Mount Lavinia Hotel

Rushmika Perera

I came here for a work meeting and had the opportunity to try their weekend lunch buffet. I wouldn’t call the food bad but it was basic as basic would get. Wouldn’t really come back here specifically to eat. The staff is really friendly, especially the doormen, and the view of the beach is great.

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

A J

This review is not just a complaint; it's a desperate plea for the Government of Sri Lanka to intervene immediately and prevent the complete destruction of a potentially beautiful, historically significant property—a property that is being actively ruined by its current management. What was once a 'vintage' destination has become a shocking testament to neglect, incompetence, and a deeply worrying disregard for guest hygiene and basic standards. The Deceptive Booking and Substandard Accommodation. The nightmare began the moment we checked in. Despite booking a direct ocean-view room, we were assigned a room with, at best, a partial, obscured view. The state of the room itself was appalling: • Initial Room (Room 226): It was visibly run down, with dirty, sticky floors and a truly horrible balcony marred by thick, black, unidentifiable stains throughout. The bathroom was no better, featuring heavily stained mirrors and fixtures. When I lodged a complaint, the receptionist’s reply was utterly shocking: “Sir, this is one of the best rooms of the hotel.” This response demonstrated an alarming delusion about the hotel's condition, or a profound lack of care. • Second Room (After Escalation): Upon further escalation, we were moved to a different room. While it was larger, the basic standards were no less pathetic. The sheets had a distinct, unpleasant smell, suggesting they had not been properly washed or dried. Service: An Absolute Failure of Management The service across the board was absolutely pathetic and indicative of a deeper systemic breakdown. The indifference from staff was palpable, and their own testimony was deeply unsettling: I spoke to three different housekeeping staff members, and every one of them confirmed the same belief—the management doesn’t care about the hotel anymore. This is beyond shocking and explains the complete failure of basic guest requests: • Forgotten Requests: Repeated requests for simple necessities, such as two extra towels and a change of bed sheets, were simply ignored and never fulfilled. • Hygiene Horror: This was the most serious breach. I ordered coffee, only to find the cup delivered with clear lipstick stains—it had not been washed. The thought of unwashed cups and cutlery being circulated for guest use is horrifying, creating a severe public hygiene risk that the local health authorities must immediately investigate. The Utterly Deplorable Public Facilities The problems weren't confined to the rooms. The public areas were equally neglected: • Beach Facilities: After using the beach, I visited the changing room and bath area. The entire area was stinking horribly of urine. The dilapidated, filthy conditions made the experience feel less like a tropical changing room and more like entering a World War II bunker. A Silver Lining and a Final Demand I must, in fairness, note one positive: the food was brilliant. However, even the dining experience was severely hampered by the abysmal service, which was beyond repair. My experience was a waking nightmare of poor hygiene, broken service promises, and an indifferent attitude that is actively destroying a potentially magnificent asset. This is not just about a bad holiday; it is about the reputation of Sri Lanka's hospitality sector and the preservation of a valuable heritage property. My Humblest and Most Urgent Request: Please, do not opt for this hotel under any circumstances until the management is changed and a complete, government-mandated restoration and deep-cleaning initiative is undertaken. The relevant government ministries must intervene immediately to save this beautiful, historic property from being irreparably destroyed by its current custodians.

SHAFFIN SADMAN

1. The bathroom tiles had mold in the grouting and dirt in every corner. 2. The room intercom had a fault and kept making noises repeatedly, so I was forced to disconnect it myself. 3. Most of the staff had no proper training. 4. The hotel is not suitable for international guests. Services and food are tailored only for local clientele, and the food quality is very poor. 5. The room’s Wi-Fi connection exists only in name, practically unusable. 6. The hotel building and facilities are run-down, with no proper maintenance. Overall: The experience was extremely poor. I barely managed to spend one night, only waiting to check out in the morning and move to another hotel.

Manuel M

We didn’t stay here, but used the lunch buffet day pass option while we were waiting for our flight. 5,600 rupees for an incredible lunch, plus we were able to use the pool area for the rest of the afternoon. Some areas may need a bit of TLC, but it got outweighed by the exceptional service. The staff is very friendly and the hotel is very close to the Mount Lavinia train station. Great location with views of the beach, the Colombo skyline, and the sunset.