The Russel Guesthouse

3.0 star property
Beach location and seasonal outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Russel Guesthouse

Lobby sitting area
Double Room (en-suite 8) | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Outdoor dining
Seasonal outdoor pool
Fireplace

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
4 Jenvey Road, Summerstrand, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, 6001
  • Place, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Hobie Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

Family Room

  • 43 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Basic Double Room

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Room

  • 161 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Double Room (en-suite 8)

  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Apartment

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Located in Summerstrand, The Russel Guesthouse is a leisurely stroll from sights such as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Piet Retief Monument. This 13-room, 3-star guesthouse welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

What's nearby

  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Hobie Beach - 2 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World - 3 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • King's Beach - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Market Square - 7 min drive - 4.2 miles

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Something Good Roadhouse - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Angelos | Café | Shark Rock - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Barney's Tavern - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪KFC - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Ginger - ‬3 min drive

About this property

The Russel Guesthouse

Beach location and seasonal outdoor pool
The Russel Guesthouse features free WiFi in public areas, a seasonal outdoor pool, and refrigerator in a common area. There's free parking and an airport shuttle for a fee. Staff members can answer questions about accommodations, and also provide front-desk service during limited hours. Other amenities at this beach guesthouse include barbecue grills, a communal living room, and a reception hall.
Guests can expect free WiFi and LED TVs with satellite channels. Coffee makers and free toiletries are also standard.
Recreational amenities at the guesthouse include a seasonal outdoor pool.

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

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Direct access to the beach
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Communal living room
  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LED TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 7:00 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 ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

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
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply). 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:

  • The seasonal pool is open from October to December.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • 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

Island Vibe House Port Elizabeth
Russel Guesthouse Port Elizabeth
Island Vibe Port Elizabeth Summerstrand
Island Vibe Port Elizabeth House
Island Vibe House
Russel house Port Elizabeth
The Russel Guesthouse Gqeberha
The Russel Guesthouse Guesthouse
The Russel Guesthouse Guesthouse Gqeberha

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Russel Guesthouse?

The Russel Guesthouse offers free cancellation on select room rates. For specific requirements, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at The Russel Guesthouse?

As of Sep 27, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Russel Guesthouse on Oct 7, 2025 start from $57.68, 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's there to see within easy reach of The Russel Guesthouse?

This guesthouse is situated in Summerstrand within a short 12-minute walk of Piet Retief Monument and also 19 minutes on foot from Lighthouses Tenpin Bowling. You'll also find Hobie Beach and The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World within a short drive.

Is there parking available at The Russel Guesthouse?

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

Does The Russel Guesthouse include a casino?

No, The Russel Guesthouse doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Russel Guesthouse?

No, this guesthouse doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. The seasonal pool is normally open from October until December.

What do couples enjoy most about The Russel Guesthouse?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will appreciate amenities like a seasonal outdoor pool and a garden plus some accommodations include separate bathtubs and showers.

Does The Russel Guesthouse have a hot tub?

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

Does The Russel Guesthouse have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Russel Guesthouse doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Russel Guesthouse allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at The Russel Guesthouse.

Are there connecting rooms at The Russel Guesthouse?

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

Where is the closest airport to The Russel Guesthouse?

The closest major airport to The Russel Guesthouse is Port Elizabeth (PLZ), which is 4.5 mi away (13 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Russel Guesthouse?

No, at The Russel Guesthouse, there aren't any accommodations that list a balcony.

Reviews

The Russel Guesthouse Reviews

7.0

Good

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 19 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

David

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

2 nights stay and will go again.

The overall experience was good, all areas are kept clean and tidy and staff is really friendly amd welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Yes, very nice, would recommend.

The guesthouse was great overall. The room was clean, comfortable, tea and coffee provided, and the staff were really friendly, hospitable, and engaging. No backup power for loadshedding though, so the wifi dropped and the shower was cold. Not really their fault that there's loadshedding, but the lack of generator or emergency lights could be frustrating? Overall though a comfortable overnight stay and reasonably priced.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rodolfo

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

Recommended

Owner and staff very sympathetic and helpful. Conformable bed and nice neighborhood.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

6/10 Okay

Helene

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Gary, Port Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

Brad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Not bad for the money
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Elsabe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Spacious accommodation, clean and very close ro the beach and restaurants

8/10 Good

hleketa, giyani Limpopo

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

MY STAY

The stay was awesome and the facilities were great..it would hv been great if there was a heater in the room because it was soo cold..

4/10 Poor

Sibulele, Pretoria,South Africa

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

Comfortable Stay

It was a comfortable stay,close to all major amnenities and walking distance to the beach, resturants.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

2/10 Terrible

Boggenpoel , Hudson

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

Island style Summerstrand Port Elizabeth

The reception by Max Silver was atrocious to say the least. He was not very accommodating at all. It seemed as if I was a beggar at the gate. The ensuite was very cramped. The bedding was not ironed. The room wasn't cleaned on the second day of our stay. I didn't even receive a courtesy call or sms after my stay. I will definitely not recommend the hotel/guest house to any person I know. The experience was horrible to say the least.

8/10 Good

Zonia

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

4/10 Poor

Bad experience, Cape Town

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

No Bathroom, Noisy

Will never stay there again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
ビーチに近い素敵なホテルでした。 スタッフの方もフレンドリーで、ご飯も美味しく、ワイファイも問題なく繋がりました。 期間中に一度、ゲートの暗証番号が変わったことがあり、 滅多にないことらしいですが、もう少し事前にアナウンスが欲しかったです。
Stayed 17 nights in Nov 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Für eine Nacht annehmbar. Im Schlafsaal gab es aber keine Möglichkeit die Tür abzuschließen oder seine Wertsachen in einem Schließfach unterzubringen.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

Nicoly, são paulo

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness

stay frustrating

A estadia em si foi ótima, ótimo lugar, porem no penúltimo dia da nossa estadia demos falta de 4100 mil rands que estavam em nossos pertences, que foram roubados dentro de nossas malas durante nossa ausência, sem nenhum sinal de arrombamento. The stay itself was great, great place, but in our last day of our stay we notice that 4,100 rands was missed of our belongings during our absence, no sign of forced entry.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

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

Für eine Nacht erträglich

Hatten zu viert eigentlich ein Apartment mit zwei Schlafzimmern gebucht, aber einen einzelnen Raum mit Etagenbetten bekommen. Verwirrung beim Check-In ob das Zimmer bereits bezahlt war, dann nur Barzahlung möglich da, angeblich das Kreditkartenlesegerät nicht funktionierte. Alles in allem sehr enttäuschend und definitiv zu teuer für das Gebotene.

6/10 Okay

Maja, København

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

God og venlig service!

Vi blevet glædeligt modtaget og fik en fuld rundvisning på stedet. Stedet vil jeg mere betegne som et hostel end et hotel. Vores værelse var småt og sparsomt og der var meget lydt! Der er fuld funktionelt køkken og et hyggerum med bar og pool, så som nævnt, mere et hostel end et hotel. Til prisen kan det dog anbefales, også selvom det ligger en mindre gåtur fra restauranter og barer i Summerstrand.