Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (16) stay (14) friendly (13) hotel (12) good (10) beautiful (10) room (8) great (8) rooms (7) helpful (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Wade P. 2 years ago on Google
    Arrived to our room with NO RUNNING WATER in the basin. Management's solution to us was a water dispenser (see photos). When questioned, it turned out that 5 units have this problem and they have known about it since OCTOBER! We booked our stay months ago, and we were never alerted to the fact that our room might not have running water. We received no compensation for this inconvenience and the nonchalant response from management was simply appalling. Tennis court are out of order too. Although the place is quite charming, I STRONGLY suggest you find someplace else to stay OR RISK HAVING NO WATER to wash your hands in the middle of a pandemic! UPDATE: Upon check-out we received an approximate 15% refund from the managers. During our family stay, the resort managers and all staff indeed did all they could to make our stay comfortable. This included setting up a private area in the main hall where our extended family of 10 could enjoy our own cooked Christmas lunch. Ice and fire-wood is also plentiful (for a small charge) which really helps. The breakfast at the resort really was delicious and consistent every day–full buffet style! For these reasons, I have updated my review to 4-stars for 'service' and 3-stars for the overall establishment. As mentioned before, the place is very charming and in a good location. I am sure that once the refurbishments are all completed (alleged for sometime next year) a 4 or 5 star review will be in order.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bruce S. 2 months ago on Google • 81 reviews New
    Stunning setting on the river bank with friendly attentive staff that really make for an enjoyable visit. Can't comment on the rooms as I've never stayed there. Breakfast is a real feast and comes highly recommended as a treat once in a while.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johan S. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a great experience. The rooms are newly renovated and the hotel is in the process of being restored. The changes to date were done properly and the future for the hotel looks promising. The buffet breakfast was on par, and some mornings better, than the best hotels in South Africa. We had a fantastic dinner and the oxtail was really exceptional.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T D. 2 months ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    Excellent service provided by the hotel staff and ground staff.They were super helpful and friendly. Comfortable rooms with access to river. Free use of kayaks - awesome! Peaceful and beautiful views. Great buffet breakfast.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed R. 2 months ago on Google • 127 reviews New
    It has been completely revamped. One of the best restaurants in town. Scrumptious breakfast. Perfectly positioned for the many well maintained walks in the area. Free canoes and you can braai by the river side.

  • 5/5 Carey da S. 1 year ago on Google
    We highly recommend this place! We had a last minute booking and were accepted with open arms. We loved it so much we extended our stay. All the staff (special mention for Carl and Rochelle) were super friendly and accommodating. The hotel is in a perfect location, on the stunning river with easy access to the pretty little town, great amenities, kid friendly and we found the rooms comfortable with everything we needed. The breakfasts were delicious! Thank you for an awesome stay, we cannot wait to come back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Elzabé B. 2 years ago on Google
    The Fairy Knowe Hotel is being revamped and the renovations are great. We did not stay there, but while camping at Ebb and Flow Rest camp just upstream from Fairy Knowe, we dined there on 5 occasions. They have pensioner's special lunch on Tuesdays: big glass of wine, main meal and pudding, all delicious.And on Thursdays they also have a special, often fish and chips with salad for R85. Generous portions and fresh salad. Definitely recommended eatery and rooms seem very spacious and many face the beautiful Touw River. Canoes can be hired.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Debbie D. 1 year ago on Google
    Spent 2 nights, lovely hotel and location. Service was good. Would definitely recommend Fairy Knowe. Dinner was super tasty, lamb curry was yummy, could have had a double portion- it was soooooo good. Staff super friendly and helpful.

  • 5/5 Ilene van S. 2 years ago on Google
    What an amazing breakfast! Thank you to the chefs for preparing our delicious meals with such care and to the beautiful, friendly service staff in the restaurant, thank you for making us feel so welcome and comfortable! It was such an enjoyable experience! We will most definitely be back soon! Ilene & Chris Van Der Schyff

  • 4/5 Nicholas H. 1 year ago on Google
    Good value for money in one of the best parts of the country. Rooms were very neat and clean and clearly the entire place was recently totally refurbished. Only complaint is no air conditioning in the room.

  • 5/5 Kevin J. 1 year ago on Google
    Thanks to the staff of the hotel for the fabulous service and great breakfasts. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Will be staying with the hotel for the rest of the year for business. Awesome see you soon.

  • 2/5 Charnél K. 11 months ago on Google
    We had our wedding there last year August and i must say; besides the staff being extremely friendly and helpful , we were extremely disappointed. We arranged that we would go in on the Friday morning to set up inside: neatless to say the floors were covered in dust (due to construction taking place when we were promised that it will be ready) , we had to gather the staff to clean up before we could even start the setup. A spit was the plan and arranged but this never happened; instead boiled meat and then roasted in the oven (bland). Staff confirmed afterwards that owner from day 1 said that they will not be doing a spit and just making us believe that a spit will happen. The potato dish was also undercooked. By 9 they ran out of coke and a whole lot of other drinks. By 10 they wanted to close the bar which lead to very unhappy wedding guests and us having to beg for the bar to stay open. Some rooms didnt have toilet paper, showers were blocked and the floors in the units were still dirty full of sand. We arranged to have warm plates for guest to dish up their food which also never happened. I left a list of complaints for the owner and asked that she would call me back to discuss all; to date i have not heard of her. Breakfasts served was also cold. Construction was still under way when we promised that it will all be completed. The whole wedding was paid up in full a week or two before the time. Yes i am only writing a review now (i was heavily pregnant 8 months at the time and well you can imagine how life carries away with you after having a little one) . Thinking back, especially about the food (specifically the spit that never materialized) It still leaves a bitter taste in our mouths. This was supposed to be a drama free special wedding day. CARL HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY AMAIZING!!!!!!! AND WAS SUCH A GREAT HELP. My back ground with travel and tourism, having to manage a resort and previously working at a 5 star luxury game reserve: you Carl deserve Great recognition for all your efforts.

  • 4/5 Marietjie P. 11 months ago on Google
    I booked a specific room, a month in advanced and explained that we stayed there during our honeymoon in 1983. When we arrived and booked in the room was changed why I didn't know and they could not explain. I was quite disappointed because it was our 40th anniversary. The rest of our stay was good.

  • 4/5 Eva M. 11 months ago on Google
    So well maintained inside and surrounds. Homegrown veg and fruit , good paths. Fine garden for photo shoots. Luncheon well served and delicious. Service excellent.

  • 5/5 Thelma S. 9 months ago on Google
    Breakfast is an absolute winner! The view from the room was breathtakingly beautiful & peaceful. The room was very clean & comfortable. Loved the dinner and can highly recommend the lamb curry. Loved our stay & will definitely visit again. ❤️

  • 5/5 Carine P. 9 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful place. Beautifully renovated. Great location and friendly service. Good base to see and do everything on offer in the area. Good meals available at very good prices. BOOK THERE.

  • 5/5 Gillian D. 9 months ago on Google
    What a location!!! Our spacious room had a spectacular view over the river and the bulrushes. The hotel is close to town, all the restaurants we visited were very good and luckily we had some great weather which isn't always guaranteed in Winter. The staff were great and welcoming and there is very good restaurant on site. Thanks so much for a lovely few days.

  • 5/5 zanne r. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a wonderful place to stay!🙌 All staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and nothing is too much to ask. We had a wonderful dinner and were treated like queens, our waiter really went our of his way to make us feel special, and after a long/tough week (and day of travelling) it is what we needed. Thank you 🧚‍♀️⛰ for always being our home away from home when we need to make this trip out!* (P.s for those who were wondering Knowe means a small hill! Super cute!*)🌟#magicalstuff

  • 5/5 Dena K. 1 year ago on Google
    This lovely old hotel is being beautifully updated. A beautiful location, dawn over the river veiwed from our bed was a delight.

  • 5/5 Antoinette & P. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely lovely! Rooms are beautiful and modern. Staff are so friendly. The gardens are stunning. We will definitely come back next year!

  • 5/5 Ursela P. 1 year ago on Google
    Had friends from London staying there, so popped over everyday. Had brains for which the staff were very accommodating in giving us dishes, cutlery, etc. The setting is perfect to relax in. They offer lunch and dinner as well if you wish to stay in. They have a nice bar to relax in with friends, with the sport to watch. Loads of activities, etc

  • 5/5 Lynn'e K. 1 year ago on Google
    An Absolute gem off the beaten track. Mostly only seen when driving by on the highway. Upgraded and turned into a place of serene beauty. Food is exceptional, hosts delightful. A must visit place.

  • 4/5 Gail H. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful setting. Lovely gardens. Outdoor activities. Very helpful staff. Older style hotel so a strong 4 stars and still a good place to stay

  • 5/5 Lallie K. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely the best. The staff was more than supportive with my father in law the food was 8star grading. Rooms more than comfortable. The vegetable garden is to learn from. Thank you

  • 5/5 jc3Dcx 1 year ago on Google
    Had a very nice lunch, Ox-tail. Meat was tender and delicious, easy to remove from the bones. Staff very friendly and helpful. We were a group of people attending a social event. Well planed and decorated.

  • 5/5 Su Q. 1 year ago on Google
    We were so impressed with the newly renovated hotel and all staff were so friendly and helpful. Our waiter Nkosi was top notch. Gardens are beautiful. We will be back. John & Su Quinn East London

  • 5/5 Rozanne H. 1 year ago on Google
    Some rooms dont have aircons in but cosy, quiet, peace & tranquility is guaranteed. Staff are wonderful people, such team spirit, the chefs are OF THE BEST & your meals will never disappoint you! Guaranteed! Management is on the ball & caters for your needs to the very best they can! Loved every moment, every day! Weddings can now be booked there, BEAUTIFUL scene & setup! You will NOT be disappointed!

  • 4/5 Andrew W. 1 year ago on Google
    Spent the night here. Rooms were great was a cold night and the heating was a bit slim partly due to load-shedding. Overall had a very good stay breakfast was great. Thanks

  • 3/5 April G. 1 year ago on Google
    This beautiful old hotel has had a face lift since we were last there in 2019 and it is beautiful. Gorgeous scenery, very friendly staff and a relaxed a tranquil atmosphere. We will be back next year.


Call +27 44 250 0300 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Lodgings nearby

Diaz Hotel & Resort image
1
Diaz Hotel & Resort
Hotel
Laid-back hotel offering a restaurant, 2 bars & direct beach access, plus a water park.
$97/night
4.30 (2.4K reviews)
Pine Lake Lifestyle Estate image
2
Pine Lake Lifestyle Estate
Retirement community
😠 It's one of the places I definitely won't see soon or again......! I had high expectations only to be disappointed by the poor and outdated facility chalets and that there is absolutely no or lack of better activities for the kids as well as adults to participate in and enjoy ...... Maintenance on e...
4.30 (2.2K reviews)
Santos Express Train Lodge image
3
Santos Express Train Lodge
Hotel
Simple dorms & rooms, plus wood-panelled suites, in a beachfront lodging housed in train carriages.
$22/night
4.00 (2.1K reviews)
Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa image
4
Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa
Hotel
Airy quarters in an upmarket resort offering international dining, an 18-hole golf course & a spa.
4.30 (1.8K reviews)
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge image
5
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
Lodge
Upscale escape offering luxe tents with decks and water views, plus free Wi-Fi & breakfast.
4.60 (1.7K reviews)
Last updated:
()