Hotel Elephant Bay Reviews

I was very happy with the hotel. Because of all the rain the elephants weren’t there to start and then lo and behold they were back again today before I left. I had one regret that when I left I didn’t have any cash left to tip the staff who deserved it

For the price, the hotel is unbelievable. Great view of the elephants and a nice pool. The room is actually better than I expected, clean enough but a bit old but again, for the price is very reasonable. The restaurant and the staff are only ok. You have to get their attention for everything, if you want a drink etc I found it easier to just go to them rather than wait for them to come to me. Overall, I'd highly recommend this place.

Everything was nice! The views are perfect

Beautiful hotel with river view. Very tasty breakfast. Good personal.

I like it everything, staff friendly, food delicious, the room not bad , they have good views and we can see elephants from the balcony ❤️❤️❤️

Checked in around 10pm and the room was full of bugs. Front desk seemed unconcerned although offered to clean it but room was infested. No cleaning would have done a good job to control them. Left without staying. Booked another hotel instead not worth the hassle.

We loved our stay!.We got the spacious room with the balcony that faces the river and also the pool area. Early morning we could see the elephants. The hotel staff was always ready to help us, and overall, the service and attention to guests was spot on. In the morning, the elephant rangers called us down from our balcony to the river and we had an up-close elephant encounter. The pool was clean and our pool photos came out stunning with the nature backdrop and elephants. This hotel in my opinion, is the best in the area. Their food pricing is also affordable. The morning shift (lady) assistant manager and the gentleman in the souvenir shop around dinner time (9-10 Dec evening shift) were the stars of the team during our stay. Some areas that need improvement include the buffet as several times, guests stood for a long time while waiting for food/fruits to be replenished. The tea and coffee were almost cold on our first night buffet even after waiting for 20 minutes. The power outlet in room 203 must be fixed it burst into sparks and dense smoke before we rushed to switch off the electric jug. The hotel looked SOOO MUCH better in person than on the pictures. We almost didn't book because the photos didn't look as appealing as the hotel actually does. I think the hotel would get even more guests if their pictures were done professionally. Also, for each room, showing pictures of how each room type's balcony view looks will help people more because we struggled to differentiate what garden view vs lake view vs river view was when we were booking.

Yeah so if you want elephants, you'll see a tonne from the pool/restaurant. Definitely in transition as there lots of works done and when it is finished, it will be lovely. Didn't have beer for some reason, and said we couldn't eat Lankan food at night the first night but was able the second night, so who knows!

Love the hotel. Can see the elephants from the hotel’s pool and restaurant. Recommend to stay this hotel.

Had a great room with an incredible view. It could do with a deep clean for sure and some modernisation, but for what I paid I didn’t have high expectations, all that aside I was comfortable enough and slept well. The staff were very attentive and lovely. I stayed for 3 nights which was a bit too long, I would say 1 or 2 would be sufficient as not alot to do there. The view of the elephants was incredible and I didn’t see any mistreatment as mentioned in previous comments (definitely no chains, not under the water or above when I was there).

Very pleasant stay.

Basic room but location can’t be beat, best views of the elephants!

The location of this property was AWESOME!! A few minor things still have to be ironed out, but being in the swimming pool and seeing elephants and dusk swimming with hundreds of bats flying overhead are experiences once in a lifetime. Be careful booking an elephant experience. We booked an elephant experience for four (with hotel-provided 'free' transportation) only to arrive and be charged 10,000 per person when similar experiences are advertised at around 750--＞850. Be warned. Also, room cleaning is only provided if you are in your room. Don't expect to be gone during the day and return to a room serviced and in addition, water pressure is weak in the higher rooms. However, the location far surpasses these minor issues.

Near elephant orphanage. Many choices for the breakfast.