If you are on an extended holiday and are considering staying for more than one or two days, THINK AGAIN!
From the outside the hotel looks worth its 3 stars. The reception area continues to deceive and the staff are very pleasant. Booking in is easy an you are whisked off to your room.
My room 217, was when it dawned on me that I had 14 nights to put up with.
Everything looked tired and in need of a lick of paint and a good overhaul. The beds made alarming noise as you got on or off them, loose slats. If like me you like some weight to sleep under you will on request be given a blanket. The wretched dull pink thing I was given had probably seen more birthdays than me. I used the blanket supported by beach towels in the end.
The bathroom/toilet was a nightmare. There is no bidet but a hose with a shower head at the side of the toilet bowl. One look persuaded me never to touch it, uggggghhhhhhhh! Shower it was then! On the floor of the shower was a tiny round piece of silver foil, presumably from a tube of toothpaste. Dear reader it was moved everyday! Proving the cleaner had swilled and mopped inside the shower stall. I wonder if it is still there! The sink plug operated by a lever at the back of the spigot didn’t work. Once I pushed the plug down it stayed down! Quick trip to reception who arranged a caretaker to sort it out. The next visit to the bathroom, lo and behold the plug cylinder was beside the sink! Showere it was then! Back to reception, another visit by caretaker, plug cylinder slotted back in bowl, not fixed just left in state of original disrepair. So just used running water, what a waste.
Outside the hotel needs a lick of paint, one day two men did come round with whitewash and give a skim of whitewash to the balconies, the stains were still there once it dried.
The swimming pool was in fairness well looked after. The pool attendant and his junior are very efficient and I watched them do a thorough job of cleaning it and it’s surrounds every day.
Beware the sun loungers, many have missing slats and protruding nails. Health and safety doesn’t seem a huge priority! The bar staff can be hard to find! And if you are all inclusive the recording of what you drink is confusing! Who knows how the ever get the sums right, but as no one cared why should I, but it is strange.
The restaurant is not up to scratch. All the tables are sticky, yes I know the climate doesn’t help, table cloths would!
Every meal would see patrons searching for salt and pepper pots from other tables.
The IS edible, but I doubt anyone would choose to eat out there, although some local families did. I know it is in Sri Lanka, but the vast majority of guests are European, so there is a selection of European food. Stay away from poached eggs, scrambled egg and watch very carefully if you get the duty chef to fry an egg for you.
Chicken dishes need a Health and Safety warning. The chicken is chopped into portions, causing mouthfuls of bone splinters. You have been warned! The Sri Lankan food is tasty, beware any thing with chicken.
Imodium can be purchased at the Pharmacy up the road by the bus station, the hotel shop doesn’t stock it. It is cheaper than in the UK!
The beach is pleasant and affords a good long walk, although the India Ocean is fierce! Make sure you only swim in the designated stretches, I shudder to think how strong the waves and tide are outside them!
Short stay yes, and eat out! Long stay holiday No/maybe but B& B eat out only
