At the moment, this hotel is #25 of 27 hotels in the area and I ended up here out of desperation to find three rooms on New Year Eve. Now I see it got some harsh reviews a couple of months ago, mainly because the pool was being refurbished. I don't think it deserves such a low rating--and I usually stay at five star hotels--which this isn't, but I think it is on par for beach hotels on Negombo Beach which vary widely in luxury vs. rustic and many of which are not even listed on TripAdvisor. So I'm giving it a "average" rating.

These are all resort type beach hotels, so check your expectations of what you want. Some people like me are satisfied with simple or rustic style, if it is a good beach location which this one is. If you are coming for the resort, instead of the beach (i.e. you swim in the pool instead of the ocean), then try one of the JetWing brand hotels nearby. When you read the harsh reviews, keep in mind that most tourists spend what is a lot of money to them for a once a year vacation, and everything has got to be perfect or they get bent out of shape.

The pool is finished and nice, but I didn't see anyone swimming in it. The ocean is warm, clean and inviting and only 100 meters away. If you sunbath, beach vendors will pester you and that is a problem everywhere on Nogombo.

The staff was mostly attentive and tried to please. The WiFi was working as of New Year. I thought the rates were reasonable.

In summary, although I ended up at this hotel somewhat out of desperation, I would gladly return for a personal get-away.

This place SHOULD be an absolute gem...great ocean front views from the balconies, a sea-side bar and a pool/restaurant in similar back-packery, low key setting. It isn't, or at least it wasn't when we visited at the end of our two-week stay in November.

The pool was being refurbished - probably now complete - but the staff failed to mention this when we booked by phone or when we arrived. We had to mention it to them and were told it would be out of action for a few days. We were told we could use the pool at a nearby hotel, but instead the manager (after a lengthy exchange) refunded us for using the Jetwing pool 5 mins down the road.

The chef managed to cook up the worst Rice and Curry we were served during our entire stay on the island and the tuna salad was inedible on the first night (we stayed for 3 nights), the following 2 nights we went to the excellent local restaurants but seeing as how breakfast was included we did have breakfast in the hotel. Day 1 was fine...however having complained about UNCOOKED boiled eggs (sent back twice) the chef came storming from the kitchen gesticulating wildly and screaming in his native tongue. My pregnant fiancee objected to his behaviour towards us and we took little pleasure in ordering the following day.

The rooms were basic but just what we needed with A/C, balcony and a good shower. One downside was the 'double' was two single beds pushed together...not the end of the world. The door was a bit flimsy and the thin pane of glass meant all movements along the corridor we audible in the evening.

Whilst the manager apologised for the pool being out of service, the fact that no-one had mentioned it prior to our discovery is unacceptable. To then charge full-rate despite our experiences with the food/chef on top felt a bit rich. If the hotel cleaned up its act and the beach was also given a spring clean, this would be a great back-packer/hotel venue but for the time-being it is an over-priced hostel with shoddy standards.

Assigned to this hotel by tour company to start and end my tour of Sri Lanka. It was OK. Room was rather dark as was most of the hotels we stayed in throughout the tour. The toilet flushed and we had hot water in the room. Place could be better maintained. I did not eat at the hotel so I could not comment on the food; but as of the end of November, the pool was working.

Stayed here for one night at the beginning of our trip and one night at the end.On arrival the staff were very helpful friendly and attentive.Rooms were fairly basic but our bed linen,towels etc were clean and actually looked new.Toilet / shower facilities basic but everything worked.We had a fridge and flat screen tv in our room,beds were comfortable and A/C worked.Anti mozzi plug with tablet in room on arrival and we also used a coil and had no trouble with insects etc.We ate in the restaurant on both nights of our stay and the food was good,breakfast was also of a resonable standard.There are signs around this hotel that there is some external upgrading being carried out ie new decking and bar area this can only be a good thing as overall the hotel is a bit tired and in need of an overhaul