Water Gate Resort & Spa

We had a lovely stay at this hotel. It is right on the water and you can see the waves crashing on the rocks. It is located close to many shops and restaurants. We had a delicious breakfast each day with a choice of Euro-American food and Sri Lankan food. We had a wonderful assistant in the person of Asuri. She was doing everything: front of house, breakfast, room service and more. The pool was lovely, despite the odd shark-dolphin sculptural oddity (a shower for children). The rooms were spacious. The beds were super comfortable. The A/C and wifi worked. The only small matters were the TV was not working (maybe weather related) and provision for tea in the room (remedied quickly). We would stay here again.

It was beautiful, the most perfect setting for sunset

This is a stunning waterfront hotel, from the moment we arrived to the sadness when we were leaving it was magnificent throughout. Friendly staff were accommodating for any request, everything was in great condition and perfect. The hotel is nestled at the end of the narrow Yaddehimulla Road with uninterrupted westerly sea views. The sunsets over the Indian Ocean each day were spectacular as the ocean swell crashed over the rocks just past the end of the pool deck. The pictures don't lie!

Properly is very nice and quite. Staff is friendly. Food is expensive.

We only stayed one night. The location isn't the absolute best, in terms of getting to the beach, but its not too far (around 8-10 mins walk) and there are tuk-tuks outside. The hotel was quiet when we stayed here and few guests. The sea view rooms have nice balconies and a great view of the crashing waves, against the rocks. So its a nice spot to sit out and listen and see the ocean. I was impressed with how clean they kept the place. There wasnt a thing out of place and the rooms and main areas were immaculate. Staff were pleasant and the manager assisted us with our food requests and dietary requirements for the breakfast. There were a few things that were not that great with the breakfast. We got some avocado and it was really about gone off, but they still served it, with most of it being brown and bad inside. The other thing I found surprising, was that in the bathroom, there is a opening for the window, but with only angled wooden slats going across. So no-one could see it or anything, but there was not netting or glass and so mosquito's, insects or anything could get in. Which is weird and a small detail that should be taken care of. Otherwise, we enjoyed our stay and can recommend for something away from the hustle and bustle.

Very good hotel in great location.

I had cancelled the reservation on expedia still the property charged me for no show. When i contacted the GM of the property, I got an arrogant response that because he lines up the service and business has not been good, he must charge me. Given all that Sri Lanka has been through in recent past, this is a sorry case of bad business sense in a horrid tourism climate.

Great hotel great staff and a fabulous location . Pool was amazing .

We enjoyed our stay. The hotel is nice and close to the beach. The breakfast was just ok. The staff were nice and helpful.

The room was large and beautiful! There were some ants, as mentioned by previous reviews, but mostly on the other side of the bedroom door. Honestly, when you’re in a tropical location, you have to expect a few of these things. There is no beach access, but a quick tuk tuk ride will get you to the Happy Banana where the beaches are incredible. Some “issues” were of no fault of the hotel and were the fault of horrible people in the world. We were there during the bombings on Easter and the staff was so kind and took care of us when they probably had family of their own they were worried about. Because of the country enforced curfew, many items on the menu were unavailable that Sunday night. Their breakfasts were absolutely fabulous. I think they had food freshly delivered multiple times a day. The one thing I would change though is they need some air conditioning in the bathroom. The bathroom itself is HUGE and stunning, but is so hot with no air movement. Overall, I loved my stay there. I loved my time in Unawatuna and Sri Lanka. I’m so sorry there are such nasty people in this world, but my experience with Sri Lankans is that they are a kind and lovely people. That nonsense is not indicative of this gracious country.

Superb Location. Bit difficult for mini bus access but well worth it. Would go again.

Wonderful stay! Beautiful views, amazing food. The staff was incredible and very friendly. Highly recommend staying there.

We thought we had booked a room with a little bit of space but unfortunately we were told that the balcony was the sitting area. Also we were not happy about the work that was going on right by the pool. Having complained they did stop working but we did continue to look at the concrete and scaffolding all week. Shame, as it’s a lovely small hotel, away from the busy area and the staff including Menzies are really nice.

Did not like that part of the pool area was under construction. It ruined the view.

Good view from the room. Not sure why the "and spa" is added to the resort name. There is no spa. It's a hotel with rooms facing the sea and a pool and a restaurant. Period.

Great hotel in a very popular area, slightly off the main bars and restaurant area. Big and comfortable rooms overlooking pool and sea. Great, friendly service.

We chose this hotel as our little bit of luxury during a 3 week tour round Sri Lanka & we were not disappointed. The hotel is only 11 months old so everything is relatively new & clean. The staff were excellent and really went out of their way to make our stay good. Would thoroughly recommend staying here.

Really enjoyed our stay, staff were very friendly/helpful. Great view from our seaside room. No need to book too early like we did, might get a better price closer to your arrival date! enjoy your stay!

The hotel is very new and has modern facilities which is very rare for the area. Every room has a sea view and is great for watching the sunset right from your balcony. The manager made us feel very welcomed and helped arrange for water sports at the nearby beach. Don’t go to Jungle Beach, it sounds cool but is over crowded and dirty. Go to the beach where Hally Banana - the Water Gate’s sister hotel is. It’s a much nicer beach. But stay at the Water Gate, it’s much newer and more modern!

Good location but the hotel needs a face lift. AC in the room has a loud sound, safety box was broken. Breakfast is not good and not to be considered as continental.