The Bellwood Manor

Rien

The problem is not the property - but we rank properties vs how much they cost. In our opinion - the cost wasn’t worth it, and for how much rooms are we expected more. See feedback below

1. Other services cost too much - Spa we considered doing but 3x, 4x more expensive than what you would find in other places (on positive the masseuse is VERY GOOD , we could tell from the free 5min shoulder massage on check in)

2. Hotel offers 1hr in Spa (Finish sauna, steam room, hot pool), which is nice but: near pool windows there is some mold (presumably from humidity). You need to balance “hot” spa with some “cold” water as refresher. For example: we sat in a very hot pool, went to even hotter steam room, and then to even hotter Finish sauna. After that you sit there - wanting like a cooler area, but you don’t have one, your choice is just to return to another hot area.

3. During check in - we asked about cost of breakfast, were told USD25 pp (we thought ok a bit expensive but ok, for comparison we stayed at similar priced hotels though out our trip - and breakfast was either included or it was 500-1500 LKR). Bill arrives at the end 10000 LKR pp (so 20k LKR or 65USD for two, above stated during the check in…)

Nothing

Window above our door meant light comes in from the hall through the night without being able to block it out.

Food pricing could be made more apparent. We had to hunt a bit to find it. Breakfast rate wasnt advised until we got the room bill. But still good value.

Das Badezimmer wsr wirklich sehr klein. Das Essen klang wie ein Gourmetmenue, hat die Erwartungen aber nicht erfüllt.

Like all old properties, the soundproofing isn't great. We were in a room on the ground floor and could hear every movement from the room above and from the reception hall.

My main frustration with the Bellwood is the restaurant. It's sold as a high class, personalised service but this can be to the detriment of the guest. I enquired in advance about an a la carte menu as I knew we would not do justice to their six course menu. You have to order your meal a few hours in advance because they don't have anything pre-prepared; good in theory, but how do I know the portion sizes and whether I'm going to have room for dessert? None of our a la carte food met expectations. Breakfast was equally if not more frustrating; there is no menu. The chef explained some of the options available but didn't mention the hoppers that had been served to another table, then front of house told another table about English breakfast options but didn't mention the hoppers or Eggs Benedict. People are missing out because there is no menu. At the equivalent of £25pp I was shocked at the experience. Front of house staff also need to be trained to take tea, coffee and juice orders from all guests at a table; I had to call them back to order my husband's coffee (as they just walked off after taking my order), and another couple ended up sharing a fruit juice because they weren't both asked.

Je pense que le rapport qualité prix n’est pas au rendez-vous
Le dîner, tout à fait correct mais 50 dollars pour 3 plats

We booked a deluxe king room based on the photos provided via booking.com. We got a different room when we arrived which was smaller and not similar to the photos provided. On our first night we had to stay in this smaller different room, as the hotel was fully booked but on our second night, the hotel upgraded us to the best suite they had as compensation.
The staff have great intentions and have the intention of having good manners but sometimes it feels like they are overly watching/observing every move you make which made it less comfortable for us to use the common areas.

It isn’t in England so I could visit more easily!

One very small recommendation would be to soften some of the decor with some subtle wallpaper or cushions. And provide more hooks or storage space in the bathroom.