Hotel Clauria

I’ve stayed at Hotel Clauria more than five times, and the quality has stayed consistent on every visit. It’s peaceful at all hours, and the friendly staff and tasty traditional Sri Lankan food keep me coming back. The rooms feel almost like small houses, with lots of space, a little living room, and a pantry-like area. The bathrooms aren’t at the highest level of cleanliness, but they’re okay. I’d recommend visiting.

We had such a spacious, well-appointed room that I wondered if we’d been upgraded, though I believe we booked a standard room. I’d originally planned to stay two nights, then changed it to one, and regretted that as soon as I arrived. Check-in and checkout were efficient, and the staff were friendly. After our long safari day, they noticed us walking back to our room late. Dinner at the restaurant was okay, and the drink service was very good. We’re going back in December and will stay at Hotel Cluaria.

The porters quickly brought umbrellas when we arrived in the rain, then carried our bags to the rooms after check-in. The rooms were clean, spacious, and in separate units. Breakfast was included and served around 6:45, with plenty of choices for hungry tourists. After several days of touring, though, all the food started to seem the same. The dining area was a good size, and the servers did a good job. I skipped dinner, but the group went and said the servers were excellent. They also arrange jeep safaris to Yala, Bundala, and Udawalawe National Parks.

The staff were fantastic, and the place was calm and quiet. The separate chalets have fair prices, rooms with good service, and there’s plenty of parking. We didn’t eat at the hotel, so I can’t say whether they offer food.