aha The Rex Hotel

4.0 star property
Art Deco hotel with a 24-hour front desk and an outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for aha The Rex Hotel

Boating
Exterior
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Interior entrance
Food court

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
8 Gray Steet, Knysna, Western Cape, 6571
  • Knysna Waterfront
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Knysna Quays
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Thesen Island
  • Plettenberg Bay (PBZ)
    ‪35 min drive‬

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Room options

Standard Double Room

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Twin Room

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Knysna

Aha The Rex Hotel places you next to Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and within a 15-minute walk of Pledge Nature Reserve. This 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 54 rooms and conveniences like an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Knysna Waterfront - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Knysna Quays - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Knysna Lagoon - 2 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Pezula Golf Club - 11 min drive - 5.2 miles
  • Leisure Isle - 15 min drive - 5.2 miles

Getting around

  • George (GRJ) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪KFC - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Snobs Coffee - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪African Bean - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Persello's - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Lunar Cafe - ‬13 min walk

About this property

aha The Rex Hotel

Art Deco hotel with a 24-hour front desk and an outdoor pool
Guests of aha The Rex Hotel enjoy features like an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and free use of bicycles. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for ZAR 485 per person one-way. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with luggage storage, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. Other amenities at this family-friendly hotel include express check-out, laundry facilities, and a porter/bellhop.
32-inch LCD TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in premium bedding. Other standard amenities include coffee makers, safes, and phones.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

Afrikaans, English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free secured, covered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: ZAR 165 for adults and ZAR 83 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Lever door handles
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Art Deco architecture
  • Built in 2017
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: ZAR 450.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 500 per stay

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately ZAR 165 for adults and ZAR 83 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 485 per person (one-way)
  • Late check-out fee: ZAR 450.00 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 500 per stay

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-11:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Nearby construction work may cause some noise disturbance.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.
  • Parking has height restrictions.

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Rex Hotel Knysna
Rex Knysna
aha Rex Hotel Knysna
aha Rex Hotel
aha Rex Knysna
aha Rex
aha The Rex Hotel Hotel
aha The Rex Hotel Knysna
aha The Rex Hotel Hotel Knysna

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at aha The Rex Hotel?

Aha The Rex Hotel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at aha The Rex Hotel?

As of May 30, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at aha The Rex Hotel on Jun 9, 2025 start from $78.17, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of aha The Rex Hotel?

This hotel is located in Knysna, a short 19-minute walk from Knysna Waterfront and also 19 minutes on foot from Knysna Quays. You'll also find Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and Pledge Nature Reserve less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at aha The Rex Hotel?

Yes, secured self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Though parking is limited, accessible parking is also available.

Does aha The Rex Hotel have a casino?

No, aha The Rex Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at aha The Rex Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is aha The Rex Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including an outdoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Does aha The Rex Hotel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does aha The Rex Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, aha The Rex Hotel serves buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will aha The Rex Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at aha The Rex Hotel.

Are there connecting rooms at aha The Rex Hotel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How far is the airport from aha The Rex Hotel?

The closest major airport to aha The Rex Hotel is Plettenberg Bay (PBZ), which is 21.4 mi away (33 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at aha The Rex Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a balcony where guests can enjoy city or courtyard views.

aha The Rex Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 91 out of 160 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 49 out of 160 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 160 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 160 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 160 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Harald

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2022

6/10 Okay

Michael

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Enjoyed our stay

Great stay! The hotel seemed quite new. We had an issue where the air conditioning did not work but the staff were quick to bring a fan to our room. We didn't try the breakfast as the hotel was well located to access coffee shops and restaurants. Would recommend for a short trip for a location with great value for money.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant stay however, it would be great if there were more TV channels available.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Siyabonga

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Modern

Very good and modern
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Corne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021

2/10 Terrible

André

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stay away. Terrible service

Had an emergency’s and had to drive down to Knysna. Arrived at hotel, after I made a booking, and hotel was closed. Locked. Lights off. No one there. Absolutely horrible
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Logan

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rex Knysna

Extremely friendly staff, convenient location to waterfront, within walking distance
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Lufuno

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Pleasant stay

I had a pleasant stay, the room was neat and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good hotel, bad experience

The hotel looks brand new and even though the rooms are not so big, they are very comfortable and clean. The location is also great, walking distance to the Waterfront pier. We would have had a really good night of sleep if it werent for the extremely loud guests that started slamming doors at 6 am. Even though I called the reception to inform them, they couldnt handle the problem and the guests were still making a lot of noise until 08:30 when I gave up sleeping. The hotel is good but we had a bad experience.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A good property offering all that you require, I was there only one night ad it offered me a good nights sleep
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
AC did not work, wifi did not work. Concrete structure very loud
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location for exploring Knysna only a short walk down the Quay where’s there a lots of restaurants and bars to enjoy. Room was clean functional and bed was comfy. Parking was really good and safe. Breakfast was nice apart from the attitude of some of the waitress’s who were very grumpy and the worst we came across in our 2 weeks trip on the Garden Route. Overall a nice place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location, good breakfast and lots of parking. Just stayed here one night and would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Karsten

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Convenient

Modern hotel with a great breakfast. But lacks security control, anyone can get to the rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

4/10 Poor

Lauren, New York

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lobby seemed clean enough, however it is definitely a no frills hotel. I've learned through this trip to never stay at an aha hotel again. They are the worst! This was the only hotel that didn't offer us bottled water or breakfast. When I asked if they could at least fill up my waterbottle, she took it and filled it with sink water.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A wonderful stay.

We were a little sceptical about the reviews, however we had a great stay and actually booked another night. We stayed in a luxury studio, fabulous. Please note that the hotels.com map is WRONG for this hotel. It is near the Protea hotel and Waterfront Quay area. Recommend the Drydock and Bazala restaurants, both very good, especially the tempura crocodile tails!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Room was a lot smaller than expected.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Aha The Rex is a very nice hotel, located in the safe and cosy waterfront area of Knysna, in less then 5 minutes walk to the waterfront restaurants, cafes and small port area, a very touristic and pleasant side of Knysna. The staff was extremely helpful and nice, the breakfast was absolutely amazing, and the room (which was a standard) was very large, excellent to accomodate families with kids. The hotel has a secured parking and looks new, modern, and well maintained. Overall, despite the current 4-starts such hotel has, you will have the feeling of staying in a 5-stars hotel. We travelled as a family, with our 7 months baby, and had a great stay at Aha The Rex Hotel, a gateway to the amazing Garden Route. The entire drive from Cape Town to Knysna and back, through N2 and Route 62, was lovely and safe, and we highly recommend visiting the amazing Western Cape province.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The Rex hotel

Clean hotel,friendly staff,great location...everything was just perfect!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A little gem and great all round experience. A most hearty breakfast to set you up for the day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019