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St James of Knysna

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Photo gallery for St James of Knysna

A balcony with a view of a calm lake, a dock with a boat, and a table with a bottle and glasses.
A room with a view of a lake, a wooden table with a decanter and two glasses of red wine, and a bed with a teal bedspread.
A modern hotel lobby with a central reflective black floor, seating areas with sofas and chairs, artwork on the walls, and a view of the cityscape through large windows.
A large house with a swimming pool, a garden, and a pergola.
A large, multi-story hotel with a waterfront view, a dock with a boat, and a well-maintained lawn.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
The Point, Eastford, Knysna, Western Cape, 6570
  • Place, Knysna Lagoon
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Garden Route National Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Friday Market
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Plettenberg Bay (PBZ)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Double Room - Garden Facing - 1

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a TV, a wooden coffee table, a desk with a chair, and a window with curtains.

Standard Double Room - Garden Facing - 1

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 29 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Garden Facing - 2

A bedroom with a large bed, a ceiling fan, an air conditioning unit, a wooden cabinet, and a window with curtains.

Deluxe Suite - Garden Facing - 2

  • 42 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Garden Facing - 3

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, a ceiling fan, and an air conditioning unit.

Deluxe Suite - Garden Facing - 3

  • 47 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 King Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Junior Suite - Courtyard Facing - 9

A spacious bedroom with two beds, a desk, and a dining area.

Junior Suite - Courtyard Facing - 9

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 55 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 11

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a painting on the wall.

Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 11

  • Lake view
  • 47 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Suite - Garden Facing - 15

A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, and a chair. There is a door leading to another room.

Superior Suite - Garden Facing - 15

  • Partial lake view
  • 46 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 16

A hotel room with a large bed, a view of the outdoors, a balcony, and a dining area.

Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 16

  • Lagoon view
  • 49 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 17

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a chair. There is a balcony with a view of the sea.

Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 17

  • Lagoon view
  • 46 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 18

A bedroom with a four-poster bed, a desk with a chair, a mirror, and a view of the outdoors.

Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 18

  • Partial lake view
  • 46 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 12

A neatly arranged bedroom with a bed, two bedside tables, a nightstand, a dresser, and a painting on the wall.

Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 12

  • Lake view
  • 52 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 7

A modern hotel room with a bed, a desk, two chairs, a sofa, and large windows offering a view of the sea.

Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 7

  • Lagoon view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 4

A modern hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a small coffee table, and a balcony with a view of the sea.

Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 4

  • Lagoon view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 5

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a desk, and a view of the sea.

Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 5

  • Lagoon view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 6

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, two armchairs, a small table, and large windows offering a view of the outdoors.

Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 6

  • Lagoon view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Executive Penthouse, 1 King Bed, Lagoon View

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a view of the sea through an open archway.

Executive Penthouse, 1 King Bed, Lagoon View

  • Lagoon view
  • 90 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 10

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a red armchair, and large windows with curtains.

Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 10

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Lake view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Junior Suite - Courtyard Facing - 8

A hotel room with two beds, a sofa, a chair, a small table, and a ceiling fan.

Junior Suite - Courtyard Facing - 8

  • 48 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - Lady Anne

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a mirror, and a view of the outdoors.

Superior Suite - Lake Facing - Lady Anne

  • Lake view
  • 43 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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Exterior
Pezula Nature Retreat
Knysna
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 207 reviews
The price is €242
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Pezula Nature Retreat

About this property

St James of Knysna

2 outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free country house. Free buffet breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, coffee/tea in a common area, 24-hour room service, and concierge services are onsite.
St James of Knysna offers 15 accommodations with minibars and safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Televisions come with digital channels and Netflix. Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include complimentary newspapers and phones. Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and blackout drapes/curtains. Hypo-allergenic bedding and irons/ironing boards can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

During your stay at St James of Knysna, you're just a quick walk from Cape Floral Region Protected Areas. Free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are available.
  • Free buffet breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking
  • Enjoy local and international cuisine while dining at St James of Knysna
  • Take a swim in the 2 outdoor pools
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge, and tour or ticket assistance
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym, a golf driving range, and mini golf
  • Steps from Knysna Lagoon and a 5-minute drive from Knysna Waterfront
  • Airport shuttle service available for a fee
St James of Knysna offers its guests 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A library, a terrace, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the luxury St James of Knysna. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

This Colonial Knysna country house is smoke free.

Guests are served free buffet breakfast daily from 8 AM to 10 AM.
St James of Knysna - This bar specializes in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open daily.
24-hour room service is available.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 8 AM to 10 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Private picnics

Restaurants on site

  • St James of Knysna

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Boat and paddles
  • Boat tours
  • Canoeing
  • Designer stores
  • Fishing
  • Golf driving range
  • Gym
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Mini golf
  • Personal motorised watercraft

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini golf
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Dock
  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1991
  • Colonial architecture
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 43-inch TV with digital channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at St James of Knysna

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 800 per room (one-way)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
St James of Knysna offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation 72 hours prior to arrival with your arrival details. The front desk at this property is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property class

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Knysna St James
St James House Knysna
St James Knysna
The St James Knysna
The St. James Of Knysna Hotel Knysna
St James Knysna Country House
St James Country House
The St. James Of Knysna Hotel
St James of Knysna Knysna
St James of Knysna Country House
St James of Knysna Country House Knysna

St James of Knysna Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 155 out of 188 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 188 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 188 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 188 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 188 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lillian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a beautiful, clean and comfortable hotel. Staff is super helpful- a true 5 star hotel!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Spectacular location , amazing staff in an amazing town !!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very private accommodations with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Absolutely beautiful accommodations!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful welcome, amazing staff and real comfort.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Our room (apartment)was fabulous.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Hotel in a quiet location. Staff are excellent and trip on the hotel’s own boat is a bonus. Pools are both lovely and our room/suite was lovely with great views of the lagoon.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and property. Large and immaculate rooms. A must stay place.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Pearl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Exceptional staff and hotel

Wonderful hotel with exceptional amazing staff who work as a team looking after their guests. Sandi leads this wonderful team.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Boat trip was awesome, staff amazing, drinks were outstanding, food was perfect. I will come here again, for sure!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rochus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent and quiet hotel in Knysnia

I liked the hotel as I got a spacious beautiful room giving towards the lake. Very quiet. Very good and attentive staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel right on the lagoon. We had a spectacular view from our room and it was so peaceful waking up to the sightband sound of the still lagoon. Staff were excellent, very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was amazing too.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Colm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed our stay here, we stayed in the Lady Anne Suite and it was amazing. The views over the lagoon were super and Sandy could not do enough for us. Was very helpful about suggesting activities for us and restaurants to eat in. It's a little bit out of town but they can arrange transfer for you which are quite reasonable. We had a really great relaxing stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
St James was a perfect stay in Knysna - we wished we had booked additional nights, the hotel is a little further out of town but it is quiet, tranquil & the staff were so helpful in organising transport when required. Thanks to Sandy & the team!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice stop on garden route

Excellent stop in Knysna. Very good professional and helpful service. Have shared before and would return
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful hotel overlooking an even more beautiful lagoon. We had a large room overlooking the lagoon and there are some huge suites. The staff were all friendly and excellent. Norman was extremely helpful and happy to advise us on how to get the most from the time we had in Knysna, including an excellent restaurant recommendation.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Riccardo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We just spent two nights at St James and we loved it. It it right in front lot the Knysna lagoon and offers a great boat ride to all guests, which we enjoyed. We were upgraded on arrival by the very kind staff who man the reception. Knysna is a very interesting destination, we loved the Two Heads excursion to the ocean. We recommend Dt James to all travellers to Knysna and we would like to thank the staff for the very profesional and kind atttitude.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ettiene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Memorable experience

I felt a bit like royalty.... Such a pleasureable experience! And everyone goes out of their way to help you.... And the free boat ride of course was very nice!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very Nice Accommodations!!

Fabulous hotel and top shelf service. We were greeted at the door, escorted to the bar/salon seating area to have a glass of bubbly while doing the checkin process in comfort. We were lucky enough to get a complimentary upgrade and our bags were in our beautiful room when we got there. The room was large and comfortable. Bed and linens were perfect. Breakfast was a choice of hot or a buffet, or both...but all amazing. Staff were all professional, but very warm and welcoming. I recommend this hotel very highly.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This must be the best place to stay in Knysna. I agonized about whether to stay here or closer in town and I definitely made the right choice. Everyone in ZA seems nice but the St James is beyond nice. It really is lovely to come back to a place where people go above and beyond. Great breakfast overlooking the water without the crowd. Nice place to have a cocktail after dinner. Huge room with great views. Private, safe parking area. I never even used the beautiful boat which other guests took advantage of. Enjoy!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sehr grosses Zimmer mit Blick auf die Lagune. Personal war sehr aufmerksam ,hilfsbereit und freundlich
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gabor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Luxus der nicht aufgesetzt wirkt, dezent aber stilvoll, Suite Lady Anne mit toller Aussicht, perfekter Service, eine Oase zum Wohlfühlen.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

StJames

Super schöner Ort. Zuvorkommendes und freundliches Personal!
Zufahrt
Blick zum See
Frühstücken auf der Terasse
Inkl. Privatboot-Ausflug
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excepcional!

O hotel é lindo! Local calmo, em frente à Knysna Lagoon! Os quartos são grandes, limpos e confortáveis. O café da manhã é maravilhoso! O atendimento é impecável. Fizemos um passeio de barco (oferecido gratuitamente pelo hotel) guiado pelo Alex, que além de muito educado e atencioso, foi um excelente guia do nosso passeio! Voltaria mil vezes para esse hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellenter Service, schöne Zimmer und traumhaft schöner Blick von der Terrasse und dem Gemeinschaftsraum. Es ist in absoluter ruhiger Lage. Einerseits ist das wunderschön, andererseits - und gepaart damit, dass es im Hotel außer Frühstück kein Essen gibt - muss man doch häufig mit dem Auto ins Zentrum oder zu anderen Orten fahren.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michaela

Liked: Staff & service
Die Lage des Hotels an der Laguneist bezaubernd! Es gibt wahnsinnig viel zu unternehmen in der Umgebung! Besonders haben wir das Picknick des Hotels am Strand genossen, ebenso das Angebot des Hotels,die Bootsfahrt an der Lagune! Klysma ist ein Traum besonders s ab n diesem Platz!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022