The Notary's House

Hotels
9.6 (65 reviews)
Mawathahena Watta, Gonawila, Makandura , Makandura , lk

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Safety deposit box
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful location
Exceptional service
Peaceful environment
Cons:
Room cleaning issues
Food at times disappointing

Categories

Cleanliness
8.8
Mentioned issues with room cleaning were noted.
Service
10
Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff mentioned in multiple reviews.
Location
9.8
Beautiful location highlighted by numerous reviewers.
Room Quality
9.8
Rooms were described as big, clean, and beautifully presented.
Amenities
9.8
Good amenities observed, including swimming pool and dining options.
Value for Money
9.8
Overall experience suggests good value for the quality offered.
Food and Beverage
8.8
Some reviews expressed disappointment about the food.
Overall Experience
10
Overall sentiments were highly positive, with many reviewers wanting to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 15:45

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation: The Notary's House in Makandura offers a tranquil stay with modern amenities and stunning lake views. Each room is elegantly furnished with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private balcony.

Exceptional Facilities: Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, garden, and terrace, perfect for relaxation. Indulge in delicious meals at the on-site restaurant or opt for convenient room service. The 24-hour front desk ensures all needs are met promptly.

Convenient Location: With key attractions like St Anthony's Church and Dutch Fort nearby, and the Bandaranaike International Airport a short drive away, The Notary's House is the ideal choice for a memorable stay in Makandura.

Book your stay at The Notary's House now for a luxurious and convenient experience.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private 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 5 years old stay for US$30 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for US$40 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.6
Based on 65 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.8
Service: 10
Location: 9.8
Room Quality: 9.8
Amenities: 9.8
Value for Money: 9.8
Food and Beverage: 8.8
Overall Experience: 10
E
Eilidh • couple • gb
10
A wonderful, homely hotel
Pros:

Lovely and helpful staff, free bike tour around the lake and jungle, spacious spotless rooms. Food was also excellent. Great place to stay after a long flight.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
A
Amalie • couple • dk
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Manrita • extended_group • gb
5
great for a remote break
Pros:

the staff were exceptional and so accomodating. They took very good care of us and if it wasn't for the staff, then this hotel would not be outstanding. The rooms were lovely and big, there was a relaxing feel to the property. Unfortunately we didn't get to enjoy the pool or the surroundings as much as it rained the entire time we were there. The staff arranged for a lovely tuk tuk ride around the lake which was lovely. The food was excellent and the staff so polite and accomodating. Really welldone to the staff.

Cons:

It appears on booking.com that the rooms have a TV - they do not! so just to make you aware of this. Perhaps it was due to the rain but the water and electricity in our rooms kept cutting off. One morning I woke up to turn the tap on and no water came out. My showers were completely cold the entire stay at this property - again I don't know if this was due to the rain but we were without electricity for 3 hours in the morning - could possibly be longer. The staff did not seem to respond to this well. There was a lack of clarity about the prices of dinner at the hotel, we would order the food and not know the prices or a menu until after. This was misleading.

2026-01-15 • via Nuitee
L
Lucy • couple • gb
10
Wow, such a fabulous stay! Would highly recommend!
Pros:

An exceptional place to stay in beautiful surroundings.

A huge thank you to Dushan for his service. The breakfast and dinner were superb!

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-13 • via Nuitee
W
Wendy • couple • gb
10
A quiet comfortable first night in SriLanka
Pros:

A beautiful building. High ceilings, grand space but rest assured that it is an understated grandeur, set on the banks of a lake. Lovely flowers and birds. A tranquil place. Great Sri Lanka food. We didn’t try the western food, so cannot comment. Nice pool. It was about 45-50 mins from Colombo airport but a world away from the bustle of a city. English sockets was helpful. Good Wi-Fi connection. The kitchen garden is worth a tour.

Cons:

I cannot think of anything.

2026-01-12 • via Nuitee
J
Jacqueline • couple • us
10
Great value withvery elegant grounds. Feels like an oasis of sophistication plus a touch of antiquit
Pros:

The staff were excellent, the food was terrific and the grounds exceeded my expectation. The room was very large and majestic. I felt like a queen!

Cons:

Moth ball smell on the swimming pool towels.

2026-01-08 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • mt
10
Home away from home!
Pros:

Everything from check-in to check-out was flawless. The staff was very helpful, especially Duzhan (sorry for spelling), but everyone was great. The property is set in a large, spacious house and tastefully decorated. There is a lovely pool which we didn't have time to use, but it was amazing. The breakfast was perfect. We had a choice between a Sri Lankan or Western breakfast, and as we've had enough curry for a while, opted for the Western option. We could have had eggs, but chose yogurt, coffee, toast, etc and it came with local jam and a fruit plate. All of it served in a lovely setting overlooking the grounds. For dinner, we enjoyed a traditional Sri Lankan rice dish set in a banana leaf which was scrumptious!

Honestly, this is a place not to miss if you come to Sri Lanka. Thanks to the entire team!

Cons:

Absolutely nothing.

2026-01-07 • via Nuitee
N
Nicola • solo_traveller • gb
8
A great start to a trip!
Pros:

A great place for R&R at the beginning of a trip to recover from an overnight flight (or prior to a return flight). We again spent a couple of nights which was the perfect amount. The rooms are all picturesque, large and comfortable with air-con and overhead fans, whichever category you choose. Actually, the lower category rooms have better views of the lake! The pool is lovely. Good to have some bikes this time.

Cons:

Being picky, the previous chef has left and the food this time was not as memorable or delicious as 3 years ago when it was beautifully presented and some of the best we had over a month’s trip.

2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
B
Ben • couple • gb
10
A great place to relax for a few days after arrival or before departure.
Pros:

The location is fantastic right next to the lake. Th flora and fauna are fascinating especially the birds in the morning. Breakfast was good with western and Sri Lankan choices. We ate there in the evenings and the food including the curry and rive were ecellent. The staff are a credit to the property and escorted us on a bike tour of the local area. We thoroughly enjoyed our two nights here decompressing after long haul flights. We would definitely recommend and return

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-05 • via Nuitee
J
Janet • couple • gb
8
2026-01-04 • via Nuitee
R
Ruth • couple • gb
10
2026-01-01 • via Nuitee
S
sarah • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Beautiful location, perfect place to relax into the beginning or end of a holiday. Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, food was excellent. Really recommend

Cons:

Weirdly our room wasn't cleaned during the day and had to ask for more water but really this was a minor detail.

2025-12-28 • via Nuitee
J
João • solo_traveller • pt
10
Pros:

Excellent place to relax and feel the real sri lankan atmosphere.
Beautiful building/house. Beautiful and peaceful garden with a seren natural lake. A beautiful bhuddist temple near.
Above all, the persons in charge of the place and all the people in general.
One of the best places, ever.

Cons:

Nothing

2025-12-22 • via Nuitee
G
Genevieve • family_with_children • gb
10
2025-12-20 • via Nuitee
M
matthew • extended_group • gb
10
2025-12-19 • via Nuitee
S
Sally • family_with_children • nz
8
Pros:

This property is very charming, very clean and beautifully presented. The staff were absolutely wonderful and bent over backwards to look after us and host us. We really enjoyed dining outside overlooking the garden and being charmed by the wild life. The rooms were big and generous as were the ensuites.

Cons:

The food was a bit disappointing.

2025-12-08 • via Nuitee
G
Gintarė • couple • ae
10
Excellent
Pros:

The hospitality here is top-notch. Sadly we didn’t had time to stay longer. Would definitely come back!

2025-11-20 • via Nuitee
C
Cécile • couple • it
10
Lovely stay at the notary’s house
Pros:

Beautiful location and property, the room was beautiful and clean. We also had a dinner and breakfast which were very good. Wonderful service too. Perfect way to start our honeymoon

2025-11-13 • via Nuitee
D
Delusha • couple • au
10
2025-11-11 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • gb
10
Superb one night stay after a long flight
Pros:

Perfect setting and location for our needs

Cons:

Nothing

2025-11-01 • via Nuitee