4 Star Hotel

Areena Riverside Resort

Corner Schafli Road And Glen Garriff Turn Off, East Coast Resorts, Kwelera, Kwelera, South Africa View Map

Areena Riverside Resort1/66
Areena Riverside Resort photo 2
Areena Riverside Resort photo 3
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Areena Riverside Resort

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About

Located 14 mi from East London, Areena Riverside Resort offers self-catering accommodations with views of wildlife and the Kwelera River. It features an outdoor pool and a restaurant. All Areena’s rooms and chalets include balconies, well-equipped kitchens and seating areas with TVs. There are private barbecue facilities available in each unit. Fine-quality linen is also provided. Guests can enjoy a meal in the riverside family restaurant, or watch a game on the large screen TV located in the pub. Nearby activates include fishing, hiking and canoeing. The resort’s trained guides can arrange cruises to the river mouth and beach. Boat parking is possible along the jetty. Free public parking is available on site.

165 Reviews

8.5Very Good
Cleanliness
8.8
Staff
8.9
Location
8.9

What Guests Say

  • “Words cannot begin to explain the experience:- Animals at a touch (of course respect to the gentle ones).- River of mysteries at a door…”
  • “It's a peaceful place, with sorts of animals around the yard.”
Show 50 Verified Reviews

Top Amenities

  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Free Parking
  • Spa
  • Accessible Rooms / Facilities
  • Pets Allowed
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
Show All Amenities

Room Options

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Exclusively for Priceline members Details

Standard Double Room1/4

Standard Double Room

485 sqft • 2 Single, 1 King

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Bath or Shower
  • Body soap
Two-Bedroom Chalet with River View1/4

Two-Bedroom Chalet with River View

808 sqft • 1 Queen or 2 Single

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Bath or Shower
  • Body soap

Room Details and Photos

Room Amenities

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    What Guests Loved

    8.5
    Very Good

    Based on 165 reviews

    Location

    8.9

    Cleanliness

    8.8

    Staff

    8.9

    Overall Quality

    8.5

    Pros +

    • Words cannot begin to explain the experience:- Animals at a touch (of course respect to the gentle ones).- River of mysteries at a door step.- Calm, serene ?, maybe cancel your Therapist...not medical advice by no means. - Truly an educational experience for the little ones, so many questions and excitement which they can talk about at school. - Very awesome GSD dogs, I wonder if they could give a puppy or two from the breeder.- From a wine bottle opener to an ironing board you will not have a problem, truly an awesome experience.
    • It's a peaceful place, with sorts of animals around the yard.
    • Comfortable spacious and clean

    Cons -

    • Two way street, WiFi but then again what are you doing in a peaceful space if you want to be still scrolling at the world ?.
    • The WiFi was too weak even in our suite ??
    • Nothing - maybe a provision of firewood?
    Business Traveler (6)Solo Traveler (19)Traveling as Couple (120)Family with Young Children (40)Family with Teens (1)Senior Traveler (2)Group Traveler (21)Total (207)
    10NyaniPosted on: 1-18-2026

    Words cannot begin to explain the experience:- Animals at a touch (of course respect to the gentle ones).- River of mysteries at a door step.- Calm, serene ?, maybe cancel your Therapist...not medical advice by no means. - Truly an educational experience for the little ones, so many questions and excitement which they can talk about at school. - Very awesome GSD dogs, I wonder if they could give a puppy or two from the breeder.- From a wine bottle opener to an ironing board you will not have a problem, truly an awesome experience.

    Two way street, WiFi but then again what are you doing in a peaceful space if you want to be still scrolling at the world ?.

    8SikhoPosted on: 4-28-2025

    It's a peaceful place, with sorts of animals around the yard.

    The WiFi was too weak even in our suite ??

    10BenitaPosted on: 4-23-2025

    Comfortable spacious and clean

    10ClairPosted on: 4-1-2025

    Location is amazing, stunning views, facilities were great

    Nothing - maybe a provision of firewood?

    8VuyokaziPosted on: 3-31-2025

    Lovely place, very accessible and very tranquil. The staff was great, reception and security guys. Very welcoming. We'll be back.

    7OwethuPosted on: 3-31-2025

    Ow the suit was comfortable , OMG the staff was freindly it’s such a therapeutic location. Except that we don’t have room service we need to clean rooms by ourselves, overall WE ENJOYED OUR STAY THERE.

    1ZeeliePosted on: 3-24-2025

    Peacefully ini the. MorningsThe touch far

    Being overcharge R800 for 2 peoe and the interaction with Abby was a wast of time. Abby was outside the area it's a joke and I will be posting this all over. Because 2 people interact with her on a game drive you get charge 800 but if someone else also boek then you pay 250 that U exemptble. It's a joke. I had more fun with Abby in the tough farm then outside. Don't LET THEM TAKE YOU FOR A FOOL. IT WAS A DISCRACE HOW THE TREATED THE WHOLE SCANAROI.PLEASE DON'T PAY FOR THE THE INTERACTION OF AS ITS SUPER k@K and you get lied to super super unhappy

    8YandaPosted on: 2-7-2025

    The staff were l friendly and helpful. The location perfexf t. We also thoughlly enjoyed the outdoor activities in the park and seeing all the aninals and the view.

    The shower/ bathroim and cleanibg arrangements. Rooms should be refreshed every day

    9SherylPosted on: 2-5-2025

    Wonderful place to stay, lots of animals. The giraffe interaction was amazing! The staff are all super friendly and helpful. Loads of activities to do and a lovely clean swimming pool to cool off in. Ended up booking an extra night...

    Rooms are really hot, even with the ceiling fan going. Spent most of our time on the patio.

    10TyrindaPosted on: 1-14-2025

    This is hands down one of the best places I have ever stayed at in my life! I cannot wait to go back. There is so much to do, not only within the resort, but in the area as a whole. We were blown away by the great service, the prices, the food at the restaurant was fantastic, top notch! Everything was really great, but best of all was meeting ABBY the gentle giant giraffe!! and hand feeding the sable. It was a real slice of heaven on earth!

    9KircherPosted on: 1-5-2025

    Beautiful, big room, with balcony to sit outside and read or listen to the birds. Beautiful surroundings and very peaceful. Braai facilities close to rooms were great. We had a very enjoyable evening stay over. The rooms are incredibly comfortable with all you need. Self catering facilities make it even better. I hope to pass that way again one day and stay again.

    Peacocks make an awful noise 24 hours a day.

    5NomfundoPosted on: 12-30-2024

    The place is well located with best games/ activities.The

    Rooms are not serviced yet it’s a four star resort. One has to pay additional service for servicing the room. Beds are not comfortable, need upgrading in the double room suites. Cockroaches in the kitchen that suggests lack of attention paid in infumigating.

    9TipsPosted on: 11-30-2024

    The restaurant has magnificent food and the waiters served me very well. However, their shower is too small.

    4VuyokaziPosted on: 10-21-2024

    To see Animals were friendly.

    The water was luk warm not hot, at the check in day, we couldn't even pick up the hotspot WiFi,

    8AbdullatiefPosted on: 10-18-2024

    I loved that we were one with nature, peacocks were at your door step , pool was peaceful beautiful. The walks we took the atmosphere was so nice people were so friendly! The drive on the quad bikes was amazing

    10SoniaPosted on: 10-6-2024

    Quiet and peace. The wildlife. Comfortable beds, soft towels. Friendly receptionists. Kitchen had everything we needed including large fridge.

    A large person wouldn't fit into the shower: it was tight for me, and I am medium height and build.

    5FelemPosted on: 9-13-2024

    Staff was very nice and helpful

    I lost my vape, I left it on the table and when I called they said it's not there

    8NobulaliPosted on: 9-7-2024

    Rooms and facilities

    No WiFi,Rides expensive and there was not a lot to see.

    10LiannePosted on: 8-27-2024

    We had the most beautiful view of the river from our wooden chalet. We absolutely loved the wildlife walking around and felt very close to nature.

    7MandisiPosted on: 6-25-2024

    Breakfast was not served when I was there, I was told that theres conference.

    I arrived after 5 pm after receptions was closed. You wifi vouchers should be in the room to ensure connection for your if in this situation. Lack of network was my biggest gripe.

    Amenities & Policies

    Amenities

    Swimming & Soaking

    • Swimming Pool
    • Fence around pool
    • Kids' pool
    • Outdoor pool

    Fitness & Spa

    • Spa

    Food & Drinks

    • Restaurant

    Transportation

    • Free Parking
    • Accessible parking

    Health & Safety

    • Health Services
    • Daily disinfection

    Accessibility

    • Handicapped Rooms/Facilities

    Kid Friendly

    • Family Friendly

    General

    • Pets Allowed
    • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
    • Themed dinner nights

    Guest policies

    Check-inAfter 2:30 PM
    Check-outBefore 10:30 AM
    ParkingFree parking is available.
    Children & Extra BedsChildren of all ages are welcome.
    PetsPets are allowed upon request. Charges may apply.
    Room RatesAll rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted.

    Important info

    Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions. Dear visitor, we're currently experiencing drought conditions within this region. Please be aware that certain properties will need to comply with local water usage restrictions.

    Location

    Areena Riverside Resort

    Corner Schafli Road And Glen Garriff Turn Off, East Coast Resorts, Kwelera, Kwelera