Hantara Udawalawa

We were greeted by a very welcoming team, and the highlight of our stay was the delicious, high-quality homemade Sri Lankan cuisine. The bed was the most comfortable we’ve experienced so far on our trip, providing great rest. However, the room had some downsides, including outdoor bathrooms and very basic amenities. While the overall experience was pleasant, the room could definitely benefit from a more thorough cleaning.

Hantara Udawalawe is a fantastic boutique hotel with an eco-friendly vibe, using sustainable practices and local materials. The staff was warm and attentive, making our family of 13 feel welcome. The food was delicious, especially the traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Perfect for large groups with its smart layout. Highly recommend for a relaxing, green getaway!

The property is ideal for the Udawalawe park safari. The host and the staff are really friendly are really friendly and polite. The food is amazing,fresh made every day. It can be done without having much spices,if you are not a fan of spices. You are in a corner of paradise with a lot of fauna. We have absolute loved it. The only small downside was the shower that didn't have hot water and water pressure was weak.

Location: The hotel is located 15 minutes away from Udawalawe National Park. Be aware that the access road is unpaved, which can be challenging during bad weather. The small property has only 6 rooms. A significant drawback is the nearby club that plays loud music at night, making it difficult to enjoy the natural surroundings. Room: Basic accommodation with two twin beds, an old cupboard, table, and an open-air bathroom. Major issues include: A rat infestation - we had one actively running around our room and roof all night, making sleep impossible Frequent power outages during the day No air conditioning or Wi-Fi during blackouts, making the room uncomfortably hot in muggy weather Safari: The hotel arranges safaris for 8500 LKR (3 hours). Unfortunately, our experience was ruined by an aggressive driver who constantly pressured us for tips from pickup through the entire tour. Service: The hotel is severely understaffed with just one person handling all roles (manager, server, and housekeeper). This means you'll often have to search the property to find help, as there's rarely anyone at the front desk. Dining: While the food is tasty, portion sizes are inconsistent. During our stay, portions varied significantly from meal to meal. Some juices, advertised as fresh juice, were clearly not fresh. Recommendation: Consider alternative accommodations if you value: Peaceful nights Reliable electricity Professional service Pest-free rooms

Rat infested room Location: The hotel is located 15 minutes away from Udawalawe National Park. Be aware that the access road is unpaved, which can be challenging during bad weather. The small property has only 6 rooms. A significant drawback is the nearby club that plays loud music at night, making it difficult to enjoy the natural surroundings. Room: Basic accommodation with two twin beds, an old cupboard, table, and an open-air bathroom. Major issues include: A rat infestation - we had one actively running around our room and roof all night, making sleep impossible Frequent power outages during the day No air conditioning or Wi-Fi during blackouts, making the room uncomfortably hot in muggy weather Safari: The hotel arranges safaris for 8500 LKR (3 hours). Unfortunately, our experience was ruined by an aggressive driver who constantly pressured us for tips from pickup through the entire tour. Service: The hotel is severely understaffed with just one person handling all roles (manager, server, and housekeeper). This means you'll often have to search the property to find help, as there's rarely anyone at the front desk. Dining: While the food is tasty, portion sizes are inconsistent. During our stay, portions varied significantly from meal to meal. Some drinks, advertised as fresh juice, were clearly not fresh. Recommendation: Consider alternative accommodations if you value: Peaceful nights Reliable electricity Professional service Consistent meal portions Pest-free rooms

Staff were very helpful and went out of their way for us. Highly recommended.