The Havelock Place Bungalow

Small green oasis

We stayed 4 nights in January 2011. The Havelock was a great place to start our visit to Sri Lanka. This hotel will suit those who like their accommodation to be comfortable, quiet and characteristic of the place. It would not suit people who want bustle and the familiar blandness of chain hotels. Our suite was very pleasant. We had an unusual 'stone' platform bed with a good dense, foam mattress which we both found very comfortable. Our sitting room had a door opening right onto the small swimming pool, which I found delightfully refreshing for a swim first thing in the morning. The hotel is built in traditional bungalow style and has a typical verandah and a small, pleasant garden. One note of caution is that Colombo seems to be home to the most aggressive mosquitoes in Sri Lanka but this is a characteristic of the city, not Havelock in particular.

The food is also very good. It is freshly prepared and a delicious introduction to Sri Lankan food with a very reasonable selection of both local dishes and western options. Also, I reckoned the coffee the best I had in the whole month we spent in Sri Lanka and Kerala.

Shamala and all her staff are friendly and helpful.

I would certainly not stay anywhere else in Colombo when I next visit.

Unique Quality: The main notable characteristic of the Havelock is the friendliness of the hotel management and staff. The advantage of small-scale is a feeling of intimacy. They really look after you.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Related to: Arts and Culture, Singles, Food and Dining
• Written April 5, 2011

The Havelock Place Bungalow

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