Rent a bike for 500 rupees (less than $5.00 a day), ride around the dike and through the rice patties to small village Neeraiya and back. A glorious ride even in the light drizzle. Birdwatch as you go to watch - the Malabar Pied hornbill and the glorious paradise flycatcher. A beautiful tranquil ride safe from the usual Sri Lankan busy roads.More
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We only stayed for one night after visiting the various temples and religious sites of the sacred city. The entrance to the hotel is fantastic and your first thought is that you are going to be staying in a beautiful old colonial style hotel, however, once you enter the hotel you realise that internally it is run down and in need of refurbishment. It was also disappointing that their was no swimming pool ( I never checked beforehand, so my fault) but in high temperatures and humidity it was exactly what you needed to cool off. I was told by the manager that as the hotel is situated in the sacred city no swimming pools are allowed, however our driver/guide claimed this was untrue. As the front garden was well beautiful and well maintained I thought I could find a nice shady at the rear but their was no garden, it was a messy area used for garbage etc. On a plus side our evening meal and breakfast was very good. Sadly I have to say that I wouldn’t stay their again.
Dear Guest,
We are sad to read your review of our hotel and whilst apologizing for what you found wanting, would like give some background information which we believe is relevant. Refurbishment of the hotel is certainly over due and our plans last year had to be put on hold after the poor season post Easter bombing. However we do hope to revive them this year, but must point out that all our facilities are well maintained and in good working order. The need for a pool in a hot climate was obvious to us and we did apply to build a swimming pool many years ago but could not get the necessary approval from Government agencies. Our hotel which we have cared for with much affection for more than half a century, is Government property and as the hotel is more than 100 years old, falls into the Heritage Property list and hence subject to a host of strict regulations, part which arise from being within the Sacred Area of Anuradhapura. For us, alas at the last hurdle, one of the many Government Departments that decide our fate, rejected our application and so, the much needed swimming pool could not be built. No doubt there maybe hotels within the sacred city that do have swimming pools, but as this is Government property, our hands are tied. Being within the Sacred city also means we are not permitted to sell any alcoholic beverage.
We are sorry you did not enjoy the use of our front garden, for our patch of cultivated wilderness with the many species of native trees that flourish on it which is home and sanctuary to assorted fauna and is also importantly for our guests. The rear space is not meant to be so but as you point out could be tidier and we shall attend to this immediately.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Upon entry, you can easily think that you have stepped back in time to the early 20th Century colonial period. This lovely hotel has sweeping verandas overlooking a tranquil garden replete with jungle sounds. We had a spacious room upstairs that was most comfortable and clean. The staff was very friendly. The pork chops were really good, although a bit tough. Great breakfast. Would definitely return.
Dear Valued Guest,
We are pleased to know that you had enjoyed your stay at this hotel . Our team takes note of your satisfaction on our service and meals . We all welcome you back to spend a few more nights on your next visit to Anuradhapura .
Thank you.
Best regards,
The staff was so friendly and supportive. showed their willingness to help at any time. Also the surrounded area was really peaceful. all religious places in Anuradhapura are easily accessible.but better if the hotel and utilize their space more. It was a very large area.
Dear Valued Guest,
We are pleased to know that you had enjoyed your stay at this hotel . Our team takes note of your satisfaction on our service and meals . We all welcome you back to spend a few more nights on your next visit to Anuradhapura .
Thank you.
Best regards,
Stayed at this hotel during the last weekend of December 2019 with some friends. It's a beautiful colonial style place with lot of space and simplicity which I admired the most. Situated quite close to the pooja city which is very convenient for tourists and I recommend it for anyone who comes on pilgrimage to Anuradhapura.Excellent service and the staff is friendly and very helpful. Rooms were in excellent condition as it was very clean and comfortable. However their food was not so great. Their lunch and dinner menus need serious consideration as they were not tasty. Limited choices would have been great if the food was tasty. But their Sri Lankan breakfast was great and everyone of us enjoyed it very much. I hope the management will take a note and improve the quality of the food soon. I felt the garden was bit neglected most probably due to the severe weather conditions in past few months in the country but it can be a magnificent garden with little more care and attention. I look forward to stay at this place again soon.
We had high expectations of this property after reading recent reviews. We stayed here for one night. Our main issue was with the service. We have stayed at numerous hotels and guest houses across Sri Lanka and this was by far the worst service we have received. The property itself is set in lovely grounds and the rooms are clean and reasonably maintained. On arrival we found the receptionist to be very smug, almost arrogant. Service for drinks was slow ie I had to twice ask for a drinks menu when the reception staff refused to go to a drawer to take out a menu! Half of the drinks on the menu were unavailable. We dined there in the evening, food came quickly as we were asked to preorder when we reserved our table. However the quality of food was sub standard and we left our meals (first time we have ever done so in Sri Lanka!) The nail in the coffin came the next morning. After check out as we were driving away we eventually experienced the best service both reception and restaurant staff could provide! Two staff chased after the car to demand we paid for the coffee and juice we had ordered at breakfast. No-one advised us this was not included in the cost when we ordered or charged us at check out. We hope with updated training that service standards can be improved.
