De Saram House by Geoffrey Bawa

Wonderful experience to staying in the important architecture. The site is originally owned the De Saram bros. and given to the Bawa trust then became an accommodation for public. The building is renovated by Geoffrey Bawa, so it’s must visit for architects and designers. The building is in good condition, it’s not for luxury but for indifferent experience. The master staff is really nice and knowledgeable, he kindly showed me other rooms! I had a pleasant and precious experience here. Note: wifi and hot water is really good. Breakfast is international style. (non Sri Lankan) The main entrance is really deep from the street, you just ring the bell of the huge black gate.

We stayed in the De Saram House for two nights when we arrived in Sri Lanka for the first time. Our flight arrived very early in the morning so I also booked the night before so we could check in and sleep a bit as soon as we arrived. Our driver had a bit of difficulty finding the place, so make sure you get good directions. To me, the numbers on the entrance look "architectural", so I used that tip to find the correct entrance during the rest of our stay. Anthony and the other employee (I sadly forgot his name) were fantastic. They were available when needed, very friendly, and prepared and served a delicious Sri Lankan omelette for breakfast. The room was comfortable and spacious. While it did not have a mini-fridge, I was allowed to store my Coke in the kitchen fridge. The De Saram house is located close to a small grocery store, which made it easy to grab Cokes and snacks. I knew very little about Geoffrey Bawa (and architecture) when I booked this hotel, and enjoyed learning more about his focus on marrying the indoors and outdoors. I recommend this hotel if you're looking for something comfortable and different, and want to blend in to the city instead of staying on a touristy *****.

This was quite a rare experience: a chance to stay in accommodation which had been designed as a private house by the distinguished Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Charming open spaces as well as a pleasant bedroom, and breakfast was a stylish affair. It is near enough to reach supermarket and restaurants (after remembering how to find the rather hidden entrance back to the home). Recommended.

Very thankful for the chance to stay in a Bawa property. If you are interested in the architect's work, this is a great place to stay. Also, it is well located in the city to reach restaurants and other sites. Staff onsite were helpful and arranged for us to join the Bawa property tour the following day.

Geoffrey Bawa design absolutely charming. Staff very friendly and showed us around the vacant rooms which was a real treat. Fantastic breakfast in perfect surroundings.