Ocean Crest

Where to start, these guys cancelled our entire booking because we were late for check in leaving us stuck in a monsoon with our 3 month old infant. When we finally got into the property the next day, a solid hardwood curtain rod fell on my partners head who was holding our kid. Very luckily only she was hurt. The restaurant was basically not working. The bar was shut. I get that its the off season but say this in your booking profile. When we decided to leave after 1 night to head to Unawatuna they agreed to give us a refund on the nights we would miss. As soon as we left that was the last we heard from them and they refused to action the refund. All in all, about as bad as you can get.

A gem of a hotel, with the most perfect quiet location on the ocean and steps down to the beautiful, long, uncrowded beach. Staying here for a week was a real highlight of our three week tour of Sri Lanka. The manager, Sanath, and his wonderful staff could not do enough for us and organised private transfers from and to Colombo airport and tuktuks to take us to local attractions. We ate wonderful, fresh meals in the hotel most evenings, under palm trees, at a table in the garden down by the sea. Magic! Breakfast was also delicious – freshly squeezed juices, large pots of coffee or tea, plates of fresh fruits, eggs, toast and marmalade. Our room was cleaned every day, with fresh towels and pool towels, flip flops and bathrobes; the air con was quiet and easy to adjust; a large comfortable bed with good linen and a good shower; and a huge private terrace with sunbeds and a view over the pool and ocean. We slept like babies, lulled to sleep by the waves. Fishermen’s stilts (though empty as the fishing season had just finished) right outside the hotel and the surfers were out by 6.30 every morning opposite our terrace. The beach is soft, golden sand and the sea shallow enough to enjoy jumping around in the big waves. Great for surfing, families and all ages and for a lovely quiet walk while enjoying the sunset. We were really sad to leave and we would recommend this hotel to anyone who loves simple, good quality hotels with an emphasis on comfort, relaxation and 5 star service.