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Areena Riverside Resort

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

Photo gallery for Areena Riverside Resort

Traditional Chalet | View from room
BBQ/picnic Area
Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Traditional Chalet | Living area
Family Cottage

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Pet-friendly
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Room service
The current price is NZ$109
includes taxes & fees
13 Jan - 14 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
East Coast Resorts Rd, Corner of Glen Garriff Turn-off, Great Kei, Eastern Cape, 5259
  • Place, Kwelera Island Local Nature Reserve
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Yellow Sands
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, East London (ELS)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Plasma TV
Hairdryer
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Traditional Bungalow

Traditional Bungalow | View from room

Traditional Bungalow

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Plasma TV
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Plasma TV
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the area

Great Kei

At Areena Riverside Resort, you'll be 6.5 km (4.1 mi) from Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club and 7.4 km (4.6 mi) from Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Highlights at this hotel include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .A day of pampering can include massages, body wraps and mani/pedis. For a drink, you can stop by the hotel's own lounge bar. Enjoy the pool loungers along with access to segway hire/tours and zip-lining. Other amenities include Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. On weekend mornings full breakfast is served between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Places within a 15-minute drive of this 4-property class Great Kei hotel include Emerald Vale Brewery and Cintsa Beach.

What's nearby

  • Kwelera Island Local Nature Reserve - 7 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Yellow Sands - 7 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club - 10 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve - 12 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Cintsa Beach - 14 min drive - 10.2 km

Getting around

  • East London (ELS) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪KFC - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Governors House - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Clubhouse - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪KFC - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Tea In The Trees - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Areena Riverside Resort

Hotel in Great Kei with full-service spa and outdoor pool
Areena Riverside Resort offers its guests a full-service spa and an outdoor pool. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is available in public spaces for a fee.

Spa services, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the business-friendly Areena Riverside Resort. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Great Kei hotel.

  • 26 guestrooms or units
  • Conference rooms
  • Deli
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Areena Riverside Resort offers 26 accommodations with a hairdryer. Rooms open to patios. Accommodation at this 4-star hotel has kitchenettes with fridges, stovetops, microwaves and kitchenware and utensils.

Bathrooms include a shower. Plasma televisions come with satellite channels. An iron/ironing board and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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

Similar properties

Superior Double or Twin Room | View from room
Hotel Olivewood
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Parking included
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 7 reviews
The price is NZ$263
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan 2026
Hotel Olivewood

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 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 lift
  • 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
  • Hob
  • Kitchenette
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: ZAR 65 per pet, per night
  • Maximum 1 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • 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
  • Cleaning/housekeeping/linen are available for an additional fee

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

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements to bring your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

National rating

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

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

Is parking available at Areena Riverside Resort?

Yep, Areena Riverside Resort has a free self car park.

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

As of 16 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Areena Riverside Resort on 13 Jan 2026 start from NZ$109.23, including 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.

Are there any beaches close to Areena Riverside Resort?

The closest beach to Areena Riverside Resort is Bonza Bay Beach (13.9 km).

Is there a spa on site at Areena Riverside Resort?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Areena Riverside Resort. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials.

Does Areena Riverside Resort have a pool?

Areena Riverside Resort has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger.

What makes Areena Riverside Resort a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and a lounge bar, as well as private patios in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Areena Riverside Resort.

Does Areena Riverside Resort serve breakfast?

Yep, full breakfast is available at weekends from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Areena Riverside Resort?

No, Areena Riverside Resort does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Areena Riverside Resort?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Areena Riverside Resort?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM. Check-out time is 10:30 AM.

Reviews

Areena Riverside Resort Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 14 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Debbie

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
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

Travelled with family
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Stacy

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
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

Travelled 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