The Hill Club

In an age when hotels are constantly re-branded and refurbished, a destination like the Hill Club stands apart and I know that a lot of people will not like it. Is it a good hotel? - by most standards, no. Will I be rushing back? - probably not. Am I pleased I stayed? - most certainly because the Hill Club is a priceless piece of theatre, a living relic where nothing much has changed in fifty years, so much so that you almost expect to see a colonial tea planter wander down its panelled corridors. Both outdoors and in, it is rather Scottish... more

An eccentric guesthouse/hotel which made a welcome and enjoyable break from the intense heat in the rest of Sri Lanka. Everything very old fashioned and full of character. The rooms were a good size, with both a bath and shower, and the food was lovely. Four course dinner was $17 plus service charges. There is a pool table and internet (both chargable). Below the main building is a lovely garden with lots of flowers which is nice to wander around. We wandered over to the nearby Grand hotel for afternoon tea one day, and while it was... more

Stayed here as part of our tour package and booked by the tour operator. Arrived just on dusk in the rain so couldn't appreciate the view of the hotel. After a very "old world" check in reminiscent of days gone by, we were shown to our room. Wooden floorboards make for noisy guests. And cold. Thankfully there was a radiator, which we hurreidly switched on and hot water bottles were placed in the bed. If you are after atmosphere, this is the place for you. The rooms have been refurbished but still retain their original charm. The bathrooms... more

Reminded us of a scottish shooting lodge and even has a map of the whisky trail on the wall. Good if you are after atmosphere and service rather than modern facilities. For example there is no tea maker in the room, but tea in the room is available on request and a hot water bottle is put in your bed to warm it up. Dining is an experience not to be missed. with tea/coffee afterwards in front of a roaring fire. Jackets and ties MUST be worn at all times during dinner, but can be borrowed. A Hill Club tie is about £5 in the gift shop.<br... more

We just returned after spending 4 nights at the Hill Club. The weather was perfect for what we had planned. It was chilly and there was a light drizzle throughout the day during the first 2 days, but we had planned to visit Ambewela Farm, Hakgala Gardens and Tea Factory Hotel, so the weather was not a problem. On the final day we decided to stay in the hotel and walk around, and as if nature had a 6th sense, the light drizzle ceased and the sun was bright. The food was very good, specially the carrot and minestrone soups! The room was... more

We stayed for two nights at the Hill Club. Right from the time we first saw the the hotel as we drove up we were hooked. It's like stepping back in time to a slower paced, more gracious era. The gardens are well maintained and alive with flowers. The real highlight of the stay was dinner. Food was excellent and served very well. You have to dress formally for dinner (jacket and tie) and that adds to the old fashioned feeling. We lingered for a long time over coffee in front of a blazing fire. A wonderful way to spend quality time with... more

This old club, Its a bit differnt than the usual place, (I poked my head in St andrews, which looks better). Drinks are very expensive here compared with any where else in Sri Lanka we stayed (Double) The place is full of dead animals heads on the wall, I t is a proper old hunting lodge feel. the rooms and bathrooms are the things that let this place down, the bathrooms are just not that nice where the bedrooms are tired. Food is very good, as is the service, but you are required to wear a blazer and tie (can be supplied)

Slightly dubious after the previous reviews but we had a fab 3 night stay - despite turning up on the day and being in our mid twenties. It really is like stepping back in time, but in a good way. The staff were great, including insisting on an upgrade when we stayed an extra night. The restaurant is very good, although it can take a while to get food - however if you think of it as an experience and allow time for a pre dinner drink and a post dinner coffee in front of the open fire you will have a fabulous night. I don't... more

We went to have morning coffee at this place with our drive Roy, who is a Sri Lankan. You are asked to become a temporary member which was no problem except that Roy was not allowed to become a temporary member! Why - because he was just a driver or because he is a Sri Lankan? We declined the offer and went to the St Andrews Hotel where we were all greeted with open arms. How can a place with rules like this still exist?

Having not found a single review of the hotel before we went we weren't sure what to expect and were worried this colonial English gentleman's club would be too stuffy for 2 honeymooners in their mid-20's. The exterior is certainly impressive if not imposing (it looks like a boarding school) and the gardens are beautifully kept. I should point out we'd changed our itinerary at the last minute and our agent had arranged for us to arrive at the hotel a day early. We were greeted with some lovely iced tea and many apologies from the... more