HELGASFOLLY Anti Hotel Residence

This place is an amazing experience steeped in creativity and history. It is somewhere to visit and gives insight into what life was like in colonial times in Sri Lanka, added with a dose of upper class British eccentricity. I loved its charm and it felt like a relic frozen in time. The staff were lovely too.

Everything.

My husband and I stayed here knowing that we were either going to love or hate Helgasfolly, and we were very pleased to find that we absolutely loved it! We spent evenings wandering around looking at the vast collection that makes Helga’s so special, or tucked up in the cinema room watching “Elephant Walk” (at Madam Helga’s recommendation). Helga’s also offers wonderful service, from the moment you go to breakfast, the staff are friendly, polite and very knowledgeable, they really made our stay perfect! Nothing was too much trouble, and we felt instantly welcome. The highlight, of course, was speaking with Madam Helga herself, who gave us a glimpse into the history of the house! We have since recommended Helga’s Folly to our friends, and we will be back!

We loved everything about Helga's Folly and definitely hope to return. The host - Helga was fantastic and we were lucky enough to talk with her. The breakfast was the best that we had all holiday.

Je moet hierheen als je houdt van anders dan een saai standaard hotel. Het is een flamboyant ingericht hotel en restaurant. Aardig personeel en je komt ogen tekort. Je waant je Alice in Wonderland tussen smaak, historie en wansmaak in. Als je graag kunt lachen om apen capriolen: ze lopen op de balkons en zijn heel entertaining. Het diner was ook fantastisch lekker!

It is Helgasfolie.

Posto al di la’ dell’immaginazione, veramente una follia!

This was the quirkiest most incredible hotel I have ever stayed in. Not 5 star by any means but totally fascinating with the art work and photos on every surface. It is Alice meets Bridezilla in every facet. We loved meeting Madam Helga and were fascinated by the stories and history. A unique experience!

Det hele

Loved the history of this place and decor (whilst not to everyone's taste!) is absolutely incredible, everywhere you look you'll find interesting artwork. The staff were friendly and we enjoyed watching the monkeys playing from our balcony.

The entire place is incredible and definitely worthy of staying there.

The history behind how the hotel become Helgasfolly.

The history and art works were fascinating of an era past with a glimpse of a special life and family
Staff were very welcoming and tried very hard

Loved the fun decor and vibe of the hotel overall with the quirky decor and fascinating story as well as the art all around. The location was perfect as it was on a hill where it was quiet allowing you to collect your thoughts and lounge with a short walk to the Lake for a lovely sunset walk.

Breakfast was great and the food generally was very good

Fascinating history and definitely unique. It felt like a cross between a halloween house and Miss Havershams house in Great Expectations. It lacked the level of cleanliness that is important to me. It all felt a bit grungy. I appreciate it must be very difficult to keep clean. Staff were very friendly. Food was okay.

Pleasant staff. Hotel has a rich and interesting history with some beautiful art, antiques and curios in the common areas.

Like about the place? I LOVED the place. That said Helgasfolly is not to everyone’s taste, so don’t book to stay here, if you are ‘a 5 star all inclusive generic luxury hotel you can find anywhere type of person’. This hotel is unique. There is something to look at in every corner. It’s quite hard to describe. Maybe ‘Alice in Wonderland gone wrong’ but actually it is so much better than that. The staff are also quite special. We found them to be both charming and incredibly helpful. I would definitely recommend dining in the restaurant to enjoy the full experience of staying in this ‘anti hotel’ and the breakfast in the morning complete with silver teapot is a joy. Before we left Madame Helga herself rang to speak to me to check we had enjoyed our stay! I actually felt it was a privilege to stay at this property and very much look forward to returning in the future.