The Art, the Family, the Staff. The food was good, some perhaps would prefer larger portions, one can always ask for more, of course. The shower worked, and there was hot water when required, and the water pressure of the shower was entirely acceptable. I would encourage any visitor, (and you should visit) to forget any concept of this being a hotel of any sort. Regard this as a private family home, where the Family receive guests. Regard the money you pay simply as a thank you, for access to easily one of the most fascinating collections of art and history I have ever seen.

While everything worked, certainly, the room could not be accurately described as deluxe by any stretch of even the wildest imagination. Quirky, characterful, potentially dangerous in places, Yes, deluxe ? No. (Be careful of shallow steps) There are, I believe, far far better rooms than that in which I stayed. I would say you need to have reasonably good mobility, and good eyesight, to ensure your wellbeing when visiting.

Comfortable, unique and warm hospitality. We were fortunate enough to be staying at the same time as Helga's daughter, Selina. She is a delight and told us lots of interesting stories about the history of their family and the property. Later in the evening she even directed us to the period cinema to watch the 1954 film, Elephant Walk starring Elizabeth Taylor: the cast stayed at the hotel. The Stereophonics also wrote a song about it! Other highlights: many different artists in addition to Helga have contributed to the art and it is therefore varied but equally unique. You will never visit a hotel like it. The food is excellent, although we should note it is not included in the bill. We enjoyed the pool too. Our room was comfortable. Babies welcome and nothing too much trouble including putting a beautiful wooden crib in the room.

Only a couple of things which were relatively minor in the context of an exceptional stay. It could be cleaner. It could have been made clearer breakfast was not included.

Very special place , enjoyed the decoration and the spooky atmosphere. The staff was extremely kind and helpful :)

The plugs 🔌 obviously were from the 50s and only one would work , the room was a bit smelly. Although you pay about 100 bucks , breakfast is not included :(

As said in other reviews - Helga’s is an extraordinary experience. If you are prepared for this then you will enjoy it. Look past the layers of dust to the layers of history and you will appreciate this place for what it once was. I wish I had been here back in its glory days - it would have been absolutely wild. We had 2 nights here and ate in for one of them. The meal, while expensive, was also worth the experience of it all. We loved it and I absolutely recommend it - it’s a trip!

Forewarned is forearmed! Read the reviews and decide if it is for you.

Our favourite accomodation in Sri Lanka, and quite possibly the world. If you have to opportunity to stay at Helga's while in Kandy you should grab it with both hands. It's's a place so steeped in history and imagination you'll feel lucky to have been invited inside, let alone shown the warm hospitality that we were throughout our stay (thank you all!). We can't recommend Helga's enough, our short stay left us wanting more and we can't wait to be back.

There's nothing we didn't like - to change anything about the place would be to detract from it.

What an amazing hotel! Hands down the best place I have ever stayed. I honestly think it should be on the UNESCO world heritage site list. It‘s a living museum. Madame Helga came personally to say hello- what an icon! (She is virtually fashion royalty) We had to force ourselves to go and see the temple of the sacred tooth, as we could not get enough wandering around this gothic fairytale mansion!

It’s a bit far off from downtown, but staff happily ordered us a tuktuk- who was more of a guide and drove us to Ella the following day (more of a plus at the end of the day).

Not for the ordinary..the walls can talk. They tell all the tales of what has been and what might come..good times, bad times, love, heartache, friendship and loneliness. It is a work of art and if you don't get it you never will. There are no ghosts, no bad karma..no regrets but the objects of life.. Beautiful, unique..could stay forever and become part of the story or just visit and take the story with you. Clean and comfortable are the only normal words I can use. Love this place..thankyou M.Helga for sharing your world.

Waiting for the pool to fill..ah well.

One of the best places I've been to. So amazing. Great staff and food. I look forward to returning

Helga's is an adventure! Beautifully painted hotel - I spent hours exploring the paintings, pictures, and news clippings in every corner. Met travelers who came just for dinner and wished they had spent the night -- some thought place seemed "spooky" but I felt completely safe and welcome. Friendly and helpful staff. Large room with comfortable bed.

Helga's is definitely a vibe and not your traditional hotel with all the amenities.

Location, art, history, ambience, list of famous guests. Meeting Helga’s daughter and grandchildren. Having an unexpected and delightful phone chat with Madam Helga before I left.

My room was a bit musty and the bed especially so - which felt unhealthy. (Note you can just visit the restaurant or pay a few dollars to look around - really worth doing).