Matara Hotels

• Maxus
• Reviews: 184

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Let's go upmarket

The Lalitha is an upmarket hotel on the Galle Road which has been open a little over a year, it is increasingly popular with visitors from the Netherlands, who can be a discerning lot and know what good looks like.

As you can see from my photo, it doesn’t look much from outside but inside it’s a veritable oasis, their website uses the same poetic license as any hotel but in terms of decor, facilities, restaurant and service etc it is at least as good as anywhere in Matara except that it’s nowhere near the beach.

I liked the staff who did their very best to maintain a professional detachment but kept letting their warm and friendly nature shine through.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Road Trip, Food and Dining, Business Travel
• Written February 2, 2008

The photo doesn't do the place justice

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• Maxus
• Reviews: 184

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Apartment in Polhena: Long Term Let

Mr Wickramaratne has turned the upper floor of the house in the picture into a self-contained apartment and it is available to rent for periods of a few weeks to as long as you want.

I didn't stay here but Lal showed me round and I would consider staying if I wanted a base in the area. It's literally a minute walk from the beach but is quiet and private. If you are interested give him a ring or call in and see him, details below.

It's your own place.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Study Abroad, Work Abroad
• Written February 2, 2008

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• Maxus
• Reviews: 184

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The Emerald Bay Inn, Polhena: The longer I stayed the less I wanted to leave

The Emerald Bay isn’t right on the beach but it’s literally a minute away, its spotlessly clean, the food is excellent and the staff friendly. I can't argue that this is the best place to stay in Polhena because I haven't stayed anywhere else but we booked for two nights, ended-up staying four and would have stayed even longer if I didn’t have things to do further north so I obviously had no complaints and I can recommend this place.

I can’t remember the exact price but it was very reasonable and I had no questions about the bill. AC and non-AC rooms are available. You can have snacks and soft drinks anytime, there is no alcohol licence but if you want beer with your dinner let the staff know and they can arrange for you to buy your own (without you having to move).

One of the best things about the Emerald bay is Nadeepa, a thoroughly decent guy who will look after you well. He won’t get in your way but if you need anything Nadeepa will see to it.

There’s no set menu or set meal times, you simply discuss what you and when you want it with Nadeepa and he will cook it for you (even the sausages I bought at Cargills!) he is an excellent cook and he speaks perfect English too.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Trains, Road Trip, Backpacking
• Written February 2, 2008

The Emerald Bay Inn, Polhena

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