The hotel holds an important part of Sri Lanka's history. There are photos, artworks and interesting details throughout the place. It has a great atmosphere of days gone by and was a meeting place for the Tea Plantation Managers, politicians, diplomats and intellectuals. Influential Sri Lankan business people and politicians still stay here and it is used as a venue for wedding photos because it is so classic and has lovely gardens - so you get the picture. It is easy to get to Ella, Nine Arches Bridge, Lipton's Seat etc. (train, tuk tuk or driver) from here and Bandarawela is not touristy. The hotel is unique and lovely. The staff are amazing and nothing is too much trouble. The manager Rewatha is very professional and kind. He arranged a tour for us in "Miller's Garden" at the hotel where they grow much of their produce. The hotel has implemented environmentally conscious practices which was great to see.

Nothing. We stayed for a few days including breakfast and dinner. The food is generally good except the 'starters" could be expanded. The hotel is not modern-swish but we loved its character and wrinkles that tell many stories.

This hotel is really one-of-a kind. If you find yourself in Bandarawela, you will be lucky to have the chance to stay there. Yes, some of the facilities are rather old, like the beds, televisions, and showers (but still all very comfortable), however, on the other hand I got a lot of enjoyment out imagining what this hotel just have been like 100+ years ago when it first opened. There are still amazing wooden floors throughout the hotel, antique phones, a beautiful lounge/reception area, and a totally worthy bar to settle into for a nightcap at the end of the day. If that's not your thing or you prefer more modern hotels - this might not be the right choice for you : ) Staff was very kind, as well, and there is a brand new movie theater right across the street!

I thought the coffee was not very good!

One night at the Bandarawela Hotel was a real highlight of our stay in Sri Lanka! Amazing old buildings with original features and a sense of history, lovingly preserved. There is a cosy bar (with open fireplace for cold evenings), delicious meals served by the attentive staff and pretty grounds with a view of the mist covered mountains. The rooms are spacious and the four poster beds large and comfortable. Plenty of hot water in the original claw foot bathtubs (now fitted with showers). Three friendly golden retrievers and a little play area kept our kids entertained. Highly recommended!

Sri Lankan breakfast not available but only because there was low occupancy in the hotel.

My stay at Bandarawela Hotel was truly memorable. The hotel exudes colonial charm, with its old-fashioned rooms that transport you back in time. The staff was exceptionally attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The food was delightful, adding to the overall experience.

The only downside was the shower/bathtub, which felt quite unsafe and slippery, posing a risk of slipping.

Breakfast not included and for $10 US was infinitely bland and poorer in quality and quantity than what you would get at any family run guest house in Sri Lanka.

No pool, no recreational facilities at all, basically. The marketing mentions tennis but there is no tennis; they send you to a nearby tennis club that is sad and moribund and not included in the price. They have a billiard room but for some reason we’re not letting guests you use it. Not good.

This is a true heritage hotel. Some reviews mention the fact that it is in a time warp. This is true but it's lovely to find a place where you can be transported back half a century. It is comfortable and cosy, germutlich.

The garden chairs need cushions! Dinner was very slow in arriving but waiting in the Lounge Bar wasn't tiring.

Excellent location a short walk from train and bus station, lots of charm lovely gardens, both vegetable plots for the kitchen that you can walk round and the formal oasis at the front. I have stayed here twice, years apart and look to do so again.

Nothing!

One of my favourite hotels in the world. Where else would you be welcomed with a cup of cinnamon tea and a plate of biscuits? Staying here really does take you back to the British Colonial era, whether the original tea planters’ club or the wartime nursing home for recovering soldiers. Staff are long-serving and exceptionally friendly and the restaurant does a very good set menu dinner. A real gem which somehow continues to offer affordable rates.

Tourist drivers won’t recommend The Bandarawela Hotel because their sleeping quarters are in the former wartime mortuary.

The staff were very courteous and helpful. I needed packed lunches. And my medication stored in the fridge. They were always there to assist

A small fridge in the room would have helped

The building looks, well-waxed floors, are clean, the architecture, the history of the building, the large serviced garden space, the staff friendliness (there were one or two members of staff who forgot to greet with a smile or a simple hello). The location is right in the middle of the town, which makes it easy to explore the town.

Nothing actually. everything I wanted was available.