Welcome to The Lofts Boutique Hotel – Knysna

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From143US$ /night
Check-in
10Sept2025Select date
Check-out
11Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

The Boatshed, Long Street, Thesen Island, Knysna, South Africa

The Lofts Boutique Hotel sits at the heart of Thesen Island in Knysna Estuary, offering a 4-star experience with a 9.0/10 Booking.com rating. Set within a remodeled timber frame of an old boatbuilding shed, this family-owned establishment combines industrial refurbishment with tranquil island living.

Distinctive Room Designs

The rooms at The Lofts Boutique Hotel feature unique design elements including artwork from local artist Jana Reynecke and bird guides specific to Thesen Islands. These rooms have doors opening onto a large north facing balcony with 2 sun loungers for you to take in the warm sunlight, while Exclusive Lagoon Suites offer uninterrupted views of the Knysna Lagoon.

Local Culinary Delights

Dining options at The Lofts include the world-renowned île de païn bakery and café known for artisanal bread and seasonal dishes. Nest Food Bar serves as Knysna's favorite waterside destination offering cocktails, snacks, and hearty dishes, while an Oven-Baked Organic Karoo Lamb Mince Bobotie with yellow rice, sambals & peppadew chutney represents traditional South African cuisine.

Relaxation Facilities

The hotel's sundeck area is protected from winds, allowing guests to lounge around the pool while enjoying lagoon views and watching sailboats. A large atrium with comfortable lounge areas and a service bar is open for guests to relax, watch sport or news or to sit and read, while Le Spa Tranquille offers pampering treatments including vichy shower scrubs, massage, and specialized facials.

Water Activities

The Lofts Boutique Hotel offers a complimentary seahorse tour that takes guests around the island, showcasing the best spots to find seahorses and providing interesting facts about these unique creatures. Magic Lagoon Charters offers cruises aboard vintage wooden vessels, including the oldest sailing vessel on African waters, while kayaking on the lagoon provides endless opportunities for admiring breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

Convenient Island Location

Located in the center of Knysna Estuary, The Lofts Boutique Hotel is 35 km from Plettenberg Bay and positioned within Thesen Harbour Town. Guests can experience local craft drinks at Knysna Gin and Redbridge Brewery in the industrial area, while cycling around the town offers a great way to explore at your own pace.

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Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
King Room Lake View
Max:
2 persons
48 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Standard Double Room
Max:
2 persons
28 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Two-Bedroom Apartment
Max:
2 persons
105 m² 
Bed options:
2 Single beds or 1 Queen-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A guide to all available transportation options

City Centre
Knysna 1.4 km
Airports
Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) 34.2 km
George (GRJ) 71.8 km

Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Concierge desk
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Barber shop
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Board games
  • Children's menu
  • Children's play area
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Plunge pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Pool with view
  • Make up services

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Location

The Boatshed, Long Street, Thesen Island, Knysna, South Africa
Map view
The Boatshed, Long Street, Thesen Island, Knysna, South Africa
Nearby
The Parking Shed
The Motorcycle Room
390 m
TH 2 Long Street Thesen Harbour Town
Jandreart Studio
390 m
Island
Thesen's Island
390 m
TH44 Long St
Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna
390 m
Shop Th24 Saffron Street
Scootours
390 m
Restaurants
Sirocco
220 m
Thesen Harbour Town Shop 28 Thesen Harbour Town
Tapas & Oysters
210 m
Thesen Harbour Town TH29 Thesen Harbour Town
The Island Cafe
270 m
Sawtooth Lane Thesen Islands
Freshline Fisheries
700 m
Railway Siding Dockyard Behind Tait Marine on way to Thesen Islands
The Drydock Food Co
950 m
Waterfront Shop 1
Cafe Mario
960 m
The Quays
Ocean Basket Knysna Quays
950 m
Shop21 The Waterfront
Falcon Creek Spur Steak Ranch
980 m
Waterfront Dr Shop 29A
Asami's House
1.0 km
Waterfront Drive Knysna Central

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
92%
said they enjoyed their stay and plan to return.
Great views
Helpful staff
Limited storage
Pricey dining
9.2/10
Perfect
Rooms
9.0
Location
8.8
Service
9.3
Dining
8.3
Guest reviews
9.2/10
based on 6 reviews
4.5/5 based on 611 reviews
9.0
9.0/10 based on 627 reviews
#8 of 31 hotels in Knysna based on Tripadvisor
Jonathan
United Kingdom, April  2024
8.8/10

I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The rooms had amazing views and lovely decor, and the furniture was very well maintained. The lagoon view from my room was breathtaking. The service was top-notch, with staff going above and beyond to ensure our comfort and making arrangements quickly. The location on the beautiful little island was perfect, just a stone's throw away from stores and restaurants. Dining, with the voucher provided, was a delicious experience with exceptional wine choices. The facilities were excellent, and I truly enjoyed every moment.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms with great views were beautifully decorated and well-maintained.
Service
9.0
The staff made sure we had every possible comfort and service, even helping with late check-in and check-out.
Location
9.0
The hotel's position on an island just outside the town was convenient and near stores and restaurants.
Dining
8.0
Dining with the provided voucher was a delightful experience, especially with the excellent wine selection.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities at the hotel were outstanding, adding to the overall enjoyment of my stay.
Frank
United Kingdom, December  2023
8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The rooms were beautifully furnished and the breakfast in the lovely atrium with boutique shops was fantastic. The views from the hotel were breathtaking. The service was exceptional, making sure every comfort was taken care of. The location on the island was perfect, with easy access to stores and restaurants. The dining experience with wine was delightful, and the facilities were top-notch.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were very well maintained with great furniture.
Service
9.0
The staff went out of their way to ensure all our needs were met.
Location
8.0
The hotel's position on the island was ideal, near stores and restaurants.
Dining
8.0
Dining with wine was a highlight of the experience.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were excellent and added to the overall enjoyment of the stay.
Mark
United States, October  2023
8.4/10

The hotel offers breathtaking views of the Knysna Lagoon from the rooms with a big terrace, yet lacks storage space for clothes. The service is exceptional with helpful staff making arrangements for dining and ensuring a comfortable stay. Situated on the lagoon, the location provides easy access to nearby eateries. The dining experience is delightful with a voucher for wine at the nearby bakery. The facilities are well-maintained and add to the overall appeal of the hotel.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms with a view of the lagoon and a big terrace with magnificent views are a highlight, though limited space for clothes is a downside.
Service
9.0
The staff went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable, assisting with dining arrangements and late check-in and check-out.
Location
9.0
Positioned right on the lagoon, the hotel offers a prime location with easy access to nearby eateries.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was a treat with a provided voucher for wine at the nearby bakery.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities are well-maintained and contribute to a pleasant stay.
Great views
Limited storage
Brian
United Kingdom, August  2023
9.4/10

I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The rooms had a spectacular view of the lagoon and were spacious and cozy, plus the breakfast in the lovely atrium made my mornings extra special. The service was top-notch, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure my comfort. The location was ideal, close to charming boutique shops and offering stunning views of the lagoon. The dining experience was delightful, especially dining on the water with a glass of wine. The facilities were fantastic, and I truly felt like I got great value for my money.

Rooms
10.0
My room with a big terrace offered a wonderful view of the lagoon; it was a dream to wake up to such a sight each morning.
Service
10.0
The staff made sure I had every possible comfort and service during my stay, from late check-in to arranging my transportation to other restaurants. They really went above and beyond.
Location
9.0
The hotel is perfectly situated on an island just outside the town, providing a peaceful and scenic environment with easy access to great restaurants nearby.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience was a highlight of my stay, especially enjoying a meal on the water with a glass of wine; it was truly memorable.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were excellent, enhancing my overall experience and adding to the value I felt I received from my stay.
scenic view
limited dining options
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10Sept2025Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room