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Holiday Reviews > Indian Ocean > Sri Lanka > Kalutara > Kalutara Hotels > Kani Lanka Resort & Spa > Read Reviews
Kani Lanka Resort & Spa ReviewsPage 1 2
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Feb 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Davies |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
We had the most fantastic time at this hotel when we went in February for our wedding. There were 8 of us in our party and I can honestly say that each and every one of us had a great time.
The staff at the hotel looked after us so well from start to finish. I don’t know if this was because we were getting married but they really did go out of their way to make sure everything about our holiday was perfect.
We didn’t get the free room upgrade we were promised by First Choice, but I think this was due to the girls in the travel agents not knowing what they were talking about rather than it being the hotels fault, but the room we had (416) was fantastic. It was at the far end of the hotel on the second floor and we had fab views overlooking the sea. The sunset every evening was amazing. We never had any problems with dampness in the room or any of the other problems other people have commented about. The room boy Lal did an exceptional job at keeping it spotless and the flower arrangements on the bed every day were amazing.
The food was fantastic. There were lots of fabulous curry dishes, which you would expect in Sri Lanka, but they also had a good selection of other food for those who don’t like spicy food.
I would definitely recommend having an Ala carte meal. It will cost approx £20 pp but we had a 7 course banquet for this and the food was fabulous.
Our Wedding day itself was just the best. The hairdresser did a fantastic job of my hair and makeup, and the whole day went without a hitch. Monica the elephant was very well behaved and the photo’s we received were very good. We paid a little extra to have fireworks in the evening during our 7 course meal, which was worth every penny and were enjoyed by everyone.
We booked our trips with Jambo one of the beach boys and they were all very good, and cheaper than the rep. He also tailored the trips to what we wanted which was great as we were able to pick and choose where we went.
People have commented on having to tip all the time and this is true, but 100rupee’s (50p) every now and then is well worth it for the service we received. We found that tipping at the beginning and end of the holiday was the best thing to do.
As you can probably gather we really had an amazing time and couldn’t have asked for a better setting or hotel to get married at.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Feb 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs N J Davies |
| Overall
Rating: |
7/10 |
| Comments: |
We have just come back from a wonderful holiday in Sri Lanka what a beautiful place. Overall the hotel was lovely although we did have some problems with our room and thought the Management was quite rude and indifferent.
The staff were wonderful especially Lal who looked after our room, the pool boys were fabulous too.
The hotel was so clean and the food was wonderful.
We did go out on some trips which we booked through the guys on the beach, we booked our trip through Philip and would recomend that you speak to him, he was a lovely man and our trip was everything he promised us it would be, he took us to meet his wife and children what a lovely family. Don't belive what the tour operators say about these guys, Philip was a star.
The entertainment staff were Italian and only encouraged the Italian guests to join the activities which was disapointing.
All in all though the holiday was wonderful!
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Dec 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Kuoni |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr E Sherwood |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
What a fantastic hotel the Kani Lanka is, more of a 9.5 really, the staff are genuinely warm and friendly, the service is excellent and if you accept that tipping for good service is the norm then you won't be disappointed. An average tip is about 100 rupees which is only about 50 pence! It is also well worth spending a bit of time talking to the staff and getting to know them. The hotel is nice and quiet and is more suited to couples than families with children.
For any trips or excursions use the local beach boys, we did and would highly recommend you seek out Sunny for your trips. He did an amazing job organising the trips we wanted, including overnight accommodation at Kandy, entrance at various attractions and guides where appropriate. Nothing was too much trouble and it was genuinely a case of if we were happy then he was happy. His local knowledge was second to none and using him meant that we got a one to one service, which we wouldn't have necessarily got with the rep, at a fraction of the price and the advantages of having your own local guide cannot be underestimated.
Sri Lanka is a fantastic place to visit which I would recommend to anyone, whether you just want to lay by the pool or want to get out and explore and we'll certainly be going back.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Dec 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Dreamticket.com |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs L McKain |
| Overall
Rating: |
7/10 |
| Comments: |
It's well worth going half board if you don't drink a lot of alcohol as buffet lunch is only 4 pounds and bottled water is supplied free of charge in your room.
Excellent hotel, the rooms were smaller than expected as we had toured around Sri Lanka and had much larger rooms in other hotels. Food was high quality and staff are very helpful.
One annoyance was that guests reserve sunbeds by paying the pool attendants up to 1000 rupees to ensure they get their chosen sunlounger for the duration of their stay. The staff stated this wasn't policy and nothing appeared to be done about it.
Although the staff speak relatively good English I found making my opinion heard fell on deaf ears. It also means that 'reserved sunbeds' are often left unused if people are on excursions.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Dec 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr SW Ayres |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
I’m currently staying in the Kani Lanka Resort and must admit the hotel is amazing.
I'm over here for the cricket, which is not going too well! The place is gorgeous! The only thing that lets you down is everyone wants a tip or is trying to scam you. I might be paranoid but when they tell you to get off at the wrong rail station you know they are having a joke!
Weather is beautiful and the sunsets are pictures.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Oct 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Virgin |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr A J Marchant |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
Sri Lanka was a spur of the moment decision to us as we had no idea where we wanted to go, but we wanted it to be hot.
As soon as we arrived in the country the people were great. Our transfer to the hotel was an experience in itself. The driver was great and wanted to explain everything to us as our journey proceeded.
Once we were at the hotel we were met by a stunning reception that was picturesque. The staff at reception were very friendly and gave us a tour of the hotel and showed us to our rooms.
The rooms themselves were amazingly clean and stylish. The way they made the beds twice a day astonished me, each in a different way.
The second day we met with our rep who put us off using the beach boys for any kind of excursion. I have to say the only reason for this could have been for them to make the sale. We were recommended a beach boy (Mark) who spoke perfect English and organised a cheap excursion to the south of the island for us. He was happy to include whatever we wanted within the tour and take out what we didn’t want.
We did however use the tour operators for an excursion also; this was to Kandy for days. This excursion was very tiring but also worth it.
Great holiday.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Sep 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
kuoni |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs M P Bennett |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
Best holiday ever, the hotel was excellent, the staff were very helpful always smiling despite the very long hours they worked and food was first class. Me and my husband went there with 12 other people for my friends wedding and we have all said we would go back again. If going on trips go with the beach lads half the price and they are very nice men ask for Freddie and Laurance top blokes.
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| Board Basis: |
Not Specified |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr Terence Shad |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
Having not been impressed by First Choice premium star service on the flight out and even worse on the way back, we had misgivings about our holiday before we arrived.
The hotel however was excellent the food very good and the staff exceptional from the management down to the pool staff and room boys.
There was plenty for everyone to do and we toured the island by taxis which were very reasonably priced. We avoided the tours arranged by the tour company; they were overpriced, although those who went on them did say that they enjoyed them.
We found Samand who positions himself outside the gates of the hotel, he has an air conditioned 6 seater mini bus, and he took us around the Island off the beaten track away from the tourist areas and showed us the true Sri Lanka. He speaks excellent English and is as honest as the day is long. Don`t be misled if you are told by the beach boys that they are relatives of Samand, they are not and are only trying to get your business.
Kalutra is a typical Asian town with a wide range of shops and stalls, well worth a visit it costs about £7.00 return by taxi. You should try and make Kandy; Samand will arrange everything for you including an overnight hotel and is a must for those wishing to see the true country.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr T Hutchins |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
The Hotel was excellent, very clean, and well maintained. The Kani Lanka is situated in a beautiful spot, although perhaps one downside is that swimming in the sea is not recommended due to strong currents.
The staff where tremendous, from the cleaners to the waiters, all were very obliging and friendly. The pool attendants where great lads who, given half a chance, will rope you into a game of cricket!
The food was good and, if spicy is not your thing, they where more than willing to cater to your specific tastes.
Excursions are a must. Sri Lanka is an amazing place and well worth exploring either with your tour operator or through one of the guys off the beach (who are fully trustworthy, despite what your rep may say, and substantially cheaper).
All in all a great holiday, highly recommended.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jan 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Booked Independently |
| Submitted
By: |
Teresameier |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
We decided on Sri Lanka as I had been on business before, but never seen the country as a tourist.
My office in Colombo recommended the Kani Lanka Resort & Spa, so I had no cause to worry about the resort and accommodation.
They were absolutely right to advise us to stay here as it is a very well kept hotel, in beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
The rooms are a good size, and very nicely decorated with a contemporary feel. Sea View rooms are lovely, but not essential as the coast is on one side of the hotel, and a lagoon on the other, so the views are great from each side.
The food was excellent. A good selection of Western and Sri Lankan cuisine, which suited all residents. Wonderful freshly made deserts too!!
The staff are very friendly and will endeavour to help wherever possible. All speak exceptional English.
As we checked in at 5am, after a long day of plane and car journeys, we were asked if we needed any food or drink, which as the restaurant was obviously not open, we thought this great customer service.
There was not so much to do in the evenings, there was some live music, but generally, it can seem quite quiet.
The hotel was reported to be full, but it did not seem that way as there was so much space, especially in the restaurant and by the pool.
In agreement with other reviewers, find Mark on the beach if you are looking to book any 1 or 2 day trips.
We had bespoke service for our trip; he took us exactly where WE wanted to go, as we were on our own with him and his driver. He arranged for English speaking guides to meet us at each point, and looked after us very well.
Don't be afraid if he asks you to his house for tea when you are booking with him! It's only a 5 min walk up the beach from the hotel. He will show you photo's, and you will probably meet his wife and mother-in-law! A very nice man!
We had a lovely time in Sri Lanka, and with so much to do there, we will definitely be returning.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Oct 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Miss K M Mount |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
We would HIGHLY recommend the Kani Lanka resort in Sri Lanka. It was a perfect setting in a fantastic holiday destination. The hotel lives up to its 5* status over and over. We were thrilled that we paid a little extra to upgrade our room to a superior suite, we had two balconies... one over looking the ocean and the other looking out to the lake.
Every night you return to your room and the room service lads would scatter flowers on the bed... so romantic, don't get that treatment at home! We didn't have one bad meal. There was always a good selection of different foods. The staff were all a credit to the resort, so friendly and helpful.
We had a mixed bag of weather while we were there in October, a few nights there were torrential downpours but it would all clear up by morning and be beautiful and hot again. All in all a brilliant destination, we will return in a few years time!
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Oct 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Kuoni |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr R Godfrey |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
We stayed for 2 weeks and the hotel was in excellent condition. The rooms were kept very clean and cleaned every day. The staff were very helpful and the waiters were excellent especially two waiters named Suranji and Sanji.
We also went to the elephant orphanage which was amazing to see, we went with the boys on the beach one in particular (Mark). The tour reps try to put you off them but they are honest and reliable and only trying to make a living like the rest of us.
His transport was clean and tidy and he is also a lot cheaper than the tour operators. Where ever he took us he arranged for one to one guides to show us around and answer any questions we may have had.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs T Watson |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
we both had a fabulous time at kani lanka, we loved the variety of food especially the sri lankan dishes. The rooms were lovely and clean, they were cleaned daily. The pool is lovely, just what you need when it gets too hot. We booked half board and were pleasantly surprised at how low our bill was for the two weeks, we had lunch every day and drank plenty, you have to so that you dont get dehydrated. The fresh fruit juices are yummy. We both had a massage at the spa, and had the 7 course meal one evening(we thought we were going to explode!) The bill at the end of our hols came to just a little over £200. We had visited sri lanka previously and stayed in negombo further up the coast. How shocked were we when one of the beach boys called jumbo spoke to alan my husband and asked him if we had stayed in negombo at a particular hotel in 2005!! He invited us to his house (which was at the time on the tsunami camp). I can say how ashamed i was of my cooking after his wife cooked us an absolutely beautiful meal on nothing more than a two burner primer stove! she even cooked me a veggie dish(banana curry) which was delicious. Glad to say Jumbo, his wife and 3 children have recently moved out of the camp to proper housing. The reps do tell you not to use the beach boys, but to be honest we never encounted any problems at all. we used jumbo and his tuk-tuk (great fun) everytime we wanted to nip anywhere,theres a small supermarket just a tuk-tuks drive away, they sell lots of branded toilettries and suncreams so its great if you run low or dont want to cart it all there in the first place. You do need a car and driver for longer distances though, dont miss the elephant orphanage at pinnewala under any circumstances, its at least a 4hr drive but well worth it, you can visit a tea factory en route also.Nearer by is the turtle hatchery, which is very interesting its free entrance but they do ask if you will leave a small donation, you get to hold baby turtles too. Food is very cheap when you eat out if visiting other places. A meal for two with drink costs about £3-4! I would say not to order a sandwich when eating out as this is one thing the sri lankans dont seem to be able to do very well. I think this is because due to the heat by the time it gets to you its curled up at the edges and died. Well, because we love this fantastic country so much we are off again on 22 july2008, we have decided to go to kani lanka again too. We will be sprawled out on the sunbeds soaking up the sun drinking gorgeous refreshing watermelon juice, with a few beers thrown in too. Hope its as good as last time, we cant wait. If you see jumbo, please use him and his friends and tell him alan and tracy look forward to seeing him soon. The people of Sri Lanka are very poor by our standards but always look a million times happier than British people. Tipping seems to be expected and everybody can at times seem to be after a share of your money. I suppose to them we must appear to be millionaires. dont let it get to you if you feel you are getting bugged a little.We only seemed to be hassled when we visited dambulla caves and sigiyria rock fortress(both worth a visit also) We found that a firm but polite no is all that was needed. Have fun!
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
KUONI |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr J Gardner |
| Overall
Rating: |
5/10 |
| Comments: |
Very nice location and a well appointed hotel. However, the suite we booked absolutely stank and it took 4 days to get moved to another room. The problem was with water in the air-con and it was blowing mould into the room.
Service was appalling, lots of new untrained staff, we could sit through a whole meal unable to get anything to drink. One night we turned back the sheets to get into to bed and found someone had bled on them.
We took up these and many other issues with the hotel and our Kuoni rep. To be fair the hotel manager was very apologetic and did make a big effort to improve things, although it should not have taken five days to get someone to act.
Kuoni however have continued to disappoint. We asked to move to another hotel and they said we would have to pay hundreds of pounds more and since coming back to the UK they have not properly acknowledged that there was a problem and have failed to make a proper and sincere apology.
The first five days of our honeymoon were horrible with my wife in tears everyday.
Sri Lanka is a great place to visit and I have been before to a cheaper hotel and had a good stay. The Kani Lanka has great potential but needs a while to sort itself out and get it service levels up to an acceptable level.
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| Board Basis: |
Half Board |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr P S Smith |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
The hotel was just about what we had been led to believe it would be, but we felkt that the food was poor. The rooms were spotless though, and of quite a good size and standard. We had read reviews on various sites before booking.
A previous report on this site has mentioned Mark - one of the beach boys. The comments made were all true. This lad is both honest and reliable. The reps will try to persuade you to book with them, but trust me, Mark is far better. He has a good grasp of English, uses first class drivers, and air-conditioned mini buses. Do not miss the elephant orphanage - it is worth the trip to Sri Lanka just for that alone. Just down the street from the hotel is a small shop called St Anthony’s.
The man who owns it is crippled, but still has a smile for everyone. If you go to his shop, ask him if he remembers the man who gave him his Mercedes Benz hat!! Have a great time, remember that these lovely people have very little, so please do not drive too hard a bargain when you haggle (their prices are cheap enough anyway).
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Kani Lanka Resort & Spa ReviewsPage 1 2
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