Citrus Hikkaduwa Reviews

This hotel is the worst welcoming I’ve ever experienced. I never complain. I was appalled by the welcome which was an interrogation. I was then greeted by the police which was a bill I did not sign for. Was threatened with jail on the spot. I thought I was in a movie. DO NOT BOOK OR STAY HERE. AWFUL JUST AWFUL!!

In July 2024, I spent several days in this hotel. In general, I liked everything, except for some moments. I'll start with the good: excellent location, opposite a supermarket, and nearby there are many shops and benches, a gorgeous view from the window of the ocean, decent breakfasts, a clean pool, the staff's willingness to help at any time, delicious dishes to order from the menu, well-groomed territory. What I didn’t like: the rooms are already tired, they need updating, I lived in room 513. The pool is open until 19.00, which is not at all convenient, because after dinner you also want activity... but there is none)

Quiet, calm, there is something to eat for breakfast. They clean well. Humidity. Loud air conditioner. Nice staff

Facilities are a bit old

Fantastic location right on the beach. We had a top floor room with amazing views. The hotel has a lawn in front with tables & chairs, perfect for looking out to sea. We arrived very early in the morning and given our room, so nice after travelling 22 hours. The food is very good, plenty of choice for fussy eaters like me. Nuwan our waiter really looked after us. Bus stop, turn left out of hotel approx 100 yards. Galle easily reached change bus there for Unawatuna beach. Bus drivers very helpful. All the staff are helpful, polite and friendly. Hope to come back next year

We stayed for 3 weeks at the citrus and had an amazing time here, the staff were so friendly and such a lovely team, a credit to the hotel. The location is perfect in Hikkaduwa village a beachfront property with everything you could possibly need there. Close to railway and on main bus route with tuk tuks galore we had a wonderful guide who took us all over, we were there over Halloween and the staff did an amazing job,the food was lovely and I am really fussy but I always found something to eat and the staff would go above and beyond to accommodate guests.

Full disclosure, this was my fourth stay at the Citrus. I have a great affection for the hotel and have reviewed it here in the past. As I recall, last year I reviewed the hotel and stated that the hotel's greatest asset is its staff. And nothing's changed, the location is excellent, the rooms are kept spotless by the cleaning team, the gardens kept tidy, the food is varied and tasty, the bar staff are attentive… what more could one ask for?

We booked with Mercury Holidays and I have had a great service in the UK and from the two resort reps Ananda and Dexter. We booked the Ella trip with the train ride which I can highly recommend, we loved the trip. Our guide Sanka was wonderful I recommended you request Sanka. Well done Mercury I’m impressed. We arrived after a 7 hour delay in Abu Dhabi and on arrival the reception staff were welcoming and very efficient The room was large with the best sea view ever. The maid was the best. Everyday the room was spotless and he made little bed decorations, towels were changed everyday, excellent job. The waiters and bar staff are good and the food was satisfactory. I loved the pool Aqua and found it was a very good workout. The two pool attenders gave a 7 star service in all the hotels I have ever stayed this was the best. The moment I arrived at the pool a sun bed was selected and the towel laid out for me. The two pools guys deserve a pay rise. We used the Spa and can highly recommend it. Really good massage. Roger, did karaoke/ DJ evenings we really enjoyed, everyone got involved on these nights , they were great fun. Loved the live music in the evening, The beach is lovely golden sand and it’s a very short walk to an area where you can swim safely and it’s here that you can feed the turtles, amazing Overall fantastic value for money Sri Lanka is beautiful the people are lovely and the country has lots to offer.

Had a wonderful time at this hotel. The staff are excellent especially the waiters in the dining room(Sanjeewa and Nuwan). The room attendant always left a surprise with his towel folding figures. Already planning a trip back for next year.

Having stayed at Citrus Hotel and engaged with Hikkaduwa Divers, I feel compelled to share a cautionary tale to prevent others from falling victim to their deceitful activities. During our visit, we encountered a distressing incident where we were subjected to fraudulent behavior within the premises of Citrus Hotel. Despite being guests of the hotel, the management failed to address or take responsibility for the fraudulent activities carried out by Hikkaduwa Divers, an independent company operating within the hotel. To add to the gravity of the situation, Hikkaduwa Divers promised us a 3-hour scuba diving session but abruptly concluded it in less than 15 minutes, in shallow 3-feet water—far from the industry standard depths of 10-30 meters. This unprofessional behavior raises serious concerns about the integrity of their operations. Furthermore, after our complaints, the diver initially agreed to issue a refund and requested our bank details. However, this promise was abruptly retracted, casting doubt on their sincerity and further indicating deceptive intentions. It is perplexing why they would entertain the idea of a refund if they believed they were not at fault. This inconsistency only solidifies our belief that we were deliberately cheated. I urge all prospective guests and visitors to exercise caution when dealing with Citrus Hotel and Hikkaduwa Divers. The lack of integrity and transparency demonstrated by these entities is concerning and should not be overlooked. Consumers deserve transparency and respect, qualities that were sorely lacking in our unfortunate encounter. I implore the management of Citrus Hotel and Hikkaduwa Divers to rectify their practices and prioritize honesty and integrity in all their dealings. I hope this review serves as a warning to others who may consider patronizing Citrus Hotel or Hikkaduwa Divers, and I urge everyone to be vigilant when engaging with these establishments.

The pillows are fluffiest, the room is generous size and bathrooms are clean. Food was great and staff was helpful and supportive. We enjoyed the time at Citrus Hikkaduwa . We missed having boat ride to see Corals but recommend to check in early as possible, we checked in at lunch time 🙂

Best place to visit in Hikkaduwa.they supply good service for us.special thanks for Nuwan Raj and Sahan for your friendly service.hope to visit you again one again thank given to Mr Dayan excellent hospitality definitely we come back again

This hotel is in a nice beachfront location. I would say it is an average hotel which could be better with a facelift. Our room was clean and bed very comfortable. The AC in the room was very noisy as was the road noise which started early in the morning. The food was good in my opinion and the biggest compliment to this hotel is the staff. All of which were friendly and are an asset. My main problem with this hotel is the managers idea to allow gap year students in to use the facilities. Pool and sunbeds and towels. Generally taking over all areas and not spending any money buying food or drink. The hotel is not looking after the paying guests but letting them take all of the sunbeds and towels provided. Well out of order. My second time in Lanka. I will return but not to this hotel.

very nice hotel, especially the restaurant was supper delicious food and very good service we are very grateful to our waiter kavindu because he pampered us so much and the entire team was very attentive and highly recommended relaxing holiday Geert and Peter from Belgium