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Turbine Hotel & Spa, Knysna

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From241US$ /night
Check-in
25Nov2024Select date
Check-out
26Nov2024Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Th36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, South Africa, 6570

Situated on Thesen Island in Knysna, The Turbine Hotel & Spa is a unique boutique 5-star accommodation housed in a restored former power station. The hotel showcases original machinery as part of its decor, melding history with modern luxury. It is within close proximity to Knysna's attractions, including the annual Knysna Wine Festival.

Location

Thesen Island is conveniently located near key attractions in Knysna, making it an accessible base for exploring the Garden Route. The scenic drive to Storms River is nearby, which features activities such as bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge. The hotel provides easy access to local dining options, shopping, and outdoor adventures.

Rooms

The Turbine Hotel & Spa offers 24 individually themed rooms, featuring 17 Standard Rooms, 6 Luxury Rooms, a Honeymoon Suite, and 2 self-contained suites. Each room is designed to accentuate natural light and includes amenities such as a flat-screen TV, WiFi, and a fully-stocked mini bar. The hotel is divided into six distinct wings, each with decor reflecting different aspects of the surrounding nature and history.

Eat & Drink

The hotel features two dining venues: the Island Café and the Gastro Pub. The Island Café serves a diverse a la carte menu with options for breakfast, lunch, and gourmet dinners while overlooking the canals. The Gastro Pub offers a casual atmosphere with pub-style food and is ideal for drinks, sporting events, and social gatherings.

Leisure & Business

The Turbine Spa provides a variety of treatments including massages and facials, complemented by unique amenities like a Rasul Steam Room. For business needs, the hotel offers two well-equipped conference rooms suitable for meetings and events, along with a range of recreational activities from lagoon cruises to hiking in nearby forests.

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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
28 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Suite
Max:
2 persons
60 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Lake view
Shower
Coffee machine
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Luxury Room
Max:
2 persons
36 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre
Knysna 1.5 km
Airports
Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) 34.4 km
George (GRJ) 72.1 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's menu
  • Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Steam room
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Body wraps
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Location

Th36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, South Africa, 6570
Map view
Th36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, South Africa, 6570
Nearby
The Parking Shed
The Motorcycle Room
110 m
TH 2 Long Street Thesen Harbour Town
Jandreart Studio
110 m
Island
Thesen's Island
110 m
TH44 Long St
Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna
110 m
Shop Th24 Saffron Street
Scootours
110 m
Restaurants
The Island Cafe
10 m
Sawtooth Lane Thesen Islands
Tapas & Oysters
120 m
Thesen Harbour Town TH29 Thesen Harbour Town
The Project Bar
190 m
TH 28
Ile de Pain
220 m
8-10 The Boatshed Thesen Harbour Town
34 South
1.1 km
Waterfront
The Drydock Food Co
1.2 km
Waterfront Shop 1
O Pescador Restaurant
1.1 km
Waterfront Drive
Falcon Creek Spur Steak Ranch
1.2 km
Waterfront Dr Shop 29A
Asami's House
1.2 km
Waterfront Drive Knysna Central

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
82%
liked the hotel and would stay again
Friendly staff
Great location
Unacceptable noise levels
Limited dining variety
8.2/10
Great
Rooms
8.3
Location
9.0
Service
8.2
Dining
7.9
Guest reviews
8.2/10
based on 10 reviews
9.0
9.0/10based on 1033 reviews
Michael
United States, May  2024
7.4/10

Waking up in front of the mountains and lagoon at the hotel was a dreamy experience. The rooms were comfy and spacious, but the historical electrical components attached to walls and cupboard doors were a bit odd and took up valuable space. The small yellow bath duck instead of a plug added a touch of humor to the room.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were comfy and spacious with a touch of humor with the small yellow bath duck plug.
Service
7.0
The staff was very friendly and helpful, although I would have preferred them not entering the room without knocking.
Location
9.0
The location was fantastic with a range of restaurants close by and easy access to Knysna and the surrounding area. I didn't even have to move the car during my stay.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was really good with a nice selection, but I found it a bit unimaginative for the caliber of a boutique style hotel.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were satisfactory, but some modern updates could enhance the overall experience.
William
United States, April  2024
8.2/10

My stay at the hotel was delightful. The rooms were comfortable, spacious, and had everything you could possibly want. The hotel's history as an old turbine added a unique touch. The service was excellent, with friendly and attentive staff. Despite a few shortcomings like the noisy and smelly staff entrance, the location was perfect for my stay. The dining experience, while a bit unimaginative, offered fresh and satisfying options. Overall, a great value for the money.

Rooms
9.0
Staying in our suite was a dream come true. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room had all the amenities we needed.
Service
8.0
The staff went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. From replacing used breakfast items promptly to preserving historical elements of the property, their dedication was evident.
Location
8.0
The hotel's unique setting surrounded by waterways and private boat berths was truly special. However, the noise and smells near the staff entrance were a bit of a downside.
Dining
7.0
The dining options, although somewhat uninspired for a boutique hotel, offered fresh and quality choices without the usual breakfast buffet chaos.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel's facilities were top-notch, providing everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Annie
United States, April  2024
9.0/10

I absolutely loved my stay at the hotel. The rooms were lovely and clean with a stunning view of the water, but they were a bit small, especially if you get one behind the bar area with steep stairs. The location is unbeatable right on Thesens waterfront, offering beautiful views of the quays, and the attached restaurant was very good. The dining experience was top-notch, with fresh options and a great view over the lagoon. The facilities were excellent, making my stay very comfortable and enjoyable.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms are lovely and clean with a stunning view of the water, but quite small in some areas.
Service
9.0
I can't thank all the staff enough for their courteous and helpful service.
Location
10.0
The location is unbeatable right on Thesens waterfront with beautiful views of the quays.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience was top-notch with fresh options and a stunning view over the lagoon.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were excellent, enhancing my overall stay experience.
Alice
United States, February  2024
8.0/10

The hotel offers comfy and well-equipped rooms, spotless and well-appointed with exceptionally quiet and effective air conditioning. However, the historical electrical components attached to walls and cupboard doors serve no function and take up valuable space.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms are comfy and well equipped, spotless, and very well appointed. The aircon is exceptionally quiet and effective.
Service
7.0
The staff were friendly, especially nice in adding a bottle of sparkling wine for our honeymoon. However, they were not as helpful as expected and sometimes blamed the hotel.
Location
9.0
The location is fantastic, with a range of nearby restaurants and easy access to Knysna and the surrounding area. It's a perfect spot on the Island close to the waterfront.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was really good with stunning views over the lagoon. However, some food items like the biltong or bacon were not up to par.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities are in a former powerhouse and include about 3-4 restaurants, boutique shops, and a children's play area. However, the odd historical electrical components may detract from the overall experience.
Mary
United States, January  2024
8.8/10

The hotel offers a delightful experience with clean and comfortable rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and a fabulous location right on Thesens waterfront. The dining experience is impeccable, although some may find it lacking variety. The facilities are well-maintained, making it a great choice for a relaxing getaway.

Rooms
9.0
The room was comfortable and clean with a perfect view and lovely high ceilings and balcony.
Service
9.0
The service was incredibly helpful, and the staff ensured our happiness throughout the stay.
Location
9.0
The hotel is situated inside an old turbine company, but it's well-integrated into the island community and offers amazing views over the bay and surrounding area.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was good with a great selection that set us up for the day.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel provides a hot packed breakfast when needed and offers traditional Marche products. The facilities are top-notch and enhance the overall stay.
Donald
United States, October  2023
8.6/10

I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The rooms had lovely views of the lagoon, were spacious, and impeccably clean. The service was a bit lacking, especially when we had to carry our luggage to the suite ourselves and weren't informed about the lack of air conditioning. However, the location was unbeatable, right on Thesens waterfront with beautiful views of the quays and within easy reach of great restaurants. The dining experience was tasty despite limited options, and the facilities were modern and convenient.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious, well-appointed, and clean, with stunning views of the lagoon.
Service
7.0
The service was a bit lacking, especially with having to carry our luggage and lack of air conditioning alert.
Location
10.0
The location couldn't be better, right on Thesens waterfront with beautiful views of the quays and close to fantastic restaurant options.
Dining
8.0
Despite limited options, the dining experience was enjoyable and the food was tasty.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were modern and convenient, adding a touch of luxury to my stay.
Marie
United States, October  2023
8.2/10

My stay at the hotel was absolutely delightful! From the little extras like a bottle of champagne upon arrival to the attentive service from all the staff, my experience was top-notch. The room covered all our needs, making it a comfortable and memorable stay. However, the noise levels both nights were unacceptable, affecting my overall experience.

Rooms
8.0
I loved the little extras like a bottle of champagne when we arrived and some port for those cold winter nights. Room 201 was cozy and met all our needs perfectly.
Service
9.0
The service was impeccable, from helpful and friendly interactions with the staff to 5-star service and attentiveness. They made sure we were happy throughout our stay.
Location
7.0
The location is very well designed on Thesen Island. It's perfect in a very safe area close to a number of good restaurants and a short walk to the Knysna Waterfront area. However, the unacceptable noise levels both nights were a downside.
Dining
8.0
Dining at the hotel was amazing, beautifully presented in a beautiful pool deck setting. The restaurant offered very tasty options, though there could have been a bit more variety.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were modern and well-maintained, adding to the overall comfort of my stay.
Friendly staff
Unacceptable noise levels
William
United States, September  2023
9.2/10

I had an amazing time at this hotel. The rooms offered excellent views of the waterfront, making them airy, light, and spacious with a great bathroom. The service was top-notch, with helpful staff guiding us on activities. The location is both peaceful on the lagoon and close to the waterfront. Dining was a pleasant experience with fresh options. The facilities were fantastic, making my stay truly enjoyable.

Rooms
9.0
The room was lovely airy, light, and spacious with a great bathroom and view over the pool and waterways.
Service
10.0
The staff provided 5-star service and attentiveness, making our stay truly special.
Location
10.0
The hotel is peaceful and beautiful on the lagoon but still close to the waterfront, offering a fantastic atmosphere.
Dining
8.0
The dining options were a bit limited but the quality of the food was exceptional, and the views over the marina were spectacular.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were outstanding, and I particularly enjoyed the views from every window.
Joe
United States, September  2023
8.2/10

I had a mix of experiences at this hotel. On one hand, the room was spacious, covering all our needs, and offered a great living area. On the other hand, the historical electrical components attached to walls and cupboard doors were odd and took up valuable space. Being above the hotel restaurant made it difficult to sleep in due to the morning commotion of preparing breakfast.

Rooms
7.0
The room covered all our needs, but the odd historical electrical components took up valuable space.
Service
8.0
The staff was warm and helpful, but not as responsive as I would have liked. They did intervene and offer us a complimentary round of drinks, which was a nice touch.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location on Thesen Island is perfect for exploring Knysna with great restaurants within walking distance. The area feels safe, and the repurposed power station offers good facilities.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience was very complete and delicious. The buffet and cooked offerings were satisfying, and the restaurant served very good food.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were good overall, with some minor inconveniences like the noise from the restaurant below affecting the room above.
Albert
United States, June  2023
7.4/10

My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms, although not very spacious, were cozy and well-equipped with extras like a coffee machine and bar fridge. However, watch out for rooms on the second floor behind the bar area with steep stairs. The small balcony overlooking the pool was a nice touch, offering great views.

Rooms
7.0
Cozy rooms with nice extras and a small balcony with pool views.
Service
8.0
The staff was very attentive, friendly, and helpful both at reception and in the bar and restaurant.
Location
9.0
The hotel is unbeatably located right on Thesens waterfront, offering beautiful views and a chilled-out vibe with nice restaurants nearby.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was quite good, with fresh options and the ability to order from the menu at your table, although a bit limited.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel provides basic facilities, but there is room for improvement in this area.
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room