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Fairy Knowe Hotel Wilderness, Wilderness

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From99US$ /night
Check-in
01Apr2025Select date
Check-out
02Apr2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Dumbleton Road, Wilderness, South Africa, 6560

The Fairy Knowe Hotel, known as 'the grand dame' of Wilderness, has been welcoming guests since 1924. Located on the banks of the Touw River, it is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, reed beds, and diverse wildlife, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts. With over 280 bird species, including the regular Knysna Loerie, it is a birdwatcher's paradise. The hotel's rich history and picturesque setting make it a significant landmark in the Wilderness area.

Location

Situated 18.5 miles from George, the Fairy Knowe Hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring the Garden Route. The area boasts pristine beaches, indigenous forests, and world-class golf courses. Local attractions, including hiking trails and organic farmers markets, are all within a short drive. The hotel's connection to the Wilderness National Park enhances its appeal for nature and adventure lovers.

Rooms

The Fairy Knowe Hotel offers comfortable guest rooms that include king beds convertible to twin beds. Each room features a private bathroom with either a walk-in shower or a shower over the bath. Many rooms provide views of the river, enhancing the stay with scenic beauty. Facilities such as free WiFi, coffee and tea-making amenities, a TV with open-view channels, and a bar fridge are also available.

Eat & Drink

The hotel's Amare Vita restaurant serves a 5-star buffet breakfast daily, along with light lunches and a three-course dinner. Guests can enjoy dining on the deck amidst beautiful gardens, making for a relaxing atmosphere. Specialty offerings include traditional high teas for groups and special lunch options for pensioners. The restaurant's diverse menu enhances the guests' culinary experience.

Leisure & Business

Guests can indulge in various leisure activities, including canoeing on the Touw River, exploring trails leading to the Wilderness village, and enjoying the hotel’s gardens. The hotel provides facilities for meetings, weddings, and other functions, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Additional amenities include a yoga studio and a bird hide for wildlife enthusiasts.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
Max:
2 persons
18 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Garden view
Shower
Bathtub
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Family Room
Max:
2 persons
18 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Garden view
Shower
Bathtub
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Standard Room
Max:
2 persons
18 m² 
Bed options:
2 Queen Size Beds
River view
Shower
Bathtub
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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center
Wilderness 1.1 mi
Airports
George (GRJ) 16.7 mi
Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) 50.5 mi

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
What’s included

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Baggage storage
  • Fireplace
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Yoga class

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Board games
  • Children's menu
  • Children's pool

Spa & Leisure

  • Plunge pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Shallow end

Room features

  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Location

Dumbleton Road, Wilderness, South Africa, 6560
Map view
Dumbleton Road, Wilderness, South Africa, 6560
Nearby
Parks
Parks
1600 ft
Restaurants
Joplin's
2.1 mi
Restaurant
Serendipity Restaurant
3800 ft
Freesia Avenue

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
84%
liked the hotel and would stay again
Stunning balcony.
Beautiful river view.
Outdated initial appearance.
Limited dining variety.
8.4/10
Great
Rooms
7.5
Location
9.3
Service
8.4
Dining
7.3
Guest reviews
8.4/10
based on 35 reviews
3.5/5 based on 742 reviews
8.5
8.5/10 based on 943 reviews
#34 of 79 B&Bs / Inns in Wilderness based on Tripadvisor
Hudson
United Kingdom, January  2025
8.4/10

The hotel offers breathtaking views and is great for traveling with kids, but the rooms can get sandy due to the surrounding areas, which is a bit of a downside. The service was superb and very friendly, and the location by the river is quite lovely, although the hotel itself seems a bit outdated. Overall, it’s a decent place, but some areas need improvement.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms featured breathtaking views and were perfect for families, but they tended to get dirty easily from the sand and dust brought in from outside. Privacy could also be an issue since we shared a balcony with three other rooms.
Service
10.0
The service was absolutely superb; the staff went above and beyond, even saving several clients during our hiking and canoeing adventures. They were always friendly and accommodating.
Location
7.0
The hotel is situated on the banks of the river, right in the middle of protected wetlands, which is great for birding and paddling. However, the location isn't quite as appealing as it appears in the listings, and the parking situation could be improved.
Dining
8.0
Dining was excellent, featuring lovely selections like muffins and Danish pastries, though they could improve on some details like the salt containers having rust.
Facilities
7.0
Facilities were decent, offering everything we needed, but nothing particularly luxurious or modern.
Rowan
United Kingdom, January  2025
6.8/10

I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The location was absolutely amazing, right on the river where I could enjoy kayaking and nature trails. The rooms were comfortable and neat, but they changed my room without any prior notification, which was a bit frustrating. While the service had some friendly staff, I encountered one rude team member during breakfast. Overall, great location but some areas need improvement.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were comfortable and neat, but I was unhappy that my room changed without any notice.
Service
6.0
The staff were mostly friendly and helpful, but I had a negative interaction with one rude staff member at breakfast.
Location
10.0
I loved the location! It was right on the river, perfect for kayaking and hiking to the nearby waterfall.
Dining
6.0
Dining was decent overall, but some meals weren't up to standard, and there were delays.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities were basic and nothing extravagant.
Florence
United Kingdom, December  2024
9.4/10

The Fairy Knowe Hotel offers a lovely stay with its clean rooms and beautiful river views. The staff is friendly and helpful, making the experience even better. However, the dining could use some improvement as my meal took too long and was undercooked. Overall, a great value for money considering its charming location and facilities.

Rooms
8.0
My room was lovely, very clean, and had a beautiful view of the river. Although it got quite cold at night without air conditioning or a heater, I can imagine it would be wonderful during summer with the sliding door open.
Service
9.0
The service was excellent, with friendly and helpful staff who even allowed visible piercings that seemed welcomed despite the typical guest profile. It was a pleasant surprise.
Location
10.0
The location was perfect for me, with stunning views of the mountains and the lovely sound of the sea in the distance. Being right next to the river made for great local walks and bird watching.
Dining
5.0
Dining experience was mixed; while some aspects were really good, my meal was confusing and unfortunately undercooked after a long wait.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were decent overall, with good amenities including a pool, canoes, and lovely trails for exploration.
Stephanie
United Kingdom, December  2024
8.8/10

I had a pleasant stay overall, as the hotel is situated in a stunning location with beautiful views of the river. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making my experience enjoyable. However, the rooms could definitely use some refurbishment, and despite my timely request, my room wasn't as conveniently located as I had hoped. The dining options were good but weren't as great as I remembered from previous visits.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were in need of refurbishment and felt a bit tired, although they did offer a beautiful view overlooking the river.
Service
9.0
The staff was very helpful and friendly, coming quickly to assist and accommodating with our breakfast orders.
Location
10.0
The location is remarkable with superb views and easy access to beautiful trails and the serene atmosphere of the surrounding Wilderness.
Dining
8.0
The breakfast was tasty and varied each morning, especially considering it was included in the reasonable rate.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were very attractive and well-maintained, including a swimming pool and canoes, making it excellent value for money.
Jessica
United Kingdom, December  2024
8.0/10

The hotel is priced reasonably and offers spacious rooms with a unique vintage charm. The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful, making my stay enjoyable. However, the cleanliness could use improvement as I noticed some dirt when I walked in with socks. Overall, it's a nice spot with a decent atmosphere, yet attention to cleaning would elevate the experience.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms are spacious and equipped with everything you need, plus they have some interesting vintage furniture from the 60s that gives it a nostalgic feel.
Service
9.0
The staff was exceptionally friendly and professional, always willing to help and even accommodating visible piercings.
Location
9.0
The hotel is located by the river, which is lovely and offers a sense of seclusion surrounded by nature, making it a great pick for relaxation.
Dining
8.0
The dining was varied with a good buffet style breakfast, providing all the essentials!
Facilities
8.0
The hotel boasts nice amenities like canoes and a gaming area, enriching the stay with fun options.
Jennifer
United Kingdom, December  2024
9.4/10

I had a lovely stay at this hotel, nestled amongst the trees by the river, providing a sense of seclusion. The rooms were beautiful and we were particularly happy with the comfort they offered. The service was exceptional, with friendly staff who were always willing to help. One downside was the dining experience, as some aspects felt a bit underwhelming and service was sometimes delayed. Overall, it’s great value for money and the location couldn’t be better.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, making for a pleasant stay.
Service
9.0
The staff went out of their way to provide excellent service, always with a smile and helpful attitude.
Location
9.0
The hotel is in an ideal location with river frontage and easy access to the National Park.
Dining
6.0
While the food was good for the price, service was sometimes slow and not ready on time as communicated by the staff.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities are well-kept and enjoyable, with a nice pool area.
Mick
United Kingdom, December  2024
9.4/10

I had a lovely stay at this hotel, which boasts a beautifully renovated atmosphere and spacious rooms. The staff went above and beyond to make my experience pleasant, and the location right by the river is perfect for outdoor activities. That said, the dining options could use some improvement, and the initial appearance of the hotel didn’t quite match the overall experience.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were newly renovated, modern, and spacious, complete with a stunning balcony that added to the charm.
Service
9.0
The staff were incredibly friendly and always eager to help, which really enhanced my stay.
Location
10.0
The hotel is ideally located with river frontage and is just a short distance from the bustling center of Wilderness, plus it's within walking distance of beautiful hikes in the National Park.
Dining
7.0
While the buffet offered tasty options, including delicious flapjacks, I felt the variety could be improved.
Facilities
8.0
The overall facilities were nice and well-maintained, contributing positively to my overall experience.
Stunning balcony.
Outdated initial appearance.
Christina
United Kingdom, December  2024
8.2/10

I had a lovely stay at this hotel, with spacious rooms that offered a beautiful river view. The service was really fantastic, especially when they helped me celebrate my daughter's birthday. The location is peaceful and ideal for nature lovers, just a short walk from the national park. However, I experienced a bit of a hiccup due to an electrical fault during my stay, which was a downside.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were nice and big, featuring our own balcony with an exquisite view of the river. I found them very comfortable.
Service
10.0
The staff were upbeat and very helpful, always bringing us the extras we liked. They truly contributed to creating a memorable moment for my daughter's birthday.
Location
9.0
The hotel has an ideal location with river frontage, just a bit away from the bustling center of Wilderness, and it's within easy walking distance to the kingfisher walks and 'Ebb and Flow' camp.
Dining
8.0
The buffet dinner was awesome, with nice staff around to bring you the extras. Everything was very well prepared.
Facilities
8.0
The maintenance of the facilities was impressive, and the overall amenities complemented the stay well.
Layla
United Kingdom, December  2024
9.4/10

The hotel is set in a beautiful location right by the river, making it perfect for activities like canoeing and swimming. I found the rooms decent but lacking in heating and air conditioning, which made my stay a bit uncomfortable at times. The staff was friendly and genuinely helpful, though I had a slight hiccup with the kids' payment that left me feeling a bit insulted. Overall, it's a good spot, especially for families enjoying nature, but there are definitely some areas for improvement.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were decent but lacked air conditioning and heating, which made them feel a bit uncomfortable at times.
Service
8.0
The staff was friendly and went the extra mile to assist me, although I had a confusing experience regarding the kids' payment.
Location
9.0
The hotel is perfectly situated by the river, offering a peaceful atmosphere and easy access to various activities like canoeing and swimming.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was quite good, with delicious homemade dishes that felt wholesome.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities are satisfactory but could use a bit more service overall.
Scarlett
United Kingdom, November  2024
7.2/10

My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The location was absolutely stunning, right on the river with plenty of activities nearby, making it perfect for a relaxing holiday. The rooms were spotlessly clean and comfortable, but they didn't match what I had expected from the pictures online. The service was a mixed bag, with some staff being helpful while others were less friendly, especially during breakfast. Overall, it offers good value for money, but improvements in service and room accuracy would elevate the experience.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were spotless and comfortable, but not what I expected based on the online photographs.
Service
6.0
The staff were generally helpful, willing to change our room, but some were not very communicative, especially during breakfast.
Location
10.0
The hotel is in a perfect location on the river and close to hiking trails and kayaking, making it ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was good and the meals were set up well for our drive home, but not exceptional.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were decent, but some areas like the lighting in the room could use attention.
Emerson
United Kingdom, November  2024
8.0/10

The hotel has a stunning view overlooking the river, and the location is truly excellent. The service from staff like Derick and Emma was wonderful, always accommodating our requests. However, the rooms feel a bit outdated, and there were diesel fumes that made our stay less enjoyable. Overall, it's a decent place, but there are areas that need improvement.

Rooms
6.0
The rooms had a beautiful view of the river, but they could really use an upgrade as they felt a bit dated.
Service
9.0
Service was exceptional, especially from Derick and Emma, who went out of their way to ensure our needs were met.
Location
9.0
The location is the best feature of the hotel, with quiet surroundings and partial views of the river.
Dining
10.0
Dining was incredible, showcasing delicious Sicilian products, and Anelisa's contributions made it memorable.
Facilities
7.0
Facilities were decent, although some aspects, like the air quality, could be improved.
Sam
United Kingdom, November  2024
9.0/10

I had a lovely stay at this hotel, which offers stunning views and a very peaceful atmosphere. The rooms were pleasant and clean, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. On the downside, the dining options were fairly limited. Overall, it felt like great value for money, especially with the little extras like free canoes available for use.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were pleasant with breathtaking views, and I appreciated the little extras like free canoes.
Service
9.0
The service was very helpful, with staff taking my luggage to-and-from my room, and they were genuinely friendly.
Location
10.0
The location is lovely and peaceful, right on the banks of the river and close to walking trails and the National Park.
Dining
7.0
Dining was included in the rate, but I found the options to be somewhat limited.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were nice, with a relaxing atmosphere, though they could use some enhancements.
Tony
United Kingdom, November  2024
8.2/10

I had a mixed experience at the hotel; it's nestled in a lovely, secluded area by the river, which I really enjoyed. The staff was friendly and accommodating, moving us to another room without any hesitation. However, the rooms could use some maintenance, as some lights weren't working. Overall, it’s a good spot for its peaceful location, but the room upkeep definitely needs improvement.

Rooms
6.0
The rooms need more regular maintenance to ensure everything works well, as one of the lights in our room was out. Although the sliding door allowed us to enjoy the sounds of nature, paying the price we did, I expected more from the room quality.
Service
9.0
The service was extremely helpful and warm. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, making our stay enjoyable.
Location
8.0
The location by the river is lovely and offers a sense of seclusion among the trees. There are good activities nearby like hiking and kayaks, which is a big plus.
Dining
7.0
The breakfast was excellent with a variety of options, but I found dinner to be disappointing in comparison. I'd recommend trying the fresh, made-from-scratch pizza though.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities provided a good space for relaxation, but they could use some updates to be more inviting.
Molly
United Kingdom, November  2024
9.8/10

The hotel has a great location right by the river, perfect for activities like canoeing or swimming. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but they do have a slightly outdated feel. The service can be a bit hit or miss; while some staff are super friendly, I had a frustrating experience regarding my children's accommodation fees. Overall, a decent stay with good value for money, but there are definitely areas for improvement.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms are slightly dated but clean and comfortable. They had a bit of a musty smell, which wasn't ideal.
Service
5.0
The service was friendly from some staff, but I had a difficult experience when it came to the kids' payment situation, which was quite insulting.
Location
9.0
The location is absolutely lovely, right in the river and close to unspoilt nature, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities.
Dining
9.0
I found the dining options to be absolutely delicious and filling, exceeding my expectations.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel has nice facilities, including a pool, which added to my enjoyment during the stay.
Arthur
United Kingdom, November  2024
8.4/10

I had a pleasant stay at the hotel, with lovely views of the riverside and a friendly staff that made the experience enjoyable. While the rooms were clean, I experienced some inconveniences with water leakage from the shower. The dining was another area that could use some improvement, especially with timing, but the breakfast I had was tasty. Overall, it’s a great location and felt like good value for money.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were neat and clean, but I had an issue with shower water leaking through the curtain and into the bedroom, which was annoying.
Service
9.0
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful; I especially appreciated the warm welcome and the attentiveness of the reception and cleaning staff.
Location
10.0
The location was amazing, right by the riverside with stunning views, perfect for a relaxing holiday while exploring the Garden Route.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience was tasty, especially the flapjacks, but my meal was not ready on time, which was a bit frustrating.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were good overall, but I felt there could be more amenities to enhance the stay.
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01Apr2025Select date
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02Apr2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room