1. Recent Sale and Price

Auberge Hollandaise Guest House was included in a portfolio of properties that changed ownership following financial distress and liquidation actions. The property was earmarked for sale at R10 million as part of settlement efforts for outstanding debts1. However, there is no clear, widely reported record that the sale actually closed at this price, but R10 million is the figure noted in court and liquidation documents.

2. Overview of the Venue

Auberge Hollandaise Guest House is a luxurious five-star guest house in the coastal suburb of Durban North. Designed for both corporate executives and international leisure travelers, it offers opulent comfort, warm wooden floors, and attentive detail. The guesthouse features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar/lounge, gym, conference facilities, and boardroom, overlooking the Indian Ocean in many rooms234.

Main Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi

• Free parking

• Swimming pool

• Restaurant and bar/lounge

• Fitness/gym facilities

• Conference/boardroom

• Air conditioning

• Golf course access

• Spa/massage available

• Laundry and dry cleaning services3524

3. Number of Rooms

The property has 10 guest rooms (some sources mention 11 including suites), all tastefully furnished and en-suite, accommodating up to 22 people3267.

4. Room Cost Per Night

Room rates have ranged widely depending on season and room type. Average reported prices in recent years point to rates of R3,375 per night8, with historical online quotes between $293 and $859 per night for certain room classes9. Pricing fluctuates due to booking platform, occupancy, and event seasons5106.

5. Information About the Rooms

• Types: King or twin bed options, most with balconies (nine rooms), five of which have ocean and pool views.

• Amenities: En-suite bathrooms (some with walk-in showers/bath), air conditioning, coffee/tea-making facilities, TV (with satellite), safes, minibars, hair dryers, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries. Several rooms have spacious layouts, and some offer dedicated sitting and dining areas352114.

• Decor: Wooden floors, classic luxury decor with soft tones.

• Other: Room service, laundry/ironing, daily housekeeping.

6. Restaurant Information — Set Menu?

The guest house features an in-house restaurant where breakfast is served daily, with options for special dietary menus. Information on a fixed or set menu is not clearly available; most mentions refer to breakfast and special requests for diet accommodations. The restaurant and poolside bar offer light dining, but there is no explicit set menu listed in public sources3524.

7. Public or Private Bookings?

Auberge Hollandaise historically accepted both individual hotel bookings and event/conference bookings. There has been a note of irregular trading post-COVID, with some reviewers noting denied entry or the property being closed despite payments, signaling closures or exclusive private hires in recent years1213.

8. Conference Room & Convergence Prices

• Facilities: An executive boardroom (conference room), accommodating up to 30 delegates (other sources specify 24), with standard meeting amenities, breakaway lounges, and outdoor areas24.

• Conference Pricing: Average event/conference venue rates are listed at R3,375 per night8. These prices likely vary based on the catering package, season, and the type of event.

9. Staffing Requirements

There is no formal record outlining the exact staff requirements, but facilities of this size and category typically employ:

• General Manager

• Reception/Front Desk

• Housekeeping team

• Kitchen and service staff (restaurant/bar)

• Maintenance and security

• Conference/event coordinators

A property with 10 luxury rooms, full-service restaurant, and event space would usually need between 10 and 20 staff for optimal operation, depending on occupancy and guest services2.

10. Solar Panels and Batteries

There is no public evidence to confirm that Auberge Hollandaise has solar panels or battery backup. While many South African hotels are adopting these technologies, no source specifies that Auberge Hollandaise has installed them71415.

11. Profitability Information

Previously operated by Misty Blue Hotels, the venue suffered from prolonged financial distress, with the owning group unable to pay debts since at least 2017. Cashflow and trading income were never sufficient to service debts, and profitability was very limited or negative leading up to liquidation and enforced sale1. No positive profitability data is available.

12. Limited Post-COVID Information

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted South Africa’s hospitality industry, leading to sustained closures, staff layoffs, and reduced operations. The lack of information post-2020 is likely due to the property ceasing regular trading activity, limited occupancy, possible closure, and a lack of online marketing since entering liquidation processes12131.

13. Financial Troubles

The venue, as part of a portfolio of hotels owned by Misty Blue and related entities, was in significant financial trouble since at least 2017— unable to service debts and subject to several moratorium agreements and court-driven restructuring, which eventually resulted in asset liquidation1.

14. Additional Noteworthy Information

• Accolades: The guest house won multiple awards prior to its financial troubles, acknowledged for service and guest experience16.

• Location: Excellent position in Durban North, near Japanese Gardens, Umhlanga, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and shopping malls171810.

• Client Experience: Pre-liquidation, guests praised the property as peaceful, spacious, and a “hidden gem.” Recent years saw mixed reviews due to closures, deferred maintenance, and denied access192021.

• Event Hosting: Known for hosting both private and business functions, owing to its versatile event and boardroom spaces24.

• Ownership: The guest house was part of the Misty Blue Hotels group, entangled in the broader group’s financial distress and asset sales1.

Note: Information on pricing, amenities, and operational status should be verified through direct contact, as there is evidence of irregular operations and changes in recent years, including periods of closure and possible exclusive-use events.