The Boardwalk Hotel & Spa

Port Elizabeth, Garden Route

Virgin rating

The hotel

Port Elizabeth’s latest edition, the 5-star Boardwalk Hotel & Spa looks set to become a future hot favourite! All rooms are ocean-facing and contemporary in design with excellent mod cons. There’s even a bijou balcony so you can admire your stunning surrounds to the full. Styled after boardwalks famous during the turn of the 20th century, the hotel exudes Victorian grandeur and, being on the Garden Route, it’s handy for exploring close by as well as further field. Chill out on golden sands or laze beside the gorgeous swimming pool, a good book to hand. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness centre for the body conscious and a full-service spa if you fancy a spot of pampering. A feast for the eyes as well as the mouth, the Boardwalk’s Asian-inspired sumptuous buffets are bound to be a draw for guests and locals alike, as will the relaxing ambience of the lounge bars, boasting an impressive wine menu. The Boardwalk Casino is a short stroll away from the hotel and perfect for a sophisticated night out, chancing your arm with Lady Luck!

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

In Port Elizabeth, on the Garden Route, facing the Indian Ocean. Transfer time from Port Elizabeth Airport: 20 minutes.

Hotel information

140 rooms. All with air-conditioning, balcony, satellite TV with pay-per-view films, telephone, high-speed Internet access, mini-bar*, tea/coffee maker, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, iron and board. Luxury Room with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Superior Luxury Room with king-size bed as above but more spacious, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. 

Junior Suite with living room and separate bedroom with a king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. 

Superior Luxury Family Room with a lounge and dining area, king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children. 

Luxury Suite is larger with an outdoor patio area, lounge and dining area and a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Kipling’s Brasserie. Tshawe Bar. Lobby Lounge. Swimming pool. Spa*. Fitness centre. WiFi access. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. 24-hour concierge. 24-hour room service*.

*Denotes local charge. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (396)
  • Very good (161)
  • Average (55)
  • Poor (27)
  • Terrible (21)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Horrible...could not wait to leave

Aug 5, 2024 Trav S

Probably my worst hotel experience ever taking into consideration I travel for at least 4 months out of the year. The Boardwalk had so much potential when it opened and I attended a tourism expo at the hotel amd everything was top notch. Now it is run with virtually no services being offered in the restaurant and staff seem to think they on… Read more
Probably my worst hotel experience ever taking into consideration I travel for at least 4 months out of the year. The Boardwalk had so much potential when it opened and I attended a tourism expo at the hotel amd everything was top notch. Now it is run with virtually no services being offered in the restaurant and staff seem to think they on vacation. Rooms are rundown and seem old in need of freshening up. Food is below calibre some of the worst food I have eaten in my life. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating So bad, it was funny. Very strange experience.

Jul 17, 2024 JetDood Leicester, United Kingdom

Bad points: We went in July, off season. The hotel had an odd vibe - over staffed yet under serviced. It was almost ghostly. Overall poor service. Surprised to find mouldy bread at breakfast. Told breakfast staff about the mouldy bread and they simply confirmed yes, it is mouldy but none of them thought it was their responsibility to do anything… Read more
Bad points: We went in July, off season. The hotel had an odd vibe - over staffed yet under serviced. It was almost ghostly. Overall poor service. Surprised to find mouldy bread at breakfast. Told breakfast staff about the mouldy bread and they simply confirmed yes, it is mouldy but none of them thought it was their responsibility to do anything about it. Many of the staff seemed to be work shy and not welcoming - actively avoiding helping and choosing to talk amongst themselves instead. They didn’t want guests sitting in the lobby which was odd. At one point we asked for a drink from the bar and they said they couldn’t serve us because they’ve lost the key! Lol - would make a great TV comedy show! The quality of toiletries, tea coffee, etc in the rooms was low budget. There is a games room (PS5 etc) manned by a guy who looks like he pulled the short straw - he was not happy to be there - or for anyone else to be there. Good points: This is a beautiful building which looks grand. It is well kept with beautiful furniture and is very clean. Comfy rooms and beds. Front desk staff were very professional and helpful. It has a breakfast room but no restaurant. They do have a bar that serves food. The bar staff were particularly welcoming and nice along with the very accommodating chef. Other individual staff were also great but the team work was missing. Remember guys, team work makes the dream work! Odd place, not a 5 star hotel. Its focus is on conferences and business guests with tourists more of an afterthought/inconvenience. Most of the staff seemed annoyed to have to be there?! Shame as it has a lot of potential. Maybe senior management should pay a visit. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Hotel lacklustre

Jul 1, 2024 Camper15780442137

A little disappointed at how the standards have dropped from last year to this year. Food in the Tshwane bar and service is so poor. The manager Mzi who used to be in the Bar and who was so good was moved to the Casino and the difference is felt. Hotel lacks attention to detail but staff does try. Think management should not call themselves 5 star… Read more
A little disappointed at how the standards have dropped from last year to this year. Food in the Tshwane bar and service is so poor. The manager Mzi who used to be in the Bar and who was so good was moved to the Casino and the difference is felt. Hotel lacks attention to detail but staff does try. Think management should not call themselves 5 star when they more a 3 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating stunning views, stylish rooms

Apr 13, 2024 nazlig63 Gauteng, South Africa

stunning views, stylish rooms, spacious hotel, friendly staff and delicious food, near the beach, casino and mall, we had a lovely evening at this hotel.Thank you for sponsoring Safta award winner Nazli George Aunty Ivy from 7de laan work soon to be seen as Ragel in Skemergrond on Kyknet
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An improved experience - well done

Mar 17, 2024 OneWayorReturnPlease Foz do Iguacu, PR

I have stayed at the Boardwalk at multiple times of the year for nearly 10 years. I have given the hotel some poor reviews in the past, however I am pleased to say that on my visit in March the hotel stay for 4 nights was very pleasant. Staff appeared more motivated and friendly, breakfast was more orderly and not the chaos which happened for… Read more
I have stayed at the Boardwalk at multiple times of the year for nearly 10 years. I have given the hotel some poor reviews in the past, however I am pleased to say that on my visit in March the hotel stay for 4 nights was very pleasant. Staff appeared more motivated and friendly, breakfast was more orderly and not the chaos which happened for too long. The hotel was clean, everything worked. There is a push to save water, my only negative comment is that the hotel has changed the faucets on all the taps which whilst reducing the throughput, also splashes/wastes water at the same time. It was also nice to see some of the staff I have got to know over the years still there. Hopefully this level of service and attention continues. Read less