Emel Boutique Hotel

Hosts were amazing and spacious rooms

We have just come back from an amazing holiday thanks to having booked at this hotel. It is tucked away in a quiet place in Negumbo and because it is just 6 rooms you get to feel like one of the family. The rooms are very comfortable and Chef (Abey) provides excellent breakfasts (Continental or Sri Lankan style) as well as tending to all other in-house needs. Manager Nalaka went out of his way to provide us with the best itinerary to view the wonders of this country. He listened to some of our suggestions and then gave us the best cultural experience we could have had - places, religions, food and a real immersion into the Sri Lankan way of life. He, together with his driver ((Janaka - the best I have ever driven with) then took us on numerous tours. Some were just days, others overnight at excellent and affordable hotels in the area we were visiting. In the end we were just four firm friends enjoying a holiday together. Eight days that will be fondly remembered thanks to a lucky choice of hotel. Thanks Emel Hotel.

I wanted to stay around Colombo as I thought it good to visit the city for a day. However, Nogombo is about 30 KM north of Colombo, but fairly close to the airport. I found Nagombo more interesting and this hotel a quirky but very nice find. Emel is a cross between a small hotel and a B and B. The most memorable part of the stay was the 2 staff. Nalaka is the manager who went out of his way to make sure I got picked up, advised me on places to go in Sri Lanka, and arranged for transportation to Kandy and Galle. Abee (probably not spelled correctly) was I also incredibly nice. When I got up at 4 am jet lagged, he was immediately up and got me coffee and breakfast. The room was comfortable and a good value. But, it’s the staff that makes the stay.

This was the first part of our stay in Sri Lanka and our host made us feel very welcome-waiting outside for us on our arrival and giving us a choice of rooms in either the original hotel or the new one up the road. The rooms were clean and spacious and the swimming pool was very clean and cleaned every day. I explained that I was celiac and our host made sure that i had a suitable and delicious alternative breakfast. Alongside the fresh fruit and omelette inhad a different sidedish each day-my faourite being the rice noodles with a coconut filling. As well as plenty of delicious fresh Ceylon tea!. We explored the area and swam in the pool, leaving feeling refreshed and invigorated for the rest of our trip..