Hotel Elephant Bay

Hotels
8 (1973 reviews)
Pinnawala, , Pinnawala , lk

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Beautiful views
Good amenities
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Needs maintenance
Food quality variability

Categories

Cleanliness
6.39
Several mentions of poor cleanliness and odor problems in the rooms.
Service
9.36
Staff are described as friendly and helpful across multiple reviews.
Location
9.4
Location is positively highlighted, especially for elephant viewing.
Room Quality
6.85
Issues with room condition and maintenance reported by guests.
Amenities
8.38
Amenities like the pool and balcony are appreciated, but overall care of facilities is questioned.
Value for Money
7.84
Mixed feelings, with some reviews suggesting better quality for price could be expected.
Food and Beverage
7.39
Food received mixed reviews; some enjoyed it while others found it lacking.
Overall Experience
8.36
Mixed reviews, but general appreciation for the location and staff.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 18:53

Property Description

Spectacular Views and Tranquil Surroundings
Hotel Elephant Bay in Pinnawala offers rooms with private balconies overlooking the Ma Oya River. The bright and airy rooms are equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Leisure and Adventure Awaits
Guests can explore the tropical garden, relax on the sun terrace, or rent bicycles to tour the area. For the more adventurous, activities like hiking and fishing are readily available.

International Dining and Convenient Services
Indulge in a variety of international dishes at Ivory Inn Restaurant or opt for room service for a cozy night in. With easy access to the airport and nearby cities, Elephant Bay Hotel is the perfect base for your Sri Lankan adventure.

Ready to experience the charm of Hotel Elephant Bay? Book your stay now for an unforgettable getaway.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 02:30 PM

Property Policies

  • Parking

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

  • Internet

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

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 15 years old stay for US$15 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    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
Based on 1973 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.39
Service: 9.36
Location: 9.4
Room Quality: 6.85
Amenities: 8.38
Value for Money: 7.84
Food and Beverage: 7.39
Overall Experience: 8.36
S
SHASHIKALA • solo_traveller • lk
5
Pros:

Only the location and breakfast

Cons:

We were there for a one night and from the beginning we had an embarrassed situation that we wouldn't allow to drive into the hotel before 4o'clock and we were given a very poor ordinary and basic room for our BB basis booking. Their Bathroom is smelly very badly and fittings are very ordinary and dirty. Room not much clean as well as pillows towels and sheets. Interms of service of the staff, is very poor they don't have staff for room service even. When we place an order from the restaurant we had to collect those from the restaurant and bring them to the room by our self. We could give our small recommendation and green light only for the breakfast they provided.

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
K
Keziban • couple • de
10
2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
C
Clare • couple • gb
10
Dreamy
Pros:

The view from the hotel to watch the elephants was a dream come true.

The staff were very friendly and happy to help with any requests.

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
S
Sato • solo_traveller • jp
8
2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
K
Kamal • family_with_children • lk
1
2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
C
Carolina • couple • es
8
Buena estancia
Pros:

El alojamiento tiene una ubicación genial, el personal es súper amable y atento, en cuanto a las vistas desde la habitación son impresionantes, el desayuno muy completo.

Cons:

No estaba muy limpio, y las toallas no se veían muy limpias.

2026-05-01 • via Nuitee
L
Lucas • couple • be
8
2026-05-01 • via Nuitee
F
Fajri • couple • ma
7
2026-04-29 • via Nuitee
A
Amit • couple • in
8
A good stay for the unique experience of elephant bathing.
Pros:

The location is splendid can see the elephants bathing from the balcony and pool.

Cons:

The rooms could have been better.

2026-04-29 • via Nuitee
P
Pavan • extended_group • in
7
Pros:

View of river where elephants bath

Cons:

Price is too high for the way it’s being maintained. Maintenance needs to be improved.

2026-04-27 • via Nuitee
I
Ivana • family_with_children • hr
5
2026-04-24 • via Nuitee
K
Kincses • solo_traveller • hu
10
Pros:

The Hotel Elephant Bay is a perfect stay to visit the baths of the elephants, it has an amazing environment, very peaceful with friendly staff. If you book the room No. 203, you can enjoy the view of the elephants from your terrace. The quality of the food in the restaurant is also great and it has a great value, very cheap.

2026-04-24 • via Nuitee
A
ahmed • couple • ae
8
It was a great stay and there is nothing that I didn’t like about the hotel
Pros:

Epic location and very friendly staff

Cons:

If you get there before 4PM you have to buy a ticket to be able to get to the hotel which the hotel has no control of it as it’s mandated my the government.

2026-04-21 • via Nuitee
A
Alejandro • solo_traveller • ar
9
Un día en Pinnawala
Pros:

Por la cercanía con los elefantes cuando van al río y por la piscina

Cons:

Nada que decir al respecto

2026-04-21 • via Nuitee
C
Carla • extended_group • nz
5
If you want the photo stay one night
Pros:

Watching the elephants was cool
Matress was good
We stayed one night only

Cons:

Some elephants are chained and they have big metal hooks that they were poking them with - not nice to see.
Food was not pleasant
Towels were stained, water pressure (can’t comment as avoided showering all together)
There were flowers on the bed when we arrived, but they had two spiders on them - which wasn’t nice as they were on the bed
Building work happening above us so lots of banging and construction near the pool

2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • au
9
Pros:

Location, view, food

2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
A
Anna • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

The elephanrts in rhe river and the bats in the evening.

Cons:

The loud music at 23.30, waking us up.

2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
M
Madara • couple • lk
10
Pros:

No compln

2026-04-18 • via Nuitee
G
Gyanchandani • couple • in
10
2026-04-16 • via Nuitee
S
SPJ • solo_traveller • gb
6
2026-04-16 • via Nuitee