Tina Nature Villa

Once we got into the room, we were impressed. It felt like a little mountain chalet, and because it was raining that day, the wintery atmosphere was perfect for us. The room was clean and refreshed, the TV worked, and they had tea and coffee set out. Only Sri Lankan and Indian channels were available, with no subscription channels. Breakfast the next day was really good, with a lovely view of the 9 arch bridge. It’s perfectly placed for walks nearby, and we left smiling and happy. The kids loved it too. Our arrival had felt very different. We didn’t feel expected, or welcome, and the staff seemed cold, with no smiles. The hotel is up high and not every car can reach it, so we struggled to get the team to pick us up from the street. They first said the tuk-tuk wasn’t working, then suddenly it was possible, which left us feeling uncomfortable.

The rooms were gorgeous, and breakfast was delicious and well priced. We were just outside Ella, so it was peaceful, with tremendous views of the 9 arch bridge. The pool was pretty cold, even for the kids, but they still had fun swimming.

The cost was the biggest problem. At a more reasonable price, I might have put up with the rest, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here as it is. Getting around takes effort: the hotel is about 20 to 30 minutes outside town, up a hill. A tuktuk cost 1000 LKR to get there and 800 LKR back into town. Little Adams Peak’s hiking trail starts about a 15-minute walk away, and Nine Arches Bridge is a steep 10-minute walk downhill. Our room smelled strongly of mildew, and we couldn’t get rid of it. There are windows all around, but they have to stay shut for any privacy. The pool is shaded until late afternoon, so it’s mostly unusable. You can see nine arches from the restaurant, but it isn’t open early in the morning or late in the evening. Neither the rooms nor the pool have a view of nine arches. Breakfast was poor. You can choose Western or Sri Lankan, but the Sri Lankan option was very watered down and among the worst food we had in Sri Lanka. Breakfast is served from 8 to 10 AM, with no flexibility. You have to choose your food and time the day before, and staff may knock on your door to get your order if you haven’t answered their WhatsApp message. This was the first hotel in Sri Lanka where we didn’t find a filtered water dispenser, so we had to use several plastic bottles. Disappointing, and bad for the environment.

The so-called villas felt like huts or cabins at best. This place is massively overrated, and I can’t really call it a hotel.