Mount Lavinia Hotel

Mount Lavinia Hotel descritpion

Featuring a private beach area and a terrace with views of the bay and Colombo’s skyline, Mount Lavinia Hotel offers a relaxing getaway. This colonial-style hotel features a spa and 3 dining options.
On Mount Lavinia Beach, the hotel is a 20 minute drive from the National Zoological Garden in Dehiwala. Driving from Bandaranaike International Airport takes an hour and 15 minutes.
Featuring dark wood furnishings, the air-conditioned rooms have satellite TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. The private bathrooms offer a hot shower and Ayurvedic toiletries.
Guests can visit the beachfront CocoSpa for a massage, or relax in the outdoor pool while younger guests play in the children’s pool. A gym and game room are available. Other facilities include 24-hour travel desk, a shopping arcade, and a business center.
Fresh seafood can be enjoyed at the beachfront restaurant. International buffets are served at The Governors restaurant, while The Terrace offers local and international dishes.

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Facilities of Mount Lavinia Hotel

Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities | Outdoor Pool | Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is needed).

Reviews for Mount Lavinia Hotel

Review 1：Pool & terrace furniture, walkways rather dirty & scruffy. expensive once thet add an extea 29%!!! For service local tax & vat

Review 2：Food & service good. Nice room. Faded glory of a bygone age.

Review 3：I wasn't lucky with good room.I had one with direct ocean view and the seal of the window was not good enough so there were noise that I could not sleep during my whole stay. The balcony was not clean.

Review 4：Cooperative staff.

Review 5：Rooks on the terrace restaurant and our balcony were annoying and we saw them pecking at other guests' plates whilst the guests visited the buffet. Staff didn't seem bothered. The hotel is a bit tired in places and the lifts are slow but I used the rather quaint back stairs instead. Service varied from excellent to ignorant which is a shame as the bad ones let everyone down. There were two or three weddings a day whilst we were there, not sure if that's because it was New Year but our Sri Lankan friend told us it's all year round which for me felt as if everyone us part of a conveyor belt process. The bridal parties were an amazing sight to behold, utterly beautiful

Review 6：Historic building, views amazing, beach wonderful and staff generally brilliant

Review 7：Long, long long walk to the room. It almost took forever. Narrow passageways and easy to get lost. Lift maintenance done during the day and there was only 1 lift. So we had to walk down 4 floors. Very easy to get lost inside the hotel although it's a small building.

Review 8：Great view of the sea. Good breakfast variety.

Review 9：The staff in the hotel are the worst I've ever seen in a 5 star hotel. Very rude, inconsiderate and lack of responsibility.

Review 10：There were some activities going on in the hotel for Christmas, which is really nice. The buffet is fine, many choices for the food.

Review 11：We stayed in 3 different rooms and 2 of them had mould on the walls as well as on the curtains! The paint was coming off! Unacceptable when u pay this kind of money.

Review 12：The rooms had a very nice view And food was amazing

Review 13：The food in the restaurant is a gamble. Half the meals were decent, the other half was terrible. Pasta for example was good. Pizza you should avoid at all cost. We ordered Sri Lankan Fish paddies and the fish was old. My girlfriend got food poisioning and felt terrible for two days. This is definately not up to the quality of a place like this! Furthermore the furniture often has dents, on the balcony the paint comes of the handrail and the carpet looks quite old and dirty. The public areas are in good shape though. Except for the fish, the hotel offered what we wanted. A nice beach hotel in Colombo before our flight home. However, the Quality of the service rendered was in no way justifying the price of the place.

Review 14：The hotel is situated in the prime sport between the beaches of Mount Lavinia. If you are looking for a nice beach hotel close to Colombo, this is the best you can find.

Review 15：It was incredibly busy when we were there which probably affected my judgement. Everything seemed a bit run down, outdated and faded. Swimming pool was closed on 2nd day as they were setting up for New Year's Eve event. Definitely overpriced.

Review 16：Breakfast was excellent in terms of choice, variety and quality. The beach was great with a perfect sundowners bar and excellent seafood

Review 17：The train was the biggest bother for me and the ravens outside my window. The staff by the pool are not attentive at all. I asked for a bar menu, the guy walked around and straighted all the chairs and then looked at me and told the other guy to bring me one. I just got up and left. But the rest of the eating areas the service was outstanding especially the breakfast.

Review 18：The location made it worth the money along with the private beach. The staff was nice enough. This is a wonderful hotel that has everything that you need. The staff in the Govenors dining room were excecllent. They atteneded to your every need.

Review 19：when i booked they charged me 413dollors at the time of check in thay ask me to pay another 250 dollors that is including compulsory christmas dinner which worthless and check out they ask me to pay another 13000 srilankan rupee which is ridiculues and then i fought and paid only 2450 rupees only for my food and phone call. Kindly note every one confirm your rate and facility before you enter this place. Booking they take for single and then add money for your family even one

Review 20：food

Review 21：Behaviour of receptionist esp Cedric, rooms aren't very clean, GYM is below par with some equipments not working

Review 22：Spa and restaurant by the beach are good

Review 23：The room look old but not in a nice way. There were cracks in the walls. Towels and window shadows were broke.

Review 24：Staff were pleasant , ready to help, althought i send 3 emails before arrival to ask about shuttle from airport..no asnwer.

Review 25：There was currently a fair amount of construction going on as the hotel was a bit dated and in need of some refurbishment.

Review 26：Great beach side location... we could hear the waves crashing on the beach from our room. Fantastic old colonial style hotel. The breakfast / brunch was very comprehensive and tasty.

Review 27：Nothing

Review 28：Beautiful hotel with lots of history, we were very pleasantly surprised when we arrived! The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful, and the buffet dinner and breakfast was exactly what we wanted with good value for money. There are also other options for dinner which are a la carte menus and more expensive. Great location, private beach but also right next to the main Mount Lavinia beach and a short walk from bars/restaurants. We loved this hotel and would definitely recommend it :)

Review 29：Parts of the hotel are a bit tired and whilst it is being refurbished in part, the works can be a bit noisy at times.

Review 30：I love it here. Very pleasant staff and relaxing location.

Review 31：The Governers Dining room was closed for renovation which was disappointing .....

Review 32：We LOVE the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Home from home. The location is perfect if you want to be near the city and yet be on the beach everyday. The food is good and a wide variety offered. It's clean, it's safe and nothing is too much of a problem for the staff.

Review 33：The hotel architecture is beautiful, but it feels that the maintenance quality should be improved highly if they want to be a glamorous 5 star hotel.

Review 34：The staff was really nice, especially buttler called Tiddy. They made us feel welcome from day one until end of our trip.

Review 35：The shopping arcade highly poor. Should be accommodated by at least medium end shops. No access to the beaches for beach walk. Their own private beach too small.Gates with a guard or an access nr, would make that possible and pleasant for the guests.

Review 36：Just well enough restored without having lost its original ambience.

Review 37：Very durty, worst smell We could imagine. The poorest maintenance ever. Whole spirit of colonial England was vanished away by irresponsible management. The price definitely doesn't fit to the absence of comfort. Furniture on a balconies seems hasn't been fixed from Governor times. If I were manager of that place i would rather pay more attention on smell, humidity, mold, furniture rather then on creation of fancy envelopes and notebooks of corporate style. I will not recommend that to my friends unless major overhaul will be done there.

Review 38：View from the balcony is amazing and very romantic history behind. Spirit of colonial times. Very tasty cuisine without any doubts

Review 39：Should have been informed that the hotel was carrying out construction work in various parts of the hotel and the main restaurant in the hotel was out of use

Review 40：Colonial charm of a fading building and excellent food

Review 41：The rooms are utterly dreadful, grimy, dull and 25 years out of date. The noise of trains and general outside noise levels was horrendous and the lack of cleanliness really puts you off. Baths dont drain properly etc. Checked out early as it was not up to standard.

Review 42：The hotel occupies a prime position just outside of Colombo on the beach. A super old colonial building offering jolly nice food, especially fresh fish. Excellent epa.

Review 43：Poor staff attitude especially in the restaurants. During dinner our group had to remind the staff 3 times over a period of not less than 20 minutes for our beer. Similar experiences to have our coffee (3reminders) n milk (2reminders) during breakfast lead us to conclude that the consistently poor service qualify is a norm in this establishment.The reception was also extremely slow during both check in and check out.

Review 44：Excellent room with ocean view in a very well maintained mansion of historical significance . The restaurant serves an exceptionally wide range of excellent Asian n western cuisine during breakfast n dinner

Review 45：The crows at the pool and surrounding area, so many of them scavanging!

Review 46：Old colonial feel. Fantastic seafood restaurant on the beach. Beautifully lit at night. Breakfast buffet is outstanding.

Review 47：Old premises, dark rooms, with scaffoldings in front of the window (the hotel is under works). Dreadful service, very very far from 4* hotel standards if you ask me (no help with luggages apart from the last meters in order to get their tip; reception staff (90% of which are trainees BTW) barely acknowledging our presence, very slow to proceed to check in, struggling with the credit card; our room was ready very late; breakfast tables disgusting: nobody could be bothered to clean them: we ate with the dirty dishes from the last 10 persons who sat at our table! unbelievable! Someone came one to clear onze cup, but I still cannot believe that she didn't notice the 10 other dirty cups and plates around; extremely slow breakfast service too: took 10 minutes to get a strawberry jam, almost didn't manage to get tea; etc.). The swimming pool looks nice but invaded with crows (that even enter the inside part of the premises to steal sugar): doesn't make you want to remain there for long. Terrible experience, will definitely not go back.

Review 48：You can see that the hotel used to be a prestigious colonial building. Great seafood restaurant by the beach: amazing experience (not cheap, and as for the rest, extremely slow service though). Local people even come here for dinner. Just next to Mount Lavinia railway station: easy and fast to get to central Colombo.

Review 49：Initially we were given an old room which was worse than any budget hotel i've stayed at, after complaining I was given a refurbished room. Staff is friendly, but not everyone thinks it's their job to help.

Review 50：View and location are both great, food a bit expensive (by SL rates) but very good

Review 51：Needs a strong fan in the bathroom. The shopping arcade was vacant mostly.Unable to use some rooms and facilities due to renovations.

Review 52：Breakfast was inclusive and incredible!!! Lovely swimming pool to relax in. Good wifi. Friendly staff. Amazing views north to Columbo skyline/coast. Lovely room with balcony.Really close to railway station.Able to get late 4pm checkout.

Review 53：Major refurbishment ongoing. Restaurant closed-no prior warning. There is an alternative but when full staff just send you away with little to no explanation. Food poor in comparison to visit 10 years ago. Whole place needs refurbishing, it had not changed in 10 years! They have started doing dance parties on the beach opposite. BE WARNED music starts at 9pm on Friday night and ends around 9am MONDAY morning. Did not sleep a wink and was consistently lied to by reception staff who know fully well when the events will be on. Much better hotels in Colombo and with Hyatt Regency opening in 2016 I can quite safely say I will never be back.

Review 54：The door staff and porters were well mannered and efficient. The remained of the staff really couldn't care less as to how your stay goes.

Review 55：Unfortunately I got food poisoning after the last dinner on our last night at the restaurant by the pool (crab & lobster). While our stay was otherwise splendid, the manner in which this issue was tackled by the staff was definitely not up to standard. A refund to our dinner and sincere apologies were expected but not offered, very disappointing!

Review 56：Although we booked and paid for a room with complete sea view for 6 nights, the room had a partial view, which according to the hotel comes under complete sea view category!

Review 57：The beach is beautiful

Review 58：A beautiful colonial hotel in a magnificent position, excellent service and great facilities. I would highly recommend a visit. The sea views are absolutely stunning.

Review 59：Stuff was not professionelle in the meals room. They had no plan what to do...all the way

Review 60：Like the location. Food was very good in a la carte. Breakfast was nice

Review 61：Colonial style infrastructure and full of history. The hotel has a private beach where you can have a walk at night. The service from staff was also was excellent.

Review 62：I have been a regular guest for the last 6 years at this hotel. It is just perfect for me as a business traveler . I like the location & Food and very very nice and polite staff. i have not stayed in another hotel after staying in Mount Lavinia in Colombo.

Review 63：Dining was a variable experience - if you wanted anything al-la-carte the kitchen appeared to struggle. Getting drinks off menu was also challenging.

Review 64：Very friendly and attentive staff. Lots of space to enjoy, excellent spa. A little bit away from the main city, but getting a TukTuk or cab was easy.

Review 65：The room was very poor, all tiles not a single carpet. The reception didn't tell us about the beach, we discovered it ourselves after 2 days

Review 66：The beach, the gym, the neighbourhood.

Review 67：Staff were not always as polite as would be expected from a hotel( not waiting for you to walk up the narrow stairs whilst holding a small child). The overall finish to the hotel is missing and needs a new lick of paint and repairs (exposed live wires from ceilings).

Review 68：Historical building with character. Good sized children's area in swimming pool.

Review 69：Would prefer if staff were more honest in terms of when questions are asked regarding venturing out of the hotel. Didn't like the thought of being fleeced. Also a tree was being cut down in the morning hours when usually guests are resting at that time.

Review 70：The service of the staff here was the worst we had throughout our whole 2.5 week stay in Sri Lanka. The whole hotel smelt of stale smoke including our room. The facilities aren't up to scratch for the amount of people staying in the hotel - there's only 1 small pool!

Review 71：Liked how our room looked right over the ocean

Review 72：International Temperance Day,whatever that is was being observed on the day of our arrival(my wife's birthday) which meant a planned dinner was dry,disappointing for an international hotel.

Review 73：A western haven in Colombo

Review 74：We had a cockroach in our room and ants on the coffee and tea. We stayed in lots of other hotels and didn't experience this which maybe implies the cleaning wasn't as thorough

Review 75：The Seafood Cove restaurant was excellent

Review 76：Very poor service and average food quality for a pricey restaurant. Bar staff aren't very friendly, probably due to lack of tipping as everything comes with mandatory service charge billed directly to room. Everything is wildly overpriced for what it is.

Review 77：Building is stunning! As is the view. Rooms are very clean and comfortable.

Review 78：The rooms are old and dingy, 2 separate beds for a couple ??, green carpets look like they were installed 20 years ago. the roof net thingy is disgusting. The damp smell in places around the hotel were unbearable but our room was ok. The sea views made it.

Review 79：The pool area and the staff made this hotel comfortable. the sea views were the only saving grace of the room.

Review 80：The room was not up to the usual standard, the maintenance at the property was distracting. The general appearance of the public areas was untidy, and to be frank, a little dirty - especially at the pool. the coffee and tea at breakfast were revolting!

Review 81：Having stayed at the Mount Lavinia a number of times before, I was very disappointed with our visit, and was thankful we only booked one night. The room was dated and drab, and didn't start the visit in a positive way. The bathroom itself was extremely basic, reminding me of a youth hostel type of experience. Having stayed in the classic wing, and the newer rooms previously, this particular section of the hotel is definitely the less delightful (room 451). The staff are sweet and the grounds themselves are interesting as always.

Review 82：The newer wing rooms were a bit soulless, but luckily we were moved to the older part of the hotel which was very nice

Review 83：The food and drin were of a very high standard and we particularly liked the idea of the Happy Hour. The pool was lovely and all the staff were very obliging and helpful

Review 84：Mr. Manjula the bellman was amazing, his customer service skills is implacable. He looked after us during the stay. Also restaurant team during breakfast are just amazing. Bathroom requires more care during cleaning "specially bathtub and walls". Housekeeping team were very very loud in the corridors early morning "my little son always get up because of their loud voice and carts noise. Overall decent place, but requires some attention to details. Lobby needs some decoration and smell is an issue

Review 85：The lighting level in bedroom was appallingly low. There were no overhead lights in the ceiling and very low light in the bathroom which is a health hazard. Also the museum closed for "maintenance" a very im portant part of this historic hotel. but probably not interesting to most tourists who come to Sri Lanka only to swim and look at elephants

Review 86：Bedroom good size; wifi very efficient;restaurant very good; scenery exceptional;; staff extremely helpful and pleasant; no need to go anywhere else in SL to find a resort (most of which are run by spivs)

Review 87：The hotel is in need of a restauration as things look a bit tired. The reception seemed uninterested in our stay and gave very little information when asked.

Review 88：Fantastic location with a room practically on the Sea with a balcony facing the seting sun. Restaurant staff was very sweet and the buffet and breakfast was amazing.

Review 89：Nothing - everything was perfect.

Review 90：I loved everything about this hotel. It is real treat and the food iswonderful. Please try the seafood restaurant on the beach - it madeour holiday!

Review 91：The service was excellent! Hotel is very nice, beautiful place I will defiantly come again and stay here, I will recommend it to anyone the view is majestic

Review 92：Delightful service, assistance and genuine hospitality. Superb food and atmosphere, lovely pool bar and sunset. Great place and recommend seafood on the beach also.

Review 93：The place is a bit aged and rooms smell a bit stuffy. I would say the rooms are 4 Stars but location, service and charm are 5 stars. Don't pick a room in the ground floor, people can right walk by the bedroom! Rooms on upper floors and in the new wing are better :) regardless, We'd definitely stay here again. In fact, I plan to bring some friends here again next December!

Review 94：The hotel has a wonderful charm and takes you back in time. The view on the Indian Ocean from the lobby and some of the rooms is gorgeous. The breakfast buffet is excellent and full of choices and staff are very friendly. Also, the hotel has a very access to the beach and is a couple of minutes away from a train stop that takes you to either Colombo ( 40 min) or Galle ( 2 hours).

Review 95：Bought a cake from outside for birthday celebration. Staff refused to store it in their fridge for us for just a few hours.

Review 96：Peace. Location. Friendly staff.

Review 97：The apathetic attempt to control the ever-present birds around the pool area who steal food and mess everywhere.

Review 98：The view from the pool out across the Indian Ocean and along the beach really is beautiful. The odd train clatters noisily by as you sip on a GnT and it's a luxurious Sri Lankan scene.

Review 99：The customer service was not great. We had an issue with when they took and how much they took for the hotel cost and rather than apologie they tried shifting the blame.

Review 100：The food

Review 101：the bathroom could have been a bit better, and the toilet could have used a bidet...

Review 102：the location,view from the room was amazing!! and the breakfast had an awesome spread and variety :)

Review 103：My booking was accidently for 2 people so I was being charged for an additional breakfast. Reception staff refused to correct this. Asked to take a seat & wait for keys....did not say room was not ready and wait would be 45 minutes! Musty smell in hallways.

Review 104：Location Food good. Other staff very pleasant - just people at reception were not helpful at all.

Review 105：I didn't like the staff clearing up from afternoon lunch for dinner whiles you are still trying to enjoy the moment. Very quite after 10pm should try and have some other entertainment from 11 -1 maybe.

Review 106：The breakfast was fab and staff very helpful.

Review 107：The warmth of the staff, their ever ready attitude to anticipate n satisfy your every win n constant lookout to help make your stay simply wonderful. I would cherish this stay forever

Review 108：Room sparsely furnished and lacking warmth. Bedside tables unstable and chairs were not designed for comfortable seating so ended up using the bed. On my previous visit the room décor was much better and a sofa provided. No hand towels, robe, room service menu or bottle opener where in the room on arrival. All but the robe appeared when asked. Coffee at breakfast poor. Despite reception assuring me that the LKR rate was equivalent to the quoted $119 per night I was charged $129 per night which impacted on the value for money rating

Review 109：Location is amazing and direct ocean view spectacular. room was a good size and clean Pool area nice and relaxing and staff overall are friendly and helpful, especially the room service and front desk team Good selection on breakfast buffet

Review 110：Check-In at reception. Should be done in the room or by Concierge to safe time and effort. Attention not all international credit cards are being accepted. AMEX will be fine though.

Review 111：Booked 3 pedicures. The studio was very basic. Minimal items to choose from such as nail varnish colours. Not a great treatment for the price charged.It felt like a back street cheap little place.Did not match the beautiful hotel.

Review 112：Massive choice of food. friendly and helpful staff.

Review 113：When I checked into my room, there was such a caustic smell that my throat burned and my eyes tested. The man at reception said that floors were being refinished on the floor above and to just cool it the smell would go away in a few hours. Totally unacceptable. I lasted about 5 minutes then insisted on another room, the woman Shabana completely understood and arranged to move me. The man was angry., but the new room was far better. It was distressing after a long airplane trip then a long drive from the airport.

Review 114：The doormen, porters, service people were great. I was especially impressed by Custa in room service, Shabana at reception, and Nila in the spa. If not for those three, I would have checked out and gone to another hotel.

Review 115：The food in Sri Lankan hotels is usually buffet style and this one did not miss a beat. The spa was a great experience with the sound of the waves in the background and wonderful products. The served us banana tea which was delicious. Area treat. We also got to see a traditional wedding. Beautiful and culturally relevant.

Review 116：None. All are good.

Review 117：room, lobby, seafood, breakfast and beach. Excellent front office with beautiful lobby. Mouthwatering sea food in a sea food cove restaurant. Breakfast was nice. Rooms are ok. Private beach is an attraction.

Review 118：The hotel looks old and not everything has been renewed yet, but the hotel is nearly 300 years old so there is a lot of charm in this too.

Review 119：Amazing beach bars and beautiful views. The staff is dressed I colonial style and very polite.

Review 120：What a poor bed, the wifi on the 5th floor last room was terrible. They had to instal a seperate router after many complaints, but then that was okay. The location / distance with Colombo center is for a business trip too far, but that's our mistake, not the hotel.

Review 121：The venue, the location was perfect. The food ( breakfast and dinner ) was perfect!

Review 122：Breakfast buffet menu is the same every morning. Better if there is a change in the menu. No free shuttle service from hotel to nearby town or city. Strong smell at the lobby like lemon grass.

Review 123：Room was comfortable, view was great facing the ocean. Staff was friendly & helpful. Food was good & had variety of Sri Lankan dishes.

Review 124：Hotel smelt really damp, even the newly renovated areas. Rooms definitely not 4 star...more like 3. Tired, dirty and disappointing. The rest of the hotel was fine.

Review 125：Food at restaurants good but room service poor

Review 126：The balcony furniture was a bit rubbish and their room cleaning service could have been faster.

Review 127：The restaurants are amazing with great food and views. In particular the seafood restaurant on the beach is a must. The staff were very helpful in all our requests.

Review 128：Beach was lovely, but the ocean was too rough to swim.

Review 129：Breakfast was exceptional. Staff were very friendly. Don't miss the sea turtle conservation just down the road. We got to interact with the turtles and even release some hatchlings.

Review 130：My length of stay, should have been longer!

Review 131：First Class staff always eager to help, always with a smile, nothing is ever too much! The style, excellence, but with the Sri Lankan Joy not the Western stress!

Review 132：A lot of the bedrooms and a good part of the hotel need an upgrade/facelift.

Review 133：This hotel is in a great location on the beach south of Colombo. The Sri Lankan buffet food served in the restaurant is exceptional.

Review 134：For some reason only a fraction of the number of sunbeds and umbrellas available by the pool compared to the numbers of guests. Infuriating every day !

Review 135：The view, the room, the staff, the food. Almost everything.

Review 136：A themed Sr Lankan night when it was so busy with coachoads of people not staying at the hotel that we were told to return for dinner in 45 minutes.

Review 137：The breakfasts were wonderful

Review 138：The rooms and the hallways require dehumidifiers; as you could feel the dampness and this had a knock on effect as sometimes you could smell the dampness.

Review 139：We enjoyed our stay at the hotel. The staff was very friendly & helpful. We had a room with a great view of the ocean. The private beach is just stunning. Highly recommend going to the Sea Cove restaurant and having the Lagoon Crab (Sri Lankan Chilli Crab)