The Boardwalk
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Boardwalk Entertainment Complex

4.3
·6k reviews·Gqeberha, South Africa

A seaside casino and hotel complex offering international dining, shopping, and entertainment in Gqeberha.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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                  The Boardwalk

Boardwalk Entertainment Complex

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A seaside casino and hotel complex offering international dining, shopping, and entertainment in Gqeberha.

4.3
(6k reviews)

"The hotel's looks are definitely 5 Star, but a few things have changed since I was there last."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Budget-Friendly Stays

Look for deals! Some visitors snag rooms with free drinks, making stays more affordable. :moneywithwings:

📱 Modern Amenities Needed

Bring your own charger; rooms lack direct phone plug sockets. :iphone:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 6,330 reviews

Type

Hotel

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seaside Casino Thrills

Seaside Casino Thrills

Casino Floor

Try your luck at the tables or slots in a lively casino atmosphere, a central part of the Boardwalk experience.

Waterfront Dining Delights

Waterfront Dining Delights

Various Restaurants

Savor international cuisine with stunning bay views, offering a perfect spot for a memorable meal.

Entertainment Plaza Vibes

Entertainment Plaza Vibes

Sun Park

Experience the vibrant energy of this plaza, often hosting events and offering a lively atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

To avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience, aim for weekdays outside of peak holiday seasons. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer a calmer atmosphere for exploring the complex and its attractions.

Budgeting for Fun

While some TikToks mention affordable stays and even free drinks, remember that entertainment, dining, and potential casino visits can add up. Factor in costs for rides, shows, and souvenirs to make the most of your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You wont believe me i only spent R155 + free drink from my friend #theboardwalkhotel #uazola #fypシ゚viral #thingstodoinportelizabeth #portelizabeth #capetownplug #portelizabethsouthafrica #easterncape #goodfood #vibes #southafricantiktok #luxuryhotel #visitingsouthafrica #fyp #traveltiktok #foryou #vlogs
@azzcpt
6.3K likes • 156.2K views

💰 Budget-Friendly Stays

Look for deals! Some visitors snag rooms with free drinks, making stays more affordable. :moneywithwings:

📱 Modern Amenities Needed

Bring your own charger; rooms lack direct phone plug sockets. :iphone:

GQ/PE, we are counting down the days before we party on the 20th December at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino as we do Festive Fever GQ 🙂 This is the one and only Andrea Fortuin 🔥 To secure your seat, please book via the Webtickets link in Bio. #SME #fi6 #Festivefever #fyp #20Dec #Boardwalkhotelcasino #Webtickets #SAMA28 #2024
@simplified_me
3.7K likes • 65.6K views
Kemah is a city on Galveston Bay overlooking the bay Kemah Boardwalk is sprawling entertainment complex with waterfront dining and theme park rides Nearby the Kemah lighthouse district is filled with a variety of shops and restaurants #usa #usatravel #houston #kemahboardwalk #entertainmentcomplex🎡🎠🎢 #shahladestinations #shahladestinations_usa #shahladestinations_reels
shahlamattar
6 likes • 70 views

🚶‍♀️ Skip the Slow Lifts

Lifts can be very slow; consider using the stairs if you're able. :runner:

🏖️ Beach Access is Key

Enjoy the soft sand and beautiful sea views right by the hotel. 🌊

Sun Park entertainment plaza, at the Boardwalk Complex in Nelson Mandela Bay. #sharethebay #nelsonmandelabay #reelsinsta #gqeberha #ibhayi #gqeberha #portelizabeth #travelreels #reelsafrica #reelssouthafrica #instagramreels #instagramvideo #instagramreelsvideo🤗✌️ #instagramchristmas
jose_alvesjpalves51
2 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Budget-Friendly Stays

Look for deals! Some visitors snag rooms with free drinks, making stays more affordable. :moneywithwings:

📱 Modern Amenities Needed

Bring your own charger; rooms lack direct phone plug sockets. :iphone:

🚶‍♀️ Skip the Slow Lifts

Lifts can be very slow; consider using the stairs if you're able. :runner:

🏖️ Beach Access is Key

Enjoy the soft sand and beautiful sea views right by the hotel. 🌊

🍽️ Breakfast Variety

While some find breakfast lacking, others praise the fresh, tasty options. 🥐

What Travellers Say

4.3
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Reviews for the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex are mixed, with some guests praising its prime seaside location, clean rooms, and friendly staff, while others point to issues like slow lifts, inconsistent breakfast quality, and rooms needing maintenance. The complex offers a blend of hotel, casino, and dining, making it a popular spot in Gqeberha, though some find the overall experience doesn't always match its 5-star appearance.

"My first stay at the Broad Walk Hotel was very disappointing. The rooms were only fairly clean, and the patio door did not seal properly.
There were no facilities to plug in a cell phone directly into a plug socket, which is inconvenient for modern travelers.
The lifts were so slow that we often resorted to using the stairs. Breakfast was another letdown – the buffet trays were empty, the options for vegans were extremely limited, and items like the waffles, flapjacks, and roast potatoes were stale and dry. I also don’t see the point of signing a ticket at the breakfast entrance reflecting a price when breakfast was already included in our booking. The quality was so poor that by the second day we decided not to eat there again.
Finally, the entrance to the casino felt unprofessional. The alarm went off, yet staff still let guests through without any form of security check, which does not inspire confidence.
On booking out there was no mentioned of how was your stay. The staff smoking outside the lift by the car park underground which also has a stench of sour milk.
Overall, I cannot recommend the hotel based on this experience."

Clarence Boonzaier

"From the moment I arrived, the Boardwalk Hotel delivered a top-notch experience. The rooms are immaculately clean, stylish, and comfortable – a true haven after a long day. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always ready with a smile and quick to assist with anything I needed.

Breakfast was a highlight – fresh, tasty, and with a great variety to suit all tastes. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or healthy, they've got you covered.

The location couldn’t be better – just steps away from the beach and close to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s the perfect spot whether you're in town for business or a relaxing getaway."

Louis du Toit

"Traveling through the area, we stayed at the Boardwalk for just one night, and gosh, I really wish I'd been able to adjust and stay longer. I was actually so pleasantly surprised, the entire experience and setup was so much better than I expected. I truly cannot say a bad word. The bedroom was big and luxurious and the bathroom was STUNNING! Beautiful sea view and DELICIOUS Breakfast Buffet. They have a gaming room which, if my Son had been with us, I'm sure he would have loved. The heated pool is lukewarm, but definitely better than the usual icy pools. We went for a walk on the beach after Breakfast and it was truly one of the nicest beaches I've been on, the sand was so soft. We will DEFINITELY be back!"

Chantelle Rowntree

What People Like

Excellent seaside location
Clean and comfortable rooms
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Slow lifts
Inconsistent breakfast
Rooms need maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Boardwalk Entertainment Complex is located in Summerstrand, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering ride-sharing services is recommended. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex, including underground parking. However, some reviews mention slow lifts from the parking area. Reddit

The most common way to travel from Cape Town to Gqeberha is by flying, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive, but it's a long journey of over 7 hours. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the complex itself is generally free, allowing you to explore the shops and public areas. However, individual attractions like the casino, specific entertainment venues, or theme park rides (if applicable) will require separate tickets or entry fees. Instagram

The Boardwalk Entertainment Complex typically operates with extended hours, especially the casino and many of its dining establishments. It's best to check the specific operating hours for individual venues within the complex, as they can vary. TikTok

Yes, the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex frequently hosts events, including parties and festive gatherings. Keep an eye on their social media or local event listings for upcoming celebrations like 'Festive Fever'. TikTok

Breakfast is often included in hotel bookings at the Boardwalk Hotel. However, some guests have noted that the quality and variety of the breakfast buffet can be inconsistent. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Boardwalk offers a diverse range of entertainment, including a casino, various dining options, shopping, and often live events. It's a hub for leisure activities in Gqeberha. Instagram

While the Boardwalk has a casino, it also offers a pleasant environment for families with its proximity to the beach, dining options, and potential for events. The Sun Park area can be a lively spot. Instagram

Rooms at the Boardwalk Hotel are generally described as clean, stylish, and comfortable, with some offering beautiful sea views. However, some guests have noted that rooms may require maintenance. Reddit+1

Yes, the Boardwalk Hotel typically has a pool. Some guests mention it's lukewarm, while others recall it being heated. Reddit

The beach adjacent to the Boardwalk is often praised for its soft sand and beautiful sea views, making it a lovely spot for a walk. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Boardwalk features a variety of international dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, many offering waterfront views. TikTokInstagram

Some reviews indicate that vegan options at the breakfast buffet can be limited. It's advisable to check with individual restaurants for specific dietary offerings. Reddit

Guest experiences with the breakfast buffet are mixed. While some find it fresh and varied, others have found it disappointing with stale options and limited choices. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

The waterfront areas offer great photo opportunities with bay views. The Sun Park area can also be vibrant for capturing lively moments. Instagram

The seaside location suggests that sunset views could be quite picturesque, especially from the waterfront dining areas or the beach. Instagram

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Boardwalk Entertainment Complex (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide