General
Basics
Services and conveniences
Bathroom
Dining
Accessibility and suitability
Pool and spa
Outdoor
Health and safety
Media and entertainment
Laundry
Family friendly
Parking and transportation
Things to do
Bedroom
Workspace
AI-powered summary based on hotel reviews by KAYAK users. AI can make mistakes.
What are the highlights of staying at Hotel Elephant Bay?
The opportunity to interact with elephants, comfortable and well-appointed rooms, delicious traditional Sri Lankan dishes, and the ideal location for exploring popular tourist attractions.
What can guests expect from the hotel's food quality?
Delicious traditional Sri Lankan dishes are on offer, and the restaurant overlooks the river, providing an idyllic setting for meals.
What practical information should guests know about the hotel's check-in time?
Check-in is anytime after 4:00 PM, and guests can expect to pay a fee if arriving before this time to access the hotel's facilities.
What are the common concerns about the hotel's cleanliness?
Some guests mentioned that the rooms could be cleaner, and there were concerns about insects getting through the windows/ventilation system.
What are the practical aspects of the hotel's location and amenities?
The hotel is ideally situated for exploring popular tourist attractions, and it offers a variety of room types to cater to different needs and preferences.
AI-powered summary based on hotel reviews by KAYAK users. AI can make mistakes.
Opt for a Room with a View
Guests highly recommend booking a room with a balcony facing the river for a stunning view of the elephants and the surrounding nature.
Be Mindful of Check-in Time
Note that check-in is at 4 PM, and arriving earlier may result in additional charges to access the hotel.
Consider the Noise Level
Some guests experienced disturbances from loud parties and events, so it may be beneficial to inquire about potential noise issues during your stay.
Verify Room Cleanliness
While some guests found the rooms clean and spacious, others encountered cleanliness issues, such as stained sheets and dirty rooms. It's advisable to check recent reviews for cleanliness consistency.
Explore the Surrounding Area
Take advantage of the hotel's ideal location for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and historic cities like Kandy and Dambulla.
Check for Room Renovations
Some guests mentioned that the rooms are in need of renovation, so it's worth inquiring about the updated status of the rooms before booking.
Plan for Accessibility
If requiring handicap access, it's recommended to verify the actual accessibility features with the hotel, as some guests found discrepancies between the advertised and actual accessibility.
Be Prepared for Insects
Due to the hotel's location, some guests experienced insects in the rooms, so consider bringing insect repellent or inquiring about pest control measures.
Consider Food Options
While some guests praised the delicious food, others found limited vegetarian options and average-quality meals, so it's advisable to check recent feedback on the dining experience.
Plan for Additional Expenses
Be aware that access to the hotel's facilities before the official check-in time may result in extra charges, so it's recommended to plan accordingly to avoid unexpected fees.
Check-in/Check-out | Check in anytime after 4:00 PM, check out anytime before 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
Cancellation/prepayment | Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider. |
Low season | High season | Average price (weeknight) | Average price (weekend night) |
|---|---|---|---|
September | March | $43 | $55 |
Cheapest month to stay with an average 41% drop in price. | Most expensive month to stay with an average 76% rise in price. | Average Sun - Thu price over the last 2 weeks. | Average Fri & Sat price over the last 2 weeks. |
The cheapest day to book The Elephant Bay - Pinnawala is Monday, with an average nightly rate of $40. The most expensive day is Friday at $69 per night.
Value for money | Distance to city center |
|---|---|
8.0 | 0.1 mi |
