Independent, Udawalawa hotels

"The facilities and staff are very good. The food is below par. Food that is to be served hot were served lukewarm. By the time, I walked back to my table from the buffet line, the items were cold. Imagine cold "kirihodi" on String Hoppers or cold scrambled eggs on toast :-) The food that was to be served cold were at room temperature. Not what you expected from a 5-star. The selections were poor. Not much grilled meats/fish. Crab the size of a large shrimp. Remember seeing larger crabs in the paddyfields :-) Thai green curry that had absolutely no vegetables - just small shrimp floating in a green food colored gravy. The so-called Papaya Juice was nothing more than watered down iced washing of a papaya slice! Worst, no coffee after dinner. On top of all this the food is highly over priced. A terrible value! One afternoon at the pool side bar, they wanted a Rs. 1400 for a cup of "kade" tea. What are they making this stuff of - gold? Some of the staff seems clueless of what they are selling. Example, by the pool side on a hot afternoon, we asked for the price a ice-cream bar. The guy had no idea but guessed it was Rs. 4000. The actual price after another guy checked on his POS, was Rs. 600. The first guy should not be a server! We will not be back! They are missing the mark big time! Hope the management take the feedback and improve their offerings. What a shame, afterall they have fantastic facilities and most staff are very good!"

"Fantastic Plac"

"Our stay at Hantara Lodge was perfect. Service was exquisite and helped us plan safari at Udawalawa park and transport to Yala park and Ella on departure day."

"Very dated "

"Room very clean and good stock of toiletries including bath robe and slippers. Coffee making machine + coffee pods as an extra to normal supply of teas and coffees in sachets. We had a suite which was excellent with a lot of space and facilities including iron/ ironing table. Large bailcony with loungers+ towels. Breakfast buffet style - reasonable choice. Large hotel, staff generally helpful but service therefore less personal. My suitcase flew off the shuttle as maybe not placed correctly and was badly scratched. No apology. "

"Had an excellent stay at the property, staff were amazing and had everything we needed, everything was well maintained, pool was great, highlight was the safari which we booked through the property. Would definitely recommend staying here. "

"Very friendly and helpful staff. Good location not far from national park. Bed was comfortable. Wasn't sure about the outdoor bathroom but other people may like it. Basic but functional room."

"Arriving at the entrance was really impressive. We were greeted with a cool drink and big umbrellas as the rain thundered down! The rain meant we couldn't use the pool, which looked lovely, and our original room had leaks, so we were taken to different rooms, which were much better. The rooms were clean. We were a short drive to the safari. All in all, great value for money and a very nice team working there - they just need to finish some of the maintenance work (to stop things like leaks!)."

"fabulous secluded location, AMAZING staff. Gorgeous food. -the staff go way above and beyond in hospitality. please DO use their official guides an drivers that follow the same mantra."