The hotel itself was very peaceful, and the food selection was good. Room size was very spacious. Staff were very lovely, especially in the buffet all day dining area.

There was a damp mouldy smell in the AC. Room 101 hallway was the hotel back of house area as well and it was very noisy from staff even at midnight. You can hear the trolleys passing and people talking loudly. Dessert in the buffet needs improving.

Breakfast was exceptionally good.. A lot of varieties of food..

1. We had to pay a commission at check in because we had booked from booking.com.. This was not told earlier to us.. We thought the hotel pays commission to booking.com. BUT THE HOTEL CHARGED US COMMISSION OVER AND ABOVE THE TAX AND VAT..

We loved the Geoffrey Bawer design. Staff were helpful and friendly. The rooms were beautifully appointed, room attendants Saman and Naveen kept our rooms clean, and picked fresh flowers each day. We enjoyed the great selection of meals. The pool was divine.

Smoking all over the resort, around the pool and in eating areas was awful, we didn’t find this in any other hotels in three weeks of travelling around Sti Lanka. One day the hotel hosted a corporate group who took over the resort and pool leaving cigarette butts and rubbish when they left, as a result the pool was closed all the next day for cleaning.

We stayed at Thaala Bentota with my wife and daughter and had a wonderful experience. The hotel’s design, by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, beautifully blends history with modern comfort. The lush, green grounds are filled with coconut palms and tropical plants, creating a peaceful, natural atmosphere. A standout feature is the serene Japanese-style pool with large koi carp, which adds to the relaxing vibe. There are two excellent swimming pools, ideal for unwinding. The overall ambiance is calm and welcoming. Breakfast was very good, and while the à la carte menu isn’t exceptional, the restaurant still offers a solid selection of dishes. One of the highlights of our stay was the exceptional friendliness and support of the staff. From the moment we checked in, they were attentive to our needs. Our original room on the ground floor had a slight smell of mold—likely due to the rainy season—but the team responded promptly to our request and offered us alternatives. We were quickly moved to a room on the first floor, which was perfect. All our requests were met with a smile, making the stay feel warm and welcoming. The major advantage of the resort is its' location facing one of Sri Lanka's best and picturesque beaches which makes the experience unforgettable.

A la carte dining is not exceptional. The pool was too hot (probably heating too much under direct sunlight). The beach has some trash laying along the shore - the staff could take spend some time to take care of the nearby area to improve the appeal of the location.

The hospitality was the best part of our stay. We were welcomed so warmly and throughout our stay we felt it. Rooms were cleaned and there are so many activities you can do while you spend your holidays at this place. Food was also decent.

Thaala's is a big hotel yet manages to create an intimate vibe. The surroundings are serene. A quiet beach just in front of the property. The sunsets are gorgeous. A gentle walk leads to the Bentota river. Many restaurants nearby - the in-house restaurants are also very good. There's also the utterly quaint Bentota railway station near the hotel - designed by Geoffrey Bawa himself. We were also quite lucky to see turtles being released into the sea - there's a small hatchery by the lighthouse near the hotel. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, just head straight to Thaala.

If you're a light sleeper, I wouldn't advise staying in the rooms right next to the reception area. There's quite a bit of noise. Also, guests are welcomed by a drummer. So, you can imagine.

During our vacation, we visited five different hotels in Sri Lanka, and while the service was friendly everywhere, the level of care we received at Thaala Bentota was truly exceptional. The hotel manager and his team went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable and unforgettable, attending to every detail to ensure we felt comfortable and welcomed. The breakfast buffet was a highlight, offering a delicious and varied selection that catered to different tastes. From fresh fruits and local delicacies to international options. The restaurant dishes were really tasty and fresh. Beyond the food and service, the atmosphere at Thaala Bentota was truly special. The serene surroundings, along with the attentive staff, created a relaxing environment that allowed us to unwind completely. We left feeling truly cared for and grateful for the experience. It was, without a doubt, the most memorable stay of our trip!

During our stay, we initially encountered an issue with our room, which required some minor repairs. Some of the rooms in the property seemed to be in need of refreshing. However, after reporting these inconveniences, the reception staff and the manager took immediate action to resolve the problem. We really appreciated their quick response and professional approach. Ultimately, our stay was enjoyable, and our experience with the hotel improved thanks to the efficient service. Despite the initial issues, we felt well taken care of and comfortable.

Wonderful hotel! We had an amazing ground floor room with direct access to garden, pools & beach. Really well appointed room, very comfortable bed, plenty of storage, tv, great shower etc. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious with Western & Asian options available. Also The Loft cocktail bar was great for watching the amazing sunsets. Staff were professional, helpful, friendly and very attentive. Fantastic location on Bentota Beach. Huge expanse of golden sand & blue sea, perfect for early morning walks & swimming & beautiful sunsets.

Everything was great!

From check-in to check-out, the warm welcome and attentive service from every staff member truly stood out and made our stay memorable. We were pleasantly surprised with a double room upgrade through our Booking.com reservation, which added a special touch to our experience. The hotel features two impeccably clean swimming pools and beautifully maintained gardens that come alive at night with tasteful lighting, creating a relaxing ambiance. Breakfast was a highlight – a perfect balance of Western and Sri Lankan options, freshly prepared and delicious. Our room offered stunning views of the beach and garden, and beach access was quick and easy. The room itself was spacious, very modern, and spotless, equipped with the latest amenities and maintained to a high standard.

There are a lot to like about this resort. The way they welcome the guests is exceptional - I have never seen such a warm welcoming ritual at any other places. There are two excellent pools we enjoyed through they have some restriction on dress code - fully dressed muslim women are not allowed to use the pools. The adjacent beach is excellent for bathing and surfing though may not be very scenic compared to other places. The breakfast was just superb with many many items. The staff were very very cordial and helpful. The overall atmosphere in the resort is very soothing and relaxing.

Our rooms were termed "Ocean Facing" in the booking.com listing. Though the term is technically correct, you actually cannot see the ocean from your room - you need to walk to the beach. Room lighting at one of the booked rooms was not functioning properly.