September 2024 saw the re-opening of the Hilton Hotel in Durban CBD after a closure of some four years. I am told the Emirates consortium which own it took their own sweet time redoing the iconic hotel, but it was well worth the wait now that they are back in business.

I must agree that the hotel is the most spectacular in Durban Central, outshining (literally) the other grand dames of Durban, which all need a serious nip and tuck.

Sumptuous is the word that comes to mind when I think of the Coffee Shop at the Hilton. From the tiled floors to the super comfy beige and jewel tone sofas in the hotel lobby to the array of ready-prepped light and baked goods on excellent display that you can enjoy at your discretion.

The staff, while thin on the ground, were friendly and well informed, and we were left largely to our own devices, which suited my partner and I as we wanted to snoop.

At R45 a cup, this was the most expensive coffee on my beat, but it was well worth it. Excellent foam and taste (no one could name the bean), strong good coffee with a perfect temperature. As one who always decries the lack of places to visit in town for coffee or a meeting, this is the meeting mecca for the CBD, albeit removed from the actual centre of the city.

Well done, Hilton Hotel Durban, and welcome back.

Wi-Fi available.

Dennis Ngxongo

 Hilton Hotel’s coffee shop was judged to be the best in the City/Beach/Bluff areas in the 2024 Battle of the Beans coffee competition.