Solomon Beach Hotel

Solomon was a great place to begin our Sri Lanka holiday, since we came straight here after arriving in the country. We relaxed by the pool for a few hours, and the ocean was just a short walk away. It's easy to get a tuk-tuk into town for shopping, too. Breakfast was probably my favorite part: homemade mango juice, fruit, bread and tea, all enjoyed on the hotel's balcony. The staff were super friendly and helpful. If something was wrong or stopped working, they sorted it right away. Come to Solomon if you'd like to be treated like a friend and a valued visitor.

Solomon was a wonderful host and guide. We spent three days together on two different trips around Sri Lanka, seeing lots of places and sights while learning a lot about the culture. He's smart and organizes the trips well. We highly recommend him as a guide. His prices are low, too!

This was our worst stay in Sri Lanka, and I can't recommend it. We paid $45 US for the room, the most we'd paid, and felt ripped off. It was advertised with a sea view and a bath, but there was no plug for the bath. We asked twice and were told one would be brought, but it never came. The power was out all afternoon when we arrived, which I don't think was the hotel's fault, but the staff seemed apathetic. We had to pay before anyone told us there was no electricity, and it was unbearably hot in the room. As it got dark, I had to ask for a candle; nobody offered one. The room was very outdated, the bed was the most uncomfortable we've slept in despite being used to simple hotels, and the beige pillowcases smelled used. The shower was bad and cleanliness was average. Breakfast was very basic. We'd been at the nearby Palm Beach Hotel before this, but moved because they were booked for the previous night. Everything there had been so much better, and cheaper. When we checked out, we told Salomon what had gone wrong, but he was apathetic and said nothing except to blame someone for taking the bath plug. That doesn't help. For $45 US in Sri Lanka, there should be a spare, or they should tell guests the bath can't be used. It was frustrating. We've stayed in better hotels for a fraction of the price. Don't let yourself get ripped off like we did.

The owner is super friendly, and it's a nice place for families. The rooms are clean, and though the pool is small, it's clean too. Breakfast was average.