i booked this hotel only 6 weeks before xmas and got a special deal with hrs.de. it was outstanding. our apartment consisted of 2 bedrooms both ensuite and a big living room open plan with kitchen. verandah to look onto lagoon and golfcourse. breakfast like every other hotel - good. the only downfall was that the bar was closed at around 10.30h , bit dead , when we came back from the knysna waterfront and needed a digestiv. meal there(in knysna) was terrible!

Having been ill-treated by an accommodation provider in Plettenberg Bay, we received a recommendation by someone in Knysna for the Simola Hotel. Without any prior booking, we (my husband and I as well as my parents) were given a ground-floor suite. It consisted of a very large double bedroom with huge en-suite bathroom, which was attached to an open plan fully fitted kitchen, dining room and lounge with fireplace. The lounge and both bedrooms had fitted flat screen televisions. There was also a dvd player in the cabinet. The living area led onto another adjoining double bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom. The main bedroom had large glass doors which opened onto the patio (with braai place) and garden, overlooking the Knysna lagoon. We had reserved parking in bay right outside our suite.
Breakfast (well-stocked buffet) was included with the suite, but could also be served in our suite at an additional cost if we didn't want to enjoy it in the restaurant. Only downside is that it was served quite early (7-10am) but is understandable as it caters for the golfing community.
Our entire stay was relaxed and pleasant. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, has its own golf course and pro shop (and hires out golf clubs), as well as spa, hair salon and sauna, so was the ultimate place to spoil ourselves! There are also helicopter tours for the more adventurous...
The hotel is located on top of a mountain/hill which is a stone's throw from the Knysna waterfront and lagoon, as well as ATMs, shopping centres, restaurants, bars etc.
Free wireless internet is available in the rooms. Service was mostly very professional and deserving of a 5-star status. There were a few minor points which were negative, but these were the fault of other guests, not the hotel staff. I would definitely return, as this place immediately erased the negative experience we'd had at a place in Plettenberg Bay that day, just prior to our stay at Simola. Thanks to all the staff for an amazing time back in South Africa, and for treating my parents so well. I will definitely be bringing them back here.

From the moment you do the reservation until you depart after your stay, you feel that special treatment.The hotel is located in the most picturesque part of the garden route with the most spectacular views. All the facilities are of a very high standard. Simola caters for all your needs, especially for a good rest in a very quite environment.The staff treated us very well and the involvement of management is outstanding.The golf course is well maintained and we love watching the golfers from our room.The SPA treatments were of a high standard and the rest of the facilities are well looked after. The dinner menue needs attention, especially to cater for kids and to offer a bigger variety at a cheaper price. We have stayed at Simola a few times and rate it as our best choice in the Garden route. Well done Simola !!!

An awesome Hotel experience as well as a Golfing revelation on one of the most well kept and picturesque courses in SA.

We experienced a well trained staff , very well appointed rooms and excellent dining. The views of the "Heads" from from the club house balcony ---- inspiring!