Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge officially opened in July, becoming the first Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotel in KwaZulu-Natal and the fourth in South Africa. A highly-anticipated addition to the brand’s fast-growing portfolio, it joins Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels in Melrose Arch (Johannesburg), Cape Town and Menlyn (Pretoria).
A short drive from King Shaka International Airport, the hotel is nestled along the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal coastline in the sought-after seaside town of uMhlanga, just north of Durban. In close proximity to the breathtakingly beautiful uMhlanga Rocks Beach, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping Mall and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, it provides easy access to the region’s resplendent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and its burgeoning energy and vibe.
The rooms are airy and spacious.
They plan on hosting comedy and DJ nights amid bold décor, and associates who go the extra mile. The plan is to transform the hotel scene in uMhlanga and emerge as the new coolest hotspot. A Durban-inspired menu, a retro VW combi DJ booth, and design elements linked to a beach and surf theme lend the hotel its own unique flavour and twist.
‘Durban is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city with a need for a hotel brand that matches its spirit. We are thrilled to introduce the Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand, with its trend-setting aesthetic fused with local influence, to the thriving town of uMhlanga. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge will provide the quirky, modern vibe that guests and locals in this area are looking for. The property reflects our agility and adaptability to identify and transform a property to suit an evolving destination,’ said Volker Heiden, Area Vice-President for Marriott International.
The new look can be described as beautifully sassy.
‘This entailed heavy-duty renovations, an aesthetic metamorphosis, and a complete change in operations. Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels dare to be different − they are progressive and fun, and while each hotel is individual in its personality, it is this edge that unites them under the brand. We had to balance that in creating this beautifully sassy hotel,’ said the designer of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge, Peter de Klerk.
Guests are welcomed into a refreshed lobby that brings to life the vibe of the brand, with mixed seating, a DJ booth and a TV wall. The new reception area features three pods and a dedicated guest relations desk. The outdoor deck features a retractable awning, three exterior pods for relaxing and dining, and a swimming pool. The VW combi completes the Fire & Ice! by Marriott atmosphere.
205 completely renovated chic and stylish guest rooms offer both comfort and thoughtful amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the Breakfast Room on the first floor and choose indoor seating, one of the two private dining rooms, or the outdoor deck. Whether you’re swinging by for a crafted cocktail or looking for an indulgent delicious meal, the stylish restaurant, which features sophisticated neutral décor and delicious global cuisine prepared in an open kitchen, offers the ideal venue with both indoor and a scenic outdoor patio seating options. The new menu reflects a strong African focus rooted in KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary specialties. Guests can expect a fresh take on the likes of bunny chow and curry with a Fire & Ice! twist and elegance as well the brand’s signature (and egg-ceptional) Fire & Ice! by Marriott breakfast options.
A great deal of consideration went into the aesthetic of the hotel.
‘We have put considerable thought into making this property utterly unique, while still retaining the high standard of guest experience and professional and efficient service for which Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels are known. This hotel will do more than just provide a room or a place to eat. We’re a lifestyle hotel that curates experiences and we look forward to welcoming guests and visitors and showcase this new-age take on hospitality,’ said Thuthukile Moloto, General Manager of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge.
Images: Supplied
