Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 13 reviews.
Paul
United Kingdom · Couple · May 2026
“Stunning, relaxing spot on the riverfront.”
+What a beautiful place Ira and Chani have. The riverfront location is stunning with pool, gardens and nature all around. The villa is large, well thought out and beautifully furnished, with everything you could need. Ira and Chani were fantastic hosts who really made us feel looked after (alongside Ginger!).
William
United Kingdom · Couple · March 2026
“Fantastic location, very nice accommodation but the kitchenette facility needs to be reinstated”
+My wife & I loved the location of Chaleni Villa, on the river, with spectacular views, the nightly swarm of fruit bats from the nearby river island and at night the fireflys would twinkle in the night sky. The part of the villa allocated to us was of ample size for the length of our stay providing a comfortable king size bed with mosquito netting, a small but unavailable kitchenette area, a large bathroom with shower, you also have your own perfectly adequate small terrace area where you could sit and enjoy the view. Ira, our hostess, provided breakfast and her eggs were simply delicious and all served by, her companion Chani. You have ready access to a small swimming pool, towels provided and two very good quality sun beds, with an umbrella. Chani provided a very useful Tuk Tuk service as well as taking us on a great day out on his motor boat, which is moored at Chaleni
−As lovely and enjoyable as our stay was, you have to take into account the kitchenette facility, is missing,, particularly the need for a fridge with small freezer compartment, we were advised prior to our stay that this had been removed. We can only recommend that you bear this in mind as we would recommend to Ira that in the interest of her business this situation needs to be corrected ASAP. Ira did provide the use of her fridge and freezer but this is within the main villa building which is Ira's home and not freely available to guests, as you must confirm what you require from the fridge \ freezer with Ira or Chani to gain access or Chani would fetch what you asked for, this is far from an ideal situation. We also believe that the wooden mooring for the boat requires some attention
Elaine
Netherlands · Couple · March 2026
“A nice stay in a residential area”
+A very spacious, clean room with lots of hot water. Bed with mosquito nets as there were a few in the mornings. Ira and Chanaka are good hosts and were very helpful to us by letting us have a very late checkout. I would have no problem to stay here again if in Bentota.
−Nothing comes to mind.
Karrie
United Kingdom · Couple · February 2026
“A short sentence would not do justice for our stay just go you will not be disappointed”
+Beautiful location run by beautiful people and gin and tonic the dog.just go there ire and chani are super hosts we will be back xxx
−Not one thing
Paul
United Kingdom · Couple · March 2025
“Superb”
+The location next to the river. Chan was very helpful, offering advice and tuk tuk lifts to and from the beach and restaurants.
−Would have been 10/10 if there had been a fridge in the room.
Kaj
Denmark · Couple · March 2025
“Exceptional”
+It is little Paradise and (Chani) was outstanding as host. Very helpful with everything and he has big knowledge about adventures in the area. Beautiful garden and pool. We felt very good . We have a good feeling and can highly recommend the host and the place.
−There is absolutely nothing to note.
Julie
United Kingdom · Couple · February 2025
“Wonderful - totally rested & ready for the next stage of our journey”
+Location awesome given that we were on the river but only 5 mins from the sea. Chanaka would take us to the beach as well as our chosen locations of Lunaganga , Brief and a variety of shopping expeditions . The large room looks out over the River & is a super way to start the morning. The bed is comfortable and the aircon & fan very efficient . Plenty of wardrobe space . A lovely terrace to eat the breakfast. Sunloungers down by the river & pool. It has all the ingredients for a great holiday.
−The only slight criticism is no fridge but Ira & Chanaka were always in hand to bring ice from the fridge and any food we had stored.
Gareth
United Kingdom · Couple · January 2025
“Peaceful, lovely people, wonderful location”
+Chanaka and the lady owner were lovely. Ginger, the dog, was a delight. Peacocks, water monitors and monkeys in nearby trees. Really peaceful on the lake. Breakfast was the best we had in Sri Lanka. Both the usual and the Sri Lankan
−The only thing it lacks is a fridge. Other than that we could have spent 2 weeks there whereas we spent 6 days on this trip. That's the only minus point and that is being really picky as they don't advertise one. We absolutely loved the place
Tina
United Kingdom · Couple · January 2025
“Best start to our sri lankan holiday”
+The friendliness of the hosts. The view from the villa. The gardens and the quiet location + the pool and their gorgeous dog. The villa had its own balcony but the hosts were always on.hand to offer advice on restaurants and daily lifts. We became good friends after just a few days and.it was the best start to our holiday. The water safari was one we will never forget!!! We definitely be back!
−Nothing
Lennart
Netherlands · Couple · January 2025
“Amazing lakeviews sweetest people”
+The kindness of the hosts doing everything to make your stay as good as possible! They have a own boat and they can take you on the lake inside the mangroves awsome to see ! Great sri lankan breakfast! Our best stay in sri lanka so far ! To bad was only for 1 night !
−Nothing !