Durban, Kwazulu-Natal
2021-2022
The lobby, rooftop terrace, and patio upgrades at ONOMO Hotel Durban redefine the hotel as a vibrant contemporary hospitality destination within Durban’s beachfront precinct. Positioned along KE Masinga Road, in close proximity to the Golden Mile, Durban ICC, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the city’s evolving waterfront, the refurbishment sought to strengthen the hotel’s identity through a more socially activated and design-led guest experience.
At the centre of the intervention is the reimagined lobby — conceived as a contemporary urban living room inspired by African hospitality and Durban’s relaxed coastal energy. Warm timber finishes, textured surfaces, curated artwork, layered lighting, and contemporary furniture selections create an inviting and tactile environment that encourages gathering, informal working, and social interaction throughout the day. The upgraded interiors balance efficiency and comfort with a distinctly local character, introducing a softer and more refined spatial atmosphere throughout the public areas.
Externally, the upgraded patio and terrace environments embrace Durban’s subtropical climate through open-air hospitality spaces designed around light, landscape, and connection. Landscaped seating areas, shaded gathering spaces, and integrated dining terraces create a seamless relationship between the hotel interiors and the surrounding city. The intervention transforms previously transitional exterior spaces into activated social destinations — equally suited to relaxed daytime dining, evening events, and informal gatherings overlooking the urban skyline.
A defining feature of the upgrade is the introduction of the Topaz Restaurant & Skybar — a contemporary rooftop venue positioned above the city with expansive views toward the Indian Ocean and Durban skyline. Designed as a sophisticated yet energetic hospitality destination, the rooftop space combines warm timber finishes, ambient lighting, contemporary detailing, and African-inspired textures to create a uniquely Durban experience. As one of the city’s few elevated rooftop venues, Topaz establishes a new social landmark within the precinct, offering guests an immersive atmosphere shaped by panoramic views, coastal sunsets, and the vibrancy of Durban nightlife.
The broader interior upgrades extend into the guest accommodation and shared hospitality spaces, where contemporary finishes, improved lighting, integrated technology, and efficient layouts provide a refined and functional experience tailored toward both business and leisure travellers. The refreshed interiors reflect ONOMO’s wider hospitality vision — combining African-inspired design language with contemporary urban hospitality to create spaces that are authentic, approachable, and deeply connected to place.