Mount Lavinia Hotel

Stephen Taylor

Probably was a 4 star hotel many years ago, but is very tired now, more like a 3 star. Rooms are comfortable but need decorating, food was good, have a hearty breakfast to set up for the day, the Sunday lunch BBQ was nice. Staff were all excellent and helpful. Wifi is a bit poor, better in communal areas, bad in room less than 10 meters from reception. Beach views good, nice pool Overall probably 3.5 stars

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

Samuel Douglas

This was my second visit and stay at Mount Lavinia Hotel (previously in 2017, where the experience was wonderful, 5*). In eight years you can tell there's been little to no investment in the structure of the iconic building, with the exterior falling to bits and the rooms being left to rot away. Everything from housekeeping, the TV, telephones not working properly, reception ignoring your requests and poor service throughout, I will never return to this hotel again. The only saving grace is that the porters were always friendly & helpful and the room service chefs made freshly made food. I'd avoid booking here for a long stay, you're better off being in central Colombo!

Ovais Khan

I stayed at Mount Lavinia Hotel in Sri Lanka and was utterly disappointed with the level of service and the condition of the premises. Here are the key problems I faced: 1. Rude and Unprofessional Staff: The waiters lack basic manners and respect when addressing guests. Reception staff are equally discourteous and often ignore or dismiss your concerns. It really feels like they don’t care about the clients — there is zero sense of urgency or respect. 2. Neglected Cleanliness and Maintenance: The hotel lobby, corridors, and elevator areas smell bad. According to other guests, the “very old hotel” has mold or a musty odor. There is visible dirt and grime spreading throughout public areas. Rooms feel very worn-out or outdated, and several reviews mention the interiors need renovation. 3. Service Negligence: Requests are often ignored or delayed, showing a very casual or careless attitude toward guests. Despite paying for a quality stay, I felt like I was being treated as a burden, not a valued guest. Overall, the experience was very disheartening. This is not the kind of service I expected from a hotel with such a reputation. The place feels like it’s being run with very low standards and very little attention to guest satisfaction. I sincerely hope management takes this feedback seriously, renovates the hotel, improves cleanliness, and trains staff to provide real hospitality rather than unacceptable, third-class service.

Ashra Dihark

This might be a late review but it might help the ones planning a stay here. I stayed here last august on BB basis. The staff were helpful and provided a good service. However the hotel’s infrastructure needs a lot of improvement. The walls had water damage, the lightings were broken etc. The room i stayed in was covered in mold, the lamps were broken & covered in mold too. The room had popcorn ceilings, and I personally think they should be removed. If you are planning renovations, please be cautious about the potential presence of asbestos in these ceilings and ensure that the labourers are properly informed. Regardless, the staff were great especially the valet and the view was excellent. I cannot comment on the food, as we did not have time for breakfast and had to leave early.