Free

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Room service
Terrace
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Welcoming staff
Beautiful location
Clean and comfortable rooms
Cons:
High price compared to alternatives
Gym equipment needs maintenance

Categories

Cleanliness
9.66
Guests mention the hotel is well-kept and clean.
Service
10
Multiple reviews highlight the staff's welcoming and helpful nature.
Location
10
Great views and convenient location near leisure activities.
Room Quality
9.66
Rooms are described as spacious and comfortable.
Amenities
9.16
Facilities are good, but some guests noted the gym equipment needs updating.
Value for Money
8.66
Some reviews mention that the hotel is expensive compared to others, impacting perceived value.
Food and Beverage
9.66
Breakfast and dining options are rated highly.
Overall Experience
10
Overall positive experiences, with many guests expressing a desire to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-06 03:46

Property Description

Luxurious Lagoon View Rooms
Experience luxury at St. James of Knysna with elegantly furnished rooms offering breathtaking lagoon views. Enjoy deluxe bedding, satellite TV, and other top-notch amenities for a comfortable stay.

Relaxing Swimming Pools and Landscaped Garden
Unwind by one of the two swimming pools or take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped garden. Enjoy the serene surroundings and soak up the sun in this tranquil oasis.

Complimentary Lagoon Cruise and Massage Treatments
Indulge in a complimentary lagoon cruise on The Boat and pamper yourself with rejuvenating massage treatments. Enhance your stay with these special experiences, adding a touch of luxury to your getaway.

Book your stay at St. James of Knysna for a truly luxurious and relaxing experience by the lagoon.

Important information:

Dear visitor, we're currently experiencing drought conditions within this region. Please be aware that certain properties will need to comply with local water usage restrictions.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: GRJ

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children are not allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.6
Based on 446 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.66
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 9.66
Amenities: 9.16
Value for Money: 8.66
Food and Beverage: 9.66
Overall Experience: 10
F
Frederick • couple • gb
10
Excellent hotel, we would highly recommend it..
Pros:

Its location by the lagoon and the view from the room. It was extremely comfortable.

2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • couple • gb
10
We loved staying at this hotel, and lots of good memories made
Pros:

Of the four 5* hotels we have stayed in on our holiday this was our favourite. Our suite was light, airy, very tranquil and with a lovely outlook over the lake. The breakfasts were by far the best in comparison to the other hotels, but what really made it so special were the staff who were all exceptional and could not do enough for us. We look forward to returning before too long.

Cons:

There was nothing we didn’t like.

2026-01-23 • via Nuitee
I
Ivor • couple • za
8
Pros:

Location is excellent and breakfasts are great

Cons:

Old couch in the room. Uncomfortable to sit on

2026-01-23 • via Nuitee
C
Christian • couple • ch
9
Tolles Hotel und perfekter Lage, aber etwas in die Jahre gekommen
Pros:

Das Hotel und die Ausstattung sind in die Jahre gekommen

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
M
Maitha • extended_group • ae
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
R
Ronald • couple • gb
9
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
Lesley • couple • gb
10
Brilliant hotel in a fabulous location
Pros:

Lovely hotel in a perfect location. Our suite was gorgeous with a lovely view of the lagoon - we did see a seal catching his dinner from our balcony. Sandy and her team are very attentive and make you feel welcome. And the complementary boat trip with Alex was perfect.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
S
satish • couple • gb
9
Lovely accommodation and great golf course
Pros:

Great location

Cons:

All good

2026-01-14 • via Nuitee
A
Alexander • couple • de
9
2026-01-13 • via Nuitee
A
Abdullah • couple • sa
10
2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
S
Stephen • couple • gb
6
Lovely room in a very dated property.
Pros:

The whole property is very dated and from a time gone bye. Having said that the suite we had was perfect - large and modern and very clean. The hotel is hanging on to the past - limited food options and leaving no alternative but to eat in the waterfront in town.

2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
Z
ZAKIA • couple • fr
10
2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
L
Leandro • extended_group • ar
10
2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
X
xiaodong • couple • za
2
I am a traveler who values freedom, respect, and kindness — unfortunately, my stay at this hotel was deeply disappointin
Pros:

I am a traveler who values freedom, respect, and kindness — unfortunately, my stay at this hotel was deeply disappointing and uncomfortable. The atmosphere created by the front desk staff, a man and a woman, felt hostile and unwelcoming. Their attitude toward local guests seemed warm and friendly, but toward outsiders they were noticeably cold, dismissive, and even mocking, which left me feeling discriminated against.

The main issue occurred when I called to ask if rooms were available. I was told there were none, yet Booking.com showed available rooms. When I arrived, I asked if I could book a cheaper Room 1 but be upgraded to Room 8 after the staff confirmed with the manager. He later told me it was approved, so I proceeded with the booking and payment only to be given the key to Room 1 and told that no upgrade had ever been promised.

When I asked for a refund so I could stay elsewhere, they became unfriendly and uncooperative. After a long and unpleasant interaction, the upgrade was finally given and an apology was made. However, the next morning, the white female manager spoke to me in an extremely condescending and disrespectful way — as if talking down to a child — insisting “You have to listen to me,” which made the experience feel even more humiliating.

Although I eventually received the room I was promised, the lack of respect, professionalism, and fairness was unacceptable. I hope sharing my experience will help future travelers make an informed decision, and I sincerely hope the hotel reflects on its attitude toward guests and improves its staff training and behavior.

Cons:

I am a traveler who values freedom, respect, and kindness — unfortunately, my stay at this hotel was deeply disappointing and uncomfortable. The atmosphere created by the front desk staff, a man and a woman, felt hostile and unwelcoming. Their attitude toward local guests seemed warm and friendly, but toward outsiders they were noticeably cold, dismissive, and even mocking, which left me feeling discriminated against.

The main issue occurred when I called to ask if rooms were available. I was told there were none, yet Booking.com showed available rooms. When I arrived, I asked if I could book a cheaper Room 1 but be upgraded to Room 8 after the staff confirmed with the manager. He later told me it was approved, so I proceeded with the booking and payment only to be given the key to Room 1 and told that no upgrade had ever been promised.

When I asked for a refund so I could stay elsewhere, they became unfriendly and uncooperative. After a long and unpleasant interaction, the upgrade was finally given and an apology was made. However, the next morning, the white female manager spoke to me in an extremely condescending and disrespectful way — as if talking down to a child — insisting “You have to listen to me,” which made the experience feel even more humiliating.

Although I eventually received the room I was promised, the lack of respect, professionalism, and fairness was unacceptable. I hope sharing my experience will help future travelers make an informed decision, and I sincerely hope the hotel reflects on its attitude toward guests and improves its staff training and behavior.

2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
N
Nanzi • couple • gb
7
Pros:

Nice location by the lake. Very friendly service.

Cons:

Facilities were a bit dated.

2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
S
Shady • couple • us
10
Pros:

Boutique small hotel...classy rooms and excellent outdoor space...very relaxing

2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • couple • at
10
2026-01-05 • via Nuitee
K
Khongelani • solo_traveller • za
10
The rooms are very specious, there is secure parking. They have the best customer service.
Pros:

I was given a complementary boat ride.
The picnic was the the cherry on top

Cons:

I like everything

2026-01-01 • via Nuitee
R
Roberto • couple • be
9
2026-01-01 • via Nuitee
T
Tasi • couple • za
10
2025-12-31 • via Nuitee