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4- and 5-star hotels in Knysna
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Knysna, on South Africa's Garden Route. It covers lagoon-side boutiques, country estates and headland retreats, for couples, families and anyone basing themselves here to explore the lagoon, the Heads and the surrounding forests.
Staying in Knysna
Knysna's economy and culture are closely tied to the lagoon and the surrounding forests, and visitors come for the water, the Knysna Heads, the oysters and the town's position on the Garden Route. The waterfront has shops, restaurants and markets, while the wider region offers nature reserves, golf courses and beaches. The Knysna Oyster Festival, usually held in June or July, draws crowds in winter, and summer is peak season for beach and water activities. The hotels on this shortlist sit across several parts of town. The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa and The Lofts Boutique Hotel are on Thesen Islands, while St James of Knysna sits at The Point Eastford and One on Bollard is on Leisure Isle. It suits couples wanting a quiet retreat, families needing family rooms and pools, and travellers on a short break who want the lagoon and the Heads within easy reach.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa
No. 1 Old Cape Road, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA fitness centre and indoor pool cover the rainy days, and the kitchenettes make longer stays easy. Guest rating 4.7 from 700 reviews. It lies 4.9 km from the centre, with free parking and free wifi.
See Simola Hotel Country Club & SpaFalcons View Manor
2 Thesen Hill, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereA 5-star manor on Thesen Hill, 1.1 km from the centre, with just 108 reviews behind its 4.9 rating. Couples get balconies, an outdoor pool and a restaurant without leaving the property. The garden and lounge keep the atmosphere quiet, while a shuttle service makes the short run into town simple.
See Falcons View ManorSt James of Knysna
The Point Eastford, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereThis 5-star address on The Point puts a lake, a garden and an outdoor pool around you, with a fitness centre and gymnasium for guests who train on holiday. Canoeing and massage fill the quiet hours, and the breakfast can be taken in your room. Guest rating 4.7 from 151 reviews; the centre is 2.9 km away.
See St James of KnysnaThe Mount Knysna
5 Glen View Road, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereGlen View Road places this 5-star hotel 4.5 km from the centre, looking out over the Knysna lagoon. Family rooms and cots make it workable for parents, and the free parking removes the daily hunt for a space. Divers and horse riders are catered for on site. It scores 4.7 from 102 reviews.
See The Mount KnysnaThe Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa
Sawtooth Lane Thesen Islands 36, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereBuilt into Thesen Islands, 0.9 km from the centre, this 5-star hotel pairs a spa and massage with an outdoor pool and a playground for children. Family rooms and kitchenettes suit longer visits, and 813 reviews give it a 4.5 rating. Free parking and free wifi are included.
See The Turbine Boutique Hotel and SpaHead over Hills Luxury Retreat
22 Glen View Drive, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereHead over Hills sits on Glen View Drive, 4.7 km from the centre, and reads as a retreat: sauna, massage, outdoor pool and a garden setting. Balconies and fireplaces add to the slower pace, while room service and a restaurant handle the meals. Rated 4.6 from 154 reviews.
See Head over Hills Luxury RetreatCliffhanger Cottages
Rheenendal Road, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereFour-star cottages on Rheenendal Road, 8.6 km from the centre, built for guests who want a kitchen, a fireplace and a terrace rather than a lobby. Families and self-caterers get an oven, microwave and refrigerator, plus free parking and free wifi. It holds a 4.9 rating from 146 reviews.
See Cliffhanger CottagesOne on Bollard
1 Bollard Road Leisure Isle, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereOn Bollard Road at Leisure Isle, 2.7 km from the centre, this 4-star guesthouse scores a perfect 5.0 from 86 reviews. The outdoor pool and garden sit close to the beach, and breakfast can be brought to the room. Canoeing, bowling and diving are within reach, with family rooms and cots for those travelling with children.
See One on BollardDover on Sea
20 Dover Drive Cola Beach, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star property on Dover Drive at Cola Beach, 21.6 km from the centre, for travellers who would rather wake up away from town. A swimming pool and wifi are what it offers, and the 4.9 rating from 105 reviews reflects how guests take to the setting.
See Dover on SeaKnysna Hollow Country Estate
5 Welbedacht Lane, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA 4-star country estate on Welbedacht Lane, 3 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, a garden and a playground that keep children busy. Horse riding and canoeing are on hand, and the restaurant plus room service cover meals. It draws 480 reviews and a 4.7 rating.
See Knysna Hollow Country Estate10 Martingale
10 Martingale Road, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereFour-star accommodation on Martingale Road, 5.4 km from the centre, with a spa, an outdoor pool and a tennis court on the property. The terrace and garden make the most of Knysna's weather, and the golf course next door suits players. It carries a 4.8 rating from 156 reviews.
See 10 MartingaleParkes Manor
1 Azalia Street, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereParkes Manor occupies a 4-star address on Azalia Street, 1.4 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool and a garden. Breakfast and dinner are served on site, and family rooms make it practical for those with children. Guest rating 4.8 from 145 reviews.
See Parkes Manor6 Barquentine
6 Barquinetine Avenue, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereOn Barquinetine Avenue, 5.1 km from the centre, this 4-star option offers a spa, an outdoor pool and a tennis court, with a terrace and garden around them. A 4.7 rating from 330 reviews suggests guests return. Free parking and laundry service are provided.
See 6 BarquentineThe Lofts Boutique Hotel
The Boatshed Long Street Thesen Island, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe Lofts sits on Long Street at Thesen Island, 0.8 km from the centre, a 4-star base for guests who want to walk to the waterfront. Kitchenettes and a games room help families, while the spa and massage serve those who would rather unwind. Rated 4.7 from 329 reviews, with free parking.
See The Lofts Boutique HotelUnder Milkwood Resort
13 George Rex Drive The Heads, Knysna, South Africa
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereUnder Milkwood Resort on George Rex Drive, 4.1 km from the centre, puts a private beach and the Knysna lagoon within the grounds. Four-star cottages come with kitchens, fireplaces and patios, so self-catering families settle in easily. Canoeing and horse riding are available. Guest rating 4.7 from 327 reviews.
See Under Milkwood Resort
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 700 | Yes | – | Yes | 4.9 km |
| Falcons View Manor | ★★★★★ | 4.9 | 108 | Yes | – | Yes | 1.1 km |
| St James of Knysna | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 151 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.9 km |
| The Mount Knysna | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 102 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.5 km |
| The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 813 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.9 km |
| Head over Hills Luxury Retreat | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 154 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.7 km |
| Cliffhanger Cottages | ★★★★ | 4.9 | 146 | Yes | – | – | 8.6 km |
| One on Bollard | ★★★★ | 5.0 | 86 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.7 km |
| Dover on Sea | ★★★★ | 4.9 | 105 | – | – | Yes | 21.6 km |
| Knysna Hollow Country Estate | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 480 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.0 km |
| 10 Martingale | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 156 | Yes | – | Yes | 5.4 km |
| Parkes Manor | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 145 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.4 km |
| 6 Barquentine | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 330 | Yes | – | Yes | 5.1 km |
| The Lofts Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 329 | Yes | – | Yes | 0.8 km |
| Under Milkwood Resort | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 327 | Yes | – | – | 4.1 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These hotels list family rooms, which makes them the practical picks for travelling with children. The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa adds a playground and babysitting service, Knysna Hollow Country Estate has a playground and outdoor pool, One on Bollard pairs an outdoor pool with babysitting service, and The Lofts Boutique Hotel has family rooms and a games room.
The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa · Knysna Hollow Country Estate · One on Bollard · The Lofts Boutique Hotel
Closest to the centre
If you want to be near Knysna Central, these are the shortest hops: The Lofts Boutique Hotel at 0.8 km, The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa at 0.9 km, Falcons View Manor at 1.1 km and Parkes Manor at 1.4 km.
The Lofts Boutique Hotel · The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa · Falcons View Manor · Parkes Manor
Top guest ratings
One on Bollard leads with a 5.0 guest rating from 86 reviews, followed by Falcons View Manor at 4.9 from 108 reviews. Cliffhanger Cottages and Dover on Sea also score 4.9, from 146 and 105 reviews respectively. These are the best-reviewed hotels on this shortlist.
One on Bollard · Falcons View Manor · Cliffhanger Cottages · Dover on Sea
With a spa or massage
Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa and The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa both put a spa at the centre of the stay. St James of Knysna and Head over Hills Luxury Retreat list massage, while 10 Martingale lists a spa alongside a pool and tennis court. Choose these if treatments matter to you.
Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa · The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa · St James of Knysna · Head over Hills Luxury Retreat · 10 Martingale
Where to stay in Knysna
Thesen Islands
Thesen Islands is a residential island area connected to the town, and two of the listed hotels stand here: The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa on Sawtooth Lane and The Lofts Boutique Hotel at The Boatshed on Long Street. Both are under 1 km from the centre, so the waterfront, shops and restaurants are close by.
Our picks here: The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa
Leisure Isle
Leisure Isle is a residential island connected to the town by a bridge, known for its quiet streets, waterfront homes and proximity to the lagoon. One on Bollard sits on Bollard Road here, 2.7 km from the centre; the setting suits guests who want calm, lagoon-side surroundings rather than the bustle of town.
Our picks here: One on Bollard
The Heads
The Heads are the headlands flanking the lagoon entrance, offering dramatic views, and the area is home to upscale guesthouses and self-catering properties. Under Milkwood Resort, on George Rex Drive, is the listed hotel here, 4.1 km from the centre, with a private beach and lagoon-facing grounds.
Our picks here: Under Milkwood Resort
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Knysna is about 500 kilometres east of Cape Town and 250 kilometres west of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) along the N2 highway. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is George Airport, about 70 kilometres away; taxis and shuttle services connect it to Knysna. Buses run along the Garden Route, and driving is the most flexible way to explore the area. Within Knysna, a car is useful for reaching beaches, forests and viewpoints, though the central waterfront and some attractions are walkable. Local taxis and ride-hailing apps are available but limited, especially at night.
When to go
The climate is mild year-round, with warm summers from December to February and cool, wetter winters from June to August. Summer is peak season for beach and water activities, while the Knysna Oyster Festival in winter draws visitors. Spring, from September to November, and autumn, from March to May, offer quieter conditions and comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, so pack for variable weather.
Questions, answered
Which hotels have free parking?
Most hotels here list free car parking, including Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa, Falcons View Manor, St James of Knysna, The Mount Knysna, The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, Head over Hills Luxury Retreat, Cliffhanger Cottages, One on Bollard, Knysna Hollow Country Estate, Parkes Manor, The Lofts Boutique Hotel and Under Milkwood Resort.
Which hotels have a pool?
Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa has an indoor pool. Outdoor pools are listed at Falcons View Manor, The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, Head over Hills Luxury Retreat, One on Bollard, Knysna Hollow Country Estate, 10 Martingale, 6 Barquentine and Parkes Manor. Dover on Sea lists a swimming pool.
Which hotels have a spa or massage?
Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa and The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa are the spa hotels on this list; 10 Martingale and 6 Barquentine also list a spa. Massage is listed at St James of Knysna, The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, Head over Hills Luxury Retreat and The Lofts Boutique Hotel.
Which hotels are best for families?
Family rooms are listed at Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa, The Mount Knysna, The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, One on Bollard, Knysna Hollow Country Estate, Parkes Manor and The Lofts Boutique Hotel. The Turbine and Knysna Hollow add a playground, and The Lofts has a games room.
Which hotel is closest to the centre?
The Lofts Boutique Hotel is 0.8 km from the centre, followed by The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa at 0.9 km, Falcons View Manor at 1.1 km and Parkes Manor at 1.4 km. Dover on Sea, at 21.6 km, is the furthest on this shortlist.
Which hotel has the highest guest rating?
One on Bollard has a 5.0 guest rating from 86 reviews. Falcons View Manor, Cliffhanger Cottages and Dover on Sea each score 4.9, from 108, 146 and 105 reviews respectively. The largest review count on the list is The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, with 813 reviews at 4.5.
Do any hotels allow pets?
The hotel data for this shortlist does not state pet policies for any of the properties. It is worth contacting the hotel directly before booking if you plan to travel with a pet.
Which hotels have restaurants and bars?
Restaurants are listed at Falcons View Manor, Knysna Hollow Country Estate, Parkes Manor, Head over Hills Luxury Retreat and 10 Martingale. Bars appear at Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa, Falcons View Manor, St James of Knysna, The Mount Knysna, The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, Head over Hills Luxury Retreat, One on Bollard, Knysna Hollow Country Estate, Parkes Manor, The Lofts Boutique Hotel and Under Milkwood Resort.