The Tides Inn

South Africa , KwaZulu Natal - Durban
BLUFF, 591 Marine Drive
Show on Google | Map

75 reviews shown

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jan 2026

Carlos

for the price, room was average, service was average. Charged for resort fee (twice) only stayed one night, late fall everything is really not active in the resort so why the fee, restaurant charged $30 for a glass of Chardonnay when there were other options that were never offered by the bartender.

8/10

Excellent

05 Dec 2025

Ashley

We love the Tides Inn! Our only consistent issue with the resort is the lack of kids snacks/food options. Aside from the full restaurant (which we did attend and love), there are no other quick grab food options. The \"shop\" has minimal snack options and to be a \"family friendly resort\", I think they really need to invest in more kid options that are accessible to everyone. Overall, great stay but just to prepare to bring your own kid stuff unless you want to leave the resort.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

18 Sep 2025

Gabriel

Overpriced & Mediocre

The location, view, and amenities are amazing. The rest, not so much. The food has become incredibly overpriced, my final bill was wrong for a second time in a row, and many of the rooms are very loud, either due to other guests (there are no quiet hours) or because the room's heating/cooling system sounds like a jet engine taking off. Don't think we'll be back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2025

Caryl

Absolutely love it here. My “reset” destination

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Dec 2024

Susan

room for wheelchair very spacious

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2024

Rosa

Fantastic find & experience

Gorgeous setting, friendly staff, beautifully decorated rooms, as spotless and comfortable. We’ll, absolutely be returning.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2024

William

Wonderful staff and attention to detail!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2024

Neal

A lovely stay

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2024

William

Beautiful property on the water. So comfortable and lovely. Spacious room with terrific bathroom. Staff is very friendly and food is wonderful! Definitely recommend The Tides.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2024

Charise

The cove cruise, delicious Salt and Meadow restaurant, gift shop, lovely bathroom soaps, friendly staff, nighttime turn down in the room, fire pits and bike riding! Also they offered classes like yoga, bee keeping, art! There is golf and hiking, Bocci Ball, and things for kids and adults. A great place!!!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2024

Ann

A visit to the Tides Inn, was just what my soul needed! It was relaxed elegance, quiet, clean and the staff amazingly friendly and accommodating.
The restaurant was very good with attentive wait staff and a wonderful wine selection.
We will return soon.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jul 2024

Carol

Tides Inn have very friendly & accommodating staff. They all are were very cordial & willing to help. We took the sunset cruise & had a fabulous & knowledgeable Captain. The cheese platter had only a few utensils & no napkins. The few crackers were stale & the rest of platter presentation looked like the cheese was thrown on the plate.It seems they are low of staff in the dining areas for we had to wait a long time for our food. The pool bar was exceptionally understaffed so much so that we had to cancel the appetizer order to make another appointment. The 2nd day, I had to go to the front desk twice to have our room cleaned. We found our patio door had been left open all day while we were gone.We had secured it before leaving. The door left open was abominable for anyone could have come into our room. We found they made the bed and then left the rest of the room uncleaned. I told the main desk and returned 2 hours later to find it still was not cleaned. I was told by the House Manager that housekeeping had gone home for the day which was a very very poor response to such BAD service. Eventually, the room was cleaned by the House Manager & available staff while we waited outside at 9:00pm. He did make an adjustment of $150.00 to our bill which was a \"nice\" gesture. However, for the price of the room, I would have expected better service. The environment is noisy for there are many families with children of all ages running about. Sadly a poor review for only a 3day stay!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2024

Jack

RESTAURANT and overall classy operation

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2024

James

Staff was amazing.

Absolutely amazing. Staff was so nice. We were there for our anniversary. They brought champagne and strawberries to our room. Food and drinks were amazing. Pool & beach were nice too. Being able to come to the property via boat is pretty cool. It’s a little pricey, but you kind of expect that for the type of accommodations and the area.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2024

David

I can’t wait to visit again when the renovations are completed.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

16 May 2024

John

Wonderful location. Quiet and relaxing.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

04 May 2024

kelly

Adequate but very over rated and over priced

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2024

Art

You do have a golf cart available in the front of the hotel. You really should have someone drive people to & from the parking lots. A few times coming in to the hotel at night there is insufficient lighting and no-one ever to ride you back from the parking lots.

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2024

Caryl

Wonderful

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jan 2024

richard

Great view, but don't arrive hungry.

The Tides Inn enjoys a beautiful location with scenic grounds and a lovely view of the creek. The property is tired but is undergoing some renovations. Our room was dated and the shower leaked terribly but it was clean with nice amenities. We ordered room service for breakfast and dinner and the food was a major disappointment. Our breakfast order arrived quickly but the tray was missing mugs and cream for the coffee, as requested. The orange juice was also missing and the food was not prepared in accordance with our request. I ordered oatmeal, plain, with no sugar or toppings. It arrived covered in brown sugar that had turned into syrup. But the dinner order was the worst. It was barely edible. I ordered pasted with pesto and shrimp. There was not one shrimp in the dish and the pesto sauce was extremely thick and heavy and looked like the Grinch vomited on a plate. There was more sauce than pasta and it tasted awful. It was disgraceful. We were also there at the hotel to attend funeral service in the Cove Room. The function room is so dated and should not be in service. In addition to being dark, dingy, and tired, the light bulbs (that worked) were blinking, the weather stripping on the door was gone and freezing cold air was coming in, and the banquet chairs were all stained. It was very sad. I will commend the staff though for being rapidly responsive when things were brought to their attention.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2023

Romona

Best stay ever

This was the best stay i have ever experienced. The staff made you feel like I'm home. Can't wait to go back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2023

Bruce

The renovations to the original building are well done- the staff is very friendly and a joy to work with and the setting is beautiful. We loved our stay - for our 61st anniversay.

Business_and_leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Sep 2023

Paulette

This is a beautiful facility on Carter's Creek. We had a great time walking around the property, drinks at the pool bar, champagne on the lawn and dinner at The Chesapeake restaurant. The beds/pillows were superb resulting in a good night's sleep.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2023

Sean

Very easy to relax yet stay active!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Aug 2023

John

Lovely peaceful setting on water, room and balcony were excellent, food was good in general but the arugula lettuce was awful, limp/old and very tired on 3 occasions, detracted from rest of meal and could be easily fixed.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Aug 2023

Carolina

The view and the boardwalk are beautiful. Our room was very nice, with the Carter’s Creek view and the balcony. We will love to come back!
The food was excellent in the main restaurant. Superb staff at the Inn, like Alysa, Dawn, and James Eaton.
For improving: Fish Hawk kitchen and service capacities, really insufficient and understaffed. After 70 minutes waiting, we had to leave without lunch. Poor management of the situation in the restaurant. Although, James helped to manage the situation and helped us to get something to eat, before our Cove Cruise. That is also a must: the Cove Cruise. Mike is a great guide.
The Tides Inn is a spectacular place for relaxing, enjoy the view, and celebrate a special occasion. We will definitely recommend it!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2023

Noelle

Stunning property and the staff could not have been better. We had a lovely stay.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2023

John

Family getaway

Wonderful little getaway with the family. Carpet in the room appeared dingy, but overall the room was great. The kids split a meal at the Chesapeake restaurant and we were charged a $7 fee for splitting, which seemed outrageous given how much we were spending there. Staff by the pool and Fish Hawk were very attentive and friendly. Cove cruise was wonderful.

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2023

Teri

The Tides Inn was the perfect getaway for R&R which I needed. It is fairly remote but once you are there it is a slice of heaven. Lots to do if desired. Only comment is Chesapeake Restaurant should have a nightly dinner special as the menu never changes. When you are there all week it’s difficult. It forced us to go off premise a night which was fine. It is not inexpensive. Staff is incredible- top to bottom! This will be an annual visit for us!

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2023

Susan

The Tides Inn is a special place. Tucked in on a quiet creek, beautiful property, great amenities, great food and the property is fully renovated. Service and staff are exceptional. This is an annual visit for us!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2023

Jerry and Gayle

The boardwalk on Carter’s Creek was lovely!
The food and service superb! Our room was great.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2022

E D

Fantastic!

Fantastic anniversary trip! The property, river views, food and staff were amazing!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2022

Verified traveler

Room was a little small. Great view. Outstanding staff; very friendly.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Mar 2022

Jennifer

The last time I stayed at this property was 3 years ago. I found it improved. The room was nicer and the grounds seemed like they were better kept.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2021

William R

Staff is VERY attentive, professional. The rooms were clean. The property was well kept and absolutely gorgeous. Looking for a quiet & serene getaway, this is IT!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

26 Oct 2021

Kathleen

Prloperty itself lovely.
Very little Hot water either day for showers.
Front desk not too informative about areas to go - we had to
do this on our own, in fact a furniture store in town told us several restaurants and other towns to visit.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2021

paul

Wonderful resort, with an extremely courteous and helpful staff. The area is beautiful and quiet.
Only minus is the excessive corkage fee attached to bringing your own wine to the restaurant.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2021

Victoria

Our stay was more than we imagined—super service-beautiful and spacious room with luxurious linens and amenities..

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Sep 2021

Rebecca

Great staff, very helpful. Beautiful property. Loved the boat ride. Please enlarge the wonderful restaurant-difficult to get a reservation.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2021

Jeff

Awesome stay. Absolutely beautiful resort. First room wouldn’t cool down properly but staff had no problem moving us to another cool and more spacious room at reduced cost. Kudos to The Tides Inn and it’s congenial staff!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

The property is nice and has beautiful views. The staff are incredibly helpful. Food is ok.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

The Tides restaurant menu wasn't very dynamic. I was expecting more.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

Tdes Inn offered tennis, pickle ball, 3-par golf, biking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boards, bocce court, croquet, sailing, pool, and rental of duffy boats--all enjoyed by my group of grandparents, kids, and grandkids. Very scenic area. Rooms were small but nice and food was OK but not exceptional. Staff all very helpful and pleasant.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

I love how this place is tucked away, on the water, with great food and pretty rooms. They’ve done a lot to improve the property over the past few years, which their price increases definitely reflect. However, one would expect certain things not to be overlooked in all this. There was an awful smell at the pool all weekend, something that they were trying to fix. The rooms (and I’ve stayed in several) in the main portion of the building tend to smell a bit musty, like a basement, even after the renovation. The restrooms at the pool are pretty bad. Both latches in the ladies restroom are broken. Something they could pick up at a hardware store and have fixed in a hour. But most of the issues there seem like oversights. Overall it’s a great little spot to get away to though and we visit several times a year.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

The room was nice overlooking the basin of the creek. Not the best room but nice no balcony. Spa was 5star both my husband and I had a massage

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2021

Richard

A Wonderful Experience

We had visited about 30 years ago, and while that trip was great, we had concerns about the future of The Tides Inn. Well, 30 years is a long time, which The Tides Inn used to their advantage. Everything is better: the rooms are wonderful, the food terrific, and the services are fabulous. I want to make particular note about the grounds. The garden staff has made any stroll around the property a beautiful experience. There are tall or \"prairie\" gardens (I think that's what you call them. It's a mixture of grasses and flowers that sway in the breeze) which are beautifully kept. There are old and stately specimen trees, many of which have chairs or benches underneath to enjoy the bay breezes and the shade on a warm day.
Make sure you take the 1 hour cruise around the area. Irvington is located on a branch of the Chesapeake and there are many inlets (they call them creeks, but they are much bigger and deeper than that). The area has an interesting history and the Tides Inn plays a big part in that.
The services and food may seem a little overpriced, but when I was presented with the final total, it seemed to me to be a bargain.
This place is a great place to de-tox after the pandemic.
And say hello to Earl, who helped us with the bags and held the door and welcomed us, just like he did 30 years ago. He and the entire staff were so helpful and friendly that we plan to return more quickly than we did last time.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

24 May 2021

Verified traveler

Meh

I had called in advance of my arrival to ask for early check in. My request was not only ignored, but I was rudely reminded when I arrived that they could not guarantee before 4PM. Which is what prompted my call in the first place. Not only was the housekeeping staff not sent to my room early until prompting by one of the hotel staff, but I then didn't even get in until AFTER 4. Which means no effort was ever planned or made to try and accommodate my earlier request.

The service staff was very nice, but 2 of the check in staff were rude. 2 were not.
The rooms were nice and the setting beautiful, but the food was not as good as in previous years. Very ordinary and not up to the prices being charged at all.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2021

Stephen F.

Salve for the soul!

Everything we hoped for and more!

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2021

Enid S.

Nicest Inn I have ever stayed at!

Wow! Beautiful! Professional, friendly staff. It was far better than I had anticipated and is a resort, not just a B&B as I thought it was going to be. Will definitely go back and recommend to family and friends.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2021

Victoria

Everything was perfect! Beautiful spot! Excellent rooms and food!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Jan 2021

Michelle

Recent stay

Gorgeous views, service at the outside area was fine but the ‘fine dining’ service was inconsistent. The host didn’t even look up until I approached him and I had a reservation. The bartender tried to stop the excessive chatter among servers. They couldn’t figure out how to turn on the music in the dining room and had a lengthy discussion about it not working right. My waitress as very kind and knowledgeable but other support staff seemed to be on their first day at the inn. The food was wonderfully prepared and presented. The wine options were appropriate. The renovations are beautiful and they’ve maintained the original feel of the inn. The front desk was well run and I was happy to see the same woman there for the last five years. The entire staff appeared to respect covid protocols. The outside fire pits are our favorite and the view is amazing. We’ll be back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2021

Verified traveler

We had a 2-night stay between Christmas and New Year's and it was understandably quiet. But it is a lovely setting with an excellent friendly staff. The Covid pandemic has hit them hard but they are doing a good job of providing a safe stay and they keep smiling.

Friends_and_family Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2021

Geoffrey

Always a favorite destination in a beautiful location. Superb staff, particular plaudits to Britt Sherrill & Miss Gross, both of whom gave exceptional service.
One or two parts of the hotel need a bit of a facelift & I do have issues (as do many other travelers) with \"Resort Fees\" particularly (a) during COVID & (b) in the dead of winter when so many facilities/features are unavailable.

Leisure Pet

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2020

Verified traveler

Pretty place and great service...

The grounds and service are great- The rooms ( precisely bathrooms) are not good at all. But I think they are doing some remodeling this year.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2020

Verified traveler

Had to wait quite a while for our room. Not a lot to do!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 Aug 2020

JoseA,Quiros

At the beggining the arrival was a little bumpy but we sat down with Cristi the manager who was so helpful and accomodating and thanks to her we had a very nice stay,They tried to correct their earlry bumps that we understood were due to the times of covid we are living.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Aug 2020

Verified traveler

I was taken back that property and service was not as high as I always thought the Tides Inn was highly known for. I was expecting the totally remodel of the rooms and my shower ceiling was falling. There was at least a foot wall to step over to even enter the shower which would be very difficult for many people. Our waiter not qualified for a restaurant of their caliber and our food was subpar. The outside property is gorgeous and views are what brought us there.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2020

William

very relaxing, good service, lil hidden gem

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2020

Verified traveler

Love this place. Staff is amazing. Plenty of activities.

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2020

Verified traveler

The service was amazing. Every single employee was friendly and went out of their way to make our stay wonderful. The resort has all the amenities you would want at the river.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

The location is fabulous and the staff warm and friendly. It is a pet friendly hotel and a dog woke me up at 4 am with a bark, then at 6 am jumping on and off the bed. He was in the room above mine.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Nov 2019

Marissa

Great Couples Getaway

We had an absolutely fantastic experience at the Tides Inn for our mini-moon. Even though the town and resort were definitely slowing down in business, we were still able to take advantage of so much that the area had to offer. The food at the Chesapeake Room was amazing (the best oysters we've ever had!) and we so enjoyed our canoe and sunset sail experience. Our favorite parts included just enjoying the view out on the patio. And the proximity to town and the Dog and Oyster Vineyard allowed us to really explore the area! We can't wait to come back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Staff and facilities are top of the line, food at both restaurants were delicious and served with a smile

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2019

Daniel

Lovely Weekend at The Tides Inn

We had a lovely weekend at The Tides Inn. The room was very comfortable. The grounds were lovely and we really enjoyed having access to bikes and kayaks included in the resort fee. We also spent a lot of time relaxing at the pool, which was really fun.

All of the staff were very attentive, although it felt like we fell through the cracks a couple of times. Overall, it wasn’t a big deal, but could have been even more spot-on at this price point.

Regardless, we loved The Tides Inn and whole heartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an escape near the water.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

The staff is extraordinary and The Tides Inn is peaceful, beautiful, and quiet.

The food was disappointing

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Sep 2019

Jonathan

Beautiful views. The rockfish dinner was fantastic.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Sep 2019

Passmore

enjoyable stay, beautiful area, great employees

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Sep 2019

John

We liked the area and the cleanliness of the surrounding town. No trash or run down property and the friendlyness of the general public as well as the staff. Very relaxed atmosphere.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 Sep 2019

Greg

Stayed over Labor Day, they under staffed and couldn’t sit is for breakfast, dinner and lunch staff were nice but told us they had to work double shifts due to lack of staff. Location is great and water sports were terrific,
Food was overall solid but the resort needs a complete re- model and update and do some landscaping folks. Not sure if we go back—wife was not happy that after we booked a boat cruise were told—oops, you can’t go since we overbooked it. So happy to come in early, showered and essentially ruined the back half of the day. They credited us a bit but had no answers to the total mess up.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2019

Kathleen

The Tudes dies not disappoint

The Tides Inn does not disappoint. It is 1 ½ hour drive from Richmond, VA, but it provides a fun and relaxation filled escape. With bikes at your doorstep, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available each day, it is an ideal experience. I recommend jumping on a bike and riding to the Local, a sweet neighborhood coffee shop less than a ½ mile away. Appetizers and drinks on the patio make a memorable evening overlooking the water. The room decor is a bit tired and needs updating, but the staff’s friendliness and professionalism are without equal. This is a great place for a romantic escape or fun with friends. We have taken our grandchildren for several days and they loved the water sports and crabbing off the dock.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

26 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

The property is located in a quiet town off the Rappahannock river. If you like the river and river sports, this place is for you. I have to say I have not stayed at a place before where the staff is as friendly. The staff should be commended for their service. The hotel itself is quaint and extremely dog friendly. I don’t think my pet wanted to come home.

Friends_and_family Pet

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2019

Jean

Great one nighter!

Only stayed on night. Stunning property, pleased that they do accommodate pets. Lots of activists so great for families. Staff was beyond outstanding!

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Loved it!

Stay here! Such a perfect weekend.

Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

The Lobby and restaurant is beautiful definitely catering to the luxury boats that stops at their marina. Rooms are outdated, dirty, house keeping is poor, landscape overgrown.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Nice place

Great value and beautiful setting. Rooms and facilities could use an update... Food very good but availability of certain basic things was poor (at one dinner half of menu was unavailable).

Friends_and_family Family