We looked in Trip Advisor before booking and are so glad we did. This was the nicest hotel we have stayed at, ever. That covers over 30 years of travelling. It was rather like staying with close family.

Aside from the 7* service, the property itself is located in a beautiful secure location on the outskirts of Knysna. If you aren't driving, they will take you into town and back for a few dollars. Manicured grounds and fishing/canoes available free of charge.

Exceptional breakfasts served overlooking the lagoon, out on the patio if you prefer, we dined in twice, candlelit with a high standard of cuisine/service.

The suite we enjoyed was outstanding, spacious and well equipped with underfloor heating in the bathroom and heated towel rail. Full turn down service with fresh towels, they came when we were at dinner, no door knocking/disturbance.

A free to use internet PC in the guest lounge area was also helpful. Our car was washed every day (a tip was appropriate and appreciated).

We stayed four nights and were sorry to leave.

We stayed in St James's in Knsya in March 2008, and had a terrific stay. It is located just outside of Knsyna. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable with TV, shower, bath. The rooms are very well serviced, the staff are lovely and the food is fantatstic!
If you have a car there is room for parking and they wash your car every morning. We found the concierage very helpful in giving us tips on where to go and what to do in Knysna and around.
Looking forward to going back soon!

We stayed here for four nights in late February what a superb place. We had a wonderful suite facing the lagoon, it was breathtaking. Our own lounge with comfy settees and a dining table plus TV, a large bedroom with patio doors looking out to the lagoon plus another TV and a beautiful bathroom. This is the place to feel special, the staff, the ambience everything makes you feel pampered. You are a short car ride to the Knysna Quays with some super restaurants ( try the Drydock). Its also in an ideal location to visit the surrounding area eg; the forest, Brenton on Sea, Plattenberg Bay etc.
If you want to feel spoilt this is the one.

There are no negatives about this hotel. We have stayed at many of the highest rated hotels in Europe, Far East, Australasia and the Americas and can honestly say the St James was one of the best if not the best. From the moment you arrive the hotel oozes quality - the glasses in the in room mini bar were cut crystal, the car was washed each morning. The restaurant was among the best we have eaten at in South Africa. In short - we would thoroughly recommend this hotel and hope to return before too long.