The Best Hotels in Knysna

Here’s our manually curated guide to the best luxury, boutique, and most charming hotels in Knysna. Bon voyage!

Hannah, Travel Blogger

Updated

The Lofts Boutique Hotel

Rated 9.1 in 704 reviews

Welcome to The Lofts Boutique Hotel, a family-owned hotel that promises to offer you the ultimate escape from the hustle… See more

Welcome to The Lofts Boutique Hotel, a family-owned hotel that promises to offer you the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Situated on the edge of the picturesque Knysna Estuary.

We are located on Thesen Island, a world-renowned destination that provides visitors with an abundance of shopping and dining options, as well as easy access to a variety of activities and tours. Whether you’re interested in kayaking (free access from the hotel), taking a sunset cruise, or exploring the surrounding natural beauty, there is something for everyone.

Our hotel features beautifully appointed rooms & apartments, each designed with your comfort in mind. With luxurious bedding, plush furnishings all the modern amenities you need. Some rooms have exquisite views of the Knysna Lagoon (King Room with Lake View) others have large sunny private balconies (Standard Double Room) or self-catering facilities (Apartments).

For those looking for delicious food and drinks, we have two of the best restaurants in town right inside our building. Our hotel restaurant, Nest Food Bar, serves brunch, dinner, and cocktails, and is known for its unique decor and vibey atmosphere. The famous café and bakery Ile de Pain is located right next door and is renowned for its artisanal bread, pastries, and café-style menu!

We pride ourselves on offering the best sunsets in town, and the friendliest hospitality to all our guests. We are also well-known for our ‘Sunset Sessions’ event, held on Saturdays (during the summer season), with a live DJ playing house music on our deck, providing the perfect backdrop for you to enjoy the stunning sunset views over the Lagoon.

Activities & Surrounds:
- Le Spa Tranquill & Turbine Spa is nearby for guests to enjoy luxury spa treatments.
- Simola & Pezula Golf Estate, as well as Knysna Golf Club is less than a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
- Thesen Harbour Town & Knysna Waterfront are within 1 km.

Please Note: Due to our hotel's boutique nature, each room has a unique layout & décor & not all rooms have lagoon views - to book a room with a lagoon view please select the 'King Room with Lagoon View'.

Rooms from $152

Kanonkop House

Rated 9.4 in 94 reviews

Kanonkop Guest House offers luxurious comfort, breathtaking views of the Knysna Lagoon and Heads, serene atmosphere and… See more

Kanonkop Guest House offers luxurious comfort, breathtaking views of the Knysna Lagoon and Heads, serene atmosphere and unique personal service along Western Cape’s enchanting Garden Route.

The accommodation in Kanonkop ensures exclusivity and privacy, and the spacious, bright rooms are beautifully appointed and decorated by top South African designers.

This family-owned guest house is surrounded by a beautiful garden and small indigenous forest that attracts wildlife and an abundance of birds. Enjoy their antics whilst relaxing on a lounger next to the pool.

Knysna, a favourite South African coastal resort town, spoils you for choice with fine beaches, magnificent forests ideal for gentle strolls or strenuous hikes and a wide range of restaurants and shops. The owners will be more than happy to offer advice and help you organise the perfect day.

Rooms from $276

This guest house offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and panoramic views of the lagoon and Knysna Heads. It features a… See more

This guest house offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and panoramic views of the lagoon and Knysna Heads. It features a swimming pool with a sun deck and a library.

Villa Afrikana Guest Suites by Knysna Paradise Collection feature a blend of African and contemporary décor. All rooms have deluxe bedding which include feather and down duvets. Custom bathroom amenities are provided in each private bathroom.

Most rooms have private balconies which offer stunning views of Knysna’s magnificent lagoon. All balconies feature a table and chairs or loungers.

Villa Afrikana has easy access to South Africa’s popular Garden Route. It is 1 mile from Knysna Waterfront Ferries. Pezula and Simola Golf Courses are a 15-minute drive away.

Rooms from $220

Turbine Hotel & Spa

Rated 9.0 in 1029 reviews

This former power station is located in Knysna and offers sunny suites with an iPod docking station and views of the… See more

This former power station is located in Knysna and offers sunny suites with an iPod docking station and views of the Knysna Lagoon. The spacious sun deck comes with an outdoor pool.

The rooms at Turbine Hotel & Spa are elegantly decorated with light fabrics and parquet floors. The suites have a satellite LCD TV and extra long beds.

A full English breakfast is available each morning at the Turbine Hotel. For light meals and drinks, there is a tapas bar and a fully stocked wine cellar.

Guests of this hotel can undergo a hot-stone massage or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, which faces the lagoon. The sun deck offers a calm spot to read a book or magazine.

The 24-hour reception staff can arrange babysitting and shuttles to George Airport, 65 km away. Lagoon and sea cruises can be arranged as well.

Rooms from $161

The Mount Knysna

Rated 9.4 in 29 reviews

Set in Knysna, 500 metres from the East Head View Point, The Mount Knysna features free WiFi access and free private… See more

Set in Knysna, 500 metres from the East Head View Point, The Mount Knysna features free WiFi access and free private parking. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units have a seating area for your convenience. Enjoy a cup of coffee from your balcony or patio. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.

You will find a business centre at the property.

An array of activities are offered in the area, such as golfing, snorkelling and windsurfing. The Waterfront - Knysna Quays is 7.4 km from The Mount Knysna, while Knysna Mall is 7.1 km away. George Airport is 77 km from the property.

Rooms from $186

St. James of Knysna

Rated 9.5 in 396 reviews

Located on a 3 acre estate, this property offers luxury rooms with lagoon views, 2 swimming pools and a landscaped… See more

Located on a 3 acre estate, this property offers luxury rooms with lagoon views, 2 swimming pools and a landscaped garden. It is 15 minutes’ drive from Pezula Golf Club.

St. James of Knysna offers rooms and suites fitted with deluxe bedding and furniture. Room amenities include satellite TV, minibar and a tea/coffee maker. Bathrobes and international adaptors are provided for all rooms.

Breakfast is served in the morning and light snacks are also available.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary lagoon cruise on The Boat. Massage treatments are also available.

Located on Knysna Lagoon, St. James of Knysna is a few minutes’ drive from the fishing, yachting and scuba diving activities nearby. It is 1.5 km away from Simola Golf and Country Estate.

Rooms from $176

Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel

Rated 9.0 in 708 reviews

At the tip of Leisure Island and overlooking the Knysna Lagoon, this hotel has an outdoor pool and terrace with… See more

At the tip of Leisure Island and overlooking the Knysna Lagoon, this hotel has an outdoor pool and terrace with panoramic views. Its rooms have a furnished balcony or patio.

The sunny and spacious rooms are equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV. Each en suite bathroom features free toiletries.

The Amanzi Lodge boasts a swimming pool and terrace. Guests can relax whilst overlooking the lagoon and enjoy a drink. To explore the scenic area around the lagoon, the hotel offers guests usage of bikes or canoes.

Free private parking on site.

Within 20 minutes of driving distance from the hotel, golfers can choose between 3 golf courses to play. The Knysna Elephant Park is 26 km away.

Rooms from $159

Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa

Rated 8.8 in 665 reviews

Located in the hills above Knysna, the 5-star Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa boasts a Jack Nicklaus signature golf… See more

Located in the hills above Knysna, the 5-star Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa boasts a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course and a restaurant with lagoon views.

The rooms at the eco-friendly Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa have free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a DVD player and a stylish bathroom with amenities. Some rooms have panoramic views of the lagoon or forest and include a kitchen and a cosy lounge with a fireplace.

With a bistro-style meanu, Lungalo Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. Lunch and light meals are available at the golf club lounge.

The Simola Spa features massages, face and body treatments. Guests can relax in the heated indoor pool or work out at the gym which overlooks the Knysna Heads and offers state-of-the-art equipment and personal trainers.

The centre of Knysna is within 10 minutes' drive and Plettenberg Bay is 39 km away while George can be reached within 1 hour by car.

Rooms from $260

Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort

Resort

Rated 8.8 in 526 reviews

Located on a dune at Brenton-on-Sea main beach, Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort offers well appointed, beach-front homes… See more

Located on a dune at Brenton-on-Sea main beach, Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort offers well appointed, beach-front homes and luxury suites. Free parking is available on site.

The modern accommodation will provide you with an open-plan living area, a kitchen, TV and a bathroom with bath or shower. Enjoy the fresh air and ocean views from your private deck.

Offering panoramic sea views, The Butterfly Blu restaurant serves a variety of Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, pizzas and vegetarian dishes.

Guests can work out in the fully equipped, air conditioned gym, which comes with treadmills, cross trainers, spinning bikes, a rower, cable machines, plus substantial free weights and benches. There is also a centrally located, outdoor pool overlooking the ocean.

The Featherbed Private Nature Reserve is a 10-minute drive away and Knysna is 15 km away from Brenton Haven.

Rooms from $151

Pezula Nature Retreat

Rated 8.3 in 1041 reviews

Nestled at the eastern head of Knysna, this luxurious, pet-friendly hotel boasts a championship golf course, a… See more

Nestled at the eastern head of Knysna, this luxurious, pet-friendly hotel boasts a championship golf course, a restaurant and a spa. Free WiFi is provided.

"All suites feature ensuite bathrooms, fireplaces, smart TVs, and free WiFi. Our Nature Hot Tub suites offer a relaxing experience of wood-fired hot tubs surrounded by natural beauty, while our Sky Suites offer stunning views of the lagoon, ocean, or golf course.

As a retreat, Pezula Nature Retreat places wellness as a priority and boasts a top-class wellness center and spa that includes a fully equipped gym, heated pool, sauna, steam room, invigorating rainforest showers, and exceptional treatment facilities

Zachary’s Grill Room Restaurant, provides a delightful dining experience with a menu crafted for family dining, offering sustainable meal choices that support local farmers and businesses

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are ample opportunities for adventure, from scenic hikes along the resident Fisherman's trail to exclusive trips to Noetzie Beach, a private beach on the Estate."

"Central Knysna is is within 15 minutes' drive and George is 70 km from Pezula Hotel.

Rooms from $194

Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Rated 9.4 in 639 reviews

Located in Knysna, 6.1 km from Simola Golf and Country Estate, Knysna Hollow Country Estate provides accommodation with… See more

Located in Knysna, 6.1 km from Simola Golf and Country Estate, Knysna Hollow Country Estate provides accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Featuring a shared lounge, this property also provides guests with a children's playground. The hotel has a terrace and pool views, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.

At the hotel every room has air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Knysna Hollow Country Estate features certain units that include a balcony, and each room is fitted with a coffee machine. At the accommodation all rooms include bed linen and towels.

The daily breakfast offers buffet, à la carte or continental options.

Guests at Knysna Hollow Country Estate will be able to enjoy activities in and around Knysna, like cycling.

Knysna Forest is 6.5 km from the hotel, while Knysna Heads is 10 km from the property. Plettenberg Bay Airport is 34 km away, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Rooms from $148

Parkes Manor

Rated 9.5 in 399 reviews

Offering an outdoor pool and a cosy lounge and bar, Parkes Manor is a classic, historical house located within 2 km from… See more

Offering an outdoor pool and a cosy lounge and bar, Parkes Manor is a classic, historical house located within 2 km from the Knysna Waterfront.

The country-style suites are elegantly decorated and feature under-floor heating, a sofa and air conditioning. It includes a desk, safe and en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower. Some suites offer a view of the Knysna lagoon.

At Parkes Manor guests can enjoy breakfast in the dining room and light meals are available upon advance request. An array of restaurants can be found within 2 km.

Guests can relax on the terrace and in the large, lush gardens which surround the swimming pool. There is a also a tee-off and a putting green for golfers in the garden. Nearby attractions include the Knysna Heads, Simola Golf and Country Estate, and Brenton-on-Sea beach.

Free WiFi and private parking is available and the George Airport is within 1 hours’ drive.

Rooms from $90

Alexander Guest House

Rated 9.5 in 348 reviews

The luxurious, 5-star Alexander Guest House offers individually designed rooms and suites. A spacious sun terrace offers… See more

The luxurious, 5-star Alexander Guest House offers individually designed rooms and suites. A spacious sun terrace offers guests a place to relax beside the outdoor pool.

The rooms are equipped with an en-suite bathroom, minibar, satellite TV and a surround-sound system. Each features a private deck and some feature a hot tub. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The suites offer sea views.

A fresh breakfast is provided daily, and there is a braai area for traditional barbecues while watching the sunset. The Knysna Waterfront restaurants are only a 10-minute drive away.

Located on the Garden Route, there are many activities for guests to enjoy nearby such as fishing and scuba diving in the lagoon. Knysna Golf Course is less than 5 km away.

Rooms from $117

Issaquena Heights Boutique Hotel

Rated 8.5 in 112 reviews

Set in Knysna, 7.4 km from Simola Golf and Country Estate, Issaquena Heights Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with an… See more

Set in Knysna, 7.4 km from Simola Golf and Country Estate, Issaquena Heights Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation provides room service and a concierge service for guests.

At the hotel, each room includes a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Issaquena Heights Boutique Hotel features some units with lake views, and each room has a kettle. At the accommodation all rooms include bed linen and towels.

Breakfast is available every morning, and includes buffet, à la carte and continental options.

Knysna Heads is 7.8 km from Issaquena Heights Boutique Hotel, while Knysna Forest is 7.8 km from the property. Plettenberg Bay Airport is 31 km away.

Rooms from $134

aha The Rex Hotel

Rated 8.4 in 1608 reviews

Within 300 metres of Knysna Waterfront shopping area, The Rex Hotel offers the ultimate in comfort. Luxurious rooms… See more

Within 300 metres of Knysna Waterfront shopping area, The Rex Hotel offers the ultimate in comfort. Luxurious rooms feature modern design, LCD TVs and extra-large windows.

Tea and coffee facilities and air conditioning are included in the luxury rooms.

Free private parking is available at Rex Hotel. The front desk is open 24 hours.

The Rex Hotel is ideally placed to a wide choice of leisure, water, and sport activities. Attractions such as the Knysna Elephant Park is nearby and the Featherbed Boat Cruises is 400 meters away.

Rooms from $115