Sayura Beach Hotel

Location in front of the sea turtles is amazing

Smokers filled open style building with cigarette smoke including foyer and restaurant Keep smokers including staff away from open areas where it all blows into the building Better control of guest noise late at night Checkin staff were great. Checkout staff was aggressive and forced a physical inspection of the room fridge despite no alcohol in fridge and only a couple dollars of sodas all to confirm nothing was used. Not acceptable treatment. Maybe for young backpackers but not a couple in their 60’s .

Right on the beach. Friendly staff. Watch swimming turtle from the balcony

Beach area not nice, facilities and beach furniture are worn and dirty. The whole facility is wet due to moisture, you need to walk carefully to prevent to slip.

On the beach, fabulous view from balcony, friendly staff.

There wasn’t a locked room in which to leave luggage.

The staff: both the staff and owner are very nice and owner was apologetic and quickly make arrangements to compensate us for the noise issues by changing rooms and offering a late checkout free of charge. The rooms: spacious, very nicely and modern decorated, comfortable bed, feather pillow (a pleasant surprise!). The bathroom was also a pleasant surprise, great water pressure, thick towels, good amenities. The breakfast (default continental, srilankan needs to be booked in advance) was plentiful and delicious (ignore other comments saying otherwise) with eggs made to order and plenty of fresh fruit. The pool is good, has great depth and can be a good swimming alternative if the sea currents are high. The beach is very nice, though a bit crowded, and easily accessible from the back garden.

Like the other reviews, the noise from the AC machine on the rooftop makes it impossible to sleep in the rooms below (52 to 55 on 5th floor, 41 to 43 on the 4th floor). For the other rooms on 5th floor, earplugs or no sleep. The owner assured they were waiting on the end of season to change the AC machine. Others mention the common areas are not staffed and a bit desolate, we found it as a positive as we could spend quality family time without noise from others or loud music. Loose leaf teapots are not provided at breakfast but cheap quality teabags. Water is charged at breakfast (a bit insane). I have to agree with others that this is hardly a 4*. 3 at most. If they renovate the AC unit and invest a bit in the common areas maybe it can become a 4*.