Bandarawela Hotel

Fantastically well maintained old hotel with beautiful wooden panelling, polished floors and exceptionally helpful staff. The rooms themselves are basic but very clean, though a few simple touches could have made them a bit more appealing to the 21st century guest, without losing their colonial charm. The food was really good, both the buffet and set menu.

Despite booking a deluxe double room, we were allocated a twin that didn't march the original description and pictures. We'd also messaged about the second room being a triple single, but that was a double with single. However, the manager was helpful and tried hard to address these issues.

Le charme de l'hôtel est indéniable, le service au top et la propreté du linge de lit et de bain était super. Merci à l'équipe de l'hôtel !

Il faudrait absolument faire des travaux sur la robinetterie, assez vétuste dans certaines chambres. Ce sont les petits détails qui font la différence !

Can't wish for a better place to stay

🙂

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Tourists seek authentic, local food to understand the culture and traditions of the country. Serving authentic cuisine provides a more profound, memorable travel experience compared to international dishes available anywhere in the world. Bandarawela hotel should offer authentic Sri Lankan food instead of western food. Offering authentic Sri Lankan food , high-value selling point, driven by tourist demand for cultural immersion and unique culinary experiences beyond just accommodation. To offer authentic Sri Lankan food, a Bandarawela hotel should focus on traditional, spice-rich, coconut-based dishes. Key offerings include authentic rice and curry (fish, chicken, or mutton), hoppers with coconut milk, string hoppers, Kotthu roti, coconut milk rice, Coconut roti with pol sambol.

Sri Lankan food, while featuring rich, spice-heavy, and traditional dishes, can sometimes be missing from tourist-oriented A La Carte menus, which may favor international options. Very disappointing

The staff and the boss, Mr. Ratwatte, who were super quick to respond to any request. We requested a change of room due to my sister-in-law not being very mobile, and this was done immediately. I also requested a heater as I felt the cold, and this too was provided. The breakfast was excellent, as was the lunch which I had with friends - Sri Lankan rice & curry - the best meal I had in my two week stay in Sri Lanka.

I have nothing negative to say.

Centrally located and very helpful staff.

Rooms are still in 1926. Very basic and very old. Could be better furnished to match 2026 convenience.

food was good

The bath Tub was scary.... was making loud noises when you step in and move within the tub.

Historické autentické místo s koloniální atmosférou, krásně a pečlivě udržované s voskovanými naleštěnými podlahami.

Staff were friendly and attentive. Outside grounds were nice. Comfortable bed.

The rooms were basic. No fridge. Very dark

Old colonial hotel

The calls from the mosque. Small rooms. Norse from other rooms. Outdated bathroom. No swimming pool.

Great accommodation, good food and pleasant stay

Old world charm! Though some modernization needed I hope new owners will do it thoughtfully so that it will not take away thr historical value of the hotel.

Liked the history, we knew the facilities would be more basic and old-fashioned and we liked this. Food generally good. Friendly staff. Liked the tortoises!

One of our evening meals was very average and the starters and mains arrived together so we had to send the mains back. But we would go again. We understand that a refurbishment of some rooms is planned. Hopefully this is sensitively done without distracting from the historical significance and feel of the buildings.

The staff were very courteous and helpful. I needed packed lunches. And my medication stored in the fridge. They were always there to assist

A small fridge in the room would have helped

I loved the old style of the hotel and the way the rooms were built round a courtyard. The hotel is definitely very old, but it has made the most of its old historic attributes - I even had a huge bath in my bathroom.

The men on reception were glum and slow. They need a course in smiling and dealing cheerily with people.

Location of hotel & Staff was good. Surrounding of hotel, can give you a great feeling.

Its a heritage property having history of more than 100 years, but the building of the hotel is not well maintained. Rooms need renovation. Modern facilities needs to be added. Other than Staff and location , nothing was good. Food menu needs to be reviewed.

staff food close to facilities train station

rooms are not modern bathroom was very old and hot water was not continuous . no ac in my room but it doesnt matter as weather was cool

Old charm and location

Bedrooms including bed and bathrooms are obsolete. Super noisy and bad music. Awful service and worst food in Sri Lanka.

My stay at Bandarawela Hotel was truly memorable. The hotel exudes colonial charm, with its old-fashioned rooms that transport you back in time. The staff was exceptionally attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The food was delightful, adding to the overall experience.

The only downside was the shower/bathtub, which felt quite unsafe and slippery, posing a risk of slipping.

All good.

Nothing to complain

The building is well maintained with staff with great attitude and services. Teal gem for the price.

The tap for shower was made of metal without any cover, so I struggled to turn off the hot water tap which became very hot to touch.

Very nicr place. All good.

Nothing to complain

The hotel was surrounded with beautiful flowers and enjoyed walking around . Very clean n nice

The rooms were small for a triple . Hardly any room to move about. The beds were too high, like in a hospital 🫣

Excellent location a short walk from train and bus station, lots of charm lovely gardens, both vegetable plots for the kitchen that you can walk round and the formal oasis at the front. I have stayed here twice, years apart and look to do so again.

Nothing!

conveniently located in the heart of Bandarawela town

lacking basic facilities such as air conditioning, cable TV

This is a beautiful heritage hotel and very comfortable and relaxing. We were treated very well here and the staff were exceptional

Beautiful Hotel and location.responsive room service and staff with a beautiful smile.clean and comfortable room,it was an excellent stay.food was good.we will most certainly return.good luck Bandarawela hotel. Zafee Farshana

Everything was just perfect, we had a great stay...

Tea and food are at its best and the location is on city center

Everything was excellent. Central location in Bandarawela. Good food in traditional atmosphere.

We had to pay Sri Lankan Rupees 4900/- more because of your miscommunication with the hotel. We as guest do not understand why we have to pay more when you do not communicate properly to the hotel.

This hotel is really one-of-a kind. If you find yourself in Bandarawela, you will be lucky to have the chance to stay there. Yes, some of the facilities are rather old, like the beds, televisions, and showers (but still all very comfortable), however, on the other hand I got a lot of enjoyment out imagining what this hotel just have been like 100+ years ago when it first opened. There are still amazing wooden floors throughout the hotel, antique phones, a beautiful lounge/reception area, and a totally worthy bar to settle into for a nightcap at the end of the day. If that's not your thing or you prefer more modern hotels - this might not be the right choice for you : ) Staff was very kind, as well, and there is a brand new movie theater right across the street!

I thought the coffee was not very good!

Friendly and experienced staff. The room was spacious and clean.

The food was tasty, but the buffet could have offered more variety.

Very good location. Colonial style is nice. Good breakfast.

Position of shower

The hotel holds an important part of Sri Lanka's history. There are photos, artworks and interesting details throughout the place. It has a great atmosphere of days gone by and was a meeting place for the Tea Plantation Managers, politicians, diplomats and intellectuals. Influential Sri Lankan business people and politicians still stay here and it is used as a venue for wedding photos because it is so classic and has lovely gardens - so you get the picture. It is easy to get to Ella, Nine Arches Bridge, Lipton's Seat etc. (train, tuk tuk or driver) from here and Bandarawela is not touristy. The hotel is unique and lovely. The staff are amazing and nothing is too much trouble. The manager Rewatha is very professional and kind. He arranged a tour for us in "Miller's Garden" at the hotel where they grow much of their produce. The hotel has implemented environmentally conscious practices which was great to see.

Nothing. We stayed for a few days including breakfast and dinner. The food is generally good except the 'starters" could be expanded. The hotel is not modern-swish but we loved its character and wrinkles that tell many stories.

staff was really good we got the presidents apartment & it was exceptionally good. Ala Carte food is exceptional

buffet needs improvement

I loved the old world charm of this property and the location is fantastic so is the staff.

The hotel needs an upgrade badly. No matter how much the staff makes the place look nice and tidy due to the fact that hotel needs a long overdue refurbishment, makes everything look run down and old. The management should upgrade the hotel while keeping its old world charm without compromising on luxuries (atleast simple luxuries) that other hotels offer. With an upgrade and new amenities this hotel would be a gem. Too many flies in the dining area during lunch time hence, need a few electric fly traps. Rooms need upgrading and have option of tub and shower where possible as older clients can’t get into and out of tubs. No mini bar facilities and mostly only 1 room (202) I was told have an Air condition. It was extremely hot during the day and I cannot imagine how the rest of the guests in the rooms managed with just a ceiling fan. Managements also needs to provide safe boxes in the room and not have a general safe at the reception like the by gone era. Management should also upgrade all “box TVs” with flat screens with cable tv. The management needs to prioritise that while the image of the hotel should remain in colonial era, the services and comfort should reflect very much the current day

The colonial architectures and the lush gardens were really nice and calming. The rooms were very clean and also had the classic colonial touch

The wash rooms could be upgraded a bit. The old tub with curtain is not my liking.

Quaint heritage hotel. Staff friendly. Good location.

An old heritage hotel is going to be dated but bathrooms could be upgraded without affecting the overall ambience.

The location and the staff. Very friendly and attentive.

Room washrooms need an upgrade.

The heritage look and the friendly staff. The location is perfect. The garden is superb as well.

The windows and the switches were very old and needs a renevative toutch.

Food was Good, Breakfast was really nice

This is a true heritage hotel. Some reviews mention the fact that it is in a time warp. This is true but it's lovely to find a place where you can be transported back half a century. It is comfortable and cosy, germutlich.

The garden chairs need cushions! Dinner was very slow in arriving but waiting in the Lounge Bar wasn't tiring.

It is a very unique place where you feel like you travel in time. The post colonial style of the building makes it very interesting and special. Everything is original, stylish and fits together. The staff is very friendly and helpful and always welcome you with a smile. Location is very central, you will find many shops and restaurants nearby. Food is excellent and very versatile.

We had a small problem with overbooking but the staff found a way to solve it, help us and compensate us for the trouble. Initial bad experience became a good one and with a positive outcome.

Fascinating place with a lot of history and charm. Appreciate that it's kept it's 1940s/50s standard and not been tempted to modernize

Breakfast not included and for $10 US was infinitely bland and poorer in quality and quantity than what you would get at any family run guest house in Sri Lanka.

No pool, no recreational facilities at all, basically. The marketing mentions tennis but there is no tennis; they send you to a nearby tennis club that is sad and moribund and not included in the price. They have a billiard room but for some reason we’re not letting guests you use it. Not good.

The staff were exceptionally helpful, kind and courteous. They went out of their way to assist us and make our stay comfortable. The food (both breakfast and dinner) were excellent.

The bed and the room were still setup in the old fashioned way, but it is their style, so I can understand.

Overoll good.. Food, Location are amazing

Little bit expensive... Not too much..

One night at the Bandarawela Hotel was a real highlight of our stay in Sri Lanka! Amazing old buildings with original features and a sense of history, lovingly preserved. There is a cosy bar (with open fireplace for cold evenings), delicious meals served by the attentive staff and pretty grounds with a view of the mist covered mountains. The rooms are spacious and the four poster beds large and comfortable. Plenty of hot water in the original claw foot bathtubs (now fitted with showers). Three friendly golden retrievers and a little play area kept our kids entertained. Highly recommended!

Sri Lankan breakfast not available but only because there was low occupancy in the hotel.

A fantastically atmospheric Place to stay. Attentive staff, great bar @ good food. We will be back.

Location

Old furniture

Location Friendly staff

Food menu and quality

The property is literally in a time capsule - the history is so interesting to learn and several photographs and it has a whole tale of its own. My mother grew up in the local area and remembered it well. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, more than willing to assist and the breakfast was tailor made according to our desires.

All good and impressive

Nothing

Elegant, old worldy. Universal powerpoints

Limited in facilities. Noise can be an issue. Request 1st floor rooms.

Wonderful heritage hotel - however, bathrooms dated and shower facility hard to use (in old fasioned bath) Staff excellent.

The building looks, well-waxed floors, are clean, the architecture, the history of the building, the large serviced garden space, the staff friendliness (there were one or two members of staff who forgot to greet with a smile or a simple hello). The location is right in the middle of the town, which makes it easy to explore the town.

Nothing actually. everything I wanted was available.

The ambience, the friendly staff and the value for money. The food too was quite good considering the rate charged.

Nothing much to complain.

Nothing. It’s falling apart and is literally a small space with nothing to see.

The very inattentive and unprofessional staff, the hotel room, the mosquitoes, the lack of sound proofing, random people running around at night making tons of noise so that you keep waking up. Jetwing which is a few KM away in N’Eliya and at the same price point, in comparison, such a huge difference in the wonderful staff and service at Jetwing.

comfortable room. welcoming staff and they very helpful. foods are tasty and plentiful. specially their breakfast buffet more choices have to select. highly recommend.

nothing

Breakfast on the first day was good.

The architectural design & the landscaping was good.

It would have been great if the hot water facility was good enough!! It took long time to get hot water !

The play area

Beds

The location is well-maintained, and we loved the garden area back and front, it's relaxing. The staff was very kind and friendly. Especially the food was too good. I recommend this place for a family stay,

Better if introduce beds with low height!