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
BBQ facilities
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional service
Beautiful views
Cons:
Distance from Kandy center

Categories

Cleanliness
9.16
The property is well-maintained and clean, indicating high standards.
Service
9.63
Exceptional service from the staff, consistently highlighted across reviews.
Location
9.57
The hotel is situated on top of a hill with beautiful views of Kandy.
Room Quality
9.32
Rooms have characterful furnishings and are well-appointed.
Amenities
9.15
Amenities like a swimming pool and TukTuk service add value to the stay.
Value for Money
9.11
Guest experiences suggest the quality of food justifies the cost.
Food and Beverage
9.76
Food is consistently praised as excellent and prepared with care.
Overall Experience
9.53
Overall stays exceeded expectations with strong recommendations.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-22 11:44

Property Description

Colonial Charm and Serene Surroundings

Luxurious Accommodations
The Elephant Stables offers elegantly decorated guestrooms with hardwood floors and modern amenities, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring Kandy. From the cozy seating area to the well-equipped minibar, every detail is designed for a relaxing stay.

Relaxation and Culinary Delights
Guests can indulge in leisurely afternoons by the outdoor swimming pool or treat themselves to traditional massages for the ultimate relaxation. The on-site restaurant, The Green Room, serves a delectable array of local Sri Lankan, Thai, and Continental cuisines, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

Experience the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility at The Elephant Stables. Book now for an unforgettable stay amidst the lush greenery of Kandy.

Important information:

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private 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 12 years old and over stay for US$80 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

9.4
Based on 206 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.16
Service: 9.63
Location: 9.57
Room Quality: 9.32
Amenities: 9.15
Value for Money: 9.11
Food and Beverage: 9.76
Overall Experience: 9.53
S
Stevie family_with_children gb
10
Fantastic one night stay. Staff exceptional and food delicious! Really great stop to recharge before our drive back sout
Pros:

We had a fabulous one night stay here that could not be faulted. The staff and location were superb and the food was fantastic. We had dinner in the garden which was delicious and our breakfast was the best we had in Sri Lanka!! We spent the evening watching the sunset and the bats fly through the trees

2026-04-06 via Nuitee
G
gary couple gb
10
We stayed in the Royal Tent. Fantastic 3 night stay, good food, good location, nice pool area
Pros:

Location in the hill above busy Kandy, secluded and peaceful. The staff were friendly and attentive . Special mention to the wonderful chef who took our meal order daily to shop for fresh produce, and then delivered excellent dishes probably the best we had in ShriLanka.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-06 via Nuitee
S
Sherpa812033 Couples Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England
10
Wonderful one night's stay - wish it had been longer
Pros:

There had been a mix up with our booking and the room we expected/had booked wasn't available. Mistakes happen and it's all part of life - the way someone deals with the error shows the quality of the customer service. We could not have been looked after better and the mistake was sorted quickly and with a friendly air. We did end up in the Royal Tent and it was a wonderful and very different experience to the one we were expecting.

The chef was amazing and so friendly - it was a pleasure to eat there - even though by this time I was ready for something really plain and simple. The chicken burger with all the side accompaniments was tasty and very fresh and filling.

Breakfast was a tasty and filling delight too. Lovely and fresh - marvellous

The stay was only one night, but I would gladly have spent longer there and enjoyed the wonderful hospitality longer if we had been able to do so.

Thank you to Nihal and all the team for a wonderful stay. You are the spirit of Sri Lanka and we applaud you

Love jill and john

2026-04-05 via Tripadvisor
7
705paulinem Couples Singapore
10
A very enjoyable stay
Pros:

We really enjoyed staying at the Elephant Stables, perched on a hillside looking over Kandy. The view from our room in the mornings with the mists rising and the sun coming up was magical! On both mornings we stayed we decided to have breakfast on the balcony of our room to make the most of this view. Although not extensive, the grounds were pleasant.
The breakfasts were excellent - providing both Sri Lankan and western style options. We only ate one evening meal there but that was delicious.
Our room was comfortable and quiet.
The staff were very welcoming and made us feel at home. We would happily stay there again if we ever return to Kandy.

2026-04-01 via Tripadvisor
9
962solveigb Family
10
Elegant, intimate, full of character with incredibly lovely staff
Pros:

Would highly recommend.
Great location - not too far from the old town you can go out for dinner, but elevated enough you have nice views on the terrace.
It is small enough to be intimate, the staff is soooooo kind and flexible.
The tent (for a family of 4) was a very positive surprise, massive height, character furniture, beautiful bathroom
We only had breakfast there but it wa delicious.
Special mention to Indika who was very helpful!

2026-04-01 via Tripadvisor
C
carolbC4919WV Friends getaway
10
Step back in time
Pros:

What a beautiful place makes you feel you have stepped back in time. The staff are so welcoming they couldn’t do enough for you. The chef prepared us some delicious evening meals and the breakfast presented beautifully. There’s a lovely pool with amazing views and although the dining room was very inviting we ate all our meals outside. The bedrooms were very spacious, clean and comfortable. All the staff were very helpful we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would not hesitate to recommend Elephant Stables

2026-03-30 via Tripadvisor
J
jameskb2021 Family
10
Outsanding Hotel with World Class Staff
Pros:

What can I say about this place...one of the best hotels i have ever stayed in. The building is beautiful, amazing views and brilliant tranquil location. The food was the best we ate in Sri Lanka during our 5 week trip. I am a chef and this cooking was world class!
What really makes the Elephant Stables so special is the staff. They are the kindest and most attentive people. Nothing was too much! They honestly made us feel so at home and like family during our stay. Every single one of them were outstanding however Nihal deserves a special mention - he really is one of the top hotel managers in the World and cares incredibly about his guests, staff and hotel. He is the soul of the place! We left The Elephant Stables considering him a good friend - We will be back!

2026-03-30 via Tripadvisor
S
skm66334 Family Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi
10
Great stay in a historic location
Pros:

We stayed in the David Lean bungalow for two nights and, given all our planned activities, never made it to the main hotel base. The bungalow was great - beautiful views down the valley from an elegant veranda, spacious rooms, a fascinating history, and the use of beautiful public rooms. Bandara (the butler and provider of meals) was a delight: always available with good advice and interesting snippets of historical note, but disappearing quietly when not required (PG Wodehouse would have been impressed). There was lots to do in Kandy. We really enjoyed our stay here!

2026-03-27 via Tripadvisor
A
Alex couple us
10
All around perfect place to stay
Pros:

The property is beautiful. We really enjoyed spending time watching the birds and hanging out by the pool.
Banda and Madu are wonderful hosts, and helped us out with delayed luggage.
Breakfast was wonderful and we recommend having dinner at least once during your stay too!
Truly, everything was perfect. We hope to return someday. :)

2026-03-20 via Nuitee
N
NMD44 Couples Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England
10
Delightful, quiet small hotel
Pros:

We spent three nights at this small hotel which is situated in a delightful location with views over Kandy and great sunsets. With only seven rooms the staff provide a highly personal service - friendly and attentive. Our room was spacious and comfortable - vey quiet at night except for the sound of crickets! We stayed in five different hotels during our Sri Lanka visit - and Elephant Stables provided the freshest and best cooked food and most generous portions. The choice of menu is small and preordering is necessary.

2026-03-04 via Tripadvisor
S
Sarah extended_group au
10
Exceptional!
Pros:

A sanctuary away from Kandy city with amazing views, interesting history, and delicious food, however without a doubt the highlight of our stay was the amazing hospitality provided by Bandara, Madhusanka and everyone at the bungalow.

2026-03-02 via Nuitee
8
866jw Couples Reigate, Surrey, England
10
Beautiful Location
Pros:

This is a little gem in Kandy. Beautiful house and grounds. The room with balcony we had was amazing. Everyone is extremely helpful and kind. The food is first class. Some of the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka. Highly recommend!

2026-02-27 via Tripadvisor
L
Lucysmumanddad Couples Cheshire, England
10
Perfect peace. Gorgeous food
Pros:

A prefect haven above Kandy. The staff welcomed us like returning friends, with cool drinks while we checked in.
We were in Pepper room, beautiful room with a four poster and large balcony. Big walk in shower. Plenty of bottles of water
We stayed for 2 nights and ate our evening meals there. The first night we had the Sri Lankan curry, so much food. We would have been ok with one meal between both of us. It was a bit spicy for me, despite asking for a very mild meal, but that’s me! The chef brought me a big bowl of curd which helped. The meals are a bit expensive, but prepared just for you and are gorgeous. You chose you dinner after breakfast, and choose breakfast after dinner. So you know it’s freshly done.
The views from the pool area are stunning. It’s so peaceful, so unnecessary background music, just birds singing.
There’s tortoises in the garden, just roaming around, monkeys do come down so windows need to be shut.
Just loveless it. Could have stayed way longer

2026-02-26 via Tripadvisor
F
FJGibbs Couples Kas, Turkish Mediterranean Coast
10
Peaceful and tranquil
Pros:

We had just one night at this beautiful hotel, so peaceful and tranquil, high above the bustling city of Kandy. It was such a treat, the hotel and grounds are beautiful, the room was lovely and comfortable with a fab bathroom and the staff were just fantastic. Breakfast was delicious too, sat outside with the incredible view! Sadly we only got to have one night here before moving on, but we loved it and would recommend.

2026-02-25 via Tripadvisor
G
geoffreym287 Couples Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
10
Fantastic service
Pros:

We stayed for 2 nights at this wonderful hotel. Colonial character with swimming pool. Our room was well furnished and the bed was very comfortable. 2 things really stand out. Firstly the quality of the food. Freshly cooked from local ingredients. My curry dinner was enormous. 12 dishes all perfect and enough for 2!! Secondly, the staff; all smiling and happy to see you and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble. Sitting in the garden for breakfast and dinner with a spectacular view was special. All the staff were brilliant but a special mention for Nihal who looked after us so well.

2026-02-18 via Tripadvisor
J
jorW4246VR Couples Northwich, Cheshire, England
10
simply heaven
Pros:

From the moment we arrived nihal and team couldn’t do enough for us
the food lovingly prepared by tyronne was delicious
best hotel and food since we arrived.
feel so cared for
thankyou team

2026-02-14 via Tripadvisor
L
Louise couple gb
10
Superb garden overlooking beautiful Kandy
Pros:

Superb view across the valley: fantastic food - we particularly enjoyed the hoppers but the curries were also lovely. Very friendly and helpful staff. We stayed in the tent which was a superb experience.

Cons:

Nothing at all. If you stay in the tent and are a light sleeper bring earplugs as the wildlife are quite noisy.

2026-02-12 via Nuitee
A
adamhF5373BT Couples Berkshire, England
10
A gem of a hotel, highly recommended
Pros:

I can highly recommend Elephant Stables in Kandy, for the service, accommodation, food and location. This is a small boutique hotel on top of a hill overlooking parts of Kandy city, the location is peaceful and views lovely. The room we had was very comfortable with excellent amenities and a large balcony overlooking the garden and the views beyond. The dinner was superb, I had the Indian tasting menu, breakfast was served in the garden and was also superb. The service from all the team at the hotel was excellent

2026-02-11 via Tripadvisor
M
Minna family_with_children fi
10
Pros:

Lovely personal service. Nice style and decoration.

Cons:

A bit far from everywhere.

2026-02-09 via Nuitee
S
Sally extended_group ca
9
A unique stay on a hilltop fort.
Pros:

The King’s Tent was so much fun! And the food was spectacular! Trust Niall to organize tours for you, he sent us everywhere we hoped to go and even arranged a replacement van last minute when our vehicle we had pre booked without him arrived and was sub par. DEFINITELY order breakfast and dinner here. Lovely sitting room for games. And a neat mini library upstairs.

Cons:

A little ways out but Tuktuks available to run you into town.

2026-02-08 via Nuitee