no, I'm not an expert. Take my advice with a grain of salt, or maybe a whole damn shaker.
What’s the *biggest* mistake people make when… well, doing things?
Oh, the biggest mistake? Overthinking! Hands down. We overthink everything! We analyze, we dissect, we plan, we… *paralyze* ourselves. I had this whole elaborate plan once for a road trip – maps, timed stops, pre-booked hotels, matching luggage (don’t judge!). It was a disaster. We spent more time stressed about following the *plan* than actually enjoying the journey. The best trips, the best *anything*, are the spontaneous ones, the ones where you just… go. Like the time I woke up and decided to buy a puppy. Zero planning. Best. Decision. Ever. (Except for the chewed furniture, of course.)
Okay, okay, but what about the opposite? What’s something *everyone* should do?
Laugh. Seriously. Laugh as much as humanly possible. And I don't mean a little polite chuckle. I mean belly laughs, where you snort and tears stream down your face. The kind that make your stomach hurt. I had a day last week where I was so stressed I just wasn't sure I would make it through a single work day. Then, my friend sent me a video of a cat trying to wear a tiny hat, and BAM! I was rolling. Just total, glorious, cathartic laughter. It’s the best medicine. Seriously, try it. Bonus points if you can laugh at yourself. Which, let’s be real, I do all the time.
What’s your biggest regret? (Deep, I know, sorry.)
Ugh, regrets. Okay, here we go. This is a mess, alright? This is the one where I *really* messed up, maybe it’s my biggest regret. I was in college, and... Okay, it's actually pretty embarrassing. There was this guy, let's call him... Kevin. Kevin was a musician, super cute, and I had a monstrous crush on him. We were hanging out at a party, and he started talking about this band he wanted to start. A *rock* band. And I… I rolled my eyes. Yeah, I actually physically *rolled my eyes* and made some sarcastic remark about the "starving artist" cliché. I was so embarrassed, so ashamed of my lack of support. It wasn't about him, it was all about my insecurities... And I know, I *know*, that's the cliché thing to say, but, well, it's *true*. He looked so crushed, and I just... walked away. Didn't apologize. Nothing. Guess what? He became a rock star. Seriously. A major, successful rock star. And I'm here, overthinking things. Now, whenever his songs are on the radio (and they are, constantly!), I just want to crawl into a hole. I'm not saying I was the reason he didn't flourish earlier – it’s no big deal. But the point is, I know I should have just told him to go for it. Support someone else, even when you're not doing well. So, yeah, that's my regret. Don’t be me, people.
Is there anything you’re *really* good at? (Besides avoiding phone calls?)
Okay, now we're talking! I can make an amazing grilled cheese sandwich. Like, seriously, gourmet. I use three kinds of cheese, sourdough bread, and a secret ingredient (okay, it’s butter. Lots of butter). Also, I am a master of the art of procrastination. Seriously, put me in charge of something, and I will find a way to delay doing it until the very last possible moment. It's a gift (or a curse). Oh, and I’m also pretty good at binge-watching bad reality TV. Don't judge.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
"Don't take yourself so seriously." It sounds simple, right? But it’s profound. My grandma told me that. She was the kind of person who could spill red wine all over a white dress and just laugh. I’m still working on it, but it’s a constant reminder. Life's way too short to get bogged down in the small stuff. Just let it go and have fun. It’s not always easy, but it's worth it. You are not your mistakes. You are not your job. You are not your worries. Relax.
Okay, so, what about… like… stress? How do you deal with it?
Stress. Ugh. The bane of my existence! My coping mechanisms are… well, they're a work in progress. Chocolate helps. Wine helps. (In moderation, of course… *cough, cough*). I try to exercise, but usually end up watching Netflix instead. The best thing I’ve found is just to acknowledge it. "Okay, I'm stressed." Then, I try to figure out *why*. Is it work? Relationships? The fact that I haven't brushed my hair in three days? And then, I try to fix the problem, or, if I can't fix it, I try to let it go. Deep breaths. Also, cats. Cats always help. They don't care about anything. They just want to be fed and sleep on your head. That's the life.
