The Lake Forest Hotel

Hotels
8.6 (134 reviews)
103, Tissa Wewa Lane, Pothanegama , Anuradhapura , lk

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Good food
Beautiful scenery
Friendly staff
Cons:
Indifferent reception
High noise levels
Limited pool amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
8.16
Some issues with cleanliness mentioned related to noise and feedback about lack of engagement from the staff.
Service
8.83
Friendly staff noted in several reviews, although some inconsistencies with engagement.
Location
9.17
Beautiful setting and great views emphasized in multiple reviews.
Room Quality
8.62
Spacious and comfortable rooms were frequently mentioned.
Amenities
8.45
Amenities such as the pool and restaurant quality mentioned, but a lack of sunbeds noted.
Value for Money
8.31
Price point highlighted as high but amenities mentioned indicate fair value.
Food and Beverage
8.66
Good food quality mentioned in several reviews.
Overall Experience
8.63
Overall enjoyable stay while highlighting some areas for improvement.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-19 15:01

Property Description

Luxurious Amenities

The Lake Forest Hotel, nestled in Anuradhapura, offers a luxurious stay with air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi. Relax in comfort with a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and bar.

Scenic Views and Culinary Delights

Indulge in breathtaking mountain views from select rooms with balconies. Feast on a variety of local, Asian, and international dishes at the on-site restaurant. Special dietary requests are catered to with vegetarian, halal, and vegan options.

Recreational Activities

Explore the area with fishing and cycling, or opt for bike and car rentals available at the hotel. Don't miss out on visiting Kumbichchan Kulama Tank and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi nearby.

Book your stay at The Lake Forest Hotel for an unforgettable experience!

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: CMB

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    People no matter the age stay for US$5 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 134 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.16
Service: 8.83
Location: 9.17
Room Quality: 8.62
Amenities: 8.45
Value for Money: 8.31
Food and Beverage: 8.66
Overall Experience: 8.63
F
Finck • extended_group • it
8
Pros:

View, friendliness of staff, dimention of room, service,

Cons:

Buffet so and so,

2026-01-07 • via Nuitee
P
Piumie • extended_group • gb
10
Comfortable, clean, views to die for and amazing staff . Loved our stay .
Pros:

The hotel was extremely comfortable and all the facilities were excellent.

Cons:

Nothing ! Everything and the staff were excellent.

2025-12-22 • via Nuitee
P
Paresh • couple • gb
7
OK but wouldn’t return
Pros:

Location and first impression as you come in and mosquito nets over bed (needed!)

Cons:

Very Tired needs a lick of paint/ breakfast choices were limited but ok. Also high amount of mosquitos in room, could see a number of gaps that they could have come in from.

2025-12-19 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • family_with_children • gb
8
2025-10-30 • via Nuitee
L
Leon • family
8
Pros:

The hotel is situated bordering the Thissa lake with beautiful views of ancient stupas in the horizon. Rooms were large and comfortable but some amenities inside the room could use a few repairs. Overall positive experience and would recommend.

2025-09-16 • via Nuitee
N
Nimesha • couple • lk
7
2025-09-14 • via Nuitee
H
Holger • family_with_children • es
8
2025-09-06 • via Nuitee
R
Reliyas • partner
10
Pros:

Enjoyed good food as well as their services

2025-08-24 • via Nuitee
K
Karine • family_with_children • fr
10
Pros:

Top séjour dans un hôtel très sympa dans un cadre très agréable

2025-08-24 • via Nuitee
G
Gwenaëlle • family_with_children • fr
6
Un séjour décevant
Pros:

La vue sur le lac, la propreté générale et la piscine.

Cons:

Le personnel et notamment la réception est indifférente. Nous avons été réveillés par beaucoup de bruit dès 5/6 heures par l’installation du petit déjeuner à l’étage et des aboiements continus de chiens. La literie est très ferme.
Cet établissement propose des chambres à prix élevés et n’est pas à la hauteur du standing présumé.

2025-08-17 • via Nuitee
J
Jacky • partner
8
Pros:

La chambre est vaste,la literie est très confortable mais les buffets au restaurant ne sont pas à la hauteur de l'établissement ni du tarif pratiqué.

2025-08-09 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • family_with_children • au
6
It was a pleasant stay
Pros:

Friendly staff

Cons:

Nothing

2025-08-07 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • family_with_children • es
8
2025-08-07 • via Nuitee
G
Gudrun • family
6
Pros:

Offensichtlich wurde unsere Buchung vergessen (das erste Mal über Expedia gebucht..). Als wir ankamen, dauerte es fast eine Stunde, bis wir unser Zimmer beziehen konnten. Dann war es ein offensichtliches Notzimmer mit zwei metallenen Zustellbetten - nicht das Familienzimmer mit Seeblick, das wir bestellt und bezahlt hatten. Wir wurden dann am ersten Abend mit einen Gratisessen als Ausgleich "abgespeist" - am nächsten Tag konnten wir wechseln - aber auch nur durch massive Nachfrage - von selbst wäre wohl nichts passiert. Das neue Zimmer war dann sehr schön - hätte es gleich geklappt, würde die Bewertung besser ausfallen

2025-08-05 • via Nuitee
E
Eleanor • family_with_children • gb
3
Disappointing given the cost
Pros:

Size of the room, beds were large and comfortable and bathroom was well equipped.

Cons:

Staff weren't very engaging, or interested. Compared to everywhere we else we stayed on our travels, they were the least engaged and helpful. Barely looked up from the desk when we arrived to check in. Didn't help with organising tours/cars as we had asked. We decided to check out a day early.
The pool had only a couple of chairs around it and the tiles were leathlly slippy, thankfully our children didn't do any damage on the times they slipped but I came away with a huge bruise on my arm after being very careful but still slipping on my way into the pool.
Some warnings about monkey's on the balcony would've been good - we had seen them all over Sri Lanka but they appeared on our third floor balcony, with no warning and tried to open the door. The hotel must know how persistent and local they are so really should have warned us.

2025-08-04 • via Nuitee
A
Arosha • family_with_children • gb
9
Relaxing, lakeside retreat with great hospitality
Pros:

Beautiful setting with spectacular views across the lake (Tissa Weva) to 5 Great Stupas of Anuradhapura (Ruwanwelisaeya, Mirisawatiya, Jethavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya and Sandahiru Saeya). The room was spacious and clean with a balcony that took in the views across the lake. Food was delicious and the staff were kind and attentive. The pool was a great place to cool off and relax. All in all a wonderful place to spend a few days in Anuradhapura, within easy reach of the Sacred City.

Cons:

Nothing we didn’t like. We will definitely be coming back in the future!

2025-08-02 • via Nuitee
H
Himali • with friends • ae
8
Very good
Pros:

Friendly staff, good breakfast, spacious clean rooms

2025-08-01 • via Nuitee
S
Sepalika • young couple • sg
10
Exceptional
2025-07-28 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
10
adk
Pros:

Super friendly staff, gorgeous sunrise and sunset views of the temples, and very peaceful atmosphere.

2025-07-27 • via Nuitee
Y
Yag • family
10
Pros:

This is a place with beautiful scenery by the lake and Buddhist stuupa .
Highly recommend for wedding shooting
Very beautiful place.

2025-07-20 • via Nuitee