Taru Villas - Lake Lodge

Sri Lanka , Colombo
COLOMBO, 20, Alvis Terrace, Colombo 3
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75 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Gerald

Everything was upscale and thoughtful. Except, like in so many places, the open shower gets everything wet. I really do not understand this concept.
Breakfast...amazing. Location, perfect for our needs, on a quiet dead end but easily walkable to the temples in the lake, the CCC mall, the sea.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2024

Janine

A little difficult to find but a great little spot in the heart of the city. Our room was lovely, very clean and the staff were very attentive. Food was very nice, if a little pricey

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Jun 2024

Donna

There’s easy transportation to the property and a shopping center is within walking distance. Staff was really helpful. The only issue I had was water provided was what they collected and said was filtered. That’s not acceptable or safe. I asked for bottled water and was charged for it.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2023

Thomas

Nice place to stay on plane layover

The room was very spacious and clean. The staff were also really nice and even did a wash load of clothes for us for $10. There was an appropriately sized television, toiletries, and unlimited tea and coffee by a kettle. in terms of the area it was down a street with rats, although there was rats everywhere in Colombo. That being said there were no rats inside the hotel. It was very clean and beautiful. Colombo itself I would not recommend to visit, but it was a good place to stay if you had just got off the aeroplane. The food and the staff were extremely nice. It is worth noting that the hotel is around 45 minute drive from the airport. Just in case you thought it was closer and driving around Columbo is dangerous. Overall, it was a very good experience and I would recommend it to other people. The shower was nice too.
Arun and Sam were extremely lovely on our stay and would recommend these members of staff!!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2023

Jennifer

All staff very attentive food beautifully presented and delicious the staff could not do enough for us. Everything super clean , Nothing was too much effort Premises very attractive Building site next door awful with burning and smoke. Loved our stay with Taru though

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2022

Verified traveler

Hidden, quiet setting in the middle of the city. Service and staff were excellent. Modern, artsy esthetic. Delicious food served on rooftop terrace.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

I have a very nice stay in this lodge. Environment is nice. Staff is friendly and helpful. Breakfast is superb! I recommend this property to whoever visit Colombo.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2020

Paul

This property is an oasis within the busy streets of Colombo city. A very short Tuk Tuk ride gets you to Galle Face where you can watch the sunset into the sea....
The hotel is clean and fresh, the staff are so friendly and helpful, and the food is great. You wont need a lunch after their Sri Lankan breakfast!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

A nice bungalow in central Colombo. Room to sit out on the roof with a drink or a meal. Food was good but not outstanding.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2019

Andy

Outstanding

Outstanding. Home from home. If your home is that of James Bond. Or a Rock Star maybe. More staff than guests. Outstanding food. Fabulous cocktails. Helpful staff. An oasis of tranquility.
Make sure you do a tuk tuk tour with the irrepressible Samon too.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Great location and calm. Comfortable room. Loved breakfast.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2019

very friendly staff, excellent breakfast! 100% recommended!!!

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2019

Wesley

Quiet but near everything

Quiet villa-style hotel in the middle of everything but still feels quiet and secluded. Friendly staff available all the time. Extremely clean rooms in pristine condition.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Great customer service, very helpful with every request we had, rooms very quiet, no traffic noise, great hotel.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2019

Ashwin

Beautiful place, brilliant service & food!

Brilliant experience. We came in after a tiring road trip and were immediately greeted by courteous and efficient staff who allowed us to relax immediately and explained everything in a very professional manner. It is obvious they are very well trained.

The bungalow itself is very tastefully done, there wasn't a single thing I found out of place. It is simply beautiful by day and takes on another lovely facet at night.

The rooms are well designed and gorgeous. The food- absolutely outstanding. Every single thing was superb.

As an experience, I would rate our stay here 5 out of 5 stars- and would definitely stay here again. A big thank you to all the well trained staff who went out of their way to accommodate our requests (while travelling with young children, bound to be a few of those) and make our stay a relaxed and memorable one.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2019

We had a lovely stay at Taru Villas - friendly and helpful staff, spotless and absolutely delicious food. We enjoyed both breakfast and dinner very much. Thank you we highly recommend Taru Villas - Lake Lodge for a peaceful stay in Colombo.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2019

catalina

Charming little gem

It’s unfortunate that we were there only one night. We arrived after the first bombs of April 21 and decided to leave the country. The hotel is very clean, modern, and comfortable. The staff is outstanding and the food is delightful. I’m sad we could not even leave the hotel to explore given the Marshall law but at least we were in a place we felt comfortable. Would love to come back under different circumstances.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Great Stay

In the heart of Colombo, this hotel is an oasis. Good service, terrific food, and quite. We were happy to stay here upon arrival into Sri Lanka. We would stay here again if the opportunity arises.

OsborneAdventures

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

My favorite parts were the homemade popsicle and jasmine scented towel upon arrival. The fresh fruit plate included with breakfast. I ate dinner there both nights of my stay and the food was delicious. Every single one of the staff were super kind and accommodating, especially Seelan! My room was comfortable and clean and lovely! I am so happy to have found this place. Highly recommended!

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

19 Apr 2019

John

Avoid.

Not the place to stay if you wish to have a favourable impression on your first night in Sri Lanka. The impression given by description etc is not borne out by experience. A Stygian concrete building in a faux Bawa style, we were shown a room complete with noisy aircon, noisy fan, hard bed and lumpy pillows. The window looks out onto a concrete wall topped with barbed wire. Staff are rather chararcterless, the only good thing to come out of our stay here as the car and driver who took us to our holiday hotel in Bentota. Anyone who rates this place as superb after a night in Room 1 is suffering from a serious error in judgement.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Very clean, staff are amazing and very helpful. Good value.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2019

Elaine

Very nice

Very nice small hotel, centrally located, friendly staff, really comfortable contemporary rooms, great breakfast. Would definitely return here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Location is great for Colombo
Quiet peaceful sleep

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

We stayed one night before our flight home after a 3 week trip around Sri Lanka. It was very peaceful after the mad traffic in Colombo. We were tired and spent the evening at the hotel with a lovely dinner on the terrace. A perfect end to our trip.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2019

Holly and Deb

Superb hotel

Absolutely fantastic hotel! From the warm welcome to the classy, comfortable rooms. From the divine breakfast to the superb help with booking tub-tiks, dinner, airport transfers. The most customer focussed experience we had in Sri Lanka and far and away the best breakfast we had. We definitely recommend this outstanding hotel. We stayed in the suite and loved the space...

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Very smart hotel near to centre of Kandy. Very handy for Galle Front and fort area. Service was very good and sri lankan breakfast was really nice.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2019

Garth

Great staff & very central

Fantastic staff who are very accommodating! Great location with walkable access to local attractions. Clean rooms

Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2019

Camilla

Lovely, contemporary hotel. Clean and stylish. Lovely welcome 🙏. We felt cared for.

Family

8/10

Excellent

27 Dec 2018

georg

we booked it as we just arrived that same day in Sri Lanka. The location is very central to different sites, the hotel is very clean. Our room was maybe not the best they had, but it was big and in good condition. We actually loved the dinner meals, to our surprise it was one of the best food we had during our trip. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Overall, we were very glad that we chose that hotel for a first night in SL.

Family

8/10

Excellent

24 Nov 2018

Steven

Great location from which to explore Colombo. Very quiet. Most comfortable bed during our 2 weeks stay in Sri Lanka. Stylishly decorated & furnished. Delicious breakfast. Friendly & attentive staff. Spotlessly clean.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Oct 2018

Poh Choo

Tastefully ID room n hotel surround. Gd food.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2018

Nienke

The decor was beautiful! Serene, artistic and modern

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2018

Susan

Very well appinted room, polished concrete walls - very designerly, but ours looked out onto a wall. Somehow the photos seemed to suggest that there was a view of the garden or a balcony. But perhaps I should have looked closer. So the room was elegant but somewhat dark. However the excellent service and the very charming staff more than made up for it. Añso loved the breakfast, fresh fruit and homemade granola and excellent yoghurt, eaten at tables overlooking the pretty garden. A very pleasant oasis in the craziness of Colombo.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Everything was perfect

One of the most beautiful and well run hotels I have ever stayed in. Book now!

10/10

Exceptional

03 Sep 2018

Allana

Great boutique hotel

We only stayed one night however this hotel is in a great location, property is immaculate and the staff very friendly! Definitely recommend for a night or two if in Colombo.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2018

Jamie

Beautiful villa - clean, modern and a great little style. Staff very helpful.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

Nice walk to Galle Face Green, great being there on a Sunday. Lovely staff, quality service, great food and beautiful design.

8/10

Excellent

17 Jul 2018

Nice hotel in a quiet area of Colombo

Pretty and cozy boutique hotel in a quiet corner of Colombo. You will not hear the noise from traffic. Perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Breakfast was good. Room was comfortable although smell was strong from the use of scented washing detergent on the sheets.

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2018

Ernst

A pleasamt hotel

The room was basic but nice, very clean. There was no view and coffee/tea making facilities would be an improvement. The staff were exceptionally nice and helpful. Because I don't take breakfast, but told them I would like an orange juice and coffee in the morning (late) this was provided free of charge and brought to my room. The location is very good and it is safe - big outside gate, locked at night. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2018

Kelly

Perfect Place to Stay in Colombo

After two weeks of traveling around Sri Lanka, we wrapped up our holiday with three nights at the Lake Lodge and it was the perfect spot to end our trip. The location is very convenient to shopping, good restaurants, the National Museum and other points of interest. The rooms were spacious, comfortable and quiet with a lovely contemporary design. It’s a small hotel that has a very relaxed atmosphere.

The breakfasts were good and they worked with us to accommodate our dietary restrictions. While we didn’t eat any other meals there, we did order a couple of desserts (the coconut ice cream and the buffalo curd) and both were delicious! We also especially loved the welcome popsicles which were so tasty and a terrific alternative to the typical welcome drink we were served at other places.

The staff is very friendly and helpful as well. Special thanks to Prasad and Sathivel for all their help and recommendations while we were there!

We highly recommend this property! It’s a perfect place to stay in Colombo!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

The hotel is tastefully appointed and spotlessly clean. Location is central. Breakfast is very good. Highly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2018

SIM

chic place to stay in colombo

excellent staff and good breakfast. location is central enough to go by tuktuk to various sights in colombo.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Quiet hotel with great breakfast!

A small pool of tranquility amid the busy city. Renovated to a high standard the hotel is a great place if you you need to stop in Colombo for a night or two. Breakfast was fantastic and the best we had in Singapore!

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Great location, great value, great staff :)

Staff were fabulous so helpful, and hotel is wonderful, great design and

We took an hour tut tut tour with Samon outside the hotel, ask at reception if you need him, he was absolutely brilliant our hour (800 rupees, plus a lovely tip!) turned into around 90 mins as he was so enthusiastic and obviously loves Colombo.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Great location and nice staff

Nice room and hotel, location is really great. Staff friendliness and helpfulness stood out.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

An oasis in Columbo

A perfect location to finish a tour of Sri Lanka. Easy tuk tuk 500r transfer from Fort railway station Excellent boutique hotel at the end of a quiet street. Very comfortable bed and room. Excellent Sri Lankan breakfast included with the best coffee we had had. Dinner was a little expensive but very good quality and ambiance without the hassle and expense of a taxi. Hotel arranged airport transfer for 2500r which took an hour an half.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2017

David

Great hotel and service

Lovely hotel, brilliant service - thoroughly recommended!

Just not much else around...

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Aug 2017

Nice hotel in the centre of Colombo

A lovely little place
Seems to have a holistic approach
The breakfast we had was fantastic and the service was brilliant
The rooms are small but clean
The AC was noisy
There is very little parking

8/10

Excellent

04 Aug 2017

Claire

Lovely hotel hidden away from the main streets

We were only staying one night but we were made very welcome and the welcome ice lolly an added bonus on our arrival! It was a lovely hotel and very quiet as it is hidden away in a back street. The room was spacious and well equipped, The staff were very helpful and I would certainly recommend this hotel.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

Great base providing a haven close to the lake

We stayed here our first night in Sri Lanka and everything went smoothly from the pick up at the airport. We arrived early but we were kindly let into our room in advance of check in. The room was spacious cool and quiet. The breakfast was delicious, we had the local option. We got tuk tuks to different parts of the city we wanted to explore which were easy to come by. There is a cricket field next to the hotel road which was fun to observe on our way in and out!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2017

Jonny Chatfield

Wonderful Place

We could not have been happier with Lake Lodge, having arrived in Colombo following a 18 hour flight. The staff were accommodating and friendly from the off, providing us with refreshments and a quick check in.

Everything was modern and decorated with care and attention. Comfortable beds, beautiful paintings and a cool and relaxed vibe.

Breakfast was delicious, with a nice variety available. The hotel recommended a Tuk Tuk driver, Saman, who I would definitely recommend. He took us on a tour around Colombo, showing us the sites with his impressive knowledge for only around £4/800LKR an hour.

Overall this is the perfect place to recuperate for a day or two after your journey, and it makes for a good base from which to see Colombo.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2017

Verified traveler

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Lake Lodge, especially the Sri Lankan breakfast.

Family

8/10

Excellent

22 May 2017

Nancy

Lovely modern boutique hotel

Very comfortable and well designed hotel with delicious food, good service and a very nice modern ambience. The only drawback is the small access street which is a little scary in the dark. Best to take a tuktuk at night.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2017

Merilyn

A lovely oasis in the city.

Taru Village is centrally located in Colombo but feels like an oasis in the city. It is beautiful, comfortable and has outstanding staff. We loved our stay there.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

On the water

Great place. Literally on the water front. Great service. Everybody so nice and helpful. Beautiful beach.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Mar 2017

Julian

Nice staff and beatiful hotel

Nice staff. Friendly. Very clean. Great rooms. Excellent Breakfast.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2017

Godfrey

Excellent boutique hotel

Excellent; a quiet hotel in the centre of the city.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2016

Verified traveler

Boutique Hotel with excellent value and service

Beautiful boutique hotel in a central location. The service and food was excellent. The open living areas were attractively decorated and welcoming. We enjoyed everything about this hotel.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Sep 2016

Colin

For our second visit to Colombo, we chose to stay at the Lake Lodge again. The location is good, in a quiet side street, but still within walking distance of Galle Face and the National Museum. Rooms are very stylish, and the service is very professional. The only slight issue being that most taxi and tuktuk drivers don't seem to have heard of the hotel, so make sure you know where it is to give directions! We also got breakfast to take away when we had to leave early to take the train to Jaffna.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Sep 2016

Salim

Money's worth.

Stay was great. Good food and good service. Wifi in the rooms was not the greatest at times.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2016

Verified traveler

Well located and peaceful

Great small scale hotel in the heart of Colombo. Room, food, location great.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2016

Johnny

This was a really great stay. The villa was in a secluded area where not to much traffic comes thru. Awesome spot with great staff members.

8/10

Excellent

27 Jul 2016

neeraj

Nice hotel, very friendly staff. very good food. Near lake but not much else in Colombo. Nice place if you want a couple of days just to seeColombo.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2016

Verified traveler

Lovely getaway in the City

Hotel staff were very friendly. They provided excellent customer service. Very knowledgeable on activities. Food on site was exceptional. Overall had a lovely time. Felt like a home away from home. Highly recommended!!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2016

Radoslaw

Relaxing ambience

The hotel is located a few minutes from the main street in the green and quiet area. The character and the atmosphere of the place is unique. It is recommended for travellers who opt for architecture and design, peaceful atmosphere and good personalised service.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2016

good service

Good calm hotel, but wifi is extremely poor.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2016

Darren

Super service sensational stay

Great hotel in Colombo. Small boutique style with exceptional service. Very modern yet with local feel.

Rooms are spacious, comfortable with hot shower and air conditioning.

Great outdoor dining terrace.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2016

Verified traveler

Good bolt hole for short term Colombo stays

We stayed here the night before flying from Colombo and comparatively the hotel couldn't measure up to other experiences we had in Sri Lanka

However the hotel itself is extremely clean with lovely decor, it has the feel of a much larger hotel chain.

Our welcome was great after a long journey and we were able to easily order a cab to the airport for the morning. We also arranged for a Sri Lankan breakfast the next morning which was delicious.

Main downfall was the ground floor room that did not have a lot of natural light and was next to the kitchen. This didn't keep us awake but wasn't what we expected for the price. Air con was great and bathroom had a lovely shower.

I would however recommend as a great bolt hole away from the hubbub of Colombo.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2016

heather

Very smart hotel with the friendliest of staff

For a mere £84 we stayed in this lovely, comfortable hotel in Colombo. The friendliest welcome with a refreshing Popsicle followed by helpful advice about getting around the city. We didn't eat dinner there as that evening was a wonderful play procession just round the corner but breakfast was delicious. We hope to return for more than one night

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2016

Diane

Very nice boutique hotel in ideal position

We stayed here for two nights and were very impressed. The staff were attentive and efficient. The room was lovely, very modern and clean. We would have loved to have had the Sri Lankan breakfast but they didn't serve that before 8.30 and we were booked to go on the Colombo bus tour. The normal breakfast was also lovely though. We didn't eat there but chose to walk to the Cinnamon Grand nearby. Had some samosas on the rooftop - delicious

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2016

Ben

Very convenient location

We loved our stay and the team were really helpful! Would definitely stay again. However, the restaurant didn't play any background music so it was a bit awkward with all the guests trying to tak quietly. Hopefully they play music next time! :)

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2016

Verified traveler

Beautiful Boutique Gem

Lovely place. Lovely attentive staff. The food was excellent.

8/10

Excellent

07 Jan 2016

Verified traveler

A lovely hotel, excellent service. Really peaceful location in Colombo. Only problem was no compatible plugs in my room to my adapters which had worked everywhere else in Sri Lanka. Hotel staff kindly charged my phone though.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jan 2016

Susan

disappointing facilities in room

No fridge or coffee making facilities. Few power points on room.

Generally rather poor for a hotel of this standard and price

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2016

David

PERFECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL

A gem of a hotel. Small, nicely designed with a modernist twist and sixties style furniture. Very friendly and professional staff. Rooms on the upper floor are slightly more spacious. Some great areas for having a drink. Slight annoyance is no wifi in the rooms, only in the public spaces.Highly recommended.

Partner