Hotel Pinnalanda - New Deal! Half Off Airport Pickups Available

An awful hotel, we actually didn’t check in due to the room and the standard of the hotel. One bedroom door was actually kicked in on the corridoor that they allocated to us. It is low season but the hotel seemed completely closed up with no lights on at all. The hotel is in desperate need of renovation or rebuild. The only thing I’d say that is good is the location it is literally on the river close to the elephant bathing area. The sister hotel where we actually had to check in (opposite this hotel) was very accommodating and lodged us with them instead. The staff we helpful and seemed quite used to this. The communal areas weren’t much better here as a standard of hotel but at least it was staffed and lights were on.

i was staying next door, but came here for dinner - great choice ! A lovely evening. Soft music playing when I entered and of course, a gorgeous view ! 

I went at sunset ... watching the bats flying back to roost is magical. Attentive professional waiters, great atmosphere. I had the pepper steak - it was delicious ! I was eating early ... 6 pm. About 7 pm a musician arrived, playing soft acoustic guitar & singing gentle, lovely songs. Twas a lovely night.

Hotel with a grate view & very friendly staff. Rooms are good. well cleaned. It was heavy rain when we visit there. They warmly welcome us. Food was Ok. but can improve. unfortunately there was no elephant to see in the river due to high water level. the elephant orphanage is within the walking distance. will visit again surely.

We had a lovely time at Grand Hotel Pinnalanda, this was our 2nd time at theirs. Such lovely and helpful staff, always goes above to help their guests. “Ela” and Miraj both were very attentive to all the guests and helpful at their best. There was some issues with the electricity in our room, but Mahesh (electrician) and Miraj took care of it during our stay, going above and beyond to ensure we are not disturbed with the power issues. A huge thank to Shantha, the manager who is a people pleaser and always tries to make every guest returns to them again. He even helped us buying tickets for the elephant bathing session. The two lovely ladies at the reception (sorry we couldn’t take their names) were welcoming, polite and friendly. We are definitely going there again next time we visit Sri Lanka. To the owners of this property - Your strength is your lovely staff, take good care of them! There’s a lot of room for you to improve things in this property for more guests to return to you on their next visit to Pinnawala. Try and invest some money on improvements in the property and your guests will pay happily to enjoy as your hotel has the best view of the river. Also we believe that you don’t need to keep the minibar filled in all rooms, not even 5 star hotels do that nowadays. Instead, invest some money on improvements and maintenance of the property. It’s a lovely property that needs a bit of love from the owners.

This hôtel is perfect to see elephants ! You can watch them from the pool or from your breakfast it’s completely insane :) All he Staff are very friendly and take care about you ! De spent such a good time !

We (family of four) stayed at the Hotel Pinnalanda for one night after our arrival into Sri Lanka. The hotel is basic but has everything you need for a short stay. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. The view and the close proximity to elephants is what makes this place. It is truly amazing to experience the elephants so close, even whilst having breakfast in the morning. We didn’t see or witness any bad treatment towards the elephants at all (some reviews suggest this takes place) and we also didn’t get pressured into feeding them or having pictures with them. The food was good and the staff very helpful and willing to change certain things for my fussy daughter. There was limited options but that was understandable and not the hotels fault, due to the current crisis. Overall this is a good base for a very short stay (1-2 nights max as nothing else to do in the area) if wanting to see elephants close up.