Perched on the shores of Knysna Lagoon, St James of Knysna offers a serene luxury boutique country house experience. Take in the stunning views from the sun-kissed terrace, indulge in designer shopping, or unwind with a good book from the library. With rowing and kayaking activities on site, motorized watercraft nearby and 2 outdoor pools to lounge by previous guests have fallen for this haven.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
Airport transfer
Bar
Pool
Free breakfast
Gym
Non-smoking
Main amenities (12)
Daily housekeeping
2 outdoor pools
Fitness center
Beach umbrellas
Beach towels
Bar/lounge
24-hour room service
Airport shuttle
Terrace
Coffee/tea in a common area
Garden
Library
Feel at home (6)
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Separate bathtub and shower
Television
Garden
Terrace
The current price is CA $251
CA $251
CA $289 total
includes taxes & fees
May 25 - May 26
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 18 of 18 rooms
View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - Lady Anne
Superior Suite - Lake Facing - Lady Anne
Highlights
Balcony
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Lake view
43 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 10
Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 10
Highlights
Patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Lake view
60 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Junior Suite - Courtyard Facing - 8
Junior Suite - Courtyard Facing - 8
Highlights
Patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
48 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Double Beds
View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 12
Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 12
Highlights
Patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Lake view
52 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Garden Facing - 2
Deluxe Suite - Garden Facing - 2
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
42 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Double Beds
View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Garden Facing - 3
Deluxe Suite - Garden Facing - 3
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
47 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 King Beds
View all photos for Junior Suite - Courtyard Facing - 9
Junior Suite - Courtyard Facing - 9
Highlights
Patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
55 sq m
Sleeps 2
2 Double Beds
View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 11
Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 11
Highlights
Patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Lake view
47 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 16
Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 16
Highlights
Balcony
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Lagoon view
49 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Superior Suite - Garden Facing - 15
Superior Suite - Garden Facing - 15
Highlights
Balcony
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Partial lake view
46 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 17
Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 17
Highlights
Balcony
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Lagoon view
46 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 6
Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 6
Highlights
Patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Lagoon view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 18
Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 18
Highlights
Balcony
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Partial lake view
46 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Executive Penthouse, 1 King Bed, Lagoon View
Executive Penthouse, 1 King Bed, Lagoon View
Highlights
Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Lagoon view
90 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Standard Double Room - Garden Facing - 1
Standard Double Room - Garden Facing - 1
Highlights
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
29 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 4
Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 4
Highlights
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Lagoon view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 7
Superior Suite - Lake Facing - 7
Highlights
Patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Lagoon view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Deluxe Suite - Lake Facing - 5
Featherbed Nature Reserve - 17 min drive - 13.8 km
Getting around
Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) - 35 min drive
George (GRJ) - 54 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
The Drydock Food Co - 5 min drive
34 South - 5 min drive
Anchorage Restaurant - 3 min drive
Chatters - 3 min drive
Falcon Creek Spur - 3 min drive
About this property
St James of Knysna
When visiting Knysna, St James of Knysna is a great choice to consider. After splashing around at the 2 outdoor pools, you can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge. Other highlights at this luxurious country house include a fitness center, a terrace, and a garden.
Languages
English, French, Xhosa
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
15 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
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 time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
DONE
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free secured, uncovered onsite self parking
Onsite parking includes off-street options
DONE
Transfers
Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free buffet breakfast each morning 8 AM–10 AM
Bar/lounge
Coffee/tea in a common area
Private picnics
24-hour room service
Traveling with children
Mini golf
What to do
Mini golf
Kayaking
Canoe
Boat tours
Personal watercraft (motorized)
Boat/paddles
Fishing
Bicycle rentals nearby
Ecotours nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Safari nearby
Rafting nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Skydiving nearby
Ziplining nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Beach towels
Beach umbrellas
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Facilities
2 buildings/towers
Built in 1991
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Library
Fitness center
Golf driving range on site
2 outdoor pools
Designer stores on site
Dock
Outdoor furniture
Colonial architecture
Accessibility
Handrails in stairways
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Room amenities
Be entertained
43-inch TV
Digital TV channels
Netflix
Streaming services
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Bathrobes and slippers
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Sleep well
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Soundproofed rooms
Turndown service
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Separate bathtub and shower
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free newspapers
Free WiFi
Phone
Electrical adapters/chargers
Food and drink
Champagne service
Refrigerator
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Local maps
Restaurant dining guide
Special features
Dining
St James of Knysna - This bar specializes in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 800 per room (one-way)
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system on site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club
Cashless transactions are available.
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
Frequently asked questions
Does St James of Knysna offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, St James of Knysna does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at St James of Knysna?
Yes, there are 2 outdoor pools.
Are pets allowed at St James of Knysna?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at St James of Knysna?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by St James of Knysna?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 800 per room one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at St James of Knysna?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at St James of Knysna and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like kayaking, rowing, and fishing. Additional recreation nearby includes game drives, game viewing, and safari tours. Enjoy a swim in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools or use the country house's other amenities, which include a fitness center and a picnic area. St James of Knysna also has a garden.
What's the area around St James of Knysna like?
St James of Knysna is a short 1-minute walk from Knysna Lagoon and 13 minutes' walk from Garden Route National Park.
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Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
9.6/10
Amenities
9.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Service staff
Lagoons
View
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 30, 2025
Exceptional staff and hotel
Wonderful hotel with exceptional amazing staff who work as a team looking after their guests.
Sandi leads this wonderful team.
Pearl
Pearl, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 22, 2025
Betty
Betty, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 16, 2025
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!
Cheryl
Cheryl, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 24, 2024
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!
Emma
Emma, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 19, 2024
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.
David
David, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 29, 2024
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.
Riccardo
Riccardo, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 15, 2024
Michael
Michael, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 22, 2024
Nice stop on garden route
Excellent stop in Knysna. Very good professional and helpful service. Have shared before and would return
Verified traveller
4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 18, 2023
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!
Ettiene
Ettiene, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 21, 2023
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.
Robert
Robert, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 12, 2023
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.
Colm
Colm, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 12, 2023
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.
Christian
Christian, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 9, 2023
Great staff and property. Large and immaculate rooms. A must stay place.
Daniel
Daniel, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 4, 2023
Boat trip was awesome, staff amazing, drinks were outstanding, food was perfect. I will come here again, for sure!
George
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 3, 2020
The best
This is our favourite place to stay in Knysna. Great staff, wonderful position, great breakfast.
DOUGLAS
DOUGLAS, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
Dec 1, 2019
Service, staff and room were excellent but stay was ruined by no restaurant, no bar, no lounge no T V and very few other Guests. Renovation works in progress which we were not told about. Check before you book
Verified traveller
5-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Jul 22, 2019
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 10, 2019
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 8, 2019
This is a beautiful property. It is not inexpensive however the facility certainly merits the cost. It has a view of the waterfront and the rooms are spacious and extremely well maintained. The restaurant in the hotel has good breakfast and lunch options. Recommend having dinner at one of the many places on the waterfront. Solid 4 star property.
Verified traveller
4-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 1, 2019
Eusebio
Eusebio, 1-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 8, 2019
Old world elegance
Great place. Very happy. Once the luxury home of the first Miss South Africa
DOUGLAS
DOUGLAS, 4-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
4/10 Fair
Jan 5, 2019
Very disappointing
Below average.
- right in the high way so lots of noise from traffic
- slow service
- old non maintained/renovated rooms
- WiFi not working
- more like a 3 star establishment
+ nice breakfast outside area
Overall very disappointing
Daniel
Daniel, 2-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 2, 2018
Jeremy
Jeremy, 3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
Oct 10, 2018
Nice set up, big suite, older hotel, away from Restaurants
Dirk
Dirk, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 19, 2018
St James of Knysna is elegant, well-maintained and in a nice area with quite a few things to do. The staff is very friendly and professional. The rooms are beautiful, spacious and in great condition! We thoroughly enjoyed staying here and would highly recommend it!