Hotel Elephant Bay - World's Best Place to See the Elephants

Hotels
8 (2073 reviews)
Pinnawala, , Pinnawala , lk

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Business center
Family rooms
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.

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 02:00 PM

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 2073 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
K
KANAYO • family_with_children • jp
8
象をみるにはとても良い！
Pros:

何と言っても朝食の場所から象の水浴びが見られてとても良かった！朝食どころではないくらい興奮した。

Cons:

スリランカ料理がメインで、子どもたちはパンしか食べられなかった。

2026-08-27 • via Nuitee
S
Savannah • couple • us
10
We stayed in a balcony room and it was beautiful to experience the elephants just sitting in our room and while eating d
Pros:

The property was incredibly well managed and the staff was incredibly. Kind

Cons:

Nothing

2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
A
Ali • couple • au
10
You must visit this V place when in Sri Lanka !
Pros:

The Elephants were so close to us which was why we stayed there. The rooms we spacious, clean and had a good view of the river. The food was good, breakfast excellent!!! The pool was lovely.

Cons:

Check in 4 pm- but we asked for late check out and got 3 pm for free.

2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
Y
Yaroslava • extended_group • de
10
Pros:

Замечательное расположение 😊
Слонов можно посмотреть с 10 до 12, и с 14 до 16.
Очень приветливый и отзывчивый персонал. Остались очень довольны.

2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
K
katkam • extended_group • us
10
2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
R
Rakesh • extended_group • in
10
2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
N
Natalia • couple • es
5
Lo único que vale la pena es poder ver los elefantes.
Pros:

La mejor parte del hotel, sin duda, son las vistas. Desde allí se puede disfrutar de unas vistas preciosas al río y ver a los elefantes. Lo que hace que la experiencia realmente merezca la pena.

En cuanto a la habitación, me pareció bastante sencilla y algo anticuada, y la sensación general en cuanto a calidad y mantenimiento podría mejorar. No es un alojamiento que destaque por sus instalaciones, pero las vistas al río y la posibilidad de contemplar elefantes hacen que la visita al hotel valga la pena.

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
N
Nawrot • solo_traveller • pl
10
2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

You stay here for the view! The rooms are average and not that clean. But the view of the elephants makes up for its fails.

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
V
Victoria • couple • gb
10
2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
M
Miguel • couple • es
10
Perfect days with elephants
Pros:

Everything was amazing!

Cons:

-

2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
B
Benno • solo_traveller • de
10
2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
T
Tazetdinova • couple • ru
8
Pros:

Даже и не знаю что написать про данный отель. Единственный плюс для меня, мы забыли в номере личную вещь. Нам её на такси отправили в другой отель. Спасибо за это. Остально я даже не знаю как описать. Некоторые слоны на цепях привязаны. Бассейн чистый. В номере без обуви невозможно ходить. Да и вообще спать на этом постельном и вытираться полотенцами которые там сомнительно прям 🙈

2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
G
Gangani wajiramali • family_with_children • fr
10
Lovely two ladies in reseption
Pros:

Beautiful location

Cons:

Everything is perfect

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
S
Simon • couple • fr
10
2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
E
Elena • extended_group • it
10
Pros:

We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The restaurant deserves a special mention: the food was absolutely delicious, with excellent quality and great attention to detail. We especially appreciated the warm and professional service throughout our stay.

A special thank you to Yasith, who was incredibly kind, attentive and helpful. His service really made a difference and contributed to making our experience even more enjoyable.

Highly recommended — we would be very happy to come back!

2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • couple • es
10
Pros:

Las vistas al río con los elefantes son increíbles.

Cons:

Entraba un poco de agua cuando llovía por debajo de la puerta del balcón

2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
V
Valeria • solo_traveller • tr
8
Pros:

Великолепное расположение. Очень красивое место. Архитектура гостиницы красивая, гармоничная к окружаюшей природе. Вежливый, услужливый персонал. Вкусные и обильные завтраки.

Cons:

Двери в некоторых комнатах нуждаются в ремонте, а также трещина в стене ванной комнаты

2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
D
DLKMRV • solo_traveller • be
8
2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
G
Gemma • extended_group • es
8
2026-08-18 • via Nuitee