6/10 Good
Oct 19, 2025
Not what we were hoping for...
We recently stayed at the Lanka Princess Hotel and found the staff lovely and attentive throughout our stay. However, the overall experience didn’t quite match what we expected from the description on Hotels.com. The hotel feels dated and functional rather than showcasing Sri Lanka's beauty and vibrancy.
It wasn’t made clear at the time of booking that this is primarily an Ayurvedic retreat, which heavily influences the food, activities, and overall style of the hotel. The food selection was quite limited, and the toiletries provided were functional rather than luxurious: no conditioner or hair dryer in the room and the bed was too hard for my liking. You can ask for another pillow or two though.
We also had a room next to a pump, it was unbelievably noisy at night!
The evening entertainment was limited and there is no lively communal area to relax in, which made the atmosphere very quiet.
The pool was amazing and so was the wildlife!
The beach was heavily littered after the rain, and walking along it was difficult without being approached by locals, which is tricky on day 1 but after a while is fine.
Although the service from staff was great, the experience didn’t feel truly “ALL inclusive.” Alcohol is not included in the "ALL inclusive" menu!
Overall, this hotel may suit guests specifically seeking a peaceful Ayurvedic wellness retreat, but it may not be the best choice for those wanting a more traditional, vibrant Sri Lankan holiday experience.
Charlene
Charlene, 6-night trip
