Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu
Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, Habarana-Polonnaruwa Road, Polonnaruwa 51000, Sri Lanka- Attraction
- Ruines
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Garden Oasis and Modern Comforts
Thisal Guest House offers a tranquil escape just steps away from Deepa Uyana. Enjoy the lush garden views and unwind on the terrace. The 24-hour front desk ensures all your needs are met promptly.
Convenient Amenities
Indulge in the convenience of free private parking and stay connected with complimentary WiFi. The in-house restaurant caters to your dining needs, while room service adds an extra touch of comfort to your stay.
Explore with Ease
Take advantage of bike and car hire services to explore the area with ease. Whether visiting the Polonnaruwa Clock Tower or the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Thisal Guest House is the perfect starting point for your adventures.
Book now to experience a peaceful retreat at Thisal Guest House.
Check-in from
12:00 PM
Check-out by
11:00 AM
Parking
FREE
Children
Allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 2 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
11 sqm
Garden View
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
7 sqm
Garden View
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
1 adults · 1 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
6 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
7 sqm
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 5 guests
4 adults · 4 children
Beds
2 Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
9 sqm
Garden View
In-room amenities
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
One of the most welcoming places I stayed during my travels in Sri Lanka. The breakfast and dinner were excellent, but what really made the stay special was the hospitality. Thisal even took me on his motorbike to see some of the local sights and later brought me to the bus station. He made sure I had been to the ATM, had everything I needed, and personally made certain I got onto the right bus before leaving me. That kind of genuine care and hospitality is something you remember. A wonderful experience.
The family are very accommodating and the food is exceptional, going above and beyond to share many different dishes. I experienced new food here after 21 days of exploring. Good knowledge and helpful locals, well known and trusted as I have found Sri Lanken people to be.
Fantastic
Gentilissimi , sono stati carini, ci hanno offerto the al arrivo , la cena iper mega abbondante e una colazione favolosa , la signora e suo nipote di una ospitalità come a casa ! Sono persone gentilissime e umili, meritano molto Vicino alle attrazioni
Nulla
Struttura e camera semplice, ma ben pulita e con tutto il necessario per un breve soggiorno. Posizione ottima per poter visitare il sito archeologico di Polonnawrua (5 minuti a piedi) e proprio vicino alla fermata del bus. Quello che fa la differenza é l'accoglienza e la gentilezza di Thisal e della nonna, che ti fanno sentire a casa. sono stati disponibili a fornire qualsiasi tipo di informazione (come visitare il sito, noleggiano biciclette e informazioni per prendere il bus per gli spostamenti). Inoltre, si richiesta, nella struttura é possibile cenare: credo la migliore cena del viaggio, preparata direttamente dalla nonna: porzioni abbondanti e un curry Rice indimenticabile. E allo stesso livello la colazione della mattina seguente. Veramente consigliato per una notte a Polonnawrua!
Famille très accueillante, extrêmement gentille. Super localisation Je recommande vivement
Au-delà d’un simple logement, c’est une experience précieuse de voyage : - Cuisine exceptionnelle de la grand-mère : traditionnelle, savoureuse et généreuse. Meilleurs dîners et petit-déjeuners de tout notre séjour au Sri-Lanka. - Discussions simples et chaleureuses en anglais et moments de partage authentiques avec les deux garçons de la famille. - Une chambre d’hôte avec le parfait équilibre entre d’un côté la tranquillité dans la chambre et aux repas qu’on recherchait, et de l’autre l’immersion dans le quotidien d’une famille sri-lankaise très attachante. Autres points positifs : - Chambre propre avec une literie simple, quelques rangements, la climatisation, une moustiquaire si besoin et une salle de bain fonctionnelle - Bon emplacement à proximité du site archéologique, du lac pour les couchers de soleil et de cafés/restaurants - Conseils de visite et organisation de safaris et de trajets en tuk-tuk - Service de nettoyage de vêtements - Accès à la piscine d’un grand hôtel à quelques mètres de la maison - Eau filtrée à disposition Excellent rapport qualité/prix.
A améliorer : - Qualité du réseau Wifi - Draps housse fatigué - Quelques fourmilles dans la salle de bain
Preciosa casa, muy cerca del recinto arqueológico de Polonaruwa. Atención de toda la família inmejorable. La cena y desayuno súper rico y abundante. Lo recomiendo 100%
Very good home cooked food, friendly and welcoming, family like athmosphere.
Super nice family, they try everything to make you feel at home, incredible breakfast and dinner (try her dinner, she does it very good and fot a great value). We would come back for sure!
The plugs for chargging were working so so, and the room itself was modest but great for its value
Ons verblijf bij Thisal en zijn oma was fantastisch. Thisal kan je precies vertellen wat je moet bezoeken in de ancient city van Pollonnaruwa en je kunt fietsen huren waarmee je gemakkelijk door het park gaat in 1 dag. Daarnaast kun je heel betaalbaar een safari regelen via Thisal. Beide dagen waren geweldig!
Thisal et sa grand mère sont extrêmement gentils ! Le logement est propre, proche du site archéologique. Ils proposent une location de vélo pour 500 roupies. Le repas du soir était délicieux et très copieux, ainsi que le petit déjeuner. De plus, j’ai été embêté avec les transport, Thisal à téléphoné à la station de bus pour me trouver une solution. Il m’a déposé à la station et m’a accompagné dans le bus pour être sûr que mon trajet soit le bon. Je le remercie infiniment, sans lui je n’y serais pas arrivé. N’hésitez pas à réserver, en plus d’avoir un logement tout à fait confortable, vous aurez un contact humain incroyable. Je le remercie encore 1000x !
Einfaches Zimmer, das alles hatte, was es brauchte (inkl. AC). Top Lage, nah an den Ruinen von Polonnarawu. Fahrräder zum Erkunden der alten Königsstadt kann man direkt vor Ort gegen wenig Geld ausleihen! Die Gastfamilie war super lieb und herzlich, hat uns bei allem geholfen, ein leckeres Mittagessen gekocht und uns persönlich zum nächsten Atm und zur Bushaltestelle am nächsten Morgen gebracht und sogar gewartet, bis wir im richtigen Bus saßen! Wir danken euch für alles!
Great stay at Thisal Guest House! Clean, comfortable rooms and a super convenient location right by the Ancient temple Thisal arranged an awesome safari for us too. Perfect spot for a peaceful, hassle-free visit. Highly recommend
Location & stuffs
Nothing
"Had an amazing stay at Thisal's place The staff were super friendly and the rooms were clean and comfy 😊. Highlights of my trip were the safari adventure and boat tour - both were totally breathtaking! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a chill vibe This is the place for you
Nothing
Les propriétaires sont très gentils et arrangeant, les repas sont excellents, je vous conseille dinner chez eux. Possibilité de louer un vélo pour visiter la vielle ville située proche du logement
This quiet place ist idealy situated for visiting the historic sites by walking and is just opposite of a bus Station. We had a very warm welcome although we arrived very early (before 11h). Thisal answered all our qiestions and helped us to Plan our Sightseeing tour. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were extraordinary cooked by his grandma.
Wifo was broken.
L'établissement est tenu par une gentille famille Sri Lankaise . Très bon accueil de toute la famille Le fils aîné arrange l'excursion au site de Polonnawura avec un conducteur de tuk tuk Chambre propre ainsi que la salle bain La cuisine de la maman est très bonne...petit déjeuner et dîner. Très bon et copieux Le WiFi fonctionne bien Bon sejour
La literie est beaucoup trop molle.. La lampe de la chambre est trop faible..on a l'impression de veiller les morts Et impossibilité de régler le ventilo..si on l'arrête il fait trop chaud et impossibilité d'ouvrir la fenêtre
Das Homestay liegt direkt an der Busstation und Ticketoffice, nur ein paar Meter zu laufen, trotzdem ruhig genug. Thisal und seine Oma sind sehr nett. Die Oma kocht.
This was the best stay in Sri Lanka for me! Thisal and his grandmother are so lovely, they help you with everything and the food she cooks is just amazing :) The rooms are really simple, it is a home stay, they are clean and spacious with airco and mosquito net. Would highly recommend!!
L'accueil fut excellent, la chambre, bien que simple, était fonctionnelle, avec une salle de bain et la climatisation. La location de vélos en très bon état a permis de découvrir le site archéologique. Quant à la cuisine, c'était une merveille, préparée par une cuisinière hors pair avec des produits frais du jour. Ses petits-fils étaient adorables et toujours prêts à rendre service, tout comme son mari, discret mais avenant. En somme, c'est un endroit où l'on se sent comme chez soi, dans un cadre simple et agréable. Nous remercions encore toute la famille. Céline et Alexandre.
La ubicación es perfecta para visitar el parque arqueológico, me trataron muy bien y me facilitaron una bicicleta y la cena a un precio justo. Si quieres quedarte en Polonnaruwa sin gastar mucho esta casa familiar es una muy buena opción.
Todo bien, es un alojamiento sencillo con muy buena relación calidad-precio.
Thisal guest house was perfect for our one night stay in Polonnaruwa. We were warmly welcomed by our host who were so helpful, getting us bikes to visit the ancient city (which is very close), they also accomodated us with early breakfast so we could catch our train the next day and Thisal gave us a lift to the station. Thanks again for everything!
Nothing
Very nice family. Good manner and good food.
Vriendelijke uitbaatster. Je bent hier echt bij de mensen aan huis. Ontbijt was ruim en verzorgd. We namen er ook 1 avond een avondmaal, dat heel lekker, lokaal en uitgebreid was. Prijs was zeker correct. Ligging is prima, vlak bij de bushalte en toch heel rustige straat. Op wandelafstand van het museum van Polonnaruwa en op fietsafstand van de ruïnes van de oude stad.
De uitbaatster en haar zoon waren wel een beetje opdringerig om hun safari te verkopen, ondanks we lieten weten dat we niet op safari gingen maar de ruïnes van Polonnaruwa kwamen bezoeken.
La cena presso la Guest House è ottima e si ha la possibilità di mangiare realmente la tipica cucina locale. La padrona di casa non è solo una gran cuoca ma persona davvero premurosa con la quale è davvero piacevole parlare. Si ha poi la possibilità di affidarsi a suo figlio(proprietario di un negozio molto bello di gioielleria da visitare )sia per il safari che per il tour della città vecchia. Tutti davvero molto gentili e premurosi(il figlio mi ha portato da un suo amico medico per un brutto ascesso che avevo sul polpaccio) compreso il simpatico nipote aspirante campione di cricket! Davvero una bella esperienza.
Good location for 1 or 2 nights. Offering rental bicycle. Have mosquito net
I would not consider 2 pancakes and 1 banana as a breakfast. Travellers come here to experience Pollonaruwa kingdom sights and usually spend a full day on it hence need energy but I had to first spend energy on searching food then going to explore ancient ruins. On a 2nd day I had to leave early and asked for some simple takeaway snack. There were 3 bananas on a table when I woke up. I am not complaining but reality is that within 3 months it was the worst "breakfast" in Sri Lanka. But hosts were actively offering safari trip (on their in jeep) and a paid lunch/dinner (mentioned about "small portion") You can make some conclusions 🧐
Bus stop and ancient site is near.
The room is hot like you are having sauna. The old woman talked nonsense saying there is no bus on Saturday and Sunday but the son is good,helpful and honest.
The host, the mother of the house, is very friendly and the food was delicious. She will cook whatever you want. Very lovely lady! Free drinking water is always avaliable. The location is close to Temple ruins. The room is basic and a bit dark, water is cold, good ceiling fan and AC. Worth it!
Owners son always offers you safari, excursions and transport with high prices, which we didnt like. He really was too pushy.
Such a lovely family! They did everything to make us feel comfortable, it really felt like a home away from home :)) we also had dinner made at the homestay and it was some of the best food we had whilst in Sri Lanka and only 1000 each! Fab location too.
N/A
Great location and lovely hosts. Delicious home cooked Sri Lanka food available as requested. I was there for Poson Perahara and the owners made sure we had seats and food to enjoy the hours long parade through the Main Street.
Nothing to complain about
Great family, very open and friendly. The mom cooks great food. Kalum, the host, is awesome and very eager to help you with anything you need. The safari he hosts is very good and I definitely recommend it. The location is very close to the sacred city and the lake so you can get around very easily.
No AC but had a big ceiling fan which was able to level it out.
Very nice host, he gave us a lot of recommendations and helped us with buses. One of very few accommodation in Sri Lanka where you can refill your water bottle and don't have to buy water in plastic bottles. They also offer safari where you can see many many elephants. Good value considering the price.
Room was basic but did the job for one night. The owners mother made me dinner and breakfast which was lovely (and well priced). Good for visiting the ancient ruins.
Mother of owner is nice also her meals.bv
In this house is wet, not nice mold.l smell. The small room is unfit for habitation, probably even for animals, it's like a cell, basement full of stains, you can't breathe there, really unhealthy place with wet walls. We paid but we couldn't be there, we lost money. The owner wants to do business with precious stones and safari for big money. I don't recommend.
Good location for visiting the ancient city. The mom made me a delicious and huge dinner. Good spot!
It was good for the price. Hosts were friendly and helpful. Sadly the AC didn't work properly and wouldn't recommend breakfast here.
Nice and simple room. Less than 5 minutes walk from the ancient city and museum. I hired a bike with them to do the tour. They also do safari. Best thing the home made dinner and breakfast. Absolutely delicious 😃
The Thisal Guest House family is a very loving and welcoming family. The Mother of the house is an excellent cook and prepares very tasty Sri Lankan dishes. The Guest House offers daily jeep safaries to watch large groups of elephants and birds in nearby national parks. The Guest House also offers exursions of back road trips to experience the real Sri Lanka and visits to Ayurveda herbal gardens, as well as drop offs to nearby tourist towns at reasonable prices. I really enjoyed my stay with the family and recommend to everybody visiting Polonnaruwa.
Not applicable.
I really appreciated Kelum's dad waiting with me for my bus to Anuradhapura. For 30 minutes! If you don't feel like spending 3-4 hours walking around the sacred city area (which didn't feel like a lot to me), there is a bike (800) and a car with Kelum as a driver (5,000) for rent. They also offer a meal for 1,500 rupee, but there are also plenty ot cafes nearby if you opt for something different. Overall, it's good to have options - and this place gives you what to choose from. Excellent wifi and location.
Maybe it makes sense to have a double room just with one double bed. I had to move mu suitcase to another bed because there wad no space on the floor 😅 The water could have been a bit hotter, too.
Kelum is very welcoming, his mother is an excellent cook, breakfast and dinner cost extra but are great value. I also rented a bike which was helpful. It’s like being part of the family, especially as I was alone, Kelum made an effort to chat to me and his spoken English is very good.
The room isn’t very nice, it is dated and dark, but you get what you pay for. I was only here for one night which was fine.
Amazing value. And the location is spot on. Right in the heart of the Polonnaruwa Temple ruins area. Across the bus stop. The homestay is run by a very friendly, welcoming family. You can rent bycicles there, which are perfect for a visit of the Temple sites which are scattered around the old city. They also offer a very good Elephant safari (which we didn't take, but the stories in the guest book speak for themselves). The rooms are basic but fine. With a good ceiling fan and good beds. The owner also has a gem shop, where they sell their own mined gems. Lovely atmosphere and don't get me started on the Rice and Curry diner we had. The old lady is a wonderful cook.
For this price, there is nothing that comes to mind.
It was an amazing experience. People are extremely kind and helpful. I loved being at Thisal
The owner is a good man who waited for me at the bus stand, which is across from the guest house. He arranged local tours with reasonable prices.
FOOD: the sweet lady cooks heavenly, don’t miss the chance, best food in town! SAFARI: I was doubting a lot about joining one, but our host was very caring and mindful about the animals. With Kelum you can visit a less crowded place park and encounter so many elephants. It was a lovely day, and in my opinion it is more worth it than the ruins!! Overall: such lovely and attentive hosts, ready to help and give you the best time, they made our stay in polannaruwa much more beautiful.
We had the booking but they had given the room to somebody else.
Half day car charter by Kelum, delicious meal made by his mother, big bed
Cockroach and mosquitos appeared in my room
Value for money is adequate. Room is bit dark and bathroom Quite old but ok. Nice family
All ok
Location is perfect. Quality bikes for rent. Great value for the price
Very good location, 7 min walking distance from the main gate of the site. Very helpful family. Kalum can organise everything you need. Very nice safari (72 elephants in one afternoon 😉), bicycle booking (even for young kids 👍), laundry, taxi... His mother is a very good cooker. You can experience local food. Family atmosphere.
the host and his mother delightful people she is an amazing cook real sri lankan food he offered tour guiding and was an excellent tour guide to the ancient city very knowledgeable he also offered a safari that looked amazing but we had already just done one should have waited for his remeber to ask for hot water to be turned on for showers
Close to clock tower bus stop. Guest house is just opposite the bus stop. Very budget price. Polonnaruwa park ticket office 3 minutes walk. Good Airconditioner,fan, mosquito net, nice powerful cold shower, owner speaks good English, cycle hiring available, you can order dinner.
The room light is very dim. Needs a bright light.
Friendly people and I was served the most toothsome home cooked food in great quantities. Simply delicious. They take great care of their guests. I can only recommend it.
As reported elsewhere, the meals were very good.
It was well worn. The bikes available for rental are not for tall people.
Just the location.
Everything was in need of a little more care.
The whole family was welcoming and nice. They cared so much about the guests and always provided snacks for any occasion. I spent a very good time with them all! The safari he’s offering was incredible, we saw dozens of elephants.
Kalum was lovely and picked me up from the train station because I told him I would arrive quite late in the evening. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by his mother who prepared a delicious dinner for me (traditional curry and rice with plenty of vegetables and side dishes). The next morning Kalum took me for a safari and was, overall, an excellent guide. The room size was good, bathroom facilities okay (didn't really have hot water, but it was lukewarm and given the heat in general, it didn't feel too bad).
The room had a mosquito net but I'm afraid it had holes in it, so not ideal. And there's no AC, just a fan which is on its last legs - not the end of the world, but could be better. The accommodation is really cheap because Kalum will try to make you go on the safari (essentially you can't say no to him!). However, when you add it all up, it's a pleasant stay and a fairly authentic Sri Lankan experience living with a family.
They were very hospitable and friendly, and the food was delicious.
The price-quality ratio was good. The rooms just smelled a bit musty.
Location just next to the bus stop, close to the Museum and archological site. Excellent dinner.
The room was not in good condition, the son od the host was a little bit pushy trying to sell his safari tour (claiming that there were no elephants in Udawalawe 😉), bike rental was slightly overpriced.
The price
Was hassled even before entering the property. Jungle tours, temples etc.. pictures thrust into my face as they got my room ready. The lady of the property was particularly aggressive towards me. If I left my room she would jump at me and start having a go at me for not selecting tours at their property. Was not a plesant experience. I even went out and stood at a bus stop for an hour after dinner so I didn’t have to go back to the guest house. The room, well the beds were like sleeping on the floor they were so hard. Linen was tired but acceptable. Toilet was clean but the seat had marks on it. Floor had had better days. Didn’t dare use the shower. Soap looked liked it had been used by previous guest. No lock on outside of door so you need a padlock Couldn’t wait to leave. Can not recommend other than a very cheap night before leaving
This guest house is run by a wonderful family. I definitely recommend using all their services. The lady cooked us an amazing dinner and Mr Kelum is an awesome safari guide. We went to safari with him and he showed us the entire Kaudulla National Park which resulted with memories for a lifetime. He is very competent and made a great effort to make the safari as enjoyable as possible. The guest house is located near the entrance to the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, so I really believe it can satisfy all the needs a traveler in this part of the country could have.
The place was good enough for a night. The family who owns it are super nice people, very helpful and welcoming. The room was fine, I couldnt close the bathroom doors and the shower was ehh but since I had the room for myself, it was fine. Breakfast was great!
There were mosquitoes even though I had closed the windows, I couldnt close the doors, the mosquito net had holes in it.
Excellent. Soon, cooks delicious vegetarian meals. Very helpful and conveys warm hospitality. Near to the Archeological Museum and ticketing counter. is nearby.
Basic rooms at a family home. They were wellcoming and you could take safari, transportation and food with them (extra fer of course)
Bathroom needs some repair
5 of us (2adults, 3kids) spent few days in this charming family guest house..enjoying the company of Khalum (the chief) and his family..gone for a safari (according to kids count 39 elephants)..sigiriya..spoiling our taste buds by excellent dishes prepares by his mother..and for the end a real treat, a natural tropical shower .. kids couldn’t be happier ..jumping and dancing in the rain in front of the house..hope one days our paths cross again
The hostess cooked excellently.
The mother and the son are amazing!!! They helped me with everything I needed. Mom makes amazing dinners, with loooot of food, full belly guarantee hehe. Definitely recommend this place. Thanks a lot for all your hospitality!! All the best! :)
I slept in the single extremely budget room, is very small, humid and with water leaking all over the toilet, therefore mosquito paradise. I saw the other rooms though and are all very good, so if you can avoid the small room go ahead and come to this place ;)
The dinner that they offer is fantastic. The room it's a private room really simple but ok and they help me with information of the transport at the end of my trip for go to another city. They have properly english.
I had another safari's booking the same day than I've arrived with more people and the man insist me in cancell it, for along 10 minutes, it was a really uncomfortable moment... I felt that him behavior it would be different if I would take with him the safari.
I had an utmost welcoming experience at Thisal's home. Literally I felt like at home. All this due to the Madam (the mum). She is an awesome cook - forget about having diners or breakfasts anywhere else. You would miss some delicuous Srilankan cooking. And the Lady really has a big heart. Son also offers safaries and after he explained to me in detail what kind of parks surround Polonnaruwa and what animals can be seen where and when I understood why all the reviews in their little notebook not only mentioned fabolous home cooking but also great safari experience. I would definitelly recommend the place. Did I mention swimming in the channel and lake? And the option to refill the water bottle?
There was nothing I did not like.
Great homestay and staff The food was the best of the trip and the safari amazing!
Stay at Thisal. NoGuest House was very nice, the hospitality was great. But the best thing to do is go on a safari with them. Very good. It is possible to eat dinner and breakfast prepared by the hosts. Thank you very much.
Really nice location, the family is very welcoming and friendly, they do everything to help you and make your stay unbelievable! The dinner was really amazing
There is AC + fan in the room, you get a private bathroom. The house is well located near the ancient city. For the price, it's quite a good deal. The place was overall quiet.
First of all, after booking, the host sent us a message saying he would pick us up from the train station, at no time he asked us if we wanted and mentioned how much he would charge for it. I told him we could take a tuktuk instead, and when we arrived he was there at the station (when we were about to leave with a tuktuk, miscommunication here). Then when we arrive at the house, he talked to us for 10-15min about his safari tour, which we listened but we weren't interested and we didn't like that he asked us to change our plans to do his safari tour instead of what we had planned the next day. We felt he was a bit possessive of the guests, by telling us not to take tuktuks from the streets, not to buy water from there, not to rent bikes from there etc etc. It was just too invasive for us. The next morning he asked us again about his safari and we said no, and from there it felt like he disappeared. When we left the place, we took a tuktuk from the street to the train station and we got charged 600 Rs, while he charged us 1000 Rs when he picked us up. For us it's not really about the money, but the principles of offering services without being pushed or imposed, and knowing before the price of the said service. Also, according to booking breakfast was included and we didn't hear anything about it. In summary, while the accommodation offered some amenities and a convenient location, the host's communication and approach to insisting on additional services left much to be desired. Improved transparency and respect for guests' preferences would greatly enhance the overall experience.
I had a great stay at Thisal Guest House! It's owned by a very friendly family. I did the safari tour that the guest house offers and it was truly amazing, I totally recommend it! The food at the guest house is also very tasty! The location is perfect, it's close where the bus drops you off and the entrance of the ancient city.
A very warm welcome by the host. Welcome with a pot of tea. She prepared very delicious, traditional and excessive meals. Breakfast is included what makes this stay a good value. Lunch and dinner are optional, and were very delicious. Good way to eat traditional Sri Lankan food. In afternoon a cup of tea. Next to busstop and pretty close to the ruins. Because of the warmth I chose for the offer to go by the safari jeep with the owner which was good for a good price. The safari tour was great and the owner and his driver did their utmost for the best spots and until the last moment, when all other jeeps already had left, we were still spotting elephants at a wonderful location.
great location, lovely breakfast every morning, has a safari jeep, amazing hosts who did the most
Good location near the main road so it was easy to locate and easy to get the bus in and out of town. Wifi worked well. Room was clean. Air con was good. We could rent bikes from them and the ticket office for Polonnaruwa is very near. Dinner was delicious and not spicy as requested but way too much for one person. It cost 1500 and I'd prefer to pay less for the amount of food that I would actually finish eating.
Pushy host wanting to sell the safari tour, even after politely declining he would repeatedly bring it up so I started trying to avoid him
The host and his mother were very nice and helpful. We have great dinner-home made. The host can provide you a safari so it is going to be great if you take the chance.
I ordered single room, but got a free upgrade to a bigger one. The place is quiet old and basic, but ok to crash for a night. Rented a bike from the owners for 800 and had a plentiful dinner which I was not able to finish and could probably feed 2-3 people for 1500. It is close to bus stop.
The smell inside the house as in your grandmas apartment, my room door was busted, but would close and lock. Lady wanted to charge me 2000 for the room although it was 1400 and I didn't ask for an upgrade. Lady acted as if she didn't know what the price was (maybe she didn't idk) but was ok when said it's 1400. Still decided to pay 1700 as it was very cheap stay. Hope they improve a bit with they rooms and cleaness.
The room is basic and simple, but at the same time it has all the necessities. Possibility to cheaply rent bikes to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the owner Kalum is also a Safari guide. At first with my wife we weren't sure to do it or not because we were in a low-budget holiday, but then we decided to do it and it's worth absolutely every penny!! An amazing experience and impossible to describe it with words: you gotta do it to understand!! Super recommended 👍🏻
The guy from the hostel was so nice. He drove me to an ATM because I didn't have enough cash and he offered me a safari and a temple tour, I agreed to both of them and it was a great experience. I also asked for checking out later because I wanted to rest more and they had no problem. The dinner was really big and good
Honestly if you come, I wouldn't recommend getting the 4€ option, the room is full of ants and even when I put the mosquito net I had to kill like 10 ants that were on my bed. Also inside the room is way hotter than outside even if you put the ventilator. It's not a big room which is okay if you're travelling alone and the bathroom doesn't have a door so basically your room can go wet if you shower. But overall the stay was okay.
Lovely place with very nice hosts. Location is great, right next to the bus stop, very close to the ancient city. If you want you can also walk 2 minutes to the lake to watch the sunset. Place has bike available, which is great to cover distances within Pollonaruwa ruins. I had the dinner here as well, a lot of food and very delicious. The room had a small bathroom, mosquito net and a strong fan. Could be locked as well.
Excellent value for money for AC room including breakfast. Superb location few minute walk from Polonnaruwa museum (ruin ticket office) and extremely close to bus stop.
Owner did try to sell added services which is understandable given the very low price of the room.
Privacy Friendliness of the hosts Great dinners
Very friendly people with good info. Best food I had so far. Good reason to come. Only 100 meters from the lake/ticket office & very close to the ancient city.
Lots of moscitos night time but every where, nothing to do with the place
Filling good like ours home 🏡
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What guests love
Areas to consider
Cleanliness
7.65/10While the hosts were generally friendly, there were comments about the room being too hot, indicating some cleanliness and comfort issues.
Service
9.15/10The hosts were consistently mentioned as friendly and accommodating, providing bikes and early breakfasts.
Location
8.65/10The location was frequently noted as convenient for visiting ancient sites and easily accessible.
Room Quality
7.15/10The room was described as basic and dark, with some guests mentioning issues with temperature.
Amenities
8.15/10Rental bicycles were offered, contributing positively to the stay; however, breakfast needed improvement.
Value for Money
9.15/10Strong emphasis on good value for the price, especially with meals provided.
Food and Beverage
8.65/10Many guests praised the home-cooked meals and local cuisine, contributing positively to overall satisfaction.
Overall Experience
8.65/10Guests left with a sense of home-like comfort, highlighting the positive interactions with the hosts.