Hmmm….this stay was definitely a disappointment. It started with confusion during check in about our room and either a miscommunication via Expedia about the type of room we’d booked or a misunderstanding at the front desk. In any event, it was definitely a non-Sri Lankan welcome. (We've been to the LK a couple of times...)
I did very much appreciate that one of the managers, Lol (sorry for any misspelling), made an effort to seek me out to apologize. And, the wonderful staff at the restaurant were more typical of the Sri Lankan charm and hospitality that we’ve gotten to know. These efforts motivated me to give the hotel at least three stars.
However, my complaint is with the owner of the hotel.
Hello! - this property is in a prime location! It has ample acreage, beautiful trees, and, the building itself is an historic, architectural statement. But it is in very sad shape. It has the feeling of a Grand Dame who has been ignored for years and so no matter how charming and attentive the staff is, the hotel itself is depressing. The rooms desperately need upgrades. The whole facility needs a facelift – one that maintains its historic significance but brings the property to life. Such a missed opportunity! With its location, grounds and historic architecture, it could be a jewel within the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Instead. It basically offers an out-of-date sleeping room with a...Hmmm….this stay was definitely a disappointment. It started with confusion during check in about our room and either a miscommunication via Expedia about the type of room we’d booked or a misunderstanding at the front desk. In any event, it was definitely a non-Sri Lankan welcome. (We've been to the LK a couple of times...)
I did very much appreciate that one of the managers, Lol (sorry for any misspelling), made an effort to seek me out to apologize. And, the wonderful staff at the restaurant were more typical of the Sri Lankan charm and hospitality that we’ve gotten to know. These efforts motivated me to give the hotel at least three stars.
However, my complaint is with the owner of the hotel.
Hello! - this property is in a prime location! It has ample acreage, beautiful trees, and, the building itself is an historic, architectural statement. But it is in very sad shape. It has the feeling of a Grand Dame who has been ignored for years and so no matter how charming and attentive the staff is, the hotel itself is depressing. The rooms desperately need upgrades. The whole facility needs a facelift – one that maintains its historic significance but brings the property to life. Such a missed opportunity! With its location, grounds and historic architecture, it could be a jewel within the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Instead. It basically offers an out-of-date sleeping room with a decent restaurant. If the owner can’t afford to bring this great property up to its potential, he should get a loan or a grant or sell it to someone who will give the property the attention it deserves.
If you just want a reasonably priced sleeping room in a very convenient location, the Sanctuary is ok.
(BTW - Trip Advisor, how on earth did you award this property a Certificate of Excellence in 2019? It demeans the value of that award when given to properties that far exceed this one.)More
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