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Areena Riverside Resort

4.0 star property
Hotel in Great Kei with a full-service spa and an outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Areena Riverside Resort

BBQ/picnic area
Double Room | Living area | Plasma TV
Traditional Bungalow | View from room
Cottage, 3 Bedrooms | 2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, bed sheets
Outdoor pool, sun loungers

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
East Coast Resorts Rd, Corner of Glen Garriff Turn-off, Great Kei, Eastern Cape, 5259
  • Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Cintsa Beach
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • East London (ELS)
    ‪44 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Traditional Bungalow

Traditional Bungalow | View from room

Traditional Bungalow

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | 2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms | 2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Great Kei

Areena Riverside Resort places you within a 10-minute drive of Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club and Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. This 4-star hotel has 26 rooms and welcomes guests with a restaurant, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool.

What's nearby

  • Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club - 10 min drive - 5.0 miles
  • Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve - 12 min drive - 5.9 miles
  • Cintsa Beach - 15 min drive - 6.4 miles
  • Bonza Bay Beach - 26 min drive - 14.8 miles
  • Nahoon Beach - 27 min drive - 17.1 miles

Getting around

  • East London (ELS) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪KFC - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Wimpy - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪KFC - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Steers - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Heavenly Pancake House - ‬26 min drive

About this property

Areena Riverside Resort

Hotel in Great Kei with a full-service spa and an outdoor pool
Guests staying at Areena Riverside Resort enjoy access to a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and WiFi in public areas. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff can assist with securing valuables, dry cleaning/laundry, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this spa hotel include meeting rooms, an arcade/game room, and a library.
Plasma TVs come with satellite channels. Other amenities include kitchenettes, patios, and refrigerators. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

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

The onsite spa has couples treatment room(s). Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and body treatments.

Languages

Afrikaans, English

Similar properties

Property entrance

Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
7.0 out of 10, Good, 26 reviews
$49 nightly
The price is $56
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (ZAR 160 per day)
  • WiFi in public areas has a 1-device limit

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Weekend full breakfast available 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: ZAR 80 to 130 for adults and ZAR 80 to 130 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Archery
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Full-service spa
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Ropes course
  • Segway rentals/tours
  • TV in common areas
  • Ziplining

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • In-room kitchenette
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Trampoline

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Massage

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Plasma TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchenette
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:30 PM; Check-in end time: 5 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for ZAR 65 per pet, per night
  • 1 total pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation

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 full breakfast: approximately ZAR 80 to 130 for adults, and ZAR 80 to 130 for children
  • Fee for wireless internet in public areas: ZAR 160 per day (1-device limit, rates may vary)
  • Pet fee: ZAR 65 per pet, per night
  • Housekeeping is available for an additional fee

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; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. 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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Areena Riverside Resort Great Kei
Areena Riverside Great Kei
Areena Riverside Resort Hotel
Areena Riverside Resort Great Kei
Areena Riverside Resort Hotel Great Kei

Frequently asked questions

What can I see close to Areena Riverside Resort?

This hotel is located in Great Kei, close to Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club, and Emerald Vale Brewery. You'll also find Kwelera Island Local Nature Reserve and Yellow Sands nearby.

How much does it cost to stay at Areena Riverside Resort?

As of Jul 17, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Areena Riverside Resort on Jul 30, 2025 start from $55.03, 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.

Will I be able to park at Areena Riverside Resort?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa at Areena Riverside Resort?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include body wraps, couples treatments, massages, and mani/pedis.

Does Areena Riverside Resort feature a casino on the premises?

No, Areena Riverside Resort doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Areena Riverside Resort?

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

Is Areena Riverside Resort 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 Areena Riverside Resort have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Areena Riverside Resort have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Areena Riverside Resort serves a full breakfast on weekend mornings for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Areena Riverside Resort allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Areena Riverside Resort for a fee of ZAR 65 per pet, per night.

Does Areena Riverside Resort have connecting rooms?

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

How far is the airport from Areena Riverside Resort?

The closest major airport to Areena Riverside Resort is East London (ELS), which is 24 mi away (36 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Areena Riverside Resort?

Yes, every guestroom at Areena Riverside Resort comes with a patio with some featuring lake views.

Areena Riverside Resort Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 13 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Debbie

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We checked in after hours and the guest next door were very loud. They partied until after midnight and nobody on the staff are security told them to be quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

zamikhaya

Traveled with family
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Stacy

Traveled with family and small children
It is such a fantastic location and has so much potential but it needs a facelift.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very special place had our sister inlaw with us, who is from one of the local hotels, she was very impressed Met Abby the graffiti what an amazing experience. Low shedding happened every couple of hours wich i thought would impact our stay, but wasn't an issue. Loved and would go back if we ever come back to East London. You wont be sorry
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Franck

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aloma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Amanda

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Was a quick night on route home to PMB, So didn’t get to do much, restaurant was good enjoy the time we did have. Would definitely consider a longer stay next time
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved the surroundings but a bit disappointed with the en-suite accommodation not the fault of the resort I thought I booked into a hotel and not self-catering
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lars

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katharina

Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katharina

Stayed 1 night in May 2023