The hotel itself was very peaceful, and the food selection was good. Room size was very spacious. Staff were very lovely, especially in the buffet all day dining area.

There was a damp mouldy smell in the AC. Room 101 hallway was the hotel back of house area as well and it was very noisy from staff even at midnight. You can hear the trolleys passing and people talking loudly. Dessert in the buffet needs improving.

Breakfast was exceptionally good.. A lot of varieties of food..

1. We had to pay a commission at check in because we had booked from booking.com.. This was not told earlier to us.. We thought the hotel pays commission to booking.com. BUT THE HOTEL CHARGED US COMMISSION OVER AND ABOVE THE TAX AND VAT..

The hospitality was the best part of our stay. We were welcomed so warmly and throughout our stay we felt it. Rooms were cleaned and there are so many activities you can do while you spend your holidays at this place. Food was also decent.

During our vacation, we visited five different hotels in Sri Lanka, and while the service was friendly everywhere, the level of care we received at Thaala Bentota was truly exceptional. The hotel manager and his team went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable and unforgettable, attending to every detail to ensure we felt comfortable and welcomed. The breakfast buffet was a highlight, offering a delicious and varied selection that catered to different tastes. From fresh fruits and local delicacies to international options. The restaurant dishes were really tasty and fresh. Beyond the food and service, the atmosphere at Thaala Bentota was truly special. The serene surroundings, along with the attentive staff, created a relaxing environment that allowed us to unwind completely. We left feeling truly cared for and grateful for the experience. It was, without a doubt, the most memorable stay of our trip!

During our stay, we initially encountered an issue with our room, which required some minor repairs. Some of the rooms in the property seemed to be in need of refreshing. However, after reporting these inconveniences, the reception staff and the manager took immediate action to resolve the problem. We really appreciated their quick response and professional approach. Ultimately, our stay was enjoyable, and our experience with the hotel improved thanks to the efficient service. Despite the initial issues, we felt well taken care of and comfortable.

There are a lot to like about this resort. The way they welcome the guests is exceptional - I have never seen such a warm welcoming ritual at any other places. There are two excellent pools we enjoyed through they have some restriction on dress code - fully dressed muslim women are not allowed to use the pools. The adjacent beach is excellent for bathing and surfing though may not be very scenic compared to other places. The breakfast was just superb with many many items. The staff were very very cordial and helpful. The overall atmosphere in the resort is very soothing and relaxing.

Our rooms were termed "Ocean Facing" in the booking.com listing. Though the term is technically correct, you actually cannot see the ocean from your room - you need to walk to the beach. Room lighting at one of the booked rooms was not functioning properly.

Our family are very familier with Sri Lanka. We have lived in the country and travel to SL at least once a year since 35 years. This hotel is absolutely one of the best. Nice rooms, good food, wonderful beach in one of the best spots in SL. Every one in the staff did maximum to make the stay as smot and fantastic as possible. We have 2 children 9+11 years old and they really love the poolarea, the beach and it is very close to the water sport center LSR were you can dive, go one jet scoter, boot rides. Whole family warmly recommend this hotel.

The building is really beautiful from an architectural point of view. Nice lighting of the pools by night

Buffet dinner is quite expensive (7000 per person). They give you only one key per room. Ac is freezing. When we managed to turn it off, the room smelled of mould. They were unable to offer laudry service (had to ask several times by phone/at the reception and eventually gave up). Curtains are ridiculously thin and do not shield you from the light in the early morning. We found a cockroach in our room on the last day.

A huge, well-furnished room which included a large seating area. A big sit-out area outside. All the amenities in the room including an excellent coffee maker. A big bathroom with a tub. The room was super excellent. The property was designed by a renowned architect and its really a good looking and well-designed piece of architecture. There were two pools- one just outside our room. Another one which was a huge swimming pool and even amenable to doing laps if you are so inclined. And the beach is just a hop away and is a great (albeit slightly rough when we were there) place to unwind. The breakfast spread was good and included some local options. The restaurant provided some good food at reasonable prices. Lot of board games- chess, checkers, scrabble, carrom, and a pool table to keep the kids occupied. The train station is a 5 minute walk away and can get you to Galle or Colombo with the locals. Even if you aren't taking the train, do check out the station. Its very pretty. And very importantly, the staff was super. The Executive Chef, Mr. Nalake, made a super cake for my son (who's birthday it was) and got it delivered to our room at 7 am. A very approachable and nice person. Thasmi, from reception, was always popping out of some corner and giving us a jovial and warm greeting. She made us feel welcome. Renuka, from the buffet breakfast, was in charge of the hopper or local Sri Lankan counter and was forever smiling and welcoming. Mendis and Kalum from the breakfast area were also good.

Nothing in particular

The location is incredibly convenient, with easy access to the beach, which made every day feel like a true getaway. The hotel offers all the essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay. The outdoor sun beds in the garden were a standout feature, offering a serene space to relax and soak up the sun. Overall, this hotel is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing, convenient beachside vacation with everything you need at your fingertip

The "special dinner on the beach" was a big disappointment. We paid extra for what was advertised as a dinner on the beach, but instead, the table was set up in a corner of the garden with just a few lanterns around. To make things worse, the food served was quite average and included the same dishes we had at the poolside pub earlier in the week, but at a much higher price. The whole experience felt underwhelming and not worth the extra cost.

Great hotel. Really friendly staff who will accommodate your requests promptly. We booked BB and the breakfast spread was great. Food was tasty as well. Location is wonderful as the beach is a simple walk down. Garden view rooms with something amazing to wake up to. It was the staff that was the best for us, always wishing good mornings and making sure the patrons are taken care of. Can recommend.

Our washroom had an odour and it was persistent. Please look into this as this can be a deal breaker. Personally I felt A la carte prices are on the high size given that the portions weren't much. But given that the government has increased taxes the price we got for our visit was great value for money for a 5 star hotel