Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2025

Verified traveler

Alright

Cost was high for the standard. It needs a re vamp. It’s a bit old.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Jan 2025

Gert

Indoor pool

Great hotel with nice food and indoor pool

Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Dec 2024

Verified traveler

Breakfast not Halaal friendly

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2024

Susan

Wonderful view over Knysna and the golf course. Exceptionally comfortable and excellent and varied breakfast. Good dinner menu too. Would recommend

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2024

Marko

Simola in Knysna offers an exceptional experience, combining stunning hillside views of the Knysna lagoon with luxurious, spacious rooms and impeccable service. The property features world-class facilities, including a golf course and spa with a sauna and a heated pool, making it perfect for both relaxation and recreation. Dining is a highlight, with a fantastic menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and breathtaking scenery as the backdrop.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

13 Sep 2024

Alisdair

Simola is dining out on past glories and the impeccable golf course. The hotel needs a little bit more than TLC, maybe a bit of a refurb, and then a good cleaning and maintenance regime to keep it up to a high standard.

Our room was large, spacious and offered great views, that’s where the good ended. The carpets were stained. The patio doors had seen better days, with window gasket coming out, a glazing unit had failed. The shutters had chips. The shower had black mould in the tile grout and the shower head had not been cleaned in forever.

In the lounge area of our room, we put on the fire to help with the cooler spring night but the smell of the gas was too strong from the burning flame we had to put it out.

We used the spa, and as the heated pool was a little too chilly for us, we decided to go in the sauna (which was of a brilliant temperature) but as we went to sit down noticed a nail sticking up and a screw sticking out. We reported this to the spa reception who never seem overly concerned but said they would ask maintenance to check it. The windows in the spa offer great views but again could do with a good clean.

We ate dinner at the hotel and the bar and restaurant staff were very nice, helpful and attentive. The food was okay (we had Thai Green Curry). Breakfast was okay too and our soft poached eggs came exactly how we ordered them. The only issue was the door to the balcony being open letting the smokers air to come in as we dined.

Don’t stay

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2024

Cristina

Everything was great! I really enjoyed the property and the food!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2024

Martin

Incredible views and staff. A wonderful stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2023

Ibrahima

Amazing place.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2023

Verified traveler

Fantastic time

The best place in Knysna. The view, the space of the apartment and the service are excellent.

The only thing that the there is no slippers, no bathrobe, no iron and iron board (unless you request), the quality of soap and shampoo is bad. However overall it is fantastic and worth

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Feb 2022

WY

Golf Getaway

We enjoyed the golf, facilities, views, bird life, clean air and insect sounds. Overall fantastic place to stay. Will definitely return.

Areas for improvement- bedroom did not have wifi connection. Need recycling bins and full smart tv options. Twice food for room service was cold.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jan 2022

CHRISTINE

We had a pleasant stay at Simola because the staff is friendly and professional. The hotel also provides with many amenities (golf, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, bar, a few activities) so it's very convenient. The suites are spacious and the views were gorgeous. The breakfast is very good, rich, complete. However, we regret the cleaning wasn't up to the standards of the hotel and renowned golf course. Also the outdoor pool isn't heated though we couldn't enjoy it because it was too chilly, it's a shame for such a big hotel.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2021

Joao

A hidden gem

The experience from beginning to end was excellent.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2021

James

Brilliant

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2020

Jblaze9

This property was amazing, we were there for our honeymoon and the suite had everything — great views of the mountain and water in the distance, a gas grill for a cookout, a fireplace and full kitchen. We loved it.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Stunning with great views

Absolutely amazing. Rooms very spacious. Peaceful, tranquil and extraordinary views. Would definitely visit here again

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Well maintained Golf Resort with large apartment on a B&B basis. Good choice at breakfast in the main dining room. Evening dinner was very good and well priced. The views over the course and right out to Knysna Heads are terrific. Played a round of golf - tricky course but bunker sand was very shallow and hard. We got a very good room rate as the hotel had had a lot of cancellations from Asia due to coronovirus and were doing “specials”.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2020

Ashwinmalde

Friendly staff, good golf, clean room and happy to recommend Simola to others.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2020

Mark

5***** luxury

Amazing hotel beautiful rooms and grounds

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

The accommodation was fantastic - really good size and well proportioned rooms.

Spectacular views.

Fantastic golf course and when we were there, not too busy - book ahead though as there may be competitions on.

Very friendly staff, especially in the bar and restaurant ( evening meals)

Good quality of food if you decide to eat in the restaurants - nevertheless, very good self catering facilities also should you prefer.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Superb view nive executive one bedroom siute at the top

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2019

Nomagcisa

outstanding, enjoyed the facilities , would give 10/10 , would live to go back for longer period.


thank you

Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Fantastic place to stay, slightly away from knysna but we were driving so no issues, river club is absolutely fantastic

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2019

Iris

Knysna = Simola

Simola only place to stay in knysna
,

6/10

Pleasant

12 Aug 2019

Nico

Five stars - except the reservations department!

Wonderful property spoilt by reservation which went embarrassingly wrong. Group arrived with all wrong names, could not check in as a result and reservationist just blames Hotels.com. In fact, stated that she does not understand what I am unhappy about! Very poorly handled - not what you expect of this type of establishment.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2019

Darren

Stunning place

Loved our stay at Simola. It was more than we expected when we realised we were staying in a very spacious suite with a stunning view. The food in the restaurant was extremely good as was the service. The round of golf on the beautiful course capped off a great few nights.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Aug 2019

Feras

Need maintenance

Everything was OK but they couldn't fix the Cold water problem , the dinner at the hotel restaurant was not good

Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

The view and location. Execellent dining room, room had all amenities.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Fabulous location and beautiful food. Staff are excellent.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2019

Jessica

Amazing

Amazing hotel with some fantastic views. Rooms are very comfortable and staff always extra polite and friendly. Lovely vibe all around. Only improvement I could give is upgrade the pillows..

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful location, spectacular views looking down to tge town

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2019

pamela

Scales family

Enjoyed our stay very good accomodation clean and comfortable.
Breakfast excellent selection evening meal rather disappointed average food need to have children menu's far to large portion from main menu so wasted a lot.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2019

Oriana

Excellent staff

Visitors of other persons in the building shouted us awake saterday morning.? Children upstairs stamped on the floor saterday afternoon interrupting afternoon nap. Saterday was not restful.

Otherwise all staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The hotel and rooms is beautiful. Breakfast was good. Thank you

Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2019

Santie

Knysna halfmarathon weekend

Staff are very friendly and helpful. Amazing setting and accommodation

Friends

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2019

Duane

Knysna Half marathon weekend stay

The service was great, the room was awesome. The aircon didn't work though. Great views from the restaurant area. Amazing spa experience.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jul 2019

Shaun

Beautiful Hotel, Room & Views

The weekend didn't get off to the best start ... I specifically booked for a room with a balcony and view of the golf course, but was put into a dark, bottom corner room with a view of a garden wall. I did complain to the front desk, and after 20 minutes I was moved to a room that I had originally wanted/booked (coincidentally the same room as I stayed in the previous year). From what I understand, it wasn't entirely the Hotels fault, but they need to find a better way to handle their bookings and customer service. I should get what I paid for.
The new room was very nice, very clean and had the most amazing views. Breakfast was very nice, though they were very slow to replenish items that ran out on the buffet.
I will return again, and would recommend staying here, there are just a few small things for them to work on.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2019

Christian

Nice hotel with amazing views. Great breakfast. Good value for money

Family

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2019

Ian

5 Star Service

As always a great stay. Top 5 star service. Tracey, to you and the team , thanks for sorting out the room for us. Simola team as usual always on top of their game. This has to be the best golfing destination in the country. See you soon

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2019

Tanya

Lovely!

A delightful experience all round except that children are not permitted in the Spa -unfortunate for children who enjoy a little pampering!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2019

Pamela

Simola stopover

Excellent all round, a large lovely one bedroom apartment with everything you could possibly need other than a washing machine - but for this they offer a laundry pick up service . The restaurant food was very good , and we tried several different dishes all excellent and large helping i suggest you miss out on starters unless you have a Huge appetite! The breakfast which was included was a full selection of cold and hot foods delicious .

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Apr 2019

Kaley

The view is amazing

We wished we could have stayed here longer. Food was amazing, breakfast was one of the best, rooms are massive and modern, staff very friendly and accommodating, views are spectacular.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

What a magnificent hotel with fantastic facilities. We had a lovely relaxed stay here for 2 nights and the breakfast was perfect.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful setting a place that was 5* now more 4*

Views are spectacular. Rooms/Suite was well appointed. If the room was prepared for guests it would we top notch, but looked like it had been cleaned a couple of days before we used the room. The garden certainly needs maintenance. long grass and weeds in the beds. Patio hadn't been swept in a while and was covered in dead insects. There TV's need updating. I would not suggest this place for a family with kids for any period of time.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Simola is uniquely built on a hilltop with glorious views of the Knysna town and bay. Staff were remarkably polite and restaurant most accommodating for my son who specific dietary requirements.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

The ‘rooms’ were in fact an entire apartment, fully equipped for self catering including a deck with braai (bbq). Felt very new and was in perfect condition and spotlessly clean. The public areas including bars, lounges, restaurants were all very attractive. Stunning pool area and pool deck to have sundowners. Very good breakfast. Excellent value with Expedia deal.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

25 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

The hotel is well positioned with beautiful views. We thoroughly enjoyed their breakfast, it had a wide variety of options to choose from

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2019

Frank

We liked almost everything about this property. It is a little isolated but the view is worth it. Staff were great and well trained.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2019

John

Excellent stay at Simola.

This in my opinion, is a very good hotel. The accommodation was superb. Spotless, rooms, bathroom, lounge a joy. Kitchen everything you could wish for and a delightful patio area with a great view. Breakfast excellent and plentiful. Bar area comfortable and bar food very good. Restaurant food also very good and we thought very reasonable considering the quality of the hotel. Overall, just excellent. A very good stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2019

John

Wonderful break

We took a late booking and we enjoyed our three nights immensely. The suite was wonderful, the bedroom spacious and the staff were so friendly. The food was excellent. We can complain about nothing!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2019

Julie

High quality resort. 5* all round

An excellent resort hotel. Extremely comfortable with great facilities. Staff throughout were pleasant and helpful and contributed to a superb break.

Room was well appointed, golf course challenging and good of high quality and excellent quality. We had no complaints about any aspect of what was on offer and would strongly recommend Simola.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Great hotel with stunning golf course and wonderful views

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2018

Mark

Simola Hotel and Spa

Such a beautiful hotel and view. Staff incredibly helpful and friendly.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2018

Andre

Very good

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2018

Pamela

True 5 star establishment !

What a fabulous apartment - truly 5 star!
A little off the beaten track, but wonderfully quiet location , stunning golf course, views , and a fabulous breakfast - a treat indeed - we hope to visit again !

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2018

MR BB PETERSEN

Simola Review

Wonderful experience. Hotel should consider heated blankets and replacing gas grills, ensuring the the lounge gas fire is in working order. The Spa facilities were amazing except the Spa shower nozzles not in working order and unclean.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2018

Christian

Family holiday

Great hotel Modern rooms with nice views over the golf course 5 Star breakfast

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2017

Tracy

Great location and views

Stayed with family of 4 - rooms were large and very comfortable with great views. Really enjoyed river club and pool facilities

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2016

Patrizia

Great hotel at a great golf course. Excellent service

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Jan 2016

Sonja

Nice Golf Hotel

Check in was very unprofessional. She blamed us that the expedia reservation did not reach them and we can not check in. I did show her our confirmation and the hotel has to fix the problem. After a while she was willing to call the director and the situation was handled. Staff needs training how to solve such issues and not blaming the customer.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2015

Chris

Tranquil comfort with amazing views

Had a fantastic one night stay in a golf course facing apartment. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable with breath taking views. Breakfast was great and all the F&B teams went out of their way to cater for two celiacs (gluten free) in our group. Can't recommend it enough...only regret is I didn't get to play golf!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2015

MICHAEL

Must book the same for next time

Excellent in every respect, staff, food,and accommodation were super,not to mention the spectacular golf !! My wife and I stayed in suite 1A & B extremely comfortable

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2015

Debra

Fabulous!

Fabulous. Stunning hotel in a great setting. Amazing view. We would love to return there ......

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2015

BD

Amazing Knysna

Great venue and amazing food. Wifi appeared to be a huge problem. Hotel could not resolve.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2015

Frank

Top Class

Top class Hotel by all standards

Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Jan 2015

Verified traveler

Great facilities but inconsistent service

Beautiful surroundings and lovely facilities especially the river club. Service was not at the level expected for a 5 star hotel. For example towels not arriving at the pool after half an hour and two phone calls. A number of such service examples during our week's stay.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Dec 2014

Christian

3 lovely nights

Spent 3 nights at simola with family and we all spend great time in this lovely 2 rooms suite. Views really spectacular.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2014

Prinesh

Definitely worth a trip back

Great location, fantastic views and overall a 5 star venue.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2014

Jackie

Great location

The hotel was decorated superbly in a wonderful location, staff were friendly and helpful. Knysna is very beautiful.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2014

1gwestyda

top class hotel

As my rating shows every aspect of this hotel was first class.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2014

bill

Brilliant room and view

Lovely room with great views and golf course seems to appeal to older guests

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2014

Alex

One of our favourites

This was our second visit to Simola, and it is still one of our favourite places to stay. The best things are the sheer size of the suite (it's like a small apartment), and the wonderful views over Knysna. You are not couped up in a little room, so if you are looking for a place to stretch out when not sightseeing, you will be very happy here. The breakfast was great, and we enjoyed the spa - the heated pool also has views over Knysna. The room has everything you could possibly want, and is clean and very comfortable. My negatives are: once again the room was not ready on check-in, we had to wait until 630pm; the housekeeping was not consistently good (the weekend shift did a better job); some of the linen is starting to look a bit tired, but this is nipicking. Would stay there every time.

Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Dec 2013

Verified traveler

wonderful hotel. ..housekeeping very very poor and breakfast buffet sad for a 5 star hotel

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2013

Ed

Excellent accommodation

was really impressed, have played Simola a few times before, but never stayed over. Will definitely by my choice of accommodation in this area in future.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2013

Quatermain

I want to go BACK

Great service, friendly & helpful staff. Loads of activities and amenities. Beautiful views and surroundings, I must for nature lovers.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2013

alex

Fantastic room

The room was absolutely fantastic, more like a small apartment. Beautifully appointed kitchen, separate bedroom with full ensuite bathroom, and lounge with DVD player and surround sound built into the ceiling. We had one of the lagoon facing rooms, which have a fantastic view. The negatives were minor: our room was not made up when we arrived, despite it being off season and us arriving at 6pm. Also, the room service was a bit inconsistent in quality and timeousness. But not really issues, just comments based on the 5 start ratings. We had a fantastic stay and would stay there again.

Family