Balapitiya Hotel Guide - Puppet Museum hotels in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka.

"We went for this hotel based on the trust in the Riu brand, location, all inclusive basis and general good reviews. Overall the hotel was very good. We’d stop short of rating it as excellent based on some of the amenities looking / feeling slightly tired - probably on the basis of having been worked hard. Some key thoughts; We visited during the Middle East war / crisis and consequently the hotel was much quieter than normal. Therefore everything felt more spacious, less crowded and easier to access. We wondered how our very good experience might of been if the hotel had been close to full as we were told is the normally the case. The food was outstanding - particularly for an all inclusive. The choices were broad and quality excellent. The themed restaurants were also superb and easy to book. The Pan Asian and Sauté restaurants were particularly good. The staff were brilliant, so polite, helpful and curtious - a real credit to the hotel and Riu. There were 3 big pools but only one with an easy bar access which was also strictly (and enforced) adults only. That suited us but with parties including under 18s may be an inconvenience and something to consider. The rooms were big, clean with functional facilities and simple decor designs. The hotel is right on a stunning public beach. You can swim but need to take care due to big waves and strong currents. Overall, we’ve done lots of all inclusives and this one is defiibately up there as one of the better we’ve experienced! "

"Fantastic beach front location with great views. Rooms and common areas very good standard and staff very helpful and hospitable. Lovely free perks in addition including afternoon tea/ cakes and drinks (gin/tonic, wine and beer) from 5-6pm. Food outstanding."

"My travel agent had originally booked me a hotel inland, but I couldn’t visit Sri Lanka’s coastline without spending a night by the beach. I found this hotel on Hotels.com, and I’m so glad I did! The location ( right on a quiet, scenic stretch of beach) was peaceful and beautiful. Most of the time, I had the beach almost entirely to myself. The room was spacious, spotless, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. The pool was lovely too, but honestly, the beachside area was just too perfect not to spend all my time there. Although I’m usually not a “massage person,” I have to say their therapist, Sharanga, was exceptional. It was one of the best massages I’ve ever had. I highly recommend booking a full body massage with her! The food was delicious, and the staff couldn’t have been kinder or more welcoming. On my last day, they even invited me to take part in a Christmas cake mixing ceremony, such a thoughtful and joyful experience. It was a beautiful way to end my time in Sri Lanka."