Kassapa Lion's Rock

The natural setting was a real highlight for me, with clean air and plenty of birds to watch. I’ve travelled widely from Australia, and the hospitality here, from the resident manager to housekeeping, really impressed me during my three-night stay. The room was spacious and clean, the towels smelled lovely and felt fresh, and the huge bed made for a great night’s sleep. Add this hotel to your list if you’re visiting Sri Lanka.

The front desk team and bell boys were warm, helpful, and professional. That was the bright spot of our one-night stay at Kassapa Lions Rock, booked through our travel and tours agency. The photos make it look like a peaceful nature retreat, and the setting is tranquil, but the stay itself didn’t meet expectations. Our room had a leaking air conditioner and a dim, poorly designed bathroom. The property has potential, though the amenities and upkeep need serious attention. At meals, we kept having to ask for basic things like cutlery and drinking water. The spa was worse: loud music from the dining area and staff chatting constantly made it hard to relax. I’d been looking forward to my first Ayurveda massage, but the experience felt uncomfortable and unprofessional. The therapist seemed to be handling two clients at once, then asked me to move to a spa room occupied by a male guest. She insisted it was fine because his eyes were covered, but I was still uncomfortable. She went ahead with a head massage in that same room. The room, dining, and spa problems outweighed the good service at reception. I wouldn’t recommend staying here until the facilities and service standards improve meaningfully.

My wife is pictured here with Preethika, who makes the best cocktails. We spent a couple of lovely days at the hotel. It’s a little way out of town, which was our only criticism, but once you’ve seen the sights, there’s not much need to leave. You can put your feet up in comfort.

We spotted peacocks often in this bushy setting, a little out of the way. The swimming pool and bar have a lovely atmosphere, and Preethika and Akash served great cocktails.