Amba Yaalu - Thema Collection "The first women-led hotel in Sri Lanka"

This property has a lovely layout with attention to detail. The room is ample sized with a comfortable bed and good sized bathroom. The decor is very tasteful and we enjoyed our balcony with a garden view. My husband used the gym which is very large with plenty of up-to-date equipment, honestly worthy of the gym I pay for at home but with a view. Breakfast and dinner were both great with lots of options and we liked swimming in and lounging by the pool. Most of all the staff were super helpful, warm, and friendly, breaking through that tourist experience to make you feel at home. We especially enjoyed chatting with Janani who bursts with personality and curiosity. We highly recommend this property!

The toilet in the bathroom could use a bigger door for more privacy.

After travelling for weeks in Sri Lanka and experiencing mostly male staff at hotels, my wife and I often said to each other. "This hotel just needs a women's touch." When we were booking our hotel to go see Lions Rock, we saw the header "Sri Lanka's first women led hotel" we were SOLD. And it's amazing, from the moment the female security staff wave you through to the magnificent hotel. The difference between this and other hotels is obvious. It's a vibe! It just feels so much more comfortable and friendly to have a nearly entirely (did see a few male gardeners) female staff. The service is some of the best we recieved on our holiday. The food is excellent. The rooms are perfect. The pool is a highlight. And the short walk to the lake was fun when you feel like getting about. Hotel got us tuktuks to Lion Rock and the Cave Temple, both awesome things to do. Would have loved to seen a Loris at the nearby wildlife refuge, ran out of time. Overall, a fantastic experience. A+

Incredible hotel set in a stunningly beautiful mango grove. We travelled around Sri Lanka for a month and this was the best hotel we stayed at. So relaxing after a hot day’s sightseeing in the local area. Good food, lovely friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Nothing

The location is nice near the lake, the pool is nice, the staff was helpful

After being in 4 different 5 star hotels in Sri Lanka, this hotel should not be ranked 5 stars, no more than 4 stars. The rooms maintenance is not good, the rooms are not clean enough, the food variety at breakfast and dinner is not great. It is priced as other 5 star hotels I have been but the value for money is lower.