Guest User
September 7, 2024
We recently stayed at this hotel, located about a 10-15 minute drive from Dambulla, and had a pleasant experience overall. Set across a large property, the hotel is beautifully nestled in natural Sri Lankan surroundings, providing a tranquil atmosphere. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by friendly staff, who offered refreshing watermelon juice and even a delicate white flower for my daughter—a lovely touch. Check-in was smooth, and our luggage was promptly delivered to our room. Our room was located in the main arrival building, spread across two levels, and was clean, with all the amenities one would expect. Though there was no bath, the shower worked perfectly, and we appreciated the two bottles of water provided each day. We stayed on a bed-and-breakfast basis, and after settling in, we took a dip in the infinity pool, which was never too crowded. One minor downside was the rather loud “disco beats” music played via the PA system during the day. It felt a bit out of place for the relaxing vibe of the hotel. That aside, the staff were always attentive and ready to serve drinks whenever we needed them. Exploring the property further, we discovered guest accommodation at the rear, as well as a scenic walk past a farm and cricket pitch leading to the river. The breakfast buffet was diverse, offering a mix of Western dishes (pastries, waffles, bacon, sausages, and eggs) and Sri Lankan options (curries, rice, and sambol), along with an ample selection of fresh fruit. Tea and coffee were also available. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant on two of our three nights, enjoying a similar buffet with both Western and Sri Lankan dishes. If you’re looking to explore local dining, there’s a restaurant across the road from the hotel where we had a delicious meal one evening—hoppers, egg hoppers, and chicken kottu—all at a fraction of the hotel’s buffet price. Be warned though, the portions are large and the food quite spicy! While there isn’t much to do around the hotel on foot, a short drive or taxi ride to Dambulla opens up more dining and sightseeing options. In the evenings, the disco beats were thankfully replaced by a musician playing a variety of Western classics on a synthesizer and guitar in the bar area, which was a nice way to wind down. Overall, this hotel was an excellent base for our explorations of Dambulla and Polonnaruwa. Apart from the daytime music, we had no major complaints and found it to be a comfortable and welcoming place to stay.