Jana
Stayed for two weeks in September 2023. For starters, the host family at Talalla Freedom are wonderful. Helpful, friendly, adjusted to my food allergies, went over and beyond. Rs 250 for a pot of fresh tea. The pool is lovely and well kept, the view and access to Talalla beach is phenomenal (as long as you don't have any mobility issues. Beds are Sri Lanka firm but comfy. You can sit in a nice recliner with your tea and watch the monkeys walk by. The birds in the area are beautiful. Be aware that off-season the beach is not safe to swim and it isn't a surf beach. Air conditioning was a great asset and the wet room is large enough that when you shower you don't get the toilet and everything wet. On the flip side, the restaurant was taken out by a tree the day before I arrived so the menu was a bit limited (but food delicious and breakfast a real treat). The upkeep has been minimal and things are broken and many holes in the mosquito nets. Access to the resort is difficult and the laneway to the area gets terrible towards the resort and then turns to mud. Difficult for the tuktuks to maneuver so they charge you extra. The location gets a 9, the family a 10, the upkeep a 6. Don't touch the dog, it is not friendly.
