Hotel River Front

Hotel River Front descritpion

Hotel River Front sells fast on our site. Offering a restaurant, Hotel River Front is located in Yala just 0.6 miles from Tissamaharama Bus Station. The hotel has a restaurant offering local, Chinese and Continental food. Free Wi-Fi access is also available.
The hotel is located 9.9 miles from the Yala National Park and 18.6 miles from the Mattala Rajapakse International Airport. Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya is located 8.7 miles away. The property offers free parking.
Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a seating area. Featuring a shower, the private bathrooms also come with slippers and towels. You can enjoy a river view from all the rooms. Extras include satellite channels. Some rooms also have a sofa.
At Hotel River Front you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and barbecue facilities. Other facilities offered include a tour desk, luggage storage and a laundry.

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Facilities of Hotel River Front

Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities | Grounds | Terrace

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Cycling | Bicycle Rental

Food & Drink ：Restaurant

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

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Safe | Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | Air Conditioning

Reviews for Hotel River Front

Review 1：Such great value for money. Well built and equipped guest house, very clean, excellent host, good food. Ticked all the boxes for a short stop over. Would highly recommend.

Review 2：Just perfect, the staff also organized a Yala safari with our great driver/guide Darshana who showed us a leopard shortly after arriving in the park

Review 3：Sashi looked after us so well. The hotel was located by the river . The garden was lush and tropical and it was so peaceful. The rooms were clean and comfortable with great ac and fan. We had rice and curry one evening and it was delicious. All in All very good stay.

Review 4：We had a room without A/C, so it was a very hot night... the van was a little loud, too. Dinner was okay - a little pricy for what we got (noodles) and not everything was available.

Review 5：They organized a good safari for us in a new and comfi jeep. Also a small trip around the area to see the birds after our arrival was included. The rooms are rather new and spacious.

Review 6：She charged 10% extra for service although it was written in booking.com voucher that "service charge is included". They should clarify this in voucher and prevent misunderstandings.

Review 7：Everything was very good. The best hotel we had in sri lanka. They organized a safari in Yala for us. It was good.

Review 8：Great hospitality. Thanks to the front-desk girl our 5-years old can sing "Brother Jacob" in sinhalese language! Thank you! They offer free short tour around Tissa.

Review 9：We had bed bugs. When we told the manager, she said, it was because we left the window open... She went up to check the matress and there were more running around. No appology, no discount.

Review 10：We had a wonderful homestyle dinner and the stuff organized a tour for us

Review 11：The food wasnt great, but edible. They have a hotel policy for guests to take of their shoes when walking around the property, whilst we respect the reasons for this, it made our stay a little dangerous as the weather was raining and caused the marble surfaces to become slippery, not good when your room is on the second floor carrying luggage!

Review 12：The River View had a wounderful feel about the place, the room was modern and big enough with views onto the hotel gardens and river. The staff were laid back but happy to meet your needs. The price for half board was cheap and an added bonus was a free mini safari commonly known as their city tour, I found this safari to be better than the one in Yala National Park which is located 30 mins away, so in all a fantastic hotel with hidden bonuses.

Review 13：Not a biggy, but the hotel doesn't really have a communal relaxation space, there are a few tables around but they seem to be allocated to the various guest rooms. A comfortable relaxation space (& a pool) would make this place excellent :)

Review 14：We stayed 1 night in the tree house which is situated along side the river, the outlook is picturesque & relaxing. The staff, especially the main hostess, are great - she speaks great English which helps, but she's also very good at looking after guests & making them feel comfortable. The hotel is tucked away in a quiet side street, so no street noise. They organised a great safari to Yala for us, the price was really competitive - we had others try to offer services but her price was equal (12,000 private tour 5-10am or 11,000 group 5-12noon). The tour was great, I think we had the most enthusiastic driver in the park, saw leopards, elephants, almost saw a bear and many more - we'd been to Udawalawe a few days prior, both parks are excellent but we definitely saw more variety in Yala, and the park is prettier (in my opinion).

Review 15：Had trouble with wifi.

Review 16：We stayed in the family room two nights. Very helpful and friendly staff who packed us lunches early in the morning before the safari and helped arrange transport. Clean and well kept hotel. Short tuktuk ride to city center and there's a large local market nearby with produce, spices, etc.

Review 17：A really lovely stay at this gorgeous family run place. They are so wonderfully enthusiastic and welcoming. The place is spotless and very modern. The Sri Lankan hoppas the best we have had ! We would go back there any time. Really great value too for the standard of room (ie hot water, ice cool air con etc)

Review 18：Staff were lovely. There was a free evening jeep safari to introduce us to the area. We watched the sun set over the local wewa. They also organised two excellent safaris for us to Yala and Bundala.

Review 19：A little out of town, 10 min tuk tuk ride. Try and get a room not on ground floor as noise from communal areas can be disturbing.

Review 20：Staff very helpful. A nice room.

Review 21：plenty of stray dogs around .. it's out of hotel's scope but still .. it's a bit negative if u want to go out for a walk

Review 22：Very family oriented atmosphere .. u feel you are part of their family .. wonderful staff .. loved it

Review 23：Except the safari there is not much to do in Tissa. You have to fix the hour of breakfast the Evening before. Same f you want Dinner, you have to provide them a few hours before.

Review 24：Our room was big and clean and on first floor. Quiet neighbourhoud. Breakfast was OK. We had twice lunch and Dinner.Price and quality were both OK. They can organise a safari for you to Yala NP. We paid 12000 RS for an aftenoon safari for 2 persons. The young driver did a good job.

Review 25：We had a lovely stay in the tree house watching monkeys playing in the trees. The staff are friendly and helpful ... The dinner was really nice and we slept really well !! Definitely recommend going on the safari that is organised by the hotel its a good price and worth the money... One of our highlights!

Review 26：Safari was all organised which made life easy. Staff were very friendly And help full, even dropped us off for the bus and helped with which bus to take.

Review 27：We booked this hotel because we planned to go safari in yala national park the next morning, so the hotel packed the breakfast for us. Good room with wifi, a/c and hot shower water. Ordered noodle for dinner, excellent cooking.

Review 28：The only annoyance was the bugs. They were everywhere.

Review 29：Beautiful surroundings and delightful staff. The sweet young daughter of the proprietor booked us a trip to the safari and we had an excellent day. The driver was really knowledgable and persistent to help us see elephants.

Review 30：The personell always made us feel as if we were causing trouble. The safari is very overpriced, not very good, and they make you leave the hotel at 4 A.M. for no reason (the park opens at 6). The food portions were the smallest in all our stay in Sri Lanka. There was no mosquito net.

Review 31：Beautifully situated directly next to a river. The terrace of the so-called tree house (house on stilts) was very nice and calm.

Review 32：Nothing. This is a great valUe.

Review 33：The young girl who runs this place for her family (and her brothers) are very sweet and accommodating. The rice and Curry we had for dinner was amazing, and definitely one of the best meals we had in Sri Lanka. The rooms are well done, clean and comfortable. The whole place is well cared for and beautiful, and it was nice to relax by the river I one of their hammocks. The place is slightly out of town, but this isn't a problem if you're going on safari. The tuk tuk ride to town isn't expensive.

Review 34：Bugs bugs bugs bugs bugs.

Review 35：Staff amazing. Food amazing - takeaway breakfast for early morning safari. Sorted out transport to Galle as well. Great place to stay for a night or two, we only went for the safari.

Review 36：The staff is great! Very kind, sweet, friendly and helpful. The treehouse is very nice and has both fan and AC. Food is very tasty! And the breakfast is delicious as well. Perfect place where to stay when going to do a Safari in Yala!

Review 37：Don't forget your insect repellent!

Review 38：We had a very enjoyable stay here and they organised our safari for us which was very reasonably priced and lots of fun! The rooms were spotlessly clean, brand new and spacious with air con and hot water. It's a family business and staff were friendly and so helpful. We pre ordered lunch and returned from our safari to enjoy the best homemade curry in Sri Lanka!

Review 39：Not ultra modern, could do with some quick refurbishment. But overall OK.

Review 40：Amazing view on lake. You can even see elephants on the other side. Nice sunset. Pool is enjoyable.

Review 41：There is absolutely nothing to dislike about this gem of a hotel

Review 42：Everything, this place is a gem ! The rooms and hotel in total are impeccable, it just does not get better than this for backpackers like us. Worth mentioning is that we booked one day in advance and since we read here on booking.com that they arrange a mean (cheap) safari, we asked them via booking.com if they could do the same for us. They went out of their way to arrange us a shared jeep morning safari (5am to noon with 2 other couples for 11.000rps) and it was awesome: very comfortable jeep with an experienced driver that dares to go just that little bit of track to provide you a unique experience.

Review 43：The river was dirty without a water flow, and no grass in the garden(because the hotel is new) The hotel safari was too expensive for what it offers (3h inside the safari and not 4h liked they said) the charged you 1h for driving from the hotel to the Yala Safari. Their safari driver charged us 5000rps to only go fast in the main roads inside the safari, it was like a rally race not a safari, no leopards no elephants. We do not recommend Yala Safari, it is not worth it at least not at this price.

Review 44：The room was spacious with high roof , the bathroom was amasing with good hot water with good pressure, the decoration and design of the room was beautiful (mosaics,wood crafted, floor tiles), the cable TV and Wifi was nice in the room, and we enjoyed the clear sky view in the night from the balcony full of stars. The homemade diner was perfect and typical of Sri Lanka. The owner's daughter was our host , she was very kind and helpful.

Review 45：Amazing cabin over the river. Fabulous and kind staff, always friendly and helpful. Great safari in Yala Park organized by The River Front staff: cheap and very well prepared. Great place!!

Review 46：Friendly, helpful staff. beautifully set up with balconies overlooking garden. Nice meals....wonderful,packed lunch for the safari. Great value for money

Review 47：If I was being picky, the back yard could have been sand.

Review 48：Staff really friendly and helpful. Very good local food cooked well. Nice and quiet location away from the main road

Review 49：What is there to mislike?

Review 50：We stayed here two nights while going on a Yala Safari. The room was spacious, tiled with marble floors, spotless clean and with good working A/C. The staff went out of their way to make our stay as pleasurable as possible. We had breakfast, lunch and two dinners here, and enjoyed some of the best home cooked meals we have had in Sri Lanka. For breakfast we had a good variety of fresh fruit, excellent coffee and a tasty omelet. Our only regret was that we didn't book the safari with them too, as the guests who did, received excellent meal packages, were very pleased with their guide and in contrast to us who didn't see any leopards and had a disappointing guide and food packages, saw 3 leopards! We can highly recommend this hotel and at the price they are charging for rooms, it's almost too good to be true.

Review 51：Nothing

Review 52：Great staff, beautiful location, delicious food and the safari they organized for us to Bundala National Park was great, with a very good and dedicates driver/guide.

Review 53：Missing water bouler. Treehouse was a bit to sticky, a second door as fly screen would be god, to sleep with open door. Also fly screen for a openble window could help here.

Review 54：We stayed one night in a Hotel room and one night in Treehouse Location: The hotel is nice and quite located at a river. I guess every room got the possibility to see through the garden the river. It is a good place to start a Safari, as we did, from this hotel. But more see below. To Tissamahra self it is to far to walk. But in the near are small shops for every belonging, else ask the helpful staff. Hotel: The Hotel is two years old in a very good condition. You see all the time the staff is cleaning or improving the hotel. The Hotel has a nice garden with Banana trees and Mango trees and possibilities to sit. Breakfast and dinner will be served in outside in roofed are with ventilation. In the garden next to the river is also the nice tree house. Rooms: The first night we spend the night in the room at the highest level. It was very huge, very clean and with a nice bathroom. The bed was very comfortable. The Treehouse is also well equipped but smaller as the room before. It is very nice and you are able to sit outside. It is a nice feeling to hear the animals outside. Staff: The staff is really great and they doing their job very well. They help you in every situation and having all the time a smile for you. The best staff in Sri Lanka. Food: The two dinner we had are really delicious. Great Curry and a really tasty fish menu. The Intercontinental breakfast is typical for Sri Lanka but with the fruit plate a good start into the day. Safari: We booked before per Mail a Half day Safari to the National Park Yala. It was a great trip. The driver was young but know how to drive were possible fast and safety and where animals could be patient and slow. Give him signals where to wait for photos or where you want to leave, he will deal with that. So it was a great day. Summery: Good Hotel with great staff and a very good Safari. I would recommend this stay to everybody.

Review 55：The hotel is a reasonable distance from the main area of town so you'll need a tuk tuk to venture in, but if you were there you wouldn't have the river view in the backyard!

Review 56：We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel River front. The staff went above and beyond to make it a memorable stay, and they succeeded! Loved our safari and the opportunity to watch (and eat!) some home Sri Lankan cooking. The complimentary tour around town really set the tone for the rest of our stay, was great to see the sights of Tissa instead of just the main streets.

Review 57：Everything was just fine!

Review 58：Cleanest hotel we have been in Sri Lanka. Super nice and helpful staff who even organized a city tour for us! Safari was very good, and can only be recommended!

Review 59：- no mosquito nets - wifi not working very well

Review 60：- nice welcome with drink - big, clean rooms - friendly staff - good safari, but quite expensive - average take away breakfast for safari

Review 61：Beautiful building, located on the river in Debarawewa. Room was a nice with a large en suite. Service was excellent - the staff all speak English and are constantly willing to improve your stay. Food was reasonably priced and very good. Breakfast was packed up for me to take away on my safari in the morning, and I was driven to the bus stop the next day - not only that but made sure I made it onto the right bus. Little touches like that sum up the service. Would definitely recommend and stay again.

Review 62：The tree house is special but not sure if it is worth the price asked for it. It is separated from the main house and there is calm and quiet place.

Review 63：The complimentary welcome drink

Review 64：The two evening meals that we had at the hotel were very poor. This was a shame as the lunch provided for our trip to Yala Nationsl Park was superb and breakfast was also good. If the hotel ups it's game with it's meals, it would be a ten out if ten accommodation.

Review 65：We stayed in the hotels treehouse which was quirky but very comfortable. The hotels location was great for our days trip to Yala National Park. The girl who ran the hotel couldn't have been more helpful.

Review 66：The main problem was water in the bathroom in the treehouse - very low pressure during the day and no water after 6 PM, no warm water at all, so you cant use bathroom in the evening.

Review 67：Location, friendly staff

Review 68：The room was big and very clean. The staff was superfriendly, they even helped us to the bus stop. We booked a safari from the hotel and it was great, we saw leopard, elephants , crocadiles and many more animals. The lunch was delicious!

Review 69：breakfast was very limited, omelette which is ok then cold toast and butter and jam and that was it, same each morning so pretty poor but included in the very low price so can't be surprised! Dinner was nice but limited choice as they didn't have curry while we were there, also not as good value for money as other hotels.

Review 70：the rooms and building was lovely and new, the rooms were very big! Lovely marble floor, TV, aircon, best bathroom we have had in Sri Lanka. They also organised safari and Bicycle hire for us very quickly and hassle free. The hotel was kept very clean as well our room was spotless and we saw them very regularly clean the communal areas.

Review 71：This is one of the best places we stayed in Sri Lanka. The rooms were new and spotless, (probably the cleanest hotel we had in our trip). The staff is very nice and made our stay wonderful. They organised a safari in Yala for us at a quite reasonable price comparing to other companies we found online. We had all our meals in the hotel since the food was really good. I highly recommend this hotel and would definitely stay here again if i come back to Tissa.

Review 72：Limited choice of meals for lunch & dinner. Breakfast was ok but probably worst we've had on our 3 week trip. Noise was bad at night with dogs barking & people leaving early morning for safaris.

Review 73：Good sized room with large ensuite. Plenty of hot water. Staff were very helpful taking me to and from a local doctor when I was sick. Also dropped us to local bus stop free of charge.

Review 74：Just be aware of your shoes;) we almost lost one of our trainers... dog stole it;)

Review 75：New, big, comfortable rooms and very friendly staff. They can arrange everything: from safari to tuk tuks:)

Review 76：Everything with our stay was perfect!

Review 77：After looking for somewhere to stay in Tissa we thought our luck had run out. Then we found hotel river front. There wasn't many reviews as it's new so we took a chance. And wow! The place is amazing, staff all friendly And lovely! The room was immaculate and beautifully presented with a swan on the bed. We received excellent service! We also used the hotels own safari service and this was perfect! We opted for a full day and saw leopards, bears, elephants, mongoose, peacocks, crocodiles and much more! They provided lunch, breakfast and drinks in a luxury jeep. Was fantastic! I cannot recommend this lovely hotel and people enough!

Review 78：Nothing to complain about!

Review 79：Best Room in Sri Lanka! Nice staff, arrangement for Safaris possible, we du da afternoon safari in yala, just booked it with the Hotel when we arrived. Nice welcome drink enjoyed on our balcony, straight after we started our safari. We had dinner when we came back. Dinner was ok, but not the best - no curries for dinner (maybe if you ask in advance). We asked for sri lankan breakfast for the next morning. It was simply perfect :) we recommend you do that too! Would have loved to stay longer!

Review 80：There is not much in the area, Tissa town is a 20 minute walk or a 200 rupee tuk tuk. The room was also extreeemely hot, the fan is in the middle of the room but the bed is not so it meant it was quite hot even when it was on.

Review 81：The staff were very nice and attentive, they provided us with a packed breakfast at 4am before our trip to Yala. The food there is good too. The back of the hotel is really beautiful, river, hammocks etc.

Review 82：Be careful about price of safari, I suggest to buy it on the place not before you coming. Kitchen is bad

Review 83：Really good hotel, beautiful rooms also organizing safari to yala

Review 84：New accomodation with big room and comfortable bed (all absolute western standard). Free city tour with hotel employees to get to know the nicest spots of tissa. Breakfast to go for safari.

Review 85：That was the best hotel during our stay on Sri Lanka. We had a nice room. The food was excellent for a european traveller: not spicy and absolutely delicious. The hotel is family-runned, so everything is perfect regarding the service. Also we got a free city tour around Tissa and a transfer when leaving. Thanks a lot for this time spent with you!

Review 86：The room by reception is noisy if guests are arriving late or people are leaving at 5am for safari. We might have just been unlucky.

Review 87：Great dinner and breakfast, lovely family who took us on a great truck ride around the local area on the first night and organised an excellent 1day safari for a good price. The tree house was great and comfy.

Review 88：Nothing in particular

Review 89：the room was good and clean. The staff is super helpful and very smiley. The food is also very good. We organized the safari with them and it was very good as we had a smart driver and he was taking us to see the animals in the right times. The hotel offers a free city tour around the lake.

Review 90：The friendly staff and the fresh, clean new rooms! The setting was peaceful which was perfect for the breakfast. The young receptionist can provide interesting conversation!

Review 91：We enjoyed very much our stay here! Very friendly family and stuff, surprised us with a welcome juice. Room and bathroom was very big, clean, with a balcony facing to the garden and river. They prepared delicious breakfast box for our safari trip. Really recommend to stay at Hotel River Front!!

Review 92：Extremely helpful staff, new property. It was good to know that with our stay we support a local family who works hard everyday to achive their goals. They organized 2 perfect safaris as well for us, with a lot of care, we felt completely safe and had a professional driver who knows both parks (Yala and Bundala) really well. They prepare European style, excellent coffee which is unique in Sri Lanka, the best we drunk in this magical island.

Review 93：The food is not cooked by them so you have to order it before, that is ok, but was not very good. No credit card to pay with and ATM far away.

Review 94：We had a free upgrade on arrival: get moved on tree house! Very nice experience. Position on the river very nice and quiet.

Review 95：Hot water didn't work at first, but after I had let them know it got repaired immediately.

Review 96：Very friendly and helpful staff, great room (Nr 6!!), modern, spotlessly clean.

Review 97：Really clean rooms, comfortable bed - western standards. Owners were very friendly and helpfull. We booked the safari to Yala Park with Hotel River Front and we had a great time. Thank you for warm and friendly hospitality:)

Review 98：Nothing bad at all!

Review 99：The staff was the nicest in Sri Lanka and welcomed us with a delicious and fresh fruit juice. They offered to arrange a Safari and they were incredibly helpful. The owner even drove us to the bus stop after our stay and stayed with is to make sure we got the right bus! Would 100% recommend.

Review 100：Tree house was overpriced, very basic. and dark. Food offered was overcooked and expensive.

Review 101：good location for Safari, very quiet spot overlooking river.

Review 102：The hotel is the cleanest I have ever been too, bed extremely comfortable, staff all have non-stop smiles, food prepared when you order and well worth the wait for it to be cooked. Great location for Yala & Bundala National Parks. Fully recommend this hotel to anyone.

Review 103：This is a family run hotel, perfect service and very clean. We stayed in the tree house room on the river that makes you feel totally connected to nature. The whole family is lovely and is always available to help you with any request. We were also lucky to witness with them a colorful local parade which happens once a year. They also organize safari tours (comfortable jeep). Mario&Laura

Review 104：Very clean very kind people. They organize cheap Safari and make everything ready to go! Cheaper than other Safaris and you get the same. Brilliant rooms super super clean and comfortable!!!

Review 105：Hosts a bit hypocrite. Served diner half an hour earlier than agreed without asking. Breafast with Yala Safari really modest.

Review 106：Really nice room, clear and clean, nice bathroom

Review 107：- the Yala safari organized by the hotel was "okay" (11.000 Rs, 2 persons, shared jeep). Driver was very busy with his mobile phone the entire time. Jeep seats wet/soaked. No safari guide, just the driver. - wifi sporadic

Review 108：- cleanest guest-house room of our entire trip - very nice staff/family - free ride to bus station

Review 109：Due to our last minute people addition to the group, we couldn't get an extra room, but were charged equivalent to an extra room just to accommodate two more people in our two rooms. They don't have driver accommodation, which we weren't informed about even though we spoke and exchanged mails prior to our visit. During night time , the fuse tripped. To my surprise I couldn't find anyone from the hotel for help...

Review 110：the location and its closeness to nature

Review 111：Staff could not have done more. Very comfortable the whole family work hard. The owner arranged our Yala Safari a must if you stay here. The owner not only gave us lift to the bus stand for our trip to Ella he helped with our bags and told the driver where we were going! N

Review 112：The staff were lovely, very small place, by the river, We stayed only one night but the people there could not do enough for you! We had some delicious noodles for our evening meal, which we ate outside listening to all the lovely bird sounds.

Review 113：4 of the rooms only opened in January 2015 so making the total 7 rooms. Beautifully decorated and a lovely tiled bathroom with walk in shower. As it is a small hotel there is no dining room or reception room, but your breakfast (or dinner if you choose) is brought to a table outside your room. We had dinner as well which was fresh and superbly cooked. They arranged for our laundry to be taken away and delivered the next day for £2.00. A lovely family running it all.

Review 114：We loved everything about our stay.

Review 115：In a country of super-nice people, the family that owns and runs this hotel was the absolute best. The place is beautiful and incredibly clean. I can't say enough nice things about our stay there and hope to return.

Review 116：Great base for Yala, owners organized trip, had takeaway breakfast and lunch, cold drinks. Fantastic day. I would definitely stay at this hotel again, fantastic value for money!

Review 117：The cleanest place in my 9 days in Sri Lanka so far-spotless. The nicest family running this hotel ever-they welcomed us with smiles and a delicious fruit drink, took us for an evening jeep tour around the lake and didn't mind seeing us off to our 4am (!) safari with a pot of freshly made coffee. I wish there was more to do in Tissa-we would have definitely stayed longer. Book now-these priced won't stay at this level for too much longer.

Review 118：Best place we have stayed in Sri Lanka, the food great, travel assistance beyond great. The owners daughter Sazi does everything she can to help you. Only one word to describe 'Wonderful'

Review 119：The staff were all so helpful and nice, they helped us organise two safari's in advance of our stay which were really good value. They also went out of their way to help us with everything we needed during our stay. Food's great too - try the banana fritters.