Hotel Elephant Bay

Hotels
8 (2007 reviews)
Pinnawala, , Pinnawala , lk

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
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: 02:30 PM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free public 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 15 years old stay for US$15 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    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

8
Based on 2007 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
V
van Dyk • couple • ae
9
Near to the elephants
Pros:

I loved to see the elephants in the river. The food was good. The staff friendly. The bed was comfortable. Little bit older building but everything was clean

Cons:

I liked everything

2026-06-11 • via Nuitee
K
Krzysztof • family_with_children • pl
3
Pros:

Lokalizacja

Cons:

Syf kiła i karaluchy

2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
T
Turkes • solo_traveller • tr
10
Pros:

The view is exceptional. You really feel like you're in a movie or watching a documentary. The rooms and facilities were clean. The food was good and the staff were friendly. We had a great time

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
P
Prabodha • couple • lk
6
Pros:

Only the view..

Cons:

They asked to check out early since less number of guests. Poor cleaning surfaces

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
A
Anton • couple • lk
8
2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
G
Geethaka • solo_traveller • lk
6
2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
H
Hassan • family_with_children • mv
9
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
H
HAIQI • solo_traveller • ae
9
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
A
Albert • solo_traveller • ru
8
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
C
Cutie • couple • gb
7
Great location to see the elephants
Pros:

Location

2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
L
Lahiru Chamara • extended_group • lk
9
Excellent location to see elephants, search no more
Pros:

Excellent location ! Very nice pool

2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
I
Irina • family_with_children • ru
10
Pros:

Мы в восторге от расположения, отношения персонала и качества обслуживания

2026-05-16 • via Nuitee
P
PRITI • couple • in
8
2026-05-15 • via Nuitee
C
Cheryl • couple • au
8
Best viewing for elephants from the orphanage
Pros:

Great location and view of elephants from the orphanage across the road. Great pool. Staff were super friendly and helpful.

Cons:

Difficult to access the property before check in time as elephants are crossing the road. Shower was super slippery.

2026-05-13 • via Nuitee
R
Renu • couple • mu
7
Pros:

Watching elephants in the morning that was pure bliss

Cons:

Old hotel

2026-05-13 • via Nuitee
D
Dumitru • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-05-12 • via Nuitee
B
Bandara • couple • lk
10
Pros:

No complen

2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
I
Indrajith • family_with_children • lk
1
Not value for money
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Receptionist (male) always try to cancel my booking from booking.com and book through him. We are not honored as well.

2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
S
SHASHIKALA • solo_traveller • lk
5
Pros:

Only the location and breakfast

Cons:

We were there for a one night and from the beginning we had an embarrassed situation that we wouldn't allow to drive into the hotel before 4o'clock and we were given a very poor ordinary and basic room for our BB basis booking. Their Bathroom is smelly very badly and fittings are very ordinary and dirty. Room not much clean as well as pillows towels and sheets. Interms of service of the staff, is very poor they don't have staff for room service even. When we place an order from the restaurant we had to collect those from the restaurant and bring them to the room by our self. We could give our small recommendation and green light only for the breakfast they provided.

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
C
Clare • couple • gb
10
Dreamy
Pros:

The view from the hotel to watch the elephants was a dream come true.

The staff were very friendly and happy to help with any requests.

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee