I stayed at Sudu Araliya Hotel on 25th to 27th and there was a large crowd, I learnt the working group of the Araliya Group under which the hotel management falls. They were holding a management workshop for the members and the families, which is a novel thing and definitely not a feature in any badly manged set up as some of the reviews were commenting. It was the rainy season, though there was very fair weather the three days I was there.

The were putting up a new wing, due to which the entrance to the lobby was blocked for busses. We were warmly welcome and the staff was very courteous and friendly. Since my last visit, another wing has sprung towards the lake, with a beautiful panoramic view for miles at a stretch. I hear that there is a Presidential Suit at the top, with all modern amenities.

The pool was great and the rooms were very good, clean and the linen spick and span. The food was excellent, with an assortment of menus to fit any palette. They have a very nice garden and also a very good herbal spa.

The rates were quite attractive and negotiable, may be that why it is not given on web.

All in all, our stay was a very memorable one.

I share with many others the rooms and other equipment need urgent overhaul. Location wise its terrific . Food is jus about okay, I thought.

Without doubt this hotel is in the bet setting and has the best pool for miles around. When you arrive you will be impressed by the reception, staff and setting and there's no more welcoming sight than that pool after a long days travel.
We have stayed here 3 times in 2008,9 and this year, for each time at least a week and this time for 2, though mostly people come in groups on tours and stay just one or two nights as they rush around trying to see everything Sri Lanka has to offer in as little time as possible - madness!
You will read some mixed reviews here and most will be not good, However we cannot understand this, sure there are issues, it's rural Sri Lanka not London.
We cannot speak for those on groups but we negotiated a reasonable b&b rate ourselves prior to arrival and it was excellent value. The breakfast is a buffet type, eat all you like offering Sri Lankan options aswell as European (with a Sri Lankan touch!). The evening meal is also a buffet affair with various vegi and meat curries and other tasty dishes that most people should like.The staff just couldn't be nicer or more willing to help, nothing is too much trouble. A small tip is much appreciated and we gave most of them a pound or two now and again (they earn very little and tips really do help and are much appreciated).
The rooms are, to be honest looking a bit tired now and need decorating, but are comfortable and all have a/c. When we were there this year work was going on to refurb/add new rooms and facilities.
Whilst at the hotel you can see all manner of wild creatures including elephants washing in the lake behind the hotel, land monitors, chamelions, lizards, gekos and of course the monkeys (you need to keep a close eye on your belongings by the pool or they will be off into the trees with your valuable items). Also keep an eye out for the resident family of mongooses (if that's the correct group term!).

Me and my four other friends went and stayed at Sudu araliya for two nights on the 15th &16th.. I did not expect much because most of the reviews were bad on it but given the choice of the few hotels available in polonnaruwa town I chose this...the location was great.. Right next to a man made tank...the staff was welcoming..the rooms were spacious but the wash rooms needed renovation.. The shower curtain was not that clean at all...and I was disappointed about the food as well... The dessert department need more improvement ... Variety should be more in the buffer...:( overall I think it was a good hotel not the best but good.....:)