River View Hotel

The place is huge, with a very big pool, and the food was nice. The rooms were decent for the money, and we had a good time overall. Some basics, like towels and bedsheets, only arrived after we asked. Food took a long time to come, so we had to plan our orders around the wait. There was just one server covering the restaurant, rooms, and parties. You could tell the server and chef were working hard, but they need more staff for restaurant service or customers will get poor hospitality. The service wasn't bad, mostly because we saw how hard the staff were trying. Would I recommend it? Maybe, if they add more restaurant staff, then definitely yes.

This was a very disappointing stay. Both rooms we booked had unclean bathrooms, and the toilet seats were broken and hadn't been washed properly. The beds were dirty too, and staff service was very poor. The baby pool was unclean, and they charged extra to use it without posting the rates anywhere. Stray dogs were everywhere, even drinking the pool water. The waiter and food makers were dirty, the dishes weren't washed before serving, and the food wasn't good. Don't order food here or stay at this hotel. It could ruin your day. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

The pool was in appalling condition when I visited Hotel River View Banquet & Resort Thalpitiya. Green algae covered the surfaces, and the water circulation and filtration system had apparently not been working for at least a week. When I raised it with staff, they brushed it off as a technical problem. This leaves me concerned about whether the hotel is suitable for families and children. The conditions aren't safe or enjoyable for kids, so I can't recommend it to families. I hope management takes this seriously and fixes the facilities right away.

The rooms were comfortable, the food was really tasty, and there was plenty of parking. Staff were very friendly, and the pool was clean and looked beautiful at night. The setting is lovely and very close to the beach. You can reach the beach from the hotel by crossing the railway tracks. That can be dangerous, but the view is mind-blowing, with the tracks passing over Bolgoda lake.