The Long Beach Resort

It was quiet and peaceful at Long Beach Hotel, Koggala, just right for relaxing. We had a really pleasant stay. The staff were friendly, the service was good, and the food was tasty and nicely prepared. Having two swimming pools was a lovely extra. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a restful getaway.

The pool was dirty and uninviting, and the pool bar listed by the hotel wasn’t there. The website also mentions several bars and facilities that we couldn’t find, plus an à la carte restaurant that was closed even though we visited in peak season. Service was awful. At dinner, nobody even offered us drinks, and later we waited ages at the bar despite being the only guests. The shower had almost no pressure, making a proper shower nearly impossible. We’d met such kind, warm and welcoming people all across Sri Lanka, so this hotel’s service felt especially far removed from the rest of our trip. By far the worst place we stayed in the country. A complete disaster, and we definitely wouldn’t recommend it.

That beach is so wide and open, the kind some five-star places down south would love to have. The location is really nice, and the food tasted good, though there wasn’t much choice compared with nearby four-star hotels. The staff were friendly and fairly inexperienced, but I could see the newer team working as hard as they could to get the hotel running. From the beach, though, the property looks almost abandoned when there aren’t people around. Our room was extremely worn, and we had no hot water for our whole stay. Management seems to have no interest in renovating, which is a shame with such a lovely beach going unused. I hope an investor turns it into a great resort someday, but I have no intention of coming back.

The beachside setting is the best part: peaceful, beautiful, and easy to get to. It’s a good place to relax if the location is what matters most to you. Food was one of the main letdowns. There wasn’t much variety, and the meals felt repetitive, especially for a longer stay. Staff also lacked warmth and attentiveness, which brought down the experience. The resort needs a lot of improvement in its food choices and service. I’d only recommend it to someone who cares more about the beach than the dining or hospitality.