Tranquil Negombo Boutique

The restaurant was a highlight for me, with some of the best local food I’ve had, and the lounge was a lovely place to sit with a drink. The landscaped gardens and outdoor pool made it easy to unwind in the heat, too. My suite had plenty of room, with separate living and dining areas, and I especially liked the whirlpool tub after a day out. The room itself had a furnished balcony facing the gardens, plus free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and tea and coffee facilities. Each room has its own style, which gave the place a personal feel. The hotel sits in a green residential area, about 2 km from Kattuwa train station and Browns Beach on the Laccadive Sea. Negomo Fort is a short drive away. Staff were attentive throughout, and the complimentary one-way airport transfer made arrival easy. A comfortable, peaceful stay in a pretty setting.

They really went out of their way for us. Our flight was late, even though we checked out that morning, and the staff arranged a room so we could shower and change before leaving. They also offered us onion soup. Everyone was friendly and helpful, and the pool was nice. We didn’t eat there because a party was on, and the Sri Lankan breakfast wasn’t available. The jacuzzi we’d hoped to use didn’t seem to be in the best condition.

We booked two nights with the children and were given a couple of dirty rooms. There were used towels and the toilet smelled bad. For a place rated four stars, the condition was awful. The crockery from the “manager” was miserable, and there seemed to be a total lack of competence in what they offer and how they run things. The photos, ratings, and reviews also looked manipulated. Check how many reviews were published two months ago. I’ve never stayed somewhere this dirty with a four-star rating. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Such a pretty spot, and the welcome was warm and friendly. In the room, though, the strong smell of cleaning products or deodorizer bothered me. Several breakfast menu items weren’t available. It was low season, so I can understand that, but they could reprint the menu to show what’s changed.