Mount Lavinia Hotel

Adithya A Venkat

The hotel is one of the oldest in Colombo. The views are breathtaking and spectacular. The rooms on the other hand are poorly maintained and lack basic amenities. The AC is extremely poor we had to request a fan and it was still warm. Everything in the room like the carpet bed posts walls etc need to be cleaned and replaced.There was no phone in 1 room and the other room the phone didn’t work. So had to call using mobile. Room service was slow. The staff are friendly and the night manager was helpful when we needed him. The breakfast was good to with a lot of variety. Overall the view of the beach and the heritage site was the best part of the stay the rest was awful especially if your travelling with an infant

Adela Mala

I just came for relaxing day by the pool and the package included lunch buffet which was really worth it. 5400 lkr for Day pool package included all food. It was delicious and varied with so many options. From salads, toasts, sushi, pasta, to local dishes. Also bakery and desserts! Some freshly made options too. Drinks by the pool also amazing. Wifi worked perfectly and views were stunning.

Asanka Iroshana

The hotel is ideally located close to Colombo, offering a beautiful beachfront setting with stunning sea views. The food was of good quality, and the staff were warm and welcoming throughout our stay. However, the hotel infrastructure appears somewhat dated. I enjoyed two relaxing days at the property.

WMCJT Kithulwatta

I recently visited Mount Lavinia Hotel for dinner, and the experience was truly memorable, making it one of the finest dining spots along the Colombo coastline. From the moment I arrived, the ambience, service, and seaside setting created a perfect atmosphere for an enjoyable evening. The hotel’s oceanfront location adds exceptional charm to the dining experience. As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, the gentle sea breeze, sound of waves, and warm lighting created a calm and romantic environment. Dining by the beach at Mount Lavinia Hotel is not just about food—it’s about the overall sensory experience. Whether you are dining with family, friends, or on a special occasion, the setting alone makes it worth the visit. The restaurant staff were welcoming, attentive, and professional. From being guided to our table to explaining menu options and recommending dishes, the service was consistently courteous. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu and patient when answering questions, which made the dining experience smooth and comfortable. Orders were taken promptly, and food was served without unnecessary delays, even though the restaurant was fairly busy. The food quality was excellent. I opted for a seafood-based dinner, and every dish was well-prepared, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The seafood was fresh and cooked to perfection, with balanced spices that highlighted authentic Sri Lankan flavors without being overwhelming. The grilled items were especially impressive—juicy, tender, and infused with subtle smoky notes. Accompaniments and side dishes complemented the main courses well, creating a satisfying and complete meal. I also appreciated the variety on the menu, which caters to both local and international tastes. There are plenty of Sri Lankan dishes for those wanting traditional flavors, as well as Western and Asian options for guests with different preferences. Vegetarian options were also available, which is a plus for mixed dining groups. Portion sizes were generous and well worth the price, considering the quality, presentation, and location. Another highlight was the overall cleanliness and ambiance of the dining area. Tables were neatly arranged, cutlery was spotless, and the entire restaurant maintained high hygiene standards. Soft background music and tasteful lighting enhanced the mood without being distracting, allowing for relaxed conversation while enjoying the meal. Dessert was the perfect way to end the evening. The options were indulgent and well-crafted, striking a good balance between sweetness and texture. Paired with a hot cup of tea while enjoying the cool sea breeze, it was a delightful conclusion to the dinner. Overall, dining at Mount Lavinia Hotel was a wonderful experience that combined excellent food, outstanding service, and a breathtaking seaside atmosphere. It is an ideal place for a relaxed dinner, celebrations, or simply to enjoy high-quality cuisine in a historic and elegant setting. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a memorable dinner experience in Sri Lanka.

Praveen S

I stayed at Mount Lavinia Hotel for three nights with my toddler, and I can confidently say it was the worst hotel experience I’ve ever had — and that’s saying something. This property is still marketed as a four‑star heritage hotel, but what we encountered wouldn’t pass for two stars anywhere else. We arrived at 2pm after a long three‑hour road trip, only to be told our room wasn’t ready and we’d need to wait at least another 30 minutes. Not ideal when travelling with a toddler. After the wait, we were “upgraded” to a supposedly better room. The only thing better about it was the ocean view. Everything else was a disaster. The room was filthy. - Stained sheets and pillowcases - A dirty floor - A damp, mouldy smell that hit us the moment we walked in - Air conditioning that didn’t work at all After complaining, we were moved to a ground‑floor room. Bigger, yes — but the same musty smell, the same lack of cleanliness, and the same broken air conditioning. We eventually had to request a fan just to make the room bearable. It didn’t stop there. - Power sockets didn’t work - The iron leaked water everywhere - There was no fridge in the cupboard where one was supposed to be - No bins in the room - No bathroom floor mats - The room phone didn’t work, meaning I had to walk back and forth to reception for every single issue Every fix required multiple trips to the front desk because nothing in the room functioned. It felt like the entire hotel was held together with tape and hope. The property is clearly deteriorating, poorly maintained, and shockingly mismanaged. To be fair, the gardens are well kept and the breakfast was average — nothing to complain about, nothing to praise either. But none of that compensates for the state of the rooms or the sheer inconvenience we faced. What breaks my heart is that Mount Lavinia Hotel used to be one of Sri Lanka’s finest. A true icon. Seeing it in this condition — neglected, run‑down, and operating far below even basic hospitality standards — is genuinely sad. I would never recommend this hotel to anyone, especially families. Until there is serious investment, proper maintenance, and a complete overhaul of management priorities, this place is a nightmare disguised as a heritage hotel.