Name: Heritance Kandalama
Address: 11, Dambulla, Dambulla 21106, PO BOX 11, Dambulla, 21106, LK

4/10

Poor

11 Jun 2026

Bobby

Heritance Kandalama is set in a beautiful location and amazing lake views. Great hotel
Interiors and views. Unfortunately besides the panoramic view from our room, the actual room itself was lacklustre to say the least. Bathroom is outdated with no amenities. Room furniture seems like a hodgepodge of items put together. Mattress and pillows had a smell, a few stains and felt old. Called the front desk/operator on a Wednesday night at 10:30pm and no one answered the phone for 25 mins. We had checked in at 930pm and promised they would deliver our extra rollaway bed and it took 1 hour to get it. Buffett dinner and breakfast spread has way too many options just to make it look full but the quality of the food was 3/10. Overall 2/5

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

09 Apr 2026

Stacey

After all the hype of this property our expectations were not met. There appears to be a lack of attention to detail. Floor of our room was ‘grimy’ and had not been cleaned to the standard expected. Dirty bed linen and insufficient towels or water to cater for the number of booked guests. Breakfast was exceptional as were the breakfast staff. Wait staff in the pool deck were often hard to find. A fair way behind the competition

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2026

Antony

Lovely hotel in great surrounding. Fab infinity pool for Insta worthy pics. The food at the hotel was outstanding and by far the best buffets we had during our trip to Sri Lanka and definitely the best hoppers. The hotel is built into a rock. Some areas felt a little dated in decor and check in was a bit slow but this could be due to the large numbers of people staying at the hotel. The pool boys at the infinity pool were fabulous in helping us take photographs that captured the beauty of the area. The room was lovely and we had a fantastic view of Sigiriya and a jacuzzi with an outside view. Great base for exploring Sigiriya and the Eco elephant safari.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2026

Seiji

Perfect hospitality, cleanliness, foods and environment.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2025

Sean

Amazing hotel! the architecture and design make this a must see hotel and the staff couldn’t be friendlier. We really loved our stay here.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2025

Alicia

Amazing architecture and views. The grounds are lovely and the food is simply superb.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2025

Emma

Building and setting were lively but the comunal areas were lacking in atmosphere. There was no nice area for evening drinks which was disappointing.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Janani

Beautiful rooms set in the most gorgeous landscape. So much thought behind each architectural choice with exceptional service and delicious food!

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2025

Angus

One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. The Geoffrey Bawa design is stunning. Incredible views. Great location. Feels like you’re in the jungle. Staff were brilliant. The buffet food was delicious.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Rajika

Great location, ambience and service. Excellent dining options. Unmatched architectural setting.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2025

Ron

Wow factor and great service. Had the best swim of the year. Expansive hotel and facilities. The full board option was the right choice for us. Food quality and selection remarkable.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2025

Craig

A fabulous location and different hotel

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2025

Anantha Vybhav

Good property

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2025

Clifford

Amazing views. Fantastic experience. Friendly, professional staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2025

Jonathan

Stunning hotel, rich history and a great location. Wish the rooms had been updated with furniture that wasn’t so run down.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2025

Pablo

Great customer service,

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2025

David

The building’s design is fantastic and the main reason we wanted to stay there. It was built in 1994 and in parts it is starting to show its age. The food selection for dinner and breakfast was good and the taste was fantastic. The staff was friendly and helpful. I recommend taking the Bawa Tour to learn about the building. Another tip if you are a coffee drinker is to get an expresso or a coffee directly from the machine. The coffee from the jug from the food server is pretty weak.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2025

Steven

Jungle hotel!

Hotel isn't new but didn't matter. View from room, great staff and good buffet made up for it. Loved it.

Partner

4/10

Poor

13 Apr 2025

Olivia

This is NOT 5*, 4 at best. this is what I was expecting with the other reviews, cost etc.
it’s a great setting, built into the rock and stunning views to Sigiriya and Kandalama lake.
There are 20 broken loungers to share among 100’s of guests. The bar need some ambient lighting and comfy chairs to get some atmosphere. The buffet feels very canteen like, and getting a drink seemed to take half your meal time. Even though there are lots of staff around chatting. The room we had a suite our son on a put up in the lounge area, our bed but nothing other than a bench . Draws don’t shut, the bed and side tables mean you can’t open the safe cupboard. No plug sockets and the ones we found so close to the floor plugs won’t go in. Balcony is not worth it as monkeys are there. Shower overlooking the garden was nice ( after we asked for it to be cleaned so it splayed down which was done immediately) . Mini bar was a joke and filthy. Daily call to check everything was ok but hard to address the whole lot !! Very over rated and not value for money.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2025

Rhys

Stunning location. Brilliant service! Wonderful architecture!

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2025

Shannon

Loved our stay

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2025

WEI MING

Beautiful property, a masterpiece by Geoffrey Bawa, architecture hidden and surrounded by nature. Special thanks to Nalinda for the amazing architectural tour, and bird watching tour…was very lucky to spot an elephant by the lake which was a very rare occurrence!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2025

donald

Although this is an excellent review I have to say I was a bit surprised at the size of the pools. I like to swim laps but the pools were smaller than I'd thought. My fault, of course (lack of blueprints!). One pool seems to have been given over to the monkeys (lucky them!) which was interesting. But perhaps it was seasonal? Anyway, if you're expecting to swim laps lower those expectations and just enjoy the spectacular view from the infinity perspective of the pool....

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2025

Marvin

Amazing design of hotel that blends in to the beautiful forest and lake landscape. A truly amazing piece of architecture. The staff, food and facilities are top notch.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2025

David

Resort is built in a peaceful and serene location around trees, rocks and a lake with some breathtaking scenery. It would benefit from hiring staff with fluent English. Sometimes it was hard to get their understanding.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2025

Manami

The overall experience is on another level. The design and architecture are amazing, with lots of wildlife around the property. The staff are exceptionally professional. The food was excellent, with a wide variety of options, all of which were delicious. One tip: try to avoid the busiest times for breakfast and dinner, as it can get very crowded and noisy. Take some time to walk around the property and immerse yourself in the nature and architecture created by Geoffrey Bawa.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2025

Haruka

The architecture was superb with the hotel beautifully blending into the nature!
I think I had the best night sleep in this hotel as the place was so quiet and pleasant.
Also getting to see some monkeys freely wondering around the facility was very refreshing too!

The highlight was the infinity pool, which does not seem as impressive in size at a first glance, but once you dip in, you’ll know why this place is special.
I loved the pool so much that I could stay there the whole afternoon!

It is located fairly closely to the Sigiriya Rock so was pretty accessible after our hike.

Would definitely come back again!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2025

Jegath

The hotel's setting on the edge of a lake that is a magnet for wildlife is fabulous, the views are amazing. The service was wonderful, with all the staff being charming and helpful. We were particularly impressed by the hotel driver who took us to Sigiriya and then onto our next stop in Kandy.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2025

Apsara

Beautiful hotel with breath taking views!

The room, staff, and buffet were outstanding. I would recommend power outlets near the bed for best guest experience.

Overall it was a memorable and perfect stay for us.
Highly recommend this gem for anyone looking for relaxation and luxury!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Dec 2024

Andrew

Hotel is excellent. Staff amazing. A couple of issues with the food were the only problems. We will stay here again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2024

Ann

Amazing staff , food & hotel.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2024

Melanie

This is a beautiful and well-designed hotel in a unique location next to the lake and jungle. The staff were attentive and thoughtful. The only downside was the dining options - the menus are international and expensive, and the remote location of the hotel makes it difficult to eat elsewhere. We would have preferred more local Sri Lankan options. However, the buffet breakfast was varied and impressive.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2024

Anton

Amazing location
Food was phenomenal
If i have to nitpick, the rooms could use a little upgrade with its fixtures
Over all it was worth every penny.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2024

fiham

Love the place and location

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2024

Elinna

The Heritance is like no other hotel you would have stayed at before. They are so seemlessly integrated with the jungle around them that you'll be able to experience the surrounding nature whilst staying at the hotel. The staff are all so accommodating and you can book cool dsy trip excursions at reasonable prices. The buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner were unbelieveably good. The lady that makes fresh hoppers is thr best!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2024

Rochelle

Property was amazing. There was a smell from the shower drain hole.
Everything else was fabulous

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

16 May 2024

Malabika

Too many bugs, frogs and lizards.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2024

Withanage

Always love the place. Visited 20 years ago for my honeymoon. This time was my second trip to hotel. Absolutely loved it.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2024

Joseph Alexis

Best base for cultural Sri Lanka

Amazing location and building which blends right into the beautiful nature surrounding it. Has all the facilities you need as well as extra activities. Food could be better as could the pool bar service. Had a wonderful stay

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2024

Salomi

Love this place, and its people 😊

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2024

Robby

We had a wonderful stay! The staff was friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The housekeeping staff was particularly lovely. We enjoyed the different towel animals they created. Our room was comfortable. The bathroom was quite spacious. And the onsite restaurants were delicious. We appreciated the wide variety of food available at breakfast. Highly recommend this hotel.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2024

Frank Thanh

The serenity of this property is worth a few nights stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2024

Susan

Wonderful location

Wonderful location for a hotel. Fabulous views. Very good room. Only concern was the number of large groups staying there who dominated the restaurant.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2024

Dr Sas

Everything was fine. highly recommend.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2024

Matthew

Unforgettable

Heritance Kandalama is worth visiting for the building alone - I can't remember being this moved by architecture. If the idea of a hotel built into forest, with sweeping views of lakes and mountains, and of sharing open corridors with monkeys and bats delights you, then you can't do better. The highpoint of our stay were our three tours (bird watching, jungle hike, and the free architectural tours - our birdwatching by boat tour was canceled on account of rain) with in-house naturalist Nalinda. Nalinda's vast knowledge and pride in the place (building and forest) made our walks with him one of the high-points of our time in Sri Lanka. Since elephants are roaming freely through the property, it isn't entirely safe to go walking without expert supervision. Thanks also to Lakmi who checked us in, and all the other staff, who looked after us wonderfully throughout our stay. My one suggestion: maybe install some kind of general tip box at reception so visitors have an easy way to thank the cleaners and cooks etc we don't interact with directly.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2024

Jithmi

This hotel was great. We were there during Christmas and as they were setting up for it, dining area was temporary closed. However all in all great location and service

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

23 Dec 2023

Thinh

The hotel is isolated and overlooks a lake with views of Sigiriya. While it is an old hotel with dated rooms and fixtures, the staff are very friendly and the original ambience of the hotel, to have nature encroach on all of its areas, redeems its shortcomings. It's a charming place.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2023

Shihana

Excellent location to have a relaxing quite time

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2023

francisco

Best hotel right in the middle of nature, breathtaking views and friendly staff

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2023

Jean

Epic and beautiful hotel! You can’t really hang out on your balcony because of the monkeys (but funny to watch).

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2023

Fathima

Kandalama was an amazing experience. Other than the a la carte restaurant everything was very well done.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2023

Glenn

Sensational property. The locaton and facility is very specail.
Superb and friendly service from management and staff.
Highly recommend.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2023

Chandraraj K

This is hotel is in a gorgeous setting and seems to blend into the surroundings. The room was very comfortable and had a view of the lake and the Sigiriya rock.
Using the outdoor pools with that stunning view, with monkeys hanging around, is quite an experience!
The restaurant had excellent breakfast and dinner buffets, with a wide range of Western and very good Sri Lankan cuisine. The service provided by the restaurant staff is extraordinary! They recognized my family after our first meal and also seemed to know what we had liked!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2023

Dan

One of the greatest hotels in the world

Great hotel in a fantastic setting in nature and with nature.
Views to die for.
It’s in good condition for age but could do with a little tlc to bring back to glory around the corners.
Extensive wine menu from all parts of the world but only 4 available- that’s not an issue just only advertise what you got.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2023

Sanjeevan

General service was good though they got our booking a bit confused and had to clarify it 4 times with different staff until they agreed with me..other than that,we really enjoyed the stay,have been here before and will def come again

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2023

Dinusha

Spectacular location and one of the most unique architectural pieces from Geoffrey Bawa. Well worth a visit.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2023

gurmukh

The rooms need updating, otherwise beautiful hotel in a beautiful location. Would come back again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2023

Vanessa

Location and architecture

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2023

RANDI

The architecture is amazing. How the hotel is built so open and embraces the natural area. Makes you feel part of the jungle without interfering with it

Business_and_leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2023

Fabio

This hotel is in a league of its own. Once you arrive you are greeted with a jaw-dropping setting in front of lake Kandalama that no video or photo can ever do justice.

The entire property blends with nature, you are often greeted with langurs and monkeys and elephants might visit the nearby areas every now and then. There is even a sign at the beginning of the road to the hotel that warns that elephants might cross the path.

The food is good, you can glance at Kandalama lake and even see Sigiriya rock during breakfast. The pools are located right in front of the gorgeous landscape. The staff is courteous and welcoming.

Perfect score!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2022

Stephen

One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2022

Ranjit

Rooms have luxury feel. Appreciate clean fluffy towels and floor towels. Could do with rug next to bed.

Very inconvenient electrical switches thru' headboard slats. No convenient square-pin plugs to charge mobile phones & laptops.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2022

Heather Anne

This is a lovely place to base while visiting the ancient cities. The staff are so friendly with very personal service - the buffet breakfast and dinners were amazing and the view over the lake was stunning. It is very isolated and not near to any shops or other restaurants but it has everything you need for a great stay.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

23 Mar 2022

Yoeri

The hotel is very old and is definitely in need of renovation. Despite all the previous reviews about the lack of sunbeds at the pools, the hotel seems to ignore the feedback. 20 sunbeds for over 100 rooms simply is not enough.

The refrigerator in our room was moldy and dirty. Same for the toilet. How simple can it be to replace a twenty year old yellowish toilet seat?

The food is okay, but far from what you would expect at a 5* hotel. The yoghurts and cheeses are left uniced, so once you will have them at the buffet - they are warm and melting. It doesn't much to improve these kind of things.

The management is aware of all the feedback, but doesn't do anything to improve.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2022

Andreas

Beautiful hotel. Highly recommended

Partner

2/10

Poor

25 Feb 2022

YOUNES

This is my second and sadly to state the last time to stay at this hotel as while trying to checkout I was bum rushed , as I was trying to be thrown out and unwelcome by a staff member called Sanjeewa as I didn’t go with the taxi that he referred to me which was way too expensive if a regular cab would take a 130 Rupees the one he referred to wants like 70 dollars.
So when I asked for a late checkout he was really aggressive and unwelcoming the idea. And I’ve checked online if there are rooms that are available and there were more than 18 rooms that are available so I showed him but he didn’t care !

How sad that a hotel like this hire such people.

Business_and_leisure Self

4/10

Poor

25 Feb 2022

YOUNES

Wanted to state how I got an extremely unprofessional way from” Sanjeewa” at the reception as I wanted a 2-3 hours late checkout but he was an unwelcoming and very offensive.

How sad that a hotel like this hire such people.

I guess all this is that because I didn’t use the taxi that he referred to which is X 200 times more expensive than the normal ones.

And the star that I put is for the look from inside the room that many will like.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2022

Diana

Eco-friendly and beautiful hotel.

Amazing hotel in a great remote location and wildlife around.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Feb 2022

kandiah

It is a beautiful place to stay. We enjoyed every minute of our stay

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2021

Scott

Beyond amazing view and stellar service we had an excellent and restful two nights. The only thing that didn’t work was our room phone! Good thing there’s one in the bathroom too:) get a room on the upper floors the view is worth it.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 Dec 2021

PUSHPAVALY

Needs alot of improvement in all sectors

Partner

4/10

Poor

28 Jul 2020

Verified traveler

Disappointing food

Partner

4/10

Poor

14 Mar 2020

Betty

Past its used by date

This hotel has had its day. It looks tired and dated. In our room the spa, toilet and safe didn't work. The buffett is ordinary. I would not stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Unique architecture in a wonderful green area. Food, service and accomodation outstanding

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

It’s built into the caves! It has a beautiful view of Sigiriya. Lovely stay.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

13 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

We got a room of sigiriya wing. The view would be better at dambula wing. There was a musty odor in the room.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

This place is meant to be an architectural wonder - and if you like miles of black marble, reinforced concrete and metal pillars it is. But it’s not my bag. However the setting is lovely, the staff are wonderful attentive kind and fun - and the food is AMAZING.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2020

Jagath

It was an amazing being that close to nature. The kind staff and fascinating view made it easier to relax. The design is incredible, how they managed to build the hotel around the rocks. This was definitely worth it

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

19 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

For a five star property the service was not good. The first day we were there electricity kept going off and on, like 5xwhile we were eating and when we were back in our room. We had an extra guest in one room,our driver. and we were told we just had to pay for breakfast buffet but they ended up charging me $100usd a night , for two nights. The next morning for breakfast my husband was in dress shirts and a vest as we were heading out to Sigirya and he was told to change his top whereas there were many people in swim wear. There was a lady in a bikini and eating and was not told to change. Poor service will not recommend

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Beautiful surroundings. The hotel is slowly being taken over by the jungle and it could use a bit of a refresh. The rooms are quite spacious, with amazing views over the jungle (had the jacuzzi room). Beware of the monkeys- they come over to the balcony and try to get in the room and steal food.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Amazing

Amazing stay at this eco hotel. Beautiful views of the lake, the staff were so friendly and it was a bonus to have monkeys roaming around the hotel. This was The Highlight of our recent trip to Sri Lanka.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

26 Dec 2019

Ashish

Property is run down. It has probable never been updated since it was built in the mid 90,s.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2019

KushanK

This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Sri Lanka. You have to stay at least two nights to enjoy the beauty of this place. Food was excellent offering a variety of food choices to satisfy everyone in our family. This hotel was build many years ago but has kept up its elegance. The design blends the nature to the hotels luxury. We had a jacuzzi in the room and had a unique experience of watching the wild life just outside the window. We live in Los Angeles and expect a certain standard when we are on holiday in Sri Lanka. This hotel and each and every staff definitely made us feel comfortable. They were so nice to help us in any way possible to make an excellent stay memorable. Thank you Kandalama.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

20 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

The hotel itself is very nice. The location, facilities etc was good except for the wifi. Main issue was with customer service. First we were given the wrong room and then they knock on our door to hand over an anniversary cake that was not meant for us! We also had alot of issues with wifi and reception staff just fob us off without resolving it. However on a positive note, the hotel is set up in a beautiful location. Rooms were clean and nice as well. I would have given 10/10 if the customer service would have been better. So overall I felt it wasnt worth my money.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

There should be more Sri Lankan heritage, culture and tradition portrayed in the decor, specially the rooms were so plain. Paying over $250 per night thought there will be more wow factor.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

This is an amazing hotel in the middle of a must see destination of Sri Lanka. The pools, rooms and general architecture is fabulous. It is a fair way from the closest village so i highly recommend staying at least a couple of days and day trip from here

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

I LOVED the area and that it was like being outside with nature. It's built into the side of the mountain in the forest with such beautiful views of the lake and surrounding area. Lots of birds, monkeys and nature. The staff are excellent and bend over backward to make you happy! I would go back again!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Food, facilities & staff are excellent. Nature lovers, make it a point to visit this hotel. There is a vast history behind this place and surroundings. Travelers should read through this history b4 embarking the journey towards Kandalama.
Overall a memorable experience.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Room, foods, pools, spa, nature around the hotel are amazing.
Only negative thing is you have very limited activity option and hotel is very silent, especially for evenings

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Nov 2019

Verena

Great location

Location is amazing and the hotel is 1 on long. Staff is very friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet as well as evening buffet are to die for. A huge selection of Sri Lanken as well as European food. Unfortunately our room wasn’t very clean and the bathroom is very run down, stainless steel and windows look very old and not polished which gives you almost the feeling it wasn’t cleaned. However after speaking to the manager we were upgrade to a better room however the bathroom issue still continued. All over I would def be back at Heritance Kandalama

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

14 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

It had such potential

I really wanted to like this hotel. Friends who have been all say I'd love it. Unfortunately, I didn't have that experience.

The architecture of the building is amazing, blending very subtly into its natural environment, with rock face forming parts of the building's walls, and creepers covering the external wall further camouflaging the building into natural surrounding. It is teeming with birds, squirrels and other animals, plus the view to the lake is really beautiful.

But, when you look closer, upkeep and maintenance of the place seems lacking. From very stiff sliding doors of the cupboards in the rooms, to accumulation of bird droppings in some corners, to patchy lawns and poorly paved pathways, to dark corridors that make parts of the sprawling property seem a little eerie.

Our mattress had seen better days and was too soft, and the hotel was not able to offer alternatives.

Service staff try but could be better trained to be more customer and service oriented.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

08 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Everything was perfect, location, food, staff, but the room has to be renovated, it needs to be more refurbished

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2019

Jenny

The view from the infinity pool was magnificent- could see across the valley, horses grazing - and the back drop of the hills.
Buffet dinner was the best we had in Sri Lanka. Rooms were spacious and we had interconnecting room with our teenage children

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Everything about this place was special. the check in process was a bit slow

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Spent two days at this property and it was lovely! Rooms were well appointed and spacious. Had a great view off the balcony and even got visited by a family of monkeys!

The only feedback I have is that Housekeeping wanted to drop off laundry and knocked on the door several times in the morning despite the Do Not Disturb sign being on- was just trying to catch some extra sleep in such a relaxing atmosphere.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Good concept but a very dated interior. Bedrooms poor. Facilities average - it's like been in the dark ages. Presume no one will come a second time

6/10

Pleasant

18 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Pros — Gorgeous building in a beautiful setting. Nice breakfast buffet. Live music in the evenings. Nice swimming pools and gym.

Cons — Service inconsistent. Some staff were friendly, some cold. Tobacco smoke wafted into our “nonsmoking” room from other rooms. Forced to wear long pants for dinner, even though it was a self service buffet. Rather far from nearest town, so we had to pay extra for transportation. Too many loud busloads of package tourists.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Aug 2019

Ian

The stay was amazing as always. However, this time we had to wait over an hour to check in and the front of the hotel was polluted with luggage as guests were checking out. Wasn’t a good look upon arriving. Kandalama is a must on your holiday to Sri Lanka and overall I still love this beautiful hotel engulfed by nature.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Aug 2019

Bridgette

Check-in blues

Check-in and checkout was not great. It took over an hour to check in and close to half an hour to pay our bill after checkout.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Great stay and fantastic location. Very peaceful with breathtaking views. Staff was excellent. The only thing is that the property is a bit dated and needs some sprucing up.

Leisure Partner