Hotel Elephant Bay
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Summary of reviewsHotel Elephant Bay is celebrated primarily for its stunning location and unique wildlife experiences. Guests consistently praise its proximity to the Elephant Orphanage, making the hotel an extraordinary spot for observing elephants from various vantage points such as the pool, balcony or terrace. The serene riverside setting and the soothing sounds of flowing water contribute to a relaxing atmosphere that many find captivating. The picturesque environment, coupled with convenient access to local amenities, marks Hotel Elephant Bay as a superb value-for-money option, especially noted for being a short-stay wonder to catch morning elephant spectacles.
The breakfast experience at Hotel Elephant Bay features an extensive buffet with a variety of European foods and local delicacies, alongside made-to-order fresh omelettes. While many guests find the breakfast satisfactory and delightful, some point out issues with cost, variety and hygiene, highlighting areas where improvements could be beneficial.
Dinner at the hotel also receives mixed feedback. While a selection of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and a varied evening buffet are well-received for their flavors, others find the food overpriced and service notably slow. This inconsistency in food quality and service time has led some guests to explore nearby dining options.
Rooms at Hotel Elephant Bay are generally spacious with enchanting views of the river and elephants. While the accommodation is appreciated for cleanliness and panoramic terraces, reviews indicate that many rooms are outdated and need refurbishment with issues such as mold, broken furniture and poor air regulation.
Cleanliness at the hotel presents mixed impressions. Some guests find the premises, including rooms and the pool, to be clean and enjoyable, while others report significant cleanliness issues, including dirty linens, unclean bathrooms and neglected common areas.
The staff at Hotel Elephant Bay is often praised for their friendliness, attentiveness and willingness to ensure a pleasant stay, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere. However, there are occasional reports of unhelpful or slow service, showing room for improvement in consistency.
WiFi at the hotel is generally unreliable with many guests facing connectivity issues, weak signals and challenges accessing the internet, which could be a drawback for those needing consistent online access.
The pool receives high marks for its clean, well-maintained condition and the stunning river views that provide a serene backdrop, often featuring elephants. This, combined with its child-friendly setup, makes it a favorite spot among guests.
Parking facilities at the hotel are reliable and facilitate a smooth experience for guests arriving by car.
Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious rooms, family-friendly amenities and the unique experience of watching elephants, making it a preferred destination for parents and children.
Beds at Hotel Elephant Bay receive mixed reviews with some guests praising their comfort and others noting issues with cleanliness, such as stained or damp linens. Despite these concerns, daily changes of bed linen and towels are generally appreciated.
The hotel offers accessible accommodations but lacks an elevator, which can pose challenges for some guests given the presence of numerous stairs.
In essence, Hotel Elephant Bay capitalizes on its breathtaking location and unrivaled elephant-watching opportunities, though it faces notable challenges with food quality, room maintenance, cleanliness and WiFi connectivity. Despite these areas needing improvement, the unique setting and generally friendly staff make it a memorable stay for nature enthusiasts and families.
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The breakfast experience at Hotel Elephant Bay features an extensive buffet with a variety of European foods and local delicacies, alongside made-to-order fresh omelettes. While many guests find the breakfast satisfactory and delightful, some point out issues with cost, variety and hygiene, highlighting areas where improvements could be beneficial.
Dinner at the hotel also receives mixed feedback. While a selection of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and a varied evening buffet are well-received for their flavors, others find the food overpriced and service notably slow. This inconsistency in food quality and service time has led some guests to explore nearby dining options.
Rooms at Hotel Elephant Bay are generally spacious with enchanting views of the river and elephants. While the accommodation is appreciated for cleanliness and panoramic terraces, reviews indicate that many rooms are outdated and need refurbishment with issues such as mold, broken furniture and poor air regulation.
Cleanliness at the hotel presents mixed impressions. Some guests find the premises, including rooms and the pool, to be clean and enjoyable, while others report significant cleanliness issues, including dirty linens, unclean bathrooms and neglected common areas.
The staff at Hotel Elephant Bay is often praised for their friendliness, attentiveness and willingness to ensure a pleasant stay, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere. However, there are occasional reports of unhelpful or slow service, showing room for improvement in consistency.
WiFi at the hotel is generally unreliable with many guests facing connectivity issues, weak signals and challenges accessing the internet, which could be a drawback for those needing consistent online access.
The pool receives high marks for its clean, well-maintained condition and the stunning river views that provide a serene backdrop, often featuring elephants. This, combined with its child-friendly setup, makes it a favorite spot among guests.
Parking facilities at the hotel are reliable and facilitate a smooth experience for guests arriving by car.
Families find the hotel accommodating with spacious rooms, family-friendly amenities and the unique experience of watching elephants, making it a preferred destination for parents and children.
Beds at Hotel Elephant Bay receive mixed reviews with some guests praising their comfort and others noting issues with cleanliness, such as stained or damp linens. Despite these concerns, daily changes of bed linen and towels are generally appreciated.
The hotel offers accessible accommodations but lacks an elevator, which can pose challenges for some guests given the presence of numerous stairs.
In essence, Hotel Elephant Bay capitalizes on its breathtaking location and unrivaled elephant-watching opportunities, though it faces notable challenges with food quality, room maintenance, cleanliness and WiFi connectivity. Despite these areas needing improvement, the unique setting and generally friendly staff make it a memorable stay for nature enthusiasts and families.
Hotel with Spa
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Guest Reviews
Hotel Elephant Bay boasts an exceptional location, making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking scenic beauty alongside unique wildlife experiences. Guests consistently commend the breathtaking views of the river and elephants, highlighting it as the hotel's most remarkable feature. Positioned adjacent to the Elephant Orphanage, the hotel offers unparalleled proximity to observe elephants bathing and feeding, often visible right from the pool, balcony or terrace.
The serene setting by the river, complemented by the soothing sounds of flowing water, adds to the overall relaxing atmosphere. Visitors frequently note the stunning river and nature views, which enhance the charming, picturesque environment. Additionally, the hotel's convenient location provides easy access to shops and local amenities, adding practicality to its appeal.
While the hotel is highly praised for its picturesque locale and views, it also enjoys a reputation as a good value for money accommodation. It is often recommended as a prime spot for a short stay to marvel at the morning spectacle of elephants in the river. Whether for a tranquil escape into nature or a fascinating wildlife observation, Hotel Elephant Bay is well-regarded for delivering a memorable experience.
Hotel Elephant Bay offers a breakfast experience that receives mixed reviews from its guests. The extensive breakfast buffet is frequently highlighted for its variety and the inclusion of Sri Lankan-style omelettes. Many guests praise the breakfast as fantastic with generous selection and hearty offerings, including European dishes, local delicacies and fresh omelettes made to order. Certain reviews spotlight an elaborate, delicious and diverse breakfast that contributes positively to their stay.
However, the breakfast is not without its criticism. Some guests feel that it's overpriced and lacks variety. Complaints about hygiene and the presence of flies have been noted, along with mentions of breakfast being served at limited hours. Despite these issues, many guests still found the food appetizing and appreciated the ample choices provided.
The location and setting, featuring views of elephants, also add a unique charm to the breakfast experience. While the cost and quality have areas for improvement, guests largely find the breakfast satisfactory and a good start to their day. Overall, the breakfast experience at Hotel Elephant Bay is a mixed bag with highlights in taste and variety but room for improvement in terms of value and cleanliness.
Hotel Elephant Bay offers a diverse dining experience that garners mixed reviews from its guests. The variety of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and the varied evening buffet receive commendation for their flavors and decent pricing with some guests particularly enjoying the fish and pasta dishes. Despite this, many reviewers found the food to be quite expensive and not up to their expectations in terms of taste. A number of guests also reported that the service was notably slow with some experiencing long waits for their meals.
The quality of food varied with reports ranging from delicious and perfectly prepared meals to tasteless and overpriced dishes. The buffet, despite being varied, was often described as underwhelming and sometimes cold. Meanwhile, the dining setup is praised for providing a good atmosphere, especially with the terrace option.
While some guests recommend exploring nearby dining options, like "Paradise of Food," for better satisfaction, others found the hotel restaurant's offerings to be good, albeit nothing exceptional. Overall, the dining experience at Hotel Elephant Bay appears to be a mixed bag with notable highs in certain dishes but also significant areas for improvement in service and consistency.
Hotel Elephant Bay offers a mix of experiences when it comes to the rooms, evident in the varied guest reviews. Guests frequently note that the rooms are spacious, some even described as large and equipped with balconies offering splendid views of the river and the elephants. Many reviewers appreciated the clean rooms with some mentioning modern touches and good facilities which were seen as good value for the price, particularly rooms with panoramic terraces.
However, the reviews also highlight that the hotel and its rooms are somewhat dated and in need of renovation. Several guests pointed out issues with cleanliness, outdated furnishings and unpleasant smells. There were mentions of maintenance issues such as mold, broken furniture and malfunctioning appliances. Some rooms reportedly have poor air regulation and soundproofing, resulting in a less comfortable stay.
On a positive note, the stunning location overlooking the river and elephants is frequently praised, making it a worthwhile short stay for nature enthusiasts. The large, spacious and relatively clean rooms with atmospheric views provide a balance against the dated and sometimes not well-maintained spaces. Despite the mixed feedback, the unique experience of observing elephants from the room remains a standout feature for many visitors.
Hotel Elephant Bay has received mixed reviews regarding the quality of their beds with feedback leaning towards both ends of the satisfaction spectrum. Guests frequently praise the comfort, highlighting that the beds are very comfortable and sometimes even very soft, which seems to enhance the overall experience. It's also noted that large and spacious rooms often contribute to a restful stay.
Cleanliness, however, presents issues for many. Instances of stained, worn-out or inadequately cleaned bedding are common complaints. Reviews mention that bed linens are sometimes dirty or even damp with some guests finding hairs from previous occupants. An unpleasant smell and synthetic bedding materials further detract from the comfort for some visitors.
On a positive note, several reviews affirm the provision of clean bed linen and towels, often emphasizing that these are changed daily. This level of service is appreciated, although not consistently experienced by all guests. For those booking the best available rooms, the general consensus is satisfaction with the softness and comfort of the beds.
In summary, while the beds at Hotel Elephant Bay are often described as comfortable and soft, ensuring consistently clean and fresh bedding remains a critical area for improvement.
Hotel Elephant Bay has received mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness. Some guests found their rooms to be clean and spacious with comfortable amenities and clean bathrooms. The hotel pool and location were also highlighted positively by certain visitors who enjoyed the facilities with children.
However, numerous reviews point to significant cleanliness issues throughout the property. Many guests reported dirty and neglected rooms, stained bed linens and unclean bathrooms. Common areas, including the pool and balcony, were often found to be dirty with some mentioning mold, insects and a musty smell.
Several reviews mentioned staff inactivity in terms of cleaning with rooms often left uncleaned even after previous occupants had checked out. Lackluster attention to cleanliness extended to public areas, where dust and cobwebs were prevalent. Some guests also encountered unsettling situations such as hair in the shower and even hair in the butter during breakfast.
Overall, while a few guests did enjoy a clean and satisfactory experience, a significant number of reviews emphasize the need for the hotel to improve its cleanliness and maintenance standards significantly.
At Hotel Elephant Bay, the overarching sentiment from guests praises the staff's friendliness and helpful demeanor. Numerous reviews highlight the accommodating, kind and smiling nature of the team with terms like super staff and amazing frequently mentioned. Guests often appreciate the staff's attentive and cooperative behavior, underscoring their readiness to assist and ensure a comfortable stay.
However, the positive experiences are contrasted by some criticisms. A minority of guests encountered unfriendly or unresponsive staff, occasionally describing them as rude or unmotivated. Specific issues included language barriers, slow service and instances of poor handling of requests or complaints.
Despite these less favorable remarks, the general consensus is that the staff at Hotel Elephant Bay contribute significantly to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere, often going above and beyond to meet guests' needs. This mix of reviews paints a picture of a team that, while generally excellent and hospitable, sometimes struggles with consistency in service quality.
Hotel Elephant Bay seems to struggle with providing a reliable WiFi experience to its guests. While some have noted that the WiFi can be good or decent at times, consistently positive feedback is rare. Many guests have encountered various issues, including the WiFi not working in their rooms, frequent signal problems and weak connectivity overall. Adding to the frustration, the hotel occasionally turns off the WiFi during certain hours and guests have reported difficulties with obtaining and using the WiFi codes provided by the reception. These connection challenges may affect guests looking to stay connected during their visit. In summary, travelers relying heavily on internet access might need to set tempered expectations regarding WiFi availability and performance during their stay at Hotel Elephant Bay.
Hotel Elephant Bay offers a pool experience that receives high commendation from guests, particularly for its scenic surroundings and cleanliness. The pool provides a picturesque view overlooking the river, often with the added bonus of watching elephants bathe nearby, creating a unique and serene retreat. Many guests appreciated the clean and well-maintained pool, noting it was regularly cleaned and tidy. The warm water in the pool was also highlighted as a delightful feature, allowing for a refreshing dip even in the evening hours.
The spacious pool is described as child-friendly and perfect for families to enjoy together. With its luxurious setting amidst lush greenery and excellent maintenance, the pool area is a favorite spot for many guests, who often find it so enjoyable that they hardly leave it. The infinity pool aspect further enhances the experience, making it an ideal place to relax and adapt to the hot climate.
Guests also noted the stunning photos they could take of elephants from the pool area, making it not just a place to swim but also to capture memorable moments. Despite occasional remarks about cleanliness issues, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive with the pool being a major highlight thanks to its beautiful, spacious design and exceptional views.
Hotel Elephant Bay provides convenient parking facilities for guests, ensuring a hassle-free experience when arriving by car. Guests can easily drop off suitcases upon arrival, making the check-in process smooth and straightforward. While some aspects of the hotel's amenities receive mixed feedback, the availability and completeness of the parking area stand as a reliable feature for travelers looking to park their vehicles securely during their stay.
Hotel Elephant Bay caters well to families, especially those with children. Guests frequently mention delight upon seeing elephants bathe in the river twice daily, a unique highlight for kids. Families appreciate the spacious rooms and separate children's areas, providing ample space for families of four or more to relax comfortably. Additionally, the hotel features a children’s room and family-friendly amenities, making it an ideal spot for a family holiday.
Parents note the friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Kids, in particular, enjoy the treat of eating ice cream provided by attentive staff members. While some reviews mention that the food quality is average and the noise level from local families and external sources can be a bit high, the overall family-friendly environment and affordability make Hotel Elephant Bay a recommended destination for both couples and families. This makes it a favored choice for many who come specifically to experience the elephants up close with their children.
Hotel Elephant Bay offers accommodations that are adapted for guests with disabilities, creating an accessible environment overall. Guests have positively noted that the hotel is accessible and that it provides accessible accommodations. However, it should be noted that there is no elevator available, which could pose a challenge given the numerous stairs throughout the property. Despite the lack of lift facilities and some outdated accommodation areas needing renovations, many guests have still found their stay to be an experience worth the visit.
The outdoor pool at Hotel Elephant Bay offers an extraordinary experience, featuring unforgettable views of elephants feeding and bathing in the nearby river. Many guests have praised the pool's cleanliness, well-maintained condition and the fact that it remains open late into the evening. The warm waters and panoramic, Instagrammable scenery provide a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
The pool area is not only aesthetically pleasing with its infinity design, but also practical and clean, making it a hit among visitors. With a vantage point overlooking the river, it allows guests to enjoy the unique spectacle of elephants bathing while they swim, creating an amazing and memorable experience.
Though a few reviews mentioned issues with cleanliness at times, the majority have found the pool to be consistently clean and well-cared for, adding significantly to the overall enjoyment of their stay. The garden surrounding the pool is also well-tended, contributing to the serene and beautiful environment. Overall, Hotel Elephant Bay’s outdoor pool is a highlight for many guests, combining natural wonder with well-maintained amenities.
Hotel Elephant Bay offers an enchanting and atmospheric setting perfect for a romantic stay. With its beautiful scenery and stunning sunset views, guests are treated to the ultimate romantic experience. The river views from the balcony and the surroundings exude a romantic hue, creating a unique and memorable ambiance. Whether enjoying the romantic atmosphere or simply chilling and relaxing, this hotel is highly recommended for couples seeking a great romantic location before departing from Sri Lanka.
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Location
The serene setting by the river, complemented by the soothing sounds of flowing water, adds to the overall relaxing atmosphere. Visitors frequently note the stunning river and nature views, which enhance the charming, picturesque environment. Additionally, the hotel's convenient location provides easy access to shops and local amenities, adding practicality to its appeal.
While the hotel is highly praised for its picturesque locale and views, it also enjoys a reputation as a good value for money accommodation. It is often recommended as a prime spot for a short stay to marvel at the morning spectacle of elephants in the river. Whether for a tranquil escape into nature or a fascinating wildlife observation, Hotel Elephant Bay is well-regarded for delivering a memorable experience.
Breakfast
However, the breakfast is not without its criticism. Some guests feel that it's overpriced and lacks variety. Complaints about hygiene and the presence of flies have been noted, along with mentions of breakfast being served at limited hours. Despite these issues, many guests still found the food appetizing and appreciated the ample choices provided.
The location and setting, featuring views of elephants, also add a unique charm to the breakfast experience. While the cost and quality have areas for improvement, guests largely find the breakfast satisfactory and a good start to their day. Overall, the breakfast experience at Hotel Elephant Bay is a mixed bag with highlights in taste and variety but room for improvement in terms of value and cleanliness.
Dinner
The quality of food varied with reports ranging from delicious and perfectly prepared meals to tasteless and overpriced dishes. The buffet, despite being varied, was often described as underwhelming and sometimes cold. Meanwhile, the dining setup is praised for providing a good atmosphere, especially with the terrace option.
While some guests recommend exploring nearby dining options, like "Paradise of Food," for better satisfaction, others found the hotel restaurant's offerings to be good, albeit nothing exceptional. Overall, the dining experience at Hotel Elephant Bay appears to be a mixed bag with notable highs in certain dishes but also significant areas for improvement in service and consistency.
Rooms
However, the reviews also highlight that the hotel and its rooms are somewhat dated and in need of renovation. Several guests pointed out issues with cleanliness, outdated furnishings and unpleasant smells. There were mentions of maintenance issues such as mold, broken furniture and malfunctioning appliances. Some rooms reportedly have poor air regulation and soundproofing, resulting in a less comfortable stay.
On a positive note, the stunning location overlooking the river and elephants is frequently praised, making it a worthwhile short stay for nature enthusiasts. The large, spacious and relatively clean rooms with atmospheric views provide a balance against the dated and sometimes not well-maintained spaces. Despite the mixed feedback, the unique experience of observing elephants from the room remains a standout feature for many visitors.
Beds
Cleanliness, however, presents issues for many. Instances of stained, worn-out or inadequately cleaned bedding are common complaints. Reviews mention that bed linens are sometimes dirty or even damp with some guests finding hairs from previous occupants. An unpleasant smell and synthetic bedding materials further detract from the comfort for some visitors.
On a positive note, several reviews affirm the provision of clean bed linen and towels, often emphasizing that these are changed daily. This level of service is appreciated, although not consistently experienced by all guests. For those booking the best available rooms, the general consensus is satisfaction with the softness and comfort of the beds.
In summary, while the beds at Hotel Elephant Bay are often described as comfortable and soft, ensuring consistently clean and fresh bedding remains a critical area for improvement.
Cleanliness
However, numerous reviews point to significant cleanliness issues throughout the property. Many guests reported dirty and neglected rooms, stained bed linens and unclean bathrooms. Common areas, including the pool and balcony, were often found to be dirty with some mentioning mold, insects and a musty smell.
Several reviews mentioned staff inactivity in terms of cleaning with rooms often left uncleaned even after previous occupants had checked out. Lackluster attention to cleanliness extended to public areas, where dust and cobwebs were prevalent. Some guests also encountered unsettling situations such as hair in the shower and even hair in the butter during breakfast.
Overall, while a few guests did enjoy a clean and satisfactory experience, a significant number of reviews emphasize the need for the hotel to improve its cleanliness and maintenance standards significantly.
Staff
However, the positive experiences are contrasted by some criticisms. A minority of guests encountered unfriendly or unresponsive staff, occasionally describing them as rude or unmotivated. Specific issues included language barriers, slow service and instances of poor handling of requests or complaints.
Despite these less favorable remarks, the general consensus is that the staff at Hotel Elephant Bay contribute significantly to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere, often going above and beyond to meet guests' needs. This mix of reviews paints a picture of a team that, while generally excellent and hospitable, sometimes struggles with consistency in service quality.
Wi-Fi
Pool
The spacious pool is described as child-friendly and perfect for families to enjoy together. With its luxurious setting amidst lush greenery and excellent maintenance, the pool area is a favorite spot for many guests, who often find it so enjoyable that they hardly leave it. The infinity pool aspect further enhances the experience, making it an ideal place to relax and adapt to the hot climate.
Guests also noted the stunning photos they could take of elephants from the pool area, making it not just a place to swim but also to capture memorable moments. Despite occasional remarks about cleanliness issues, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive with the pool being a major highlight thanks to its beautiful, spacious design and exceptional views.
Parking
Family
Parents note the friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Kids, in particular, enjoy the treat of eating ice cream provided by attentive staff members. While some reviews mention that the food quality is average and the noise level from local families and external sources can be a bit high, the overall family-friendly environment and affordability make Hotel Elephant Bay a recommended destination for both couples and families. This makes it a favored choice for many who come specifically to experience the elephants up close with their children.
Accessible
Outdoor Pool
The pool area is not only aesthetically pleasing with its infinity design, but also practical and clean, making it a hit among visitors. With a vantage point overlooking the river, it allows guests to enjoy the unique spectacle of elephants bathing while they swim, creating an amazing and memorable experience.
Though a few reviews mentioned issues with cleanliness at times, the majority have found the pool to be consistently clean and well-cared for, adding significantly to the overall enjoyment of their stay. The garden surrounding the pool is also well-tended, contributing to the serene and beautiful environment. Overall, Hotel Elephant Bay’s outdoor pool is a highlight for many guests, combining natural wonder with well-maintained amenities.
Romantic
Yes, Hotel Elephant Bay has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Hotel Elephant Bay.
No, Hotel Elephant Bay doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel Elephant Bay.
No, Hotel Elephant Bay doesn't have a gym.
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