Reviews of Guest House The Lazy Lion
45 Circular Drive, Paradise, 6501 Knysna, South Africa
Loading
Guests also reviewed these properties:
How guest reviews work
Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We use a weighted review system which means that the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an Accommodation that you booked through our Platform if you stayed there or if you arrived at the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, please contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialise in detecting fake reviews submitted to our Platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we would publish every review we receive, whether positive or negative. However, we won’t display any review that includes or refers to (among other things):
- Politically sensitive comments
- Promotional content
- Illegal activities
- Personal or sensitive information (e.g. emails, phone numbers or credit card info)
- Swear words, sexual references, hate speech, discriminatory remarks, threats, or references to violence
- Spam and fake content
- Animal cruelty
- Impersonation (e.g. if the writer is claiming to be someone else)
- Any violation of our review guidelines.
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out, and we may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old – or if the Accommodation has a change of ownership.
An Accommodation may choose to reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (what language a review is in, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). If you like, you can sort and/or filter them (by time of year, review score, etc.).
We sometimes show external review scores from other well-known travel websites. We make it clear when we’ve done this.
Guidelines and standards for Reviews
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly without limiting expression of strong opinions. They are also applicable regardless of the sentiment of the comment.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include 'hate speech', discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, and the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options may be available (by type of traveller, by score, etc.).
Translations disclaimer
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
Loading...
Reviewed: 26 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 10 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewWe had such a fantastic stay at The Lazy Lion Guest House in Knysna. Ella and Ricardo were so friendly and welcoming — they really went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. The rooms were extremely clean, spacious and cosy, with the most beautiful views from the bedrooms — such a peaceful spot to wake up in the mornings. Breakfast was a real treat every day. Ella’s homemade granola was delicious, and you can tell how much care goes into all the little details. It was honestly one of the loveliest places we’ve stayed in — a great mix of comfort, warm hospitality and stunning surroundings. Highly recommended if you're visiting Knysna!
There was nothing not to like.
Reviewed: 9 July 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewVery friendly welcome. Hosts are lovely. The view from the balcony was amazing. Breakfast was superb.
Parking was a little tight.
Reviewed: 8 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewWhat didn’t we like! It is the place to go if you are in the area. The views, the fabulous breakfast, the comfortable bed, the great hosts and very capable staff, it was the perfect end to our holiday in South Africa. It was so good we stayed an extra night.
Nothing other than leaving.
Wauw, what a lovely review, thank you for this. And also for us it was nice that you stayed another night. Hope to see you two another time Regards, Ricardo and Ella
Reviewed: 8 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewEverything was perfect. The views were spectacular. Our hosts, Ella and Ricardo made us feel right at home. They were friendly and made sure all our needs were met. The beds were heavenly. The breakfast - wow - delicious, and what a spread. :) There was even a fireplace in our room - perfect for the winter.
Thank you so much for the nice review. We do the best we can to make it as plesant as possible for you. Regards, Ricardo and Ella
Reviewed: 10 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 2 June 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 12 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewBreakfast was delicious, the effort and thoughtfulness that went into preparing breakfast was amazing and always served with a great smile. The atmosphere was always warm and welcoming. The hosts and staff were friendly at all times and truly went out of their way to make sure the stay was enjoyable.
Thank you very much for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to have you as guests in our guesthouse and we are glad that we were able to give you a pleasant stay. On behalf of ourselves but also on behalf of our staff we would like to thank you. Best regards, Ella & Ricardo
Thank you very much for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to have you as guests in our guesthouse and we are glad that we were able to give you a pleasant stay. On behalf of ourselves but also on behalf of our staff we would like to tha… Show more
Reviewed: 12 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewBreakfast for veg was ok.not much to be expeted. Location is good.
More of veg breakfast shouls be offered.
Thank you very much for your nice review. It was a pleasure to have you as guests in our guesthouse and we are glad that we managed to give you a pleasant stay. We will definitely take your recommendations into consideration. On behalf of ourselves but also on behalf of our staff we would like to thank you. Kind regards, Ella & Ricardo
Thank you very much for your nice review. It was a pleasure to have you as guests in our guesthouse and we are glad that we managed to give you a pleasant stay. We will definitely take your recommendations into consideration. On behalf of o… Show more
Reviewed: 12 May 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewTHE ROOM SIZE, BALCONY AND STUNNING VIEWS INCLUDING INCREDIBLE NIGHT SKY FULL OF STARS , AMAZING BREAKFAST AND WONDERFUL STAFF. RICCARDO AND ELLA WERE THE PERFECT HOSTS, GOING THAT EXTRA MILE TO ENSURE WE WERE HAPPY DURING OUR STAY. WILL DEFINATELY COME BACK!
NOTHING THAT WE DID NOT LIKE REALLY, IF WE ARE BEING SUPER CRITICAL ITS NOT THE BEST WALK IN TO TOWN, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT BUT UBER WORKS REALLY WELL HERE.
Thank you so much for your lovely review and we are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us. It's always nice when our hard work is appreciated, that's the icing on the cake. On behalf of ourselves and our staff, thank you again and we hope to see you again. Best regards, Ella & Ricardo
Thank you so much for your lovely review and we are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us. It's always nice when our hard work is appreciated, that's the icing on the cake. On behalf of ourselves and our staff, thank you again and w… Show more
Reviewed: 30 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewGreat location and really enjoyed the stay and hospitality. Check-in/out process was a breeze. The room was comfortable and very nicely decorated; the view from the balcony was also nice. Enjoyed quality of food and personal touch of the breakfast served on the patio.
Nothing at all.
Thank you for this beautiful review and nice to hear that you enjoyed our guesthouse with the facilities and the way we try to please our guests. Kind regards, Ella & Ricardo
Reviewed: 29 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe owners greeted us so warmly and made us feel so welcome. The guest house is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. The view from the balcony is spectacular and there is a lovely pool with the two lazy lions statues. Breakfast was delicious; fruit smoothie, French toast and homemade granola in addition to the cooked options. There is a lounge with honesty bar for the guest’s use.
Nothing
Thank you for this beautiful review and nice to hear that you enjoyed our guesthouse with the facilities and the way we try to please our guests. Ella feels honored by the comment about the delicious and varied breakfast. Kind regards, Ella & Ricardo
Thank you for this beautiful review and nice to hear that you enjoyed our guesthouse with the facilities and the way we try to please our guests. Ella feels honored by the comment about the delicious and varied breakfast. Kind regards, Ell… Show more
Reviewed: 12 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewWe had the most wonderful stay with Ella and Ricardo. Great hosts and the breakfast was out of this world.
Dear Remy, Thank you very much for your nice review, we enjoyed having you as our guests and making you feel at home. Best regards, Ella & Ricardo
Reviewed: 9 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewFantastic2 night stay at the Lazy Lion. Facilities fantastic room pool and healthy breakfast options all freshly made . Our hosts so welcoming and friendly offering recommendations for visits to local areas. Nothing was too much trouble and they really made us feel at home! We will definitely be back😎
Dear Sue, Wow, what a great review, thanks for that! we enjoyed having you as our guests and making you feel at home, we did this with love and pleasure. We would love to see you again in the future! Warm regards, Ella & Ricardo
Reviewed: 7 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewAmazing hosts. Could not be more helpful. Breakfast was healthy and excellent quality.
Dear Peter, Thank you so much for your great review! We enjoyed having you as our guests and making you feel at home, also the varied and healthy breakfast was made with love and pleasure by Ella and the girls. We would love to see you again in the future! Best regards, Ella & Ricardo
Dear Peter, Thank you so much for your great review! We enjoyed having you as our guests and making you feel at home, also the varied and healthy breakfast was made with love and pleasure by Ella and the girls. We would love to see you aga… Show more
Reviewed: 6 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewExcellent facilities and a great breakfast. Ricardo and Ella were great hosts and gave good advice on places to visit. We would certainly stay there again.
Nothing
Dear Paul, Thank you so much for your great review! we enjoyed having you as our guests and making you feel at home, also the varied and healthy breakfast was made with love and pleasure by ella and the girls. We would love to see you again in the future! Best regards, Ella & Ricardo
Dear Paul, Thank you so much for your great review! we enjoyed having you as our guests and making you feel at home, also the varied and healthy breakfast was made with love and pleasure by ella and the girls. We would love to see you agai… Show more
Reviewed: 6 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe warmest welcome and Real care taken to do everything in the best way.
Dear John, Sometimes you don't need to use many words to say that something was very good. Thank you very much for your nice review. Warm regards, Ella & Ricardo
Reviewed: 4 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewRoberto and Ella are great hosts and very accommodating. The room was great with lovely views from the balcony.
Dear Conor, Sometimes you don't need to use many words to say that something was very good. Thank you very much for your nice review. Best regards, Ella & Ricardo
Reviewed: 2 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewHosts were phenomenal best welcome ever! Rooms were ultra comfy with spectacular views! Pool was delightful! Breakfast out of this world 😁
Nothing
Dear Alistair, Thank you very much for your nice review. We enjoyed offering you a good and pleasant stay and we're very grateful that you appreciated it so much. Best regards, Ella & Ricardo
Reviewed: 25 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewRicardo and Ella were simply the best! Extremely helpful, friendly and very passionate about what they do ! They treat their team extremely well and respectfully and very much went out of their way for us!
Nothing!
Hello Niraj, Thank you very much for your nice review and nice to hear that you have experienced our guesthouse, our staff and our care as pleasant. Kind regards, Ella & Ricardo
Reviewed: 23 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewGreat location. Spacious room with amazing view
Nothing
Hello Rico, Thank you very much for your nice review and great that you enjoyed it. It's also nice that you appreciated the swimming pool so much. We certainly hope to see you again sometime Best regards, Ella & Ricardo
Reviewed: 15 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewThe atmosphere was amazing, everything very clean, great breakfast and cozy bed. Overall very very good
Thank you for staying at our guesthouse and thank you very much for your great review and score We and our team wish you all the best. Kind regards, Ella, Ricardo, Rachel, Portia, Kevin
Reviewed: 15 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewThe Lazy Lion is amazing! Ricardo and Ella and their team go out of their way to ensure their guests have a first class experience. The breakfast, freshly prepared daily by Ella and using the finest ingredients was simply fantastic. I have never had such a light and fluffy omelette and her sugar free blueberry muffins were incredible. The Lazy Lion is spotlessly clean and the bed was extremely comfortable. The linens and towels are of the finest quality. The hotel is decorated and furnished to a very high standard. Situated just outside Knysna this small, quiet, intimate boutique hotel was exactly what we were looking for. Owned and run by Ricardo and Ella, nothing is left to chance and everything is just perfect. They are so friendly and welcoming and have great suggestions for trips, restaurants and shopping. We cannot rate the Lazy Lion highly enough and wish Ricardo and Ellen continued success with their hotel! It’s a 5 star establishment, don’t miss it!
Wow, what a wonderful review you have given us. Beside the great score, we particularly value your detailed explanation. Ella, but also Rachel and Portia blush a little from the compliment about the breakfast, this is of course the crowning glory of their work and that of course also applies to the clean rooms and facilities. We would really love it if you would come back to us again. We and our team wish you all the best. Kind regards, Ella, Ricardo, Rachel, Portia, Kevin
Wow, what a wonderful review you have given us. Beside the great score, we particularly value your detailed explanation. Ella, but also Rachel and Portia blush a little from the compliment about the breakfast, this is of course the crowning… Show more