Arabella On Boossa

Comentarios destacados

• NotMolly

  16 junio 2019
  An attractive/modern/boutique hotel...a longer review due to v slippery bathroom concern

  We had 2 nights here 14 - 15 March. Its a very small boutique style hotel and 1 night we were the only people staying. On the 2nd night there was another couple and a young child. PROS: The staff at this small hotel were pleasant and generally helpful - although at the time of our visit they appeared inexperienced (perhaps partly a communication problem as we dont speak Sri Lankan except for basic greetings:)...perhaps the owners were away...we werent sure?...however, good to know that local people are being employed. A reasonable location if wanting to see the local sites... a 10-15 min drive to town (auto tuk tuks everywhere)...where there are many cafes and restaurants (expect tourist prices) plus historic places of interest (eg the fortress on the sea front) as well as the huge cricket ground; on our drive in (when arriving from Tangalle), it was interesting to stop at the beach along the way as there are small bars and lots of surfing, including surf lessons + the famous fishermen on stilts; the hotels fitout is attractive and modern; the shared space/lounge is also fresh and welcoming (an interesting bookshelf!); the pool isnt large but its lovely and right near the small dining space; we had 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners here...all the food was tasty and well presented + had a relaxing ambiance...even if the music could match that chilled vibe a little better? We loved the sea breeze (see photos) and chairs/tables on/near the thick green lawn too. CONS: For the price (one of our more costly stays around Sri Lanka), the breakfast, while nice and fresh, was basic...limited choice, perhaps due to occupancy rates being low? Also the meals on offer in the evening, while tasty etc, can be limited as well - 1st night we were told what they couldnt offer from their menu...fresh seafood...Crab, lobster...is out of season!! Later that day we went to a local seafood market and saw plenty of crab etc so we returned and said we did want to order that the following night - they then agreed and it was delicious the 2nd night! However, our main concern was the extremely slippery floor. The slightest soap film caused me to fall but fortunately not a serious fall. It could be dangerous as theres a solid/sharp bathroom bench next to shower space so its possible that someone could hit their head on the way down! There needs to be some non slip mats (or similar) + a sign up as even walking into the bedroom area with damp feet could be risky...btw we generally have great balance! The other safety issue here is the entry right on a busy bend in the road (no footpath)...when arriving, our Sri Lankan driver had never encountered somewhere so tricky to negotiate on arrival. When parking the car, he needed to block half the road in order to ring hotel buzzer on entry gate...drivers and guests on foot need to squeeze up against the wall to ensure safety. So a few safety issues need to be addressed here. Others have also commented on the beach. TO SUM UP: So do take care on the polished concrete floors...popular elsewhere around the world of course! Our Architect friends in Australia have commented that its not a good choice of flooring for safety reasons. However, we do recommend this part of Sri Lanka...its also an easy drive along the highway to or from Colombo and the traffic flowed well on that leg of our drive around the island. Ill review the other hotels but did this one first in hope the bathrooms are made safer for others. It was a pleasant place...if staying, Id recommend ringing ahead and asking that the gate be open at your expected arrival time. Hopefully theyll have some of that delicious seafood on the menu for you too!.

  

• mattwardle75

  06 agosto 2019
  Read on if you like a 'good' story.

  We stayed at the Villa during the terrible incidents in Colombo. A dreadfully sad time for everyone in Sri Lanka, and its beautiful people. Firstly, it is a STUNNING hotel. Actually, its not really a hotel. It feels like home. Our family of 4 stayed in room number 8, top of the villa, with incredible views both across the sea and the surrounding jungle. I spent a fair amount of time with a book, drink and that balcony. Arabella is beautifully thought out, and is a contemporary take on the traditional open villas found around the coast; bright, light and very cool, considering the humidity. Ive read that some people had issues with the restaurant. We had the opposite. The menu may not be huge, but thats a good thing. The food is delicious, especially the lobster which I had every single day . Step down from the lush green gardens and youll find one of the most dramatic beaches on the coast. Its not a beach for a gentle swim, youll find plenty of those further up the coast. But, if you want breathtaking morning or evening walk, it doesnt get better. The staff at Arabella where fantastic. Warm and attentive, nothing was too much trouble. In fact we left our boarding cards in our room so the manager drove over an hour to meet us, across country, on his scooter! In all was a wonderful, memorable stay, only tainted by the dreadful attacks that took place in Colombo. Wed go back again and again. Sri Lanka an Arabella will always have a special place in our hearts.

  

• richw334

  05 diciembre 2019
  Blown away

  As regular travellers, including Sri Lanka, Arabella on Boossa is one of the nicest places we have visited in recent memory. We stayed for 2 nights with our 5-year old daughter and our only regret was not booking for longer. The hotel has been designed and styled beautifully throughout and so many thoughtful touches created such a light and chilled atmosphere. The on-site restaurant was a surprise, and the food was incredible (banana & coconut pancakes off the charts). Special compliments to the staff who were incredibly warm, friendly and attentive and made our stay so comfortable from the moment we arrived. We would definitely recommend this boutique hotel to couples or small families. We hope to be back again!

  

• PeterAucamp

  24 febrero 2020
  Relaxing retreat

  We stayed at this small beach hotel for two nights in February. We were accommodated in a large terraced suite on the top floor, well appointed with excellent bed and with an extensive bathrroom and rain shower. We had a very good dinner on our first night and the second night we went to Galle for a meal. The staff were excellent, competent and friendly. We had to work in the study and they kept checking on us to see if we wanted beverages etc. The staff were all good but Bandu, Manoj and Nayum superb. We arrived late one afternoon and were still able to have a good late lunch at 15:30 - impressive. The pool was large, garden well maintained and the beach on your doorstep. A very good stay - next time we will spend more than two nights so we can really relax and make the best of what it has to offer! Thanks so much!

  

• Breschi41

  03 marzo 2020
  Amazing Hotel - by far the best we had in Sri Lanka

  Amazing Hotel, beautifully designed rooms, well maintained spaces, great food as well. What set's this hotel apart of many others we visited during our trip in Sri Lanka, was the attention to detail in any regard and the friendliness of the employees. Everyone seemed to enjoy working for the hotel and everyone was willing to help, no matter what the problem was. Late checkout at 2pm was no problem either. We loved it here.