Durban - Local and international guests attending the coronation of amaZulu King Misuzulu next weekend will be splurging anything between R9000 and R80000 a night at Umhlanga’s plush Oyster Box Hotel.
The luxury hotel has played host to international celebrities such as Sean Penn, Charlize Theron, Khloé Kardashian, Princess Charlene and her husband Prince Albert of Monaco, and actress Hillary Swank.
The hotel’s general manager, Roberto Rosa, said because the king’s coronation was such a big event for the city and the province, they most certainly would have a full house over the weekend. “Guests are predominantly coming from around South Africa and neighbouring SADC countries.
“Most are checking in on Friday and out on Sunday, so we’re expecting a real buzz over the weekend,” said Rosa. Rates at the Oyster Box Hotel next weekend range from R9292 a night for a classic garden facing room to R80000 a night for the presidential suite.
Mantombi Tofile, the marketing manager for the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga said they had a 100% occupancy booking for the weekend of the coronation, with both local and international guests.
Rates at the Radisson Blu were R4500 a room. Brett Tungay, the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa’s East Coast chairperson, said Durban was heavily reliant on event tourism from sporting events, conferencing and cultural events. “The coronation will definitely boost accommodation occupancy for the weekend.
The spin-offs will also be felt in restaurants, shops and activities in Durban. “The occupancy rate is looking good for the weekend but it’s difficult to pinpoint any one event for this as few visitors disclose the reason for their visit when they book,” said Tungay.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE