Gems Garden Guest House

The location worked perfectly for us: touristy beaches are to the right, while the left side feels calmer and more private. Our host helped with whatever we needed, including arranging bikes. This was the best stay of our two weeks in Sri Lanka, and we hope to come back soon. We first booked one night, then stayed four. The rooms are good for the price, but the host and his family are what made us feel so at home that we didn't want to leave. He took over the property from his father, who once owned a lot of land in the area. After the 2004 tsunami, many foreigners bought property cheaply, which is why there are so many fancy hotels around now. Support a local and stay here 🫶🌸

The real problem was the owner's attitude. He asked for a fairly large amount for a “service” we had never agreed to. I eventually gave in and left him almost double what he had first asked. I had to check out early and left the money on the bed, but he said he never found it. After that, he kept insulting me on WhatsApp. I've never had such an unprofessional experience with a host. Reading the other reviews makes it seem plausible. This was the low point of my travels in Sri Lanka. The place felt a bit abandoned at the end of a long road, and getting into town meant taking a tuk-tuk. The rooms were quite dirty and the toilet leaked sewage water. Those things were somehow acceptable to me, since I don't need much luxury, but the owner's behavior wasn't.

Clean room, tasty food and breakfast, and friendly staff. The lagoon tour was amazing. We highly recommend the place. Thanks to ruwan and his family. We'll come again. Thanks.

Gems garden guest house is right on the beach, with very clean, private rooms. A lovely family, and their daughter was amazing. We felt at home.