Freedom Lodge Kandy

Breakfast was basic, just fruit, bread, and eggs, and the place felt old for the high price. It’s on a small hill about a 15-minute walk from the city center. The room and bathroom were dirty, with dust and dirt on the table, and there was no top sheet on the bed. The balcony door took force to open and close. There was no shampoo or hair dryer, the water pressure was very weak, and there were lots of mosquitoes and insects. Sleeping without insect repellent was impossible. There was no cleaning during our multi-night stay, the internet didn’t work in the room, and there were very few power outlets. A nearby school was very noisy early in the morning. The overall rating seems a little high to me, and I’m sorry to say I can’t recommend this place.

Sarath, who runs the place, made our last-minute booking a lovely surprise. He’s kind, witty, and incredibly helpful, and entertained us with his amazing stories. He also helped us get tickets for the Kandy Cultural Centre. The two adorable dogs added even more warmth. The property looks beautiful and is a short walk from Kandy city centre. The interiors are a bit dated, but the rooms have charm and were clean and cozy. If you want a simple, no-frills stay with heart, this is a solid choice. Highly recommended for travelers who value hospitality over luxury.

Sarath is a magic man by trade. Whatever you need, he seems to know someone. He got me last-minute front-row seats for the kandyan cultural show across the lake, sorted out a shower heater that wasn’t working within hours, and found a decent tuktuk driver who could bypass the Ambuluwawa tuktuk mafia and charge less than the street drivers. My thanks to you, sarath. I hope you and your family are well. The family are warm and welcoming, and the property is secure and well kept. The rooms are basic but very clean, nicely decorated, and free of insects. It’s quiet enough, without being too far from the action. Kandy is such a beautiful city that walking around is a pleasure. I’m surprised this place is graded as one star. It’s really underrated.

The owners were very hospitable and made sure we had what we needed, including being flexible about meal times. The food was good, authentic Sri Lankan cooking. We had a toddler with us and the place worked well for us. The rooms were basic, but cool with the fans on. A great place to stay while in Kandi.