Safari Tentalow in Sevanagala

"There are positives and negatives about this hotel. First, the positives: the staff are friendly and helpful, and some of the amenities are good. For example, there is a good games room, and the pools are quite good (the water is a little dirty though). The buffet in the evening is a good option, the other restaurants not so much. There is a welcome happy hour for cocktails.. There is quite a lot of wildlife around the hotel (monkey’s , various birds, lizards), which is interesting. The negatives: the service in some of the catering facilities is almost ridiculously slow. There is no orange juice at breakfast, and the other available juices are poor. The breakfast in general is not quite up to the standards of some other Shangri-La hotels (although it is not bad). The property overall is slightly run down and the rooms could do with some refurbishment. A coffee machine in the rooms, with fresh milk in the fridge, would be desirable. If you are to visit Hambantota and are travelling from Colombo airport, choose a good and reliable car service, although not the one offered by the hotel, which is priced multiple times higher than other available options. I would recommend a visit to Hambantota and Shangri-La overall, though, if only for the chance of seeing wild elephants walking down the road."

"Very dated "

"This was the most amazing place to stay. First and foremost the staff were the most friendly and helpful you could imagine. The facilities at Hantara were incredible with a pool which was immaculately clean. Our lodge was spacious,characterful and spotlessly clean. The staff arranged a safari for us in Udawalawe National Park which is very close by. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Thank you to everyone at Hantara."

"Room very clean and good stock of toiletries including bath robe and slippers. Coffee making machine + coffee pods as an extra to normal supply of teas and coffees in sachets. We had a suite which was excellent with a lot of space and facilities including iron/ ironing table. Large bailcony with loungers+ towels. Breakfast buffet style - reasonable choice. Large hotel, staff generally helpful but service therefore less personal. My suitcase flew off the shuttle as maybe not placed correctly and was badly scratched. No apology. "

"Had an excellent stay at the property, staff were amazing and had everything we needed, everything was well maintained, pool was great, highlight was the safari which we booked through the property. Would definitely recommend staying here. "

"Arriving at the entrance was really impressive. We were greeted with a cool drink and big umbrellas as the rain thundered down! The rain meant we couldn't use the pool, which looked lovely, and our original room had leaks, so we were taken to different rooms, which were much better. The rooms were clean. We were a short drive to the safari. All in all, great value for money and a very nice team working there - they just need to finish some of the maintenance work (to stop things like leaks!)."

"Every member of staff that we met from arrival to departure was fantastic. Very polite, courteous & extremely helpful. Catered for all our needs. We booked this place last minute due to having to change our original plan (Kandy & Ella) because of the recent Cyclone. Although Lagoon Gate can appear a little isolated it is an absolute gem as you are in and amongst nature & right on the Lagoons edge. It is so easy to get out & about, the staff will order Tuk Tuks or Taxis for you or if you feel adventurous you have free use of bikes which we made full use of. Also, the hotel provides use of Kayaks to use on the Lagoon. The rooms are spacious & very clean overlooking Rekawa Lagoon. We had evening meals in the hotel on several occasions & I have to say, the authentic Sri Lankan Curry was outstanding! Breakfast is delightful with a good choice & freshly made. Would definitely recommend this place. Arrived as guests, left as friends!"

"fabulous secluded location, AMAZING staff. Gorgeous food. -the staff go way above and beyond in hospitality. please DO use their official guides an drivers that follow the same mantra."

"very good"