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..

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Our family are very familier with Sri Lanka. We have lived in the country and travel to SL at least once a year since 35 years. This hotel is absolutely one of the best. Nice rooms, good food, wonderful beach in one of the best spots in SL. Every one in the staff did maximum to make the stay as smot and fantastic as possible. We have 2 children 9+11 years old and they really love the poolarea, the beach and it is very close to the water sport center LSR were you can dive, go one jet scoter, boot rides. Whole family warmly recommend this hotel.

The staff were lovely. Super attentive and friendly. The service and room maintenance were excellent. The person who produced an elephant made out of towels for us absolutely made my day, it was amazing! The breakfast was lovely, great location right on the beach and really well maintained. We had a lovely welcome and were always made to feel at home. This is a truly great place to stay. Would thoroughly recommend.

The price of the extras was too much - food and massages etc. The prices were what you would pay for in America rather than Sri Lanka. Would have also loved to have seen more Sri Lankan food options on the menu, it was quite westernised.

Its a big resort, spacious room, friendly staff, really great breakfast with very big variety of food, very clean, there is coffee and dessert shop inside the hotel, couple bars/restaurants. Hotel is on the beach, beach was great suited for kids to play, real sand( not coral sand), shallow waters, good for swimming, enjoying waves, run and walk.

Kids pool is in the corner of the resort, our room was in the opposite side of the resort so you need to think twice what to take before you leave. Prices in the restaurant/bar seemed to be high. Seems there was no hotel provided beach chairs , if you want to stay in the beach you will have to rent sun umbrella and chairs from outside vendor. Hotel sun lounger chairs in hotel territory are fastly gone in the morning, people reserve them by placing towels. If you want to sleep in the morning little longer , forget about good spots :) but that is how it goes in many resorts.