Elephant Rest Udawalawa

Im writing this review solely regarding the business and management, as the owners were very kind people. Despite this however the hotel was not well managed. There was little to no staff to support or serve. There was no introduction to our room, about service and what was offered. It took an hour to find someone to get a water and over an hour for food to arrive (dinner time). Another visitor, who we got to know whilst at the hotel, meal never arrived. Most drink orders were forgotten about and any orders were not documented so the hotel, when it came to payment, had to reask what we ordered. No rooms came with any drinking water nor kettle to permit boiling tap water. Then it comes to food and hygine...The cleaniness of the breakfast eating area and kitchen (as my partner poked their head in to look) was very unclean. Plates were not clean, you could taste unclean pans were used to cook on. There were fruit flies everywhere in the eating area - these are predominantly prevelant in unclean conditions and only evident in the eating area. The dinner we ate was incredibly unpleasant and we both left the entire plate (which we hate to do) and had to find somewhere else to eat. Other guests too commented negatively regarding the food. Worst of all is that evidently there is a cleanliness issue...I was sick and both myself and partner had a bad stomach. Its unfortunate because the room itself and hotel has promise but I cannot and will not recommend anyone go. Lastly, whilst th

Clean room and nice setting. Very friendly owners. Great breakfast included and also had a lovely dinner there as well. Well located for the national park.

Room was nice enough. The family were absolutely lovely and couldn’t do more for us. There is nothing around the area, so it’s pretty isolating -meaning any meals need to be cooked by the family but they were so accommodating and the food was great. Only thing is there are a lot of insects but to be expected with such surroundings. The place also organises the udawalawe safari for you so no need to book a tour prior. It was 22,000 LKR entrance and 12,000 LKR for the jeep. I would say that one night is enough here either before or after the safari, just because there is nothing around.

Amazing location, great service, delicious food

Such a lovely little place to stay for the night. Rooms were very clean and comfortable. The staff were so kind and lovely, the home cooked food was some of the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka. They also arranged a safari for us, we had a jeep to ourselves, and saw many animals (elephants, monkeys, mongoose). All in all a fabulous experience, and incredible value for money.

The hosts were very friendly, hospitable and organised safari trip. Room was spacious but there were many insects!

Warm hospitality and excellent Sri Lankan food in the Uda Walawe National Park

Good place to stay if you’re planning to go on safari. Value for money. Competitive safari prices offered by the host

My wife and I stayed at Elephant Rest Udawalawa for one night. The room was clean and comfortable and well put together. We had dinner and breakfast at the guesthouse and both were very tasty and generous portions. We were able to book our safari at the guesthouse and also our onward taxi to Mirissa. The service was friendly and efficient. Overall we were happy with our stay and we would recommend this guesthouse.

We had booked a 2 night stay due to the good reviews, and with the intention to go on the 'value for money' safari trip. Our taxi dropped us off midday, there was no one on reception to greet us. No water, tea, or refreshment of any kind. However, a maid told us we could go into our allocated room. This had not been prepared recently, as I found a dead lizard and dead flies in the bathroom. Apart from that the room and bed looked clean. We decided to cut our stay down to one night, do the safari that evening (which was great), then move to another hotel 10km away which was cheaper, lovely and clean, and had a swimming pool. Thank you to Hotels.com for sorting out a refund.

Stayed here for 1 night. Good location near the park.

I had an excellent stay at Elephant Rest. The Sri Lankan dinners that they cook were some of the best that I've had in the country. The wifi worked well for the entire stay. The showers had hot water. They have their own jeep for safari and give a really good rate.

Lovely place to stay near Udawalawe National Park! We drove in from Ella and the owners cooked a delicious fresh meal of rice and curry for us and later that night, made string hoppers for dinner. The room was very clean and spacious and the bed was comfortable. In the morning, they had arranged a safari, so we went out to the park at 6am. We are hungry first thing in the morning so they graciously made breakfast for us at 5:45 so we could eat before the safari. The family is so friendly and their little boy is adorable. Highly recommend staying here if you're coming to Udawalawe!

Owners are very nice. Hotel is basic but convenient. They have their own safari vehicle.

Stayed here as a base for Udawalawe National Park and it was perfect. The room is nice, the place is extremely close to the entrance to the park, dinner and breakfast made by the hosts was delicious, and the safari in their jeep was incredible (and very reasonably priced). They also helped us to arrange a taxi to our next destination the next day. Highly recommended

Convenient to wildlife park. Interesting experience living with local family, more a B & B than a hotel.

Wonderful place in a small village, amazing host with a charming family. The food was very good and the proximity to the park is a plus. You can easily organize safaris and transport from here.

great location, amazing dinner and breakfast after safari. room was a bit basic and not the cleanest, needed updating/lick of paint but location was great for early start at the safari and the owners were really helpful and friendly 😁

Very rural nothing in local area apart from Udawalawe national park but staff very helpful and made us very welcome and happy to cater for us Sri Lankan cuisine very tasty. Rooms clean. Scorpion in the shower a surprise but only tiny and part of the experience of being so rural

The couple that run this place are so friendly and helpful. Lovely people. The home cooked meal was the best Sri Lankan food we have had on the trip. The safari organised through the hotel is amazing and would recommend it. Please note that this hotel is not plush but it is comfortable and clean and quiet. Perfect for our night there to do the safari. The park is very closeby.