Heritance Kandalama

Hotels
•
Aitken Spence Hotels
9 (2211 reviews)
P.O Box 11, Heritance Kandalama , Sigiriya , LK

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent food & extensive buffet breakfast/dinner
Amazing pool
Outstanding spa and amenities
Beautiful, unique location and views
Striking architecture and immersion in nature
Friendly, exceptional staff
Private, spacious and comfortable rooms
Very clean
Cons:
Complicated/incorrect Booking.com reservation handling
Bar poorly positioned/understaffed (limited service at the bar)
Property can be difficult to find

Categories

Cleanliness
9
Multiple reviews explicitly note rooms and public areas as very clean; overall housekeeping appears reliable.
Service
8
Staff repeatedly described as wonderful and exceptional, but service-related issues were reported (complicated/incorrect Booking.com reservation handling and limited bar staffing), which lowers this score slightly.
Location
9
Many guests praise the beautiful, unique setting and amazing views; one review notes the property can be hard to find, a minor downside.
Room Quality
9.5
Rooms described as comfortable, spacious, very private with great views (balconies, wildlife sightings); overall high-quality accommodation.
Amenities
9
Excellent spa and pool repeatedly praised; strong amenity offering overall, though the bar setup/staffing was noted as suboptimal by at least one guest.
Value for Money
9
Not explicitly discussed in reviews; assigned target overall rating (standard quality for this hotel tier).
Food and Beverage
9.5
Food and buffet repeatedly described as excellent, fresh, and extensive (breakfast and dinner highly praised); a minor operational issue with bar placement/staffing was mentioned separately.
Overall Experience
9
Overall impression is very positive across reviews: unique, immersive setting, excellent amenities, food and staff — minor operational issues noted but do not dominate the guest experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-12 22:25

Property Description

Panoramic Views and Unique Design
Experience a tranquil retreat at Heritance Kandalama, where you can admire the stunning panoramic views of the Sigiriya Rocks from a unique architectural masterpiece.

Luxurious Amenities and Activities
Indulge in the 3 impressive pools, bird watching, tennis courts, a well-equipped gym, and the renowned Coco Spa. Embark on exotic excursions like mountain cycling and lake safaris to explore Sri Lanka's natural beauty.

Culinary Delights and Dining Experiences
Savor breakfast on the lake, themed international cuisine at Kanchana Restaurant, and unique dining in a nearby cave. Enjoy your meals with breathtaking views of the Sigiriya citadel and Kandalama Lake.

Book your stay at Heritance Kandalama for an unforgettable blend of luxury, nature, and culture.

Important information:

Please present the same credit card used to guarantee your booking when checking in or making payment at the property.

If you are making payment using another cardholder's credit card, please provide the following to the property prior to your arrival:

1) Authorization letter with cardholder's signature
2) Copy of the cardholder's card (front and back of card with cardholder's signature)
3) Copy of the cardholder’s passport or driver’s license

Please note that the property may contact the cardholder for verification purposes.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: CMB

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 2211 reviews
Cleanliness: 9
Service: 8
Location: 9
Room Quality: 9.5
Amenities: 9
Value for Money: 9
Food and Beverage: 9.5
Overall Experience: 9
A
Aimee • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

This place is magical! One of the best hotels we have stayed in. The views and the jungle are just beautiful. The monkeys on the terrace in the morning, the friendly staff. I would happily come back to stay.

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
T
Ting • couple • fr
10
2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
S
Sehnaz • couple • gb
8
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
H
Huan • solo_traveller • cn
10
不虚此行！
Pros:

酒店在湖山之间，客房可以远望狮子岩，餐食也不错，烤羊肉很好吃。五楼酒吧晚上有乐队表演！也可以坐在大堂吧看夕阳。

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
H
Huan • solo_traveller • cn
10
Pros:

酒店在湖山之间，可以远眺狮子岩！也有其他的娱乐活动！

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
P
Pradeepan • couple • au
4
Pros:

⭐⭐⭐ Disappointing experience despite some positives

I recently stayed at Heritance Kandalama and, unfortunately, there were a few issues that affected my overall experience.

1. Booking.com payment issue:
I made my reservation through Booking.com, and the payment was held/blocked one night before my arrival. However, when I checked in, the hotel staff told me that the payment had not been received and seemed unaware of how the Booking.com payment process worked. I had to spend nearly 40 minutes at the reception while they tried to sort it out. This should have been handled much more efficiently, and I believe the front-office staff need better training on OTA/Booking.com payment procedures.

2. Inconsistent buffet dress-code policy:
This was the most disappointing part of my stay. Before entering the buffet, I was told that the dress code required guests to wear trousers and a T-shirt, and there was a notice referring to the dress requirements for both men and women. I was asked to leave and change because I was wearing a skimmer and shorts, which I respected and did.

However, shortly afterwards, I saw a female guest entering the buffet wearing what was essentially a bikini/very revealing outfit. When I questioned the staff, I was told that the dress-code restriction was apparently only applicable to men and that women could dress that way.

If the hotel has a dress code, it should be clear, consistent and equally applied to all guests, regardless of gender. Being asked to change while others were allowed to enter in much less appropriate attire understandably felt unfair and was quite disturbing.

3. Swimming pool hygiene:
I was also concerned about the hygiene around the swimming pool, particularly seeing monkeys using the pool area and even bathing in the pool. This raises obvious hygiene concerns, and I believe the hotel should take stronger measures to prevent this.

Cons:

⭐⭐⭐ Disappointing experience despite some positives

I recently stayed at Heritance Kandalama and, unfortunately, there were a few issues that affected my overall experience.

1. Booking.com payment issue:
I made my reservation through Booking.com, and the payment was held/blocked one night before my arrival. However, when I checked in, the hotel staff told me that the payment had not been received and seemed unaware of how the Booking.com payment process worked. I had to spend nearly 40 minutes at the reception while they tried to sort it out. This should have been handled much more efficiently, and I believe the front-office staff need better training on OTA/Booking.com payment procedures.

2. Inconsistent buffet dress-code policy:
This was the most disappointing part of my stay. Before entering the buffet, I was told that the dress code required guests to wear trousers and a T-shirt, and there was a notice referring to the dress requirements for both men and women. I was asked to leave and change because I was wearing a skimmer and shorts, which I respected and did.

However, shortly afterwards, I saw a female guest entering the buffet wearing what was essentially a bikini/very revealing outfit. When I questioned the staff, I was told that the dress-code restriction was apparently only applicable to men and that women could dress that way.

If the hotel has a dress code, it should be clear, consistent and equally applied to all guests, regardless of gender. Being asked to change while others were allowed to enter in much less appropriate attire understandably felt unfair and was quite disturbing.

3. Swimming pool hygiene:
I was also concerned about the hygiene around the swimming pool, particularly seeing monkeys using the pool area and even bathing in the pool. This raises obvious hygiene concerns, and I believe the hotel should take stronger measures to prevent this.

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
עינת • couple • il
10
2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
B
Bingyan • family_with_children • cn
10
Pros:

This is a luxurious hotel set by a beautiful lake, with stunning scenery and an excellent design that blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature. The hotel itself feels like an attraction, so I would recommend setting aside some extra time to simply enjoy the property and its surroundings. One of the most memorable experiences was having wild monkeys visit our balcony, which was both unexpected and fascinating. The breakfast and dinner buffets were generous and offered a wide variety of choices. The room was comfortable enough, and the hotel had a good range of facilities. Overall, it was a wonderful place to stay.

Cons:

The only downside was that the check-in process was slow.

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
R
RYUJI • couple • jp
9
自然に向き合うとはこういうことがと、感じさせられました。
Pros:

とても良かったですよ！
快適でしたし、レストランのウェイトレスの子に、
私がチューミーと名付けるくらい可愛い子で、
とても満足してます。

Cons:

うん、そうだねー、
あえて、あえていうと、大変とは思いますが、
ガラスが汚れているところです。
それは努力してもらいたいですね。
でもチャーミーのお陰で、、
あ、それと、マッサージが最高でした！
今までの人生で一番良かったんです。
名前は分からなああですが、
かなりの腕前、、日本には居ません。
私の担当の方はわかると思うので、しっかりと評価してあげて下さい。

チャーミーは、次行くときにはポケッに入れて持って帰ります。
^_^

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
F
Fumiya • couple • jp
9
Pros:

景色、静けさ、食事

Cons:

老朽化した施設

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee
S
Sokratis • solo_traveller • au
9
Pros:

Wonderfully designed hotel amongst the jungle where you can see elephants 🐘 monkeys and other wildlife whilst you relax in the pool or your room.

Cons:

Staff were quite slow, asked multiple times for coffee at breakfast

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • couple • au
9
2026-09-17 • via Nuitee
H
Hayley • couple • nz
10
2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
保津 • extended_group • jp
10
死ぬまでに一度は行くべきホテル
Pros:

バワさんのコンセプトが素敵。こんなに自然にお邪魔させていただいている感じのホテルは初めて！また必ずいきたい

Cons:

とくにない

2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
L
Lindsay • couple • gb
10
Absolutely fantastic - we enjoyed every minute we spent here
Pros:

We liked everything - the welcome, the room and the monkeys, the infinity pool that you could swim in and look over the lake, the wildlife around the hotel (birds, bats, lizards, squirrels), the attentive, friendly staff in the restaurant that seemed to cater for all tastes

Cons:

Just the price of wine at dinner, which turned out to be way more expensive than expected. I think tax was added, so the price you see on the menu isn’t what you pay

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
S
Suki • family_with_children • gb
8
Made my birthday trip even more special
Pros:

The property was beautifully located and very picturesque

Cons:

The monkeys

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
T
Tom • couple • fr
10
2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
S
Shimizu • couple • jp
10
2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
R
Reis • family_with_children • pt
8
Um lugar de sonho
Pros:

Dependeu muito da lotacao do hotel. Com muitos clientes internacionais, os buffets eram otimos. Se fossem poucos clientes e apenas orientais, aí a coisa complica.
É um hotel de selva, os macacos estao nas nossas janelas, nos corredores, os elwfantes passeiam pela prpriedade, como bufalos, cavalos e todo tipo de aves e rwpteis.
É uma delicia.
Mas é dificil de manter um determinado standard.
A arquitetura do hotel é magnifica, o que se pode visitar nos arredores tambem.
Poderiam twr mais cuidado com o cliente

Cons:

Da forma como olham para o cliente como um mealheiro andantw

2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
R
ratukondla • couple • gb
9
Pros:

very good ambience and design,spacious rooms ,good views ,staff service excellent ,food can be better.

Cons:

Dinner average and needs improving especially the indian food .

2026-09-10 • via Nuitee