Fairmont Zimbali Lodge

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge descritpion

Featuring an infinity pool surrounded by palm trees, Fairmont Zimbali has safari-themed décor. In Ballito, it offers game drives and dolphin watching trips in the surrounding area.
With sliding doors opening onto a furnished balcony, Fairmont Zimbali Lodge’s rooms feature Colonial-style interiors which include ornate furniture. Most rooms have a free-standing bath in the private bathroom.
At Thandi Restaurant and Fountain Court, local and international cuisine can be enjoyed on the wood terrace. The restaurant can also prepare meals for guests with special dietary requirements.
The Fairmont is less than 2.5 miles from historic Zulu Battlefields, and 7 miles from King Shaka Airport.

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Facilities of Fairmont Zimbali Lodge

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool | Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Snack Bar

Internet ：No internet access available.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Air Conditioning | Designated Smoking Area

Reviews for Fairmont Zimbali Lodge

Review 1：This hotel as well as the main hotel is old, dirty and is in need of a serious refurb. The bar in the hotel is disgusting and the snacks are sandwiches that you normally buy at a gas-station....not worth even 3 stars....stay away !!!

Review 2：The forest experience was a bit much, there was sufficient lighting but there was too much dense foliage. There was a bee hive located in roof of our block, but they bee weren't an immediate harm to us.

Review 3：The food was very good and was a very good size portion. The wonderful view from our balcony was just amazing.

Review 4：Might help if the room has a map of all the areas which can be visited as we had to figure out for ourselves.

Review 5：The location is stunning and extremely relaxing. Staff very helpful and friendly. We will be back.

Review 6：You would expect the bar fridge to be stocked in a place where everything is so far in terms of walking to places in the estate.

Review 7：Lovely area, breathtaking views... It's has a real getaway feel about it.

Review 8：I am still waiting for a provisional payment to be refunded which was made on the evening I checked in, even after another payment was made the next morning once the confusion had been rectified.

Review 9：The pool area is Superb and the rooms are exquisite :)

Review 10：Portion and sometimes quality of food needs to be adjusted to price . Food was expensive. Breakfast was good but over priced slightly

Review 11：Very friendly professional staff. The overall experience was delightful and different beach forest experience in luxury

Review 12：Breakfast was a real let down. Selection was very limited - no real value for money. Rooms and hotel can do with a bit face a lift.

Review 13：Room was spacious, private with a beautiful view.

Review 14：Booking.com had not notified the hotel of our booking so it was up to the staff to find us rooms. The hotel had no knowledge of ours and 2 other peoples bookings.

Review 15：The staff were very good.

Review 16：Rhythm Africa Tours & Safaris paid and sent proof of payment for both accommodation and the Choral Tree Restaurant. When the guests arrived, there was a 15 minute delay as reception insisted that the bill was not yet paid and they wanted the clients to pay. Very unprofessional !!

Review 17：I find it disappointing, that for lunch and dinner you have to travel to the Zimbali resort. Furthermore, I do not understand why the bar was closed at 20:00 in the Zimbali lodge.

Review 18：Fantastic intimate location, which I personally like much better than the Zimbali resort. Very nic staff.

Review 19：The shower was disgusting, so dirty that it had mildew that was black build up on it. I complained to the cleaning staff and they tried to clean it. But was really disappointed with the cleaniness. Lastly the Bfast at the Thandi Hotel does not have a variety for vegetarians. Did not even have a fried egg on the buffett. For the price paid for the facilities was disappointed with the cleaniness and the food.

Review 20：The location was perfect, loved the scenery and the quietness. The Lodge setup and the room was perfect.

Review 21：Very bad check in and completely disorganized with regards to booking.com booking.

Review 22：Location and Room are amazing. The pool is fantastic with fantastic views.

Review 23：The rooms were spacious, just getting to them was a bit of a chalange, as you had to go on a golf cart. Staff all very friendly and surroundings very lush and tropical.

Review 24：For the establishment of this calibre I was very disappointed at the service we got. When we arrived no one bothered to explain to us what facilities the establishment has and where each was located. we were not informed about breakfast time. When I got to my room I noticed that I did not have slippers. I called to request them and was told they would be sent to me. after waiting two hours I had to call again and ask where the slippers were. only then were they sent to me. The room did not have all the basic toiletries that you would expect from a normal hotel. I had to call and request these. This was frustrating for me because housekeeping should do a check after cleaning and make sure that everything that is required is in the room. At breakfast I asked one of the servers if they had plain yoghurt. She said she didn't know and gave me a spoon to taste all the different yoghurt's that were there so I can find out if they had the one I wanted. What happened to labelling the food? How come waiters don't know what's available and what's not? What annoyed me most was the receptionist who insisted on speaking English to me and my elderly father. My parents and I are well educated and we are fluent in English but that's besides the point. The girl could clearly speak Zulu. She understood everything we said and she has a Zulu name and surname. We told her we prefer speaking our own language but the madam was set on proving that the she has a fancy English accent. I mean really? who cares? After I had checked out I had to call the lodge to release the hold on my bank account since I had settled the bill on departure. The hold should have been released then (when I settled the bill) but it wasn't and I was inconvenienced by that. All in all, the majority of the staff needs training. They don't even greet the guests. At breakfast all the waiters seem to focus on is gossip about the guests.

Review 25：The location is perfect if you want to get away from the madness of the city life and unwind.

Review 26：The room was not so clean when we got there. Stale things in the fridge.

Review 27：This place is beautiful, laid back, romantic (made me feel youn again). Gives a truly refreshing holiday. Did not want to go back home.

Review 28：Our bathroom was very dirty,mthe carpet in the room filthy. Quality juice on the breakfast side will help as well.

Review 29：Hospitality, the place, the surroundings, the hostesses were very friendly and made our stay memorable.

Review 30：There are no eating facilities for lunch and dinner.... No bedside table on one side of bed! No view from balcony....

Review 31：Great for playing golf, easy walking distance. Golf course in fantastic condition and testing for all golfers.

Review 32：Hotel is dated and rooms need attention, no lunch or dinner available at this hotel we were not aware of this at time of our booking. Would not recommend this hotel at all, staff are unhelpful and seem preoccupied and spend most of their time talking amongst themselves, very disappointing stay will not be back.

Review 33：Gardens and setting

Review 34：They mixed up our booking and we only had one booked even though I had confirmation. There was a VW launch there and other guests were not given any service. Eg. The shuttle was not available at all times and because of this we were late at the spa for an appointment and the time lost was going to be deducted from our session through no fault of ours. It was just a bad experience after bad experience. There is mould in the shower. Spa facilities are dirty especially seating in relaxation area. I am sure with a little bit of effective management it can be an outstanding facility. Big disappointment.

Review 35：The Indian Resturant at the main hotel. Waitress was brilliant mainstaff a nightmare and their attitude left a very sour taste - wont goback to that restaurant again.

Review 36：It was spectacular, will definitely be back

Review 37：Room did not have drinking glasses or cups so would not make tea/coffee or have water. No hairdryer in room which had to be arranged.

Review 38：Staff were friendly, great location

Review 39：There were a few glitches which didn't make our trip run so smoothly. When we arrived the hotel couldn't find our booking, something about not importing the booking from booking.com. It took some time, but when they located our reservation they upgraded us which was nice. Also, the key card became deactivated after the first day, so we couldn't get into our room. The cards were quickly swapped out though and the staff were very friendly and efficient. The restaurants were closed because it was quiet, so they had pre-prepared salads and sandwiches which was OK. The restaurants at the main resort were open.

Review 40：The hotel, location, and view was so beautiful. I felt like I was in South-East Asia, not Durban! Very comfortable and clean rooms, slept very well! The pool area was great.

Review 41：New arrangements for food at an inferior venue some miles away, no room service , not being informed of the changes until I arrived, food inferior except for breakfast. No longer a 5x star rating deserved and I have travelled all over the world

Review 42：Location and staff as good as when I was visiting 3+ years ago

Review 43：I didn't like the fact that there was no eating place by Fairmont Lodge. It would be nice if the Trophy Bar could have some sort of menu instead of requiring the guests to travel all the way to the resort.

Review 44：The extremely friendly staff and the actual room.

Review 45：The booking and check in service was exceptionally unprofessional. I had to phone 5 times(after booking.com also phoned to sort out my booking). Some of the staff (at the lodge pool bar and reception ), were great. Others (especially at the main hotel) went out of their way to be rude. It would be nice if there were more choices for dinner. Going to the 2 same restaurants for a long stay gets a bit tiring.

Review 46：The place is beautiful and the grounds well kept.

Review 47：The only complaint I got, is that I only stayed one night.

Review 48：We stayed here very short, only one night. The room was very comfortable, very spacious and a balcony with a nice view. The staff was very polite and helpful. We had a good refreshing dive in the overflowing pool, which overlooks the gardens. And the food, words cant describe it. We enjoyed the buffet, everything was more than delicious. Certainly would recommend this place for a few days of relaxing and great food & wines.

Review 49：Found a cockroach in the room! Mini bar was empty...not sure if the service is no longer available! Waited 25min for a porter to fetch us...after phoning twice to find out what was going on.

Review 50：Location

Review 51：- Resort need a bit of upkeep as the wooden finishes tend to wear given the climate. - Transportation around the resort could have been faster as it often took c 30min to wait for transport.

Review 52：- Felt like you were in Bali with the lush rain forest surrounding you - Ability to use all of Zimbali's facilities for free was a bonus. - Intimate and warm with friendly staff,

Review 53：We would have preferred if there was room service and that bar facilities was available after 5pm on certain nights at the Lodge.

Review 54：We loved the privacy of the room and the hospitality of the staff.

Review 55：1. The service is poor. Reception does not answer phones. 2. The food is VERY BAD for 5 star buffet style meals. There is almost no variety and it is stale. This is at all the restaurants in the resort.

Review 56：The resor has beautiful scenary and amenities such as multiple pools and beach etc

Review 57：We arrived at 22:30 on a Friday evening - arranged beforehand - only to find that we can not have anything to eat or drink as the bar has just closed and there is no in-room dining at this so-called 5* hotel. After a very long day and late flight.

Review 58：Room was comfortable and opened to very busy night sounds (natural type luckily).

Review 59：The breakfast was not really to our liking.Maybe there should be a review of the menu, also to cater for those that do not eat pork and beef.

Review 60：The room was lovely, the view. Peace and tranquillity was breathtaking. Staff was very helpful and friendly.

Review 61：the only thing that spoils the ambiance is the fact that the garden cleaner operates a highly noisy apparatus to blow the leaves away every morning around 8am...sounds like a tractor idling outside your unit for 10minutes..quite annoying..cant he just sweep or rake the leaves away

Review 62：iIdeal romantic weekend getaway

Review 63：The Hotel could do with a lick of paint here and there-What was annoying was that there were not many places to eat decent food over the long weekend-Ayoba was closed due to a Corporate Event on Sunday (the alt. we were given was a braai by the pool bar area which we didn't want as well as the weather was no good). Sat the Country Club restaurant was closed due to a wedding. The Indian restaurant is closed down. We had to go out to Ballito most of the time to get a good choice/variation of food. They/a 5 star hotel should not close down its resturants intended/advertised for hotel guests for Outside Events, these should be catered for without affecting the hotel guests.

Review 64：The Staff were very helpful and friendly

Review 65：I was so disappointed to find the pool out of order, the lunch and dinner restaurant closed down and the spa moved to the Resort. I wish they had notified us prior to confirming my reservation. Getting a transfer to the resort every day to swim and dine really detracted from the tranquil stay we had anticipated. Waiting around for transport was not my idea of fun. Better off just to stay at the Resort

Review 66：The staff were amazing. Nik at the restaurant and the golf cart drivers were so helpful and kind. The bed was superb!

Review 67：Rated as a 5 star hotel I would think that they will lose this rating. There was no room service or breakfast in the room. The bar fridge advised that we could get reception to open and we would be billed. There was nothing in the bar fridge. There was no food service on the premises we had to go to the main hotel which is a shuttle ride away. The main restaurant was terrible and EXTREMELY expensive. Kids running and screaming everywhere the buffet was below standard. Very disappointed based on my expectations.

Review 68：Staff were very friendly and tried to be helpful.

Review 69：The only problem was that the hotel had no record of our booking. Thankfully they had availability for the 2 nights, but it was a bit stressful to arrive after a 9 hour flight to find they did not have our booking!

Review 70：The staff were very helpful when they could not find our online booking. Even though our confirmation advised that the hotel had been notified. Beautiful setting.

Review 71：Sometimes it took a while to get a cart (from the room to the car park). The restaurant at the hotel made us wait for 20 minutes whilst our table was being prepared ... And we were just made to sit and wait. The shower cubicle not big enough for two...

Review 72：Comfortable accommodation in a good location.

Review 73：The private beach was awesome, only down side is that one cannot swim there. The pool facilities near the beach are really great and the shuttle service is efficient. The environment is very serene.

Review 74：The service was unspeakable.

Review 75：Absolutely Nothing. A more frustrating than relaxing weekend getaway. Bad service from the time ofarrival until departure.

Review 76：Lack of service or attention at breakfast

Review 77：Service by the young lady (mnguni I think) who offered us a tour we eventually could not get to because it was at 14h00 on the day of our departure

Review 78：The best wake up call in the morning is not the sound of a blower being used to clean the leaves off the paths. This happened 3 days in a row and should take place at another time or with different equipment!

Review 79：The awful bitter coffee served at the lodge restaurants.

Review 80：The treatment and service provided by the friendly staff. The facilities and privacy one is afforded even in public areas like the poolside. The proximity of the lifestyle centre with proper coffee.

Review 81：None

Review 82：The staff is very helpful and very professional. Zimbali is amazing and the facilities are excellent.

Review 83：Nothing

Review 84：Everything

Review 85：No room service or dinner at lodge

Review 86：Waiting for the shuttle.

Review 87：Shaun Naidoo was excellent and very pleasant.

Review 88：Need to stay at resort, Lodge is a Lil far out

Review 89：Brilliant! Can't believe it exists in SA. Def going again.

Review 90：My personal requests were met

Review 91：Breakfast served was not up to the expected standard.

Review 92：The place is a good escape from the busy city life

Review 93：Great place but not a 4 star. Its a bit old, it needs some work.

Review 94：Place is very quiet and peaceful

Review 95：Staff were not as attentive as I would have liked. Restaurant facilities are below par.

Review 96：It was quiet but boring. Only if you want a very sedate stay.

Review 97：No food in premises

Review 98：The service, rooms, venir

Review 99：everything but the surroundings. Nothing worked. Staff were dis-interested and unhelpful. Shocking stay.

Review 100：the surroundings were beautiful

Review 101：Staff is very friendly, 5 star treatment

Review 102：the atmosphere, surroundings and settings of the room

Review 103：Delays with golf carts

Review 104：everything

Review 105：its getting tired

Review 106：Hospitality. Room was excellent. internal transport was great

Review 107：Family had multiple insect bites when leaving. Tabard or an insect repellant is a must.

Review 108：Great location, close to all amenities.

Review 109：no room service; had to go to main resort for meals and other facilities

Review 110：friendly staff, nice accommodation

Review 111：Room 410. Patio bee nest Room 410 palm trees in way of view

Review 112：The prices for drinks and food are very high. And the sweets at the shop, this can be looked at.

Review 113：The View from our room.

Review 114：For five star accommodation, the lodge needs a bit for TLC, there was mould in the shower cubicle & the patio needed a bit of TLC.

Review 115：very peaceful

Review 116：I like the hospitality that was given to us during our stay. I like the the entire Fairmont Zimbali...planning to come back soon

Review 117：The balcony was a bit dirty. Needed to be swept and cleaned properly.

Review 118：The room was lovely. The food and service were awesome.

Review 119：Without being informed they do not serve room service at all, only breakfat is served! Ridiculous!!

Review 120：no free wifi

Review 121：The environment and service

Review 122：Overpriced meals

Review 123：The location was excellent

Review 124：Everything! 5 star from the moment you walk in!

Review 125：I loved everything and every minute of my stay.

Review 126：The place is just too beatiful. The service was was very good.

Review 127：Broken Air conditioner in the room

Review 128：Beautiful place,good service and good food

Review 129：View of golf course was obscured by height of trees outside balcony.

Review 130：Accommodation, reception and service.

Review 131：The fact that the rooms are far away from the eating place - had to wait on someone to fetch one from the room

Review 132：The privacy and location of the Room