Royal Palms Beach Hotel

​It was the best solo trip I have ever taken. Not only did the wonderful island, nature, and ocean contribute to this, but especially the remarkable friendliness of the locals and, in particular, the hotel staff. At no point did it feel like you were being treated well just in the hope of getting a good tip, as is the case in many other countries. I believe friendliness is simply part of the culture here. ​I got to see many amazing things, and even during the off-season, a vacation on the west coast is definitely worth it. In the south of the island, there are also a few dive shops open during the off-season, which can be reached in about 1.5 hours using PickMe (the local Uber). Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to explore the entire island. I guess that means I’ll have to come back—and I would love to stay at this hotel again. ​The food was truly fantastic. Every day there was something for everyone, and (almost) everything tasted incredible.

A special thanks to my personal hotel guide, Hansa—he truly anticipated and fulfilled my every wish. He put in so much effort and found a solution for every problem. My room boy, Chanaka, made sure my room looked brand new every single day. He added sweet little details to the room daily, and I am very grateful to him for making me feel so comfortable. ​The pool boys, Nimal and Sarath, set up, prepared, and reserved my sunbed by the pool every day without me ever having to say a word. That was really something special. ​And not to be forgotten is the trainer and entertainer Lahiru (Lion), who kept me active as a solo traveler every day. He played volleyball with me in the water and on land and had many great activity offers to pass the time. That was truly special, and I hope to see you again sometime, buddy! ​ Unfortunately, I don't know the names of all the staff members, but I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the lovely people at the bar, the chefs, the service team, the men and women at reception, and the kind, warm-hearted people who opened doors for me every day and welcomed me with a smile.

Thank you all for a wonderful time here.

​Highly recommended! ​I will definitely come back one day.

Johannes

To start the staff are acceptionale and can't do enough to help. Reception and hotel entrance is fantastic Rooms : our room 344 The bathroom was acceptable but the room was dated and needed repairs. Lovely balcony overlooking pool and sea. The air con is not cold enough and you cannot alter it. Did not sleep well. Lowest temp on arrival was 27. After a complaint got it down to 23.5 which still wasn't good 😕 Food It's OK nothing special. The quality of meat is very poor. Prawns in currys always had shell on. Temperature of food not hot enough. Breakfast was good. We chose to eat in the cabana restaurant most days because it was freshly cooked food. It is cheap too and my favourite staff member works there 😀 a young boy and his parents should be so proud of him. Whilst the grounds are spectacular and we'll maintained its let down with the dated swim up bar. Pool needs re tiling both in and around it. Pool is warm and not refreshing. Entertainment The Entertainment was OK but same songs every night. 😴 All inclusiveness No free mini bar which was very disappointing Poor lion ice beer . You have to pay for any other beer. All cocktails are chargeable. You get 2 free waters a day that's it,! Lifts; please put a air freshener in as they smell awful. There is no night club. It shut 2 yrs ago. Never saw the cafe open There is no beach Out and about Go to bentota beach it's lovely Yala safari is great Elephant sanctuary was amazing We used Robert for our tuk tuk he was amazing. Took us everywhere and didn't cost much All in all one of the best holidays I've been on.