Mambo's Arugambay Hotel

Ocean Vibe has a heavenly spot in Arugam Bay, right by the beach, with a gentle sea breeze and great surf atmosphere. The staff were warm and clearly cared about us. At times they were almost too welcoming, but it gave the stay a friendly local feel. The rooms could use better upkeep. We found spiders and worms in the shower, and there was only cold water, which could be uncomfortable for some people. The beachfront setting and heartfelt hospitality are lovely, though the facilities are basic rather than luxurious. Cost: 3. Value: 3.

Dulaj and the guys treated me like an old friend, and they're some of the nicest people around. They even carried my bags down the path because cars can only reach the main road for the hotels past Ocean Vibe. It's right across from Baby Point, and just a two-minute walk along the beach into town. The boys went out of their way to make me a vegan breakfast, which isn't common in Sri Lankan hotels. One thing to know: from Monday to Saturday, a different hotel has a party each night, so you can't avoid the loud music anywhere along the beach side of A-Bay. Bring earplugs. Dulaj is gradually updating the rooms, and the deck view makes it worthwhile.

Right in front of the place there's an easy surf spot for beginners, and about 200 meters away there's a fun, long right-hand wave if you're more experienced. The breakfast is delicious and works well before surfing. The staff are all welcoming and friendly, and all you hear from this oceanfront spot is nature and the sea. A great place for a paradise-style holiday alone, as a couple, or with family. I recommend it completely. You won't regret it.

The young men running the place were impeccably polite, friendly, and helpful, and the breakfast was very good. The location worked well for surfing. But the grounds were in such poor shape that we were always tracking dirt back into the room. The room itself was very substandard: small, with one small window that couldn't be used. There were no hand towels, bath mats, or spare pillows. The bed was small, the sheets felt cheap and dry, and the air conditioner was loud, with only one setting. It took all night to cool us down. The ceiling fan also only ran on high. Neither the window nor the front door had an insect screen, and there was no hot water. The bathroom water smelled bad, was often shut off, and came back brown when restored. The safe didn't work either. We stayed four nights, and every night loud music from nearby bars went on until 4am. The staff tried their best, but I wouldn't recommend this place. It was very basic and poor value for money.