Shocking Lack of Security and Accountability – Money ****** During Stay

I had a highly disappointing and distressing stay at the Coastlands Skye Hotel in Umhlanga over Christmas. On the morning of December 25th, we left our room for breakfast, leaving the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Upon returning, we discovered that all our cash had been ****** from the room.

We immediately reported the theft to the reception and security team, who assured us they would investigate and asked for a few hours to look into it. However, the next morning, when we followed up, they told us to come back again the following day.

By December 27th, I still had no answers. I pressed them for details about the investigation, only to be told that the security cameras couldn’t capture the area near my room due to the “sun” – an excuse that made no sense, as there was no sunlight in the hallway at breakfast time.

When I reviewed the room lock printout, I noticed discrepancies: the timestamps did not match when I left or returned to the room. I brought this up with the general manager, reception manager, and head of security, all of whom admitted it was suspicious and promised to look into it further. However, when I returned later that day, none of them were available.

On the morning of my checkout, December 28th, I made one last attempt to get answers, only to be rudely told by the general and reception managers that there was nothing more they could do. They suggested I report the incident to the police—a convenient dismissal given I had a 9-hour drive ahead of me and no time to pursue this further during my stay.

This lack of accountability and professionalism is appalling. The hotel’s failure to act promptly, provide transparency, or even show basic empathy in handling such a serious incident is unacceptable. I would not recommend staying here, especially if security and guest care are priorities for you.