Mount Lavinia Hotel

Anjana Silva

Mount Lavinia Hotel: Poya Day Vegan Buffet is a FIVE-STAR Culinary Heaven! ​I had one of the most remarkable dining experiences today at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, where my family and I attended their special Poya Day vegan buffet. This is not just a buffet; it is a meticulously curated, five-star culinary event, and as a vegan, I can honestly say it was absolute heaven! ​The sheer scale and quality of the full buffet menu in a vegan way were breathtaking. It was genuinely challenging to decide where to start, with an incredible array of options spanning everything from various types of rice and artisan bread to numerous complex, flavorful curries and main courses. It wasn't just basic dishes; it was a gourmet spread that demonstrated incredible culinary skill. ​The dessert section deserves its own special mention, as there were so many unique and delicious vegan sweets—it felt like every indulgence was catered for without any compromise on taste or ethics. ​What truly elevates this experience to the highest level is the hotel’s commitment to quality. The dishes are prepared using organic certified food, and the staff proudly mentioned that they use ingredients that meet USDA certificate food standards. This dedication to premium, healthy ingredients sets this buffet apart from any other in the region. ​Please note that this grand vegan buffet is available specifically on Poya Day, making it a highly anticipated event. If you miss it, do not worry; they also offer excellent à la carte vegan options on other days. For any vegan, or anyone who appreciates incredibly high-quality, ethically-sourced food in a luxurious five-star hotel setting, this Mount Lavinia Hotel Poya Day offering is a non-negotiable must-try. Absolutely fantastic!

Stephen Taylor

Probably was a 4 star hotel many years ago, but is very tired now, more like a 3 star. Rooms are comfortable but need decorating, food was good, have a hearty breakfast to set up for the day, the Sunday lunch BBQ was nice. Staff were all excellent and helpful. Wifi is a bit poor, better in communal areas, bad in room less than 10 meters from reception. Beach views good, nice pool Overall probably 3.5 stars

Gaurangi Nitch

This is the worst dump we have ever stayed at. The hotel is not only over 210 years old, it looks and feels like it. When we arrived at 7:30 pm in the evening, they told us to wait a while for them to get our room ready as someone just checked out. I reminded them that the check in time is 2 pm and asked if we had arrived at 2 pm would we have had to wait until now to get our room. They said yes to which i responded something which i rather not repost here. When they took us to the room, it was a bad joke. The window could not be closed, and it was raining and storming inside the room making any notion of getting sleep impossible. We were very tired after driving for 5 hours from Kandy, but were considering going to a better place. They ended up offering us a half way acceptable room with a carpet that looked and smelled pre-historic. When we checked out and walked towards the elevator some of the wooden planks in the floor were coming out. Avoid this place at all cost.

Kariyawasam Godakandage Kaushalya Nanayakkara

We stayed here to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary, and it truly felt like a dream. From the very first call, we were met with kindness. Mr. Dhammika at the lobby made sure everything was just right, from a room with the most beautiful sea view to a lovely surprise setup with balloons, hearts, and even a delicious anniversary cake. It was thoughtful in a way that really touched us. Even though it was a busy time, check-in was quick and smooth, and we instantly felt at home. The room was spacious and comfortable, with everything we needed, but it was the view that stole our hearts. Watching the sunset with a drink in hand, seeing the city lights twinkle below, it felt peaceful and perfect. Our little daughter loved the pool, and so did we. The music, the calm, the water,it was just the kind of relaxation we needed. Dinner was an absolute highlight. The buffet had so many choices, with live cooking stations and amazing flavors. A special thank you to Shanika and her teammate for taking such good care of us. You could feel the passion of the kitchen team in every dish, a beautiful tribute to Chef Publis Silva’s legacy. Breakfast was just as impressive. The Sri Lankan corner especially stood out, some of the best we’ve ever had. And then, there was Mr. Piyaseele at the restaurant entrance, a gentleman with over 40 years of service. Speaking with him added a layer of warmth and history to our stay that we’ll always remember. Even the smallest things were handled with care. Housekeeping responded to our requests immediately, and we were even offered a late check out, which meant a lot with a young child. As someone who works in hospitality myself, I don’t often write reviews. But this team, this place, they truly deserve it. Every detail, every smile, every kind word made our stay unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who made us feel so welcome. We left with full hearts and beautiful memories and we’ll definitely be back. With love, Kaushalya and family

Tessi Romell Marais

The first room we were given is the worst room I’ve experienced since I started to earn money 30 years ago. That was probably the prime time for this hotel. ….if not before that. It’s shabby, it’s smelly, it’s humid. You will see yourself in the photos. At 10 pm we managed to get a new room which was a bit better. The reception staff is unfriendly , slow and not service minded at all. The location, the view, the exterior is fantastic though.