Riverina Hotel

Arrived back in England from this hotel on Thursday 8th March after a 14 night stay so this is fresh in our minds. First thing is the friendliness of the staff and management which seemed to have rubbed off onto the guests which were as cosmopolitan as one could meet anywhere in the world with a mix of Germans, Russians, English, Sinhalese and people from other countries whose languages I did not recognize. Travelled by First Choice and as we had such a good price on the trip upgraded the flight which was well worth the extra as on arriving at Colombo airport our luggage was first off and this gave us time to pick up a local sim card. The porter who guided us out of the arrivals and to the coach deserved his tip as after depositing my wife took me back through the airport to buy the sim and then back to the coach. Saved a lot on phone charges and the 1,000 rupees on the card more than covered all our phone calls including those back to England. You are charged for incoming calls so if you can’t understand the caller disconnect fast. Text worked immediately so we were able to send messages to those we wanted to know our number. Welcomed at the hotel by Samantha, a fruit juice and seated in the lounge bar while we filled in the registration forms and, on mentioning that we would like a room with a bath we were asked to wait an extra ten minutes while a room was readied for us. Samantha apologized for the delay and extra fruit drinks were served. When we were shown to the room she proudly announced that it was a honeymoon room and a plate of fresh fruit was waiting for us. Yes! We were on our honeymoon as we got married in Las Vegas last October. The bed was king size, more than comfortable, the view from the balcony was of the gardens, pool and sea. Not sure if this was an upgrade room but we would have happily paid the extra if it had been. The room was always clean and the room attendant deserved her tip which we gave on a weekly basis. Theme nights rule in the main restaurant, always buffet style, and the first was Sri Lankan with choices of European alternatives and the charge was 1,200 rupees each per night. European nights have Sri Lankan alternatives so the range of choices is not great. The local dishes are nowhere near as hot as the locals eat them. We found out afterwards that the lobby coffee bar/restaurant with waiter service was in the majority cheaper and the choices of fresh made meals better. Service was not fast but this is not a fast food take away. Breakfast in the main restaurant was normally adequate but occasionally choices were limited and drinks took some time to arrive until a German lady wiped the floor with the restaurant manager and things improved. The lesson is that if you are not satisfied complain and something will be done about it. The gardens are well kept, the pool cleaned regularly and unless you absolutely refuse the service your sun bed will be laid out with a mattress and towels, blue ones supplied by the hotel, by one of the pool attendants when you get to the gardens. Yes, they expect a tip but wages aren’t high and a pound a day gets you your favorite spot every day. We saw the water quality being monitored even out of the showers in the gardens. The beaches are cleaned every day and the beach boys are responsive to “Please don’t pester me!” but they are well worth talking to if you want to do any excursions and cheaper if you want to do a tailor made one than the hotel reps. Turn left when you step onto the beach and walk along to the Maharajah Restaurant for beautifully cooked meals and although the prices may seem high for shell fish meals they are larger than those at the hotel and a Coca Cola will only cost 50 rps (25 pence) compared to 125 rps in the hotel. Two clothes shops who will make to measure are next to this as is the Sunil jewellers who can use all those pieces of broken jewellery you have at home to make you something beautiful. Jewellers hold stocks of unmounted sapphires to make up into your own designs but if you want flawless stones you will need to go to Kandy. Most currencies are accepted and it is not worth changing up money except for tips but please remember that they can only change notes, not coins, so if you give pound coins they have to save them up and then find a tourist who does not mind changing them. The First Choice rep is Ralston and in all probability the best rep we have ever met and is prepared to go to war on your behalf except on Sundays when he will turn out for emergencies but if it is less than that please leave him alone as he is on call “24/6”, his words. The last meal at the hotel is an early breakfast but the buffet is not properly set up and the choice appalling and if we were to do this trip again we would request an all day breakfast from room service.

Travelled with Kuoni to the Riverina for a week in February 2007, for a friends wedding. TRAVEL TO HOTEL Flew with Sri Lanka Air, the outbound flight was on time, only about half full and on a nice new A340 so all very pleasent with great food, and friendly staff. For the transfer on to the hotel there was just myself, my girlfriend and two other couples, so the journey was made in a little minibus thing which managed to skip through the heavy traffic on Galle Road pretty swiftly, I think 2 hours or something in total. ROOM There are two room types available 'Garden View' and 'Standard', the standard rooms are larger and if you stipulate 'Partial Ocean View' you get just that. Our room was lovely (304) with a King Size bed, balcony, decent bathroom, decent telly with excellent free movie channels (were showing Casino Royale for instance a month prior to DVD release in the UK), and cleaned well everyday. Okay, not luxury, but fine, the only issue was the air conditioning which struggled to keep the room at 20oC let alone cool, in fairness they did try and fix it, but I think it was more to do with it being old and rubbish as opposed to broken. HOTEL Good layout with a suitably imposing lobby, leading off from here was a lounge style bar (non-smoking sometimes but not others depending upon the mood of the bar staff) which was dark and a nice place to chill out in, a shop selling water, postcards, suntan lotion e.t.c, a jewllery shop, slightly odd cafe/restaurant thing, and a small internet access room. Within the main complex was also the big buffet restaurant, and a free games room with pool, snooker and table tennis. All these areas seemed clean all of the time and though slightly confusing at first to navigate (being split over a few levels) was pretty nice if slightly dated. The pool was nice and warm and big surrounded by beautiful gardens, with the hotel forming a crescent shape around it, a small bar served the pool and gardens area, which also had a seating area and sold snacks like burgers and things, there was also a makeshift BBQ near it selling fresh fish. The garden area was perhaps a little small for the amount of guests, mainly because virtually no one chose to sit on the beach (which was at the end of the garden but without shade). Also in this area was an a la carte restuarant. BEACH Directly off the gardens the beach was lovely though not a private stretch and therefore had no sun loungers as such. The various locals selling trips, taxi rides and trinkets were all friendly, but the best thing was the sea itself which was warm with crashing waves to jump around in, though with quite an undercurrent so no good for kids. From here the damage caused by the Tsunami could really be seen up and down the coastline, ruinous buildings surrounding the Riverina. FOOD/DRINK Pretty good, we went all inclusive which I guess was a good idea for the sake of ease, not sure we actually saved any money as such. Meals were in the buffet which always offered a good choice between local and international fare, with a BBQ in the evenings also. Drinks from the bars were typical of local brand spirits, good beer, didn't try the wine. You have to pay for certain mixers even on AI though, Diet Coke as an instance. (WEDDING) Wasn't mine so can't really comment, but looked impressive, drummers, dancers and elephants! TRAVEL HOME Transfer back to the hotel took slightly longer as there were about ten of us this time, therefore a bigger bus, therefore less nippy in the traffic, maybe 3 hours. The flight home was delayed by 90 minutes, totally full and on an old A340 this time, bit of nightmare really. CONCLUSION Really tricky actually. As a place to end up after a tour of Sri Lanka I guess its not a bad choice, but I wouldn't stay here for a beach holiday. Any questions just ask.

We stayed for a week in Jan on B&B basis. The staff are great, very friendly and generally can't do enough for you. Rooms are all same standard and are clean and tidy. Will need 'refreshing' in 2 or 3 years time. Pool area / gardens nice and very tidy, and sun loungers very good quality. Buffet food was pretty good and the a la carte restaurants (there are 2) served good food at similar price to buffet (1200rs), although menus were a little limited. Good lunchtime food promotions at the hotel, too. Food next door at the Hotel Eden's 'fine dining' was very good (£15 - £20 pp + wine), although expensive for Sri Lanka. You're free to use the other Confifi hotels on either side of Riverina. Great beach location and 'beach boys' are friendly and non-aggresive. A firm 'no thank you' suffices, or talk to them and haggle for good deals on trips. Taxi from the airport costs around 4,500 rs (from Colombo, and about 5,000 return if you haggle hard with the beach boys) and takes 2-3 hours. Main complaint was dreadful (or non-existing) evening entertainment. Acrobats were excellent but the 'bands' were cheesy and talentless. There's not really any bars near by - so don't expect much (any) night life. Nice walks along the beach outside the hotel, watch the fishermen at sunset and opportunity to buy some local produce to help with Tsunami recovery. Turtle hatcheries are an interesting way to spend 1/2 an hour (c600rs in a tuk-tuk + admission of 400rs). Go at sunset and help to release some. Very cute! Hikkaduwa is a worthwhile daytrip to see more 'backpacker' type restaurants, good gift shops and much cheaper eating and drinking. We also went to Galle which we didn't like at all - nothing really to see or do except walk around the fort. The boys diving off the port walls were good fun and well worth the 300rs they wanted to dive from 15 metres up for a photo. We really warmed to Sri Lanka and it's people over the week, and will be sure to retrun and travel more. At no point did we feel unsafe or unwelcome. Recommeded.

Just returned from a month at Riverina Hotel. Hotel was excellent, room kept clean and the facilities excellent. If you are staying here, we found that it would be best to go all inclusive or half board(we were bed and breakfast only) as there are only 5 restaurants in the area and they are just "o.k." We found the food in the hotel was better than the restaurants. It is a bit too far to walk into the town for the restaurants and you really need to hire a "tuk tuk" there are back. The beach is wonderful and the walk on the island is also tremendous. Would rate this hotel highly.

Spent 6 days here at the end of Kuoni Ceyon tour. Great location, a real bargain. Beach lovely, with some touts trying to sell you things but they soon know you're not interested and leave you alone.Hotel big but only 25% full when we were there. Breakfast good but don't go down too late...pool area nice with well kept grounds, adorable little squirrels and enthusiastic animators! Had great beach view from our room on 2nd floor which was immaculately kept. Special birthday cake as treat from hotel was yummy! Do go for a walk along the beach to the Maharajah restaurant and watch todays fish being landed, visit the temple on the island- only 200 rupees for the boat there and back and walk in the other direction to the reef.Go on a river trip to the Madu and see the baby turtles at Kosgoda.

We went for a romantic getaway from the kids, and we weren't disappointed. The drive from Colombo was an experience, but we were greeted with fresh fruit cocktails and typical Sri Lankan warmth. The room was just fine, overlooking the pool and palm trees with fruit bats roosting at night. The facilities were good for a hotel of this price, the ayuverdic massage centre willl leave you on a high for hours! We really liked the food, buffet style salads, a huge selection of main courses, approx half Sri Lankan(wonderfull) and half European(perfectly adequate), finished off with a plate full (or two) of whatever puddings take your fancy. We used LUBA as our guide, one of the friendly, beach boys who congregate outside the hotel. His excursion rates were half those of the hotel, his knowledge of local wildlife extensive and there was certainly no hard sell. You really do get up close to a huge range of local wildlife, heaven for baby animal lovers!

Myself and my wife and two friends had the pleasure to stay at the Riverina for two weeks during Sept 2006. The Flight and transfer from airport are long and arriving at the hotel are greeted by cold towels and soft drinks. Stayed in Room 206 which was good and clean, cleaned daily with constant fresh towels. Pool Area well kept and staff always on hand. Entertainment from Animation Team kept the boredom away with Boule, Water Volleyball, Aerobic, Yoga etc... Special mention to Suranga for his constant harrassment of myself to get involved. Other activities around hotel included Pool, Snooker and Table Tennis. All equipment of the highest quality. Food in all restaurants good and evening buffet had theme so could try different thing if you should wish. Ideal location being beachside, lads on the beach are harmless and always willing to help or play cricket. Went on 2 night/3 day trip to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy and Elephant Orphanage with guide from Beach called RONNIE as well as 1 day trip to Galle. We cannot praise Ronnie enough for his knowledge, organisation and good humour on the trips as well as saving £150 over the Rep prices. All his trips are customised to suit your needs and pace you wish to go at. Ronnie had organised a bus with Air Con with very good driver (Nandana), decent hotel in Kandy and enterance into all major things to do. IF YOU VISIT PLEASE USE RONNIE AS YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. In short we had a great time and would recommend this hotel.

The hotel itself was pretty good 3* rooms are fine and the locations is great, There are some issue with the staffs ability to clean the room and whilst most staff are pleasent and polite some need reminding who is paying the bill. The food selection is very limited and quite often menu options are not available. The biggest negative I would say was the poolside entertainment the organisors of which appeared to be out of control at one point attcking a (in anger) a teenage guest. The music around the pool is provided at about 100d and did teach my 2.5 year old a whole new vocabulary not sure that the general selection put on by staff should be considered appropriate for families.

HI everyone. Me and the Mrs stayed at the Riverina for 12 nights 31 July to 12 August 2006. The hotel is clean and serviceable. The rooms seem large and well appointed but avoid room 238 as it is really damp (We asked to be moved). The new room, 311, was a lot better and in fact was really nice. The restaraunt is buffet style, the food is good if a little confused. Enjoyed the salad bar! There is also a bbq most nights although didnt notice until the last night (look out for the chefs in action sign in the restaraunt!). Remember to take a pair of long trousers as men are not allowed to eat with shorts on (although women can wear short skirts!!??!!??). The swimming pool is medium to large size and is warm and clean. The pool bar is right next to it but you cant swim up to it unlike other resorts ive been to. The staff are really polite and friendly so please show them the same in return. A few too many guests appear to be rude to the staff and that just isnt cricket! The entertainment is hilariously bad!!!!! Cheesy at best but the Karaoke rocked!!!! he he I would say the Riverina is between a 3 and 4 star hotel. If you go to Sri Lanka you must go to Yala National Park and stay in the Elephant Reach hotel - its amazing. Also visit Kandy in the centre of the Island and the Royal Botanical Gardens (be aware long car journey to all these 4 -5 hours). We used our rep to organise these for peace of mind. We had a bang on guide and we felt very safe. Not sure i would recommend going with the beach boys but that maybe just me. All in all Sri Lanka is a great place to visit. you dont notice any of the Tamil Tigers v The Governement squabbles as these all seem to be in the Norht East of the Country. Be prepared to witness the Tsunami damage as you travel around - this is quite sad but they need tourism to rebuild. 24 hour journey door to door from UK was a bit of a stretch but hey.

At the end of July 2006 we spent 2 weeks in Sri Lanka. We (my husband, my daughter and 9 friends of mine from Hungary) have never been in this country, and we have known a little about it. We stayed in Beruwela at Riverina Hotel. From entering the hotel until leaving it, everything was excellent, and we had our best holiday. The hotel is beautiful, the rooms are very clean, air-conditioned, large enough. The restaurant also air-conditioned, the foods are tasty, fresh and delicious. You can eat local, European, Asian foods. Swimming pool is not too large, but enough. You can swim in the ocean, but be careful. When we were there the sea was always wavy. And the Sri Lankan people! They are very kind people, not only the staff, but everybody was kindly, helpful and always smile! They do their best for the guests! If you stay more days in Sri Lanka do not miss to travel in the country. There are some very interesting, unforgettable places, some heritages of the world. We took one 3 days trip to Kandy, Dambullah, Sigiriya and Nuwera Eliya, and one 2 days trip to Yale National Park. These two trip was the top of our holiday. These tours can be bought in the hotel and in the seaside from the “beach boys”. The only difference between the two offer is the price: the “beach boy’s” price is much more cheeper. They take you to the same program, the same hotel, you get the same services, and all the information. To tell the truth first we were a little bit wary of them, but they encourage us, so we choosed them. Our tour guide was AMI, who is a very kindly, helpful and careful young boy. If you want to save money, do not hesitate to choose him. What Ami promised us about the tour, everything was 100 % right. We traveled with air-conditioned bus, we stayed very comfortable and clean hotels, we got all important information about the visited places. They always take care of us, we were in absolute safety. We (12 people) was satisfied with all his services, so we recommend him to you, you can trust him. (--), amilasl@hotmail.com.) He can speak English and German, too. At last but not least our holiday in Sri Lanka was excellent. It depended not only on the beautiful places we visited, but the kindly people we met there. Thank you Sri Lanka! Rosy (Budapest)