Have you ever taken a sneaky staycation? We visited the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga to do just that this month. It was Nick’s birthday week, and we decided to spend a night in Umhlanga to eat delicious food, have some drinks and spend some quality time together as a couple – and we had the most AMAZING time!
We arrived at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga on a windy, grey Saturday afternoon. The weather was actually crazy that day, but we weren’t going to let that kill our mood or our plans. Our check in was so smooth, quick and all Covid-friendly.
Up to our room we went on the 4th floor – and WOWED beyond belief when we walked in. The room was beautiful, simple and very clean, and they had actually placed a balloon, small hamper of goodies, arrangement of flowers and huge slice of dark chocolate cake in the room, to congratulate Nick on his birthday. The chocolate cake was absolutely melt-in-your-mouth good, the hamper packed with biltong, nuts, chocolate and an Appletizer, and the flowers were stunning!
We were booked into an Executive Room at the Premier Hotel, and it’s honestly perfect for a quick weekend away or a week away at the beach (for out of province guests), but for us locals, it’s the PERFECT staycation spot to get a holiday-style change of scenery without the drive. The rooms have all necessary amenities (air conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, free wifi, a flatscreen TV with select DSTV channels etc), and beautiful views of the sea.
We took a quick wonder around the hotel, and while we had planned on visiting the roof top deck between the Premier Hotel and the Premier Splendid Inn, the weather was just not working with us, and I half worried we’d blow away with the wind.
After a brief visit into Umhlanga Village, we returned to have an afternoon drink at the Premier Hotel bar. The bar has a lovely selection of drinks on offer, and their wine list was great. I opted for a glass of white wine and Nick chose a bourbon on the rocks (his favourite drink).
We enjoyed some laughs, browsed the menu for dinner time, and then headed up to our room to relax, freshen up and change before dinner. Lo and behold, there was a knock at the door, and the barman delivered a bottle of prosecco in an ice bucket and two bubbly glasses ‘for the birthday boy’! We were surprised and delighted, but took the bottle to enjoy with dinner that evening rather than sipped it in our room.
The dinner menu at the Premier Hotel is, to me, perfect. Varied, yet not overly long with too many of the same kind of meal. We weren’t entirely sure what we really felt like so we ended up choosing 2 starters and 1 main to share, tapas style. Best decision we made, as we got a lovely feel for the menu this way.
One of the staff members actually saw our bottle of bubbly at the table, and brought us a small dish of maraschino cherries. A really lovely touch, and not something I’ve seen in other restaurants.
The Mussels were the most perfect starter, as it was light, packed with flavour and so delicious. I’ve never been the biggest fan of fresh mussels, but these are absolutely superb. I’m already planning on taking my mom and sister for lunch over the festive season, to indulge in some mussels and a bottle of bubbly!
The Chicken Satay was also delicious – perfectly cooked, with a lovely Asian basting and a creamy peanut sauce. The side salad was fresh and crunchy, the perfect healthy starter or light lunch.
I’m crazy for lamb, so it was without a doubt we’d try the Lamb Chops main to share. Beautifully cooked lamb (pink in the middle, just the way it should be) and crispy chips. Delicious!
We enjoyed a relaxed dinner, and then headed out into Umhlanga village via Uber (they’re so easy to find in Umhlanga, and so affordable too).
Next morning, the sun was out, and while it as still a bit windy, the weather was much improved. We had a nice lie-in (something we don’t do at home), enjoyed coffee on our balcony, and then headed down to breakfast at the Premier Hotel restaurant.
The Premier Hotel has perfected the Covid-friendly breakfast buffet, with plastic screens in front of the most beautiful selection of pastries, fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurts, juices and hot food. They even had a jar of Nutella, which I used for my croissant (of course, I had this with a big bowl of fresh fruit, because life is about balance). Nick jumped onto the hot breakfast, enjoying sausages, bacon, baked beans, egg and cheese on toast. Breakfast with a view was a treat too!
Overall we had the most wonderful night’s stay at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga, and I cannot recommend it enough. The staff go over and above to ensure your stay is fantastic, and all Covid-19 protocols are strictly adhered to. I felt safe, and that’s the main thing during this pandemic!
LASTLY, the Premier Hotel group, has a FABULOUS special for the upcoming summer months, so be sure to take advantage and book your stay at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga!
With their Summer Early Booker Deal, if you book for your holiday in advance, not only do you have something exciting to look forward to – the hotel makes sure you get the BEST POSSIBLE RATE! Book now, and stay later!
This offer is valid between October 2021 and 17 March 2022, so you have a lovely long period of time to get that vacation in. T’s and C’s will apply.
Head on over to this page HERE, where you can find out more about the Premier Hotel Summer Early Booker Deal.
You can visit premierhotels.co.za or call 0861115555 to make bookings at any Premier Hotel this upcoming summer.
