Frequently asked questions
Here is a selection of some frequently asked questions about The Oyster Box for your convenience.
We would like to make you aware that on arrival at the hotel a credit or debit card or cash deposit must be provided at time of arrival to cover any incidentals. Should your incidental charges be less than the amount taken on arrival, the balance will be refunded on the day of your departure via the same method of payment that the deposit was received.
A discretionary nightly service charge of R175 will be added to your hotel bill. The service charge is a payment which recognises and rewards all employees for exceeding your expectations, and the entire amount is shared equally between the team. There is absolutely no obligation to pay this, and you may wish to wait until check-out to decide. If you’d prefer to opt out in advance, you’re welcome to let us know at any time, whether before arrival, at check-in, or during your stay.
The Oyster Box supports Rhinos without borders. By bringing you room key card to the front desk on your departure, a donation of R1 on your behalf will be made to the Rhinos Without Border's Fund.
Visa requirements for South Africa vary depending on your nationality. Please check the latest entry requirements with your local South African embassy or consulate before travelling.
From July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa are also required to complete a mandatory online Traveller Declaration before travelling. This requirement applies to South African citizens, residents, and international visitors.
The Traveller Declaration is a customs requirement and does not replace any visa requirements that may apply to your trip. Travellers who require a visa must still obtain the appropriate visa before travel.
The declaration must be completed within 24 hours of departure. For travellers journeying to South Africa on a multi-stop itinerary, the declaration must be submitted within 24 hours before departure on the final leg of the journey to South Africa.
The declaration can be completed online via the SARS Traveller Declaration Portal:
Check-in time is from 2pm. We request that guests check-out of the hotel before 11am on the day of departure.
While we will do our best to accommodate requests for early check-in or late check-out, these unfortunately cannot be guaranteed. To ensure your room is available on arrival at the hotel, particularly for early-morning flights, we suggest reserving your room or suite for the night prior to arrival.
Kindly discuss any special requests with the front desk or concierge.
All rates are inclusive of value added tax and applicable government levies.
King Shaka International Airport is situated just a 20-minute drive from The Oyster Box, offering domestic, regional and international services. Virginia Airport, a 10-minute drive from the hotel, is served by charter companies offering private aviation services.
The Oyster Box Hotel enjoys direct access to the scenic Umhlanga Promenade, which runs for three kilometres along the beachfront.
Guests enjoy 24-hour access to our on-site gym facility, situated in the hotel’s spa complex. We also offer transfers and complimentary access to a nearby health club with fitness classes, squash and tennis courts, and a 25-metre indoor heated pool. Please enquire at the concierge desk for more information.
Guests at The Oyster Box may park in the secure open air and underground parking on the hotel property.
Our concierge team will gladly arrange transfers to the airport or your destination of choice, as well as any further travel arrangements you may require. Please contact the concierge desk for rates, and further information.
The Oyster Box accepts all major credit cards, including American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Diners Club.
The Gateway Theatre of Shopping is situated just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. One of the largest malls in southern Africa, it offers more than 500 shops, restaurants and entertainment outlets. A complimentary hourly shuttle service is available to all resident guests at The Oyster Box. Additional shopping and dining options are available in the Umhlanga Village, a five-minute walk from the hotel.
The Oyster Box offers an award-winning spa set within lush sub-tropical gardens. A full range of facial and body treatments is available, alongside extensive hydrotherapy facilities. Visit our spa page for more information on our facilities and our latest treatment menu.
Durban is known as Africa’s playground and there are dozens of wonderful ways to explore our lovely city, whether it’s adventure sports, sightseeing or arts and culture. Our Concierge is always on hand to assist with booking activities for you during your stay. Alternatively, view our local attractions page for an introduction to what is on offer near The Oyster Box.
Durban is home to a number of excellent golf courses, many of which are just a short drive from the hotel. Beechwood Country Club, Durban Country Club, and Mount Edgecombe Country Club are all popular with guests. Our concierge can assist with reserving tee times and rental equipment if needed.
The Oyster Box is famous for its array of restaurants and bars, including:
- The Ocean Terrace, serving locally-inspired bistro-style cuisine, with fantastic views of the iconic lighthouse and the Indian Ocean. Home to the popular Curry Buffet.
- The Grill Room, our fine-dining destination
- High Tea, with an indulgent selection of sweet and savoury treats, served daily in The Palm Court
- Chef’s Table, offering an exclusive culinary journey experience in the kitchen.
- The Oyster Bar, for mid-morning coffee, sushi plates and pre-dinner drinks
- The Lighthouse Bar, with its spectacular views, signature cocktails and striking décor
- The Chukka Bar, offering an impressive selection of single malt whiskies and imported cigars. The only venue in the hotel where smoking is permitted.
Wherever possible our food and beverage teams will gladly assist with your unique dietary requests and requirements. Please advise reservations when making your booking.
No. None of the kitchens in The Oyster Box are certified as halal or kosher. However, we are happy to order in halal or kosher meals from a certified supplier, on request, and at an additional cost.
International adapters and USB chargers are available in all rooms.
Air conditioning is available throughout the hotel and in all rooms and suites.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Yes. Further details are available in your room or suite.
Yes. Professional babysitters can be arranged through our concierge. Additional charges will apply.
The Oyster Box is a proudly pet-friendly hotel, and well-behaved pets are welcome in our public areas. For overnight guests, the Superior Garden Villas are our dedicated pet-friendly rooms.
The Oyster Box is a non-smoking property, and smoking is not permitted in any of our rooms and suites. However, The Chukka Bar is available as a designated smoking area.
For any specific requests – whether it’s a pillow preference, room request or bed arrangement – please get in touch with our helpful reservations team.
Our phone lines are available 24-hours a day.
Telephone: 0027 31 514 5000
Email: info@oysterbox.co.za