LANKALIBRARY FORUM

Hi there myself and my wife to be have found a holiday through Kuoni doing a one week wildlife Safari followed by a weeks stay at the Kani Lanka beach resort in Kalutra. Only problem is that we are slightly hesitant in booking due to the fact that we cannot find any reviews whatsoever about the hotel "Kani Lanka". Would anybody be able to please help us out and give us some feedback good or bad about this hotel and the surrounding area? Any help would be gratefully appreciated thanks very much

If you would prefer not to post pls email me at nathan.coppen@mcga.gov.uk

Hi,

No wonder there is not much to find, as it's a rebranding (and refurbishing) of a much older hotel, the Sinbad.

Found one review in Dutch language; in summary it praised the rooms and location but was not very happy with the buffet (and with Kalutara as a town).

So if you look for reviews about Sinbad hotel, and forget about comments on building maintenance because that should be much better now, that might help a bit...

<Erik> & [Sandya]

In reply to your request for info on Kani Lanka Resort - Go there!! It's great and I highly recommend the place - I have just returned from 10 day stay there (Nov 2005) and the resort is newly reopened for about 2 months following tsunami damage and they have made the most of refurbing the place - modern yet stylish inside - lovely palm-fringed pool overlooking ocean - spectacular sunsets - staff so friendly and helpful - nothing is too much trouble! Really 5 star service etc for less than 5 star prices!!
Food was great - buffets with an amazing selection of foods every lunch and evening with live cooking section e.g. mongolian barbecue one night - chinese - sri lankan etc etc - loads of choice for all tastes and amazing array of desserts.
Really it's a place to chill out as not all that much going on in hotel or surrounding area (mostly musical entertainment in the evenings such as calypso bands/flute players etc) - Kalutara 'town centre' about 10 mins drive in tuk-tuk - worth a trip for temples etc - also quite a few nice trips within couple of hours drive - boat trips/turtle hatchery etc - worth doing if you fancy a change from lounging by pool/beach. Also the newly refitted spa was amazing - the most stunning spot overlooking lagoon and really friendly staff - if you get a chance - you must have a massage from Nifrin - she has the magic touch!!
Bearing in mind it's newly re-opened and, at the time I was there, some things were still having finishing touches e.g. watersports, all in all, I was most pleasantly surprised and definitely would return.