Kandy Riverside Villa

The photos gave a very different impression of the place. We paid 60,000 LKR for two days, but there was no hot water the whole time. They said it was solar-powered and might warm up later, yet we had to shower in freezing water both days. One toilet flush leaked out of the bathroom, which was disgusting. When we complained, they offered only 2,000 LKR off and didn’t apologize or seem sorry. The service was really bad.

We had booked two deluxe family rooms, but were told when we arrived that neither was available, and the only option was a three-bedroom apartment. It turned out spacious, clean, and private for us, with a good river view. The electric kettle, microwave, sink and pantry counter, big table, fridge, and comfortable sofa were useful. The air conditioning worked well, hot water was available, the bathrooms and linens were tidy, and parking was roomy and well kept. Still, the bin hadn’t been emptied and used water bottles were left in the fridge. Food was a letdown. Dinner was average for the price, and the breakfast buffet started with nothing available. Staff brought food out a few minutes later, but there wasn’t much choice. I’d give it 6/10. Just before checkout, water suddenly leaked from the ceiling in one room and flooded the floor. Staff had tried to clean it before telling the owner, which made the mess worse. The owner then spoke rather rudely and asked why we hadn’t reported it sooner. It seemed like a clear communication problem on their side. Since we were already leaving, we didn’t ask to move rooms or make a bigger issue of it. We paid and left.

The river view is superb, and the hotel is a lovely place to rest and recharge beside the Mahaweli river, away from busy Kandy city. Rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, with really good hot showers. Service is excellent, and the food suits foreigners well. I especially liked the Arabica coffee. If you know the usual Harishchandra coffee in Sri Lanka, you’ll get why a break with Arabica feels so good.

The hotel looks nothing like its photos, and the whole stay was a bitter experience. We paid 60,000 LKR for two nights, yet had to shower in ice-cold water throughout. We were told the hot water ran on solar power and would come soon, but it never did. A toilet flush leaked outside, which was extremely unhygienic. When we raised these problems, they offered only 2,000 LKR off, casually, without taking responsibility or apologizing. It’s garbage. My husband reviewed the place too, and they replied as if they didn’t know what had happened. Check the newest comments for genuine reviews. We also fell for the older reviews.