Mount Lavinia Hotel

Rushmika Perera

I came here for a work meeting and had the opportunity to try their weekend lunch buffet. I wouldn’t call the food bad but it was basic as basic would get. Wouldn’t really come back here specifically to eat. The staff is really friendly, especially the doormen, and the view of the beach is great.

Kariyawasam Godakandage Kaushalya Nanayakkara

We stayed here to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary, and it truly felt like a dream. From the very first call, we were met with kindness. Mr. Dhammika at the lobby made sure everything was just right, from a room with the most beautiful sea view to a lovely surprise setup with balloons, hearts, and even a delicious anniversary cake. It was thoughtful in a way that really touched us. Even though it was a busy time, check-in was quick and smooth, and we instantly felt at home. The room was spacious and comfortable, with everything we needed, but it was the view that stole our hearts. Watching the sunset with a drink in hand, seeing the city lights twinkle below, it felt peaceful and perfect. Our little daughter loved the pool, and so did we. The music, the calm, the water,it was just the kind of relaxation we needed. Dinner was an absolute highlight. The buffet had so many choices, with live cooking stations and amazing flavors. A special thank you to Shanika and her teammate for taking such good care of us. You could feel the passion of the kitchen team in every dish, a beautiful tribute to Chef Publis Silva’s legacy. Breakfast was just as impressive. The Sri Lankan corner especially stood out, some of the best we’ve ever had. And then, there was Mr. Piyaseele at the restaurant entrance, a gentleman with over 40 years of service. Speaking with him added a layer of warmth and history to our stay that we’ll always remember. Even the smallest things were handled with care. Housekeeping responded to our requests immediately, and we were even offered a late check out, which meant a lot with a young child. As someone who works in hospitality myself, I don’t often write reviews. But this team, this place, they truly deserve it. Every detail, every smile, every kind word made our stay unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who made us feel so welcome. We left with full hearts and beautiful memories and we’ll definitely be back. With love, Kaushalya and family

Manuel M

We didn’t stay here, but used the lunch buffet day pass option while we were waiting for our flight. 5,600 rupees for an incredible lunch, plus we were able to use the pool area for the rest of the afternoon. Some areas may need a bit of TLC, but it got outweighed by the exceptional service. The staff is very friendly and the hotel is very close to the Mount Lavinia train station. Great location with views of the beach, the Colombo skyline, and the sunset.

Nina Wehrli

I live in Mount Lavinia and spending a lot of time in the hotel as a guest and when family and friends coming they usually stay here. It makes me sad to see that the management doesn't care at all about this special place and not investing money to keep at least the standard. The rooms are inconvenient. Old carpent, horrible AC which blow crazy but the room is still humid and to be honest, I don't want to know what's coming out of it... Get new ones. Every time when I visite guest there either the AC or the TV is not working... it's not nice to arrive at the hotel after flight and travel and the first thing is to complain and wait until it's done. Is there anybody responsible for the facility's? Who does the final check before the room goes to the guest? There is a defrence between classy oldfashend and too much used and disgusting. The buffet is great and big and also with the themes it's nice but in the taste the "love" is missing. All the time the same things and special the Western food is just not up to date anymore. Since years the same!!! Also the a la carte menu is boring and never changing. And the most anoying thing is that always ingredients are missing or the whole dish. After you waited quite a while to order, they always comeback that there is something not there... The employees are really friendly and welcoming,that's a big plus and the atmosphere amazing. That's why it makes me really sad to see what's happening to this classy and beautifull spot.

Minoli De Silva

Hotel review — 0/5 We booked the Empire Ballroom for a family wedding. The hotel failed to honour several confirmed arrangements and delivered service and facilities that were unacceptable for an event of this scale. Key issues - Event coordination: Two rooms agreed with hotel staff for the bridal and groom teams were not provided. Room 217, which had been handpicked and confirmed for the bridal party, was unavailable on arrival. The second room for the groom party was never provided. - Delays and disruption: The failings caused an almost two‑hour delay to the bridal timeline, creating significant stress for the bridal party, makeup artists, photographers, and family. - Alternative arrangements: After waiting at reception for an hour, the morning manager, Mr Dhammika, offered an alternate room that was remote from the wedding party and still left us one room short. - Staffing and logistics: No bell staff were available to assist with equipment or luggage; family and friends were required to carry everything. Phone calls to the front office were frequently unanswered and front desk staff were often distracted during check‑in. - Food and housekeeping: In‑room meals for the bride and groom were not delivered despite multiple confirmations. The wedding suite had not been cleaned on arrival despite several notifications to the front office and F&B. - Facilities and maintenance: Multiple rooms used by our party (217, 222, 207, 112) experienced air‑conditioning failures, reportedly whenever the grand ballroom was in use. There were visible leakage stains in the hallways and general maintenance standards were poor. - Cleanliness: Rooms and bathrooms did not meet basic cleanliness standards; surfaces were dusty and housekeeping was inconsistent. Impact The combination of poor coordination, inadequate staffing, and unreliable facilities directly compromised the wedding day and guest experience. What should have been a planned, celebratory occasion became stressful and chaotic. Requested action I request that management: 1. Acknowledge these failures and explain why confirmed arrangements were not met. 2. Detail corrective actions being taken in event coordination, staffing (front desk, bell staff, housekeeping), and maintenance to prevent recurrence. 3. Offer appropriate compensation for the disruption and costs we incurred as a result of the hotel’s failings. --- Rating: 0/5