Payagala Vacation Rentals

"We went for this hotel based on the trust in the Riu brand, location, all inclusive basis and general good reviews. Overall the hotel was very good. We’d stop short of rating it as excellent based on some of the amenities looking / feeling slightly tired - probably on the basis of having been worked hard. Some key thoughts; We visited during the Middle East war / crisis and consequently the hotel was much quieter than normal. Therefore everything felt more spacious, less crowded and easier to access. We wondered how our very good experience might of been if the hotel had been close to full as we were told is the normally the case. The food was outstanding - particularly for an all inclusive. The choices were broad and quality excellent. The themed restaurants were also superb and easy to book. The Pan Asian and Sauté restaurants were particularly good. The staff were brilliant, so polite, helpful and curtious - a real credit to the hotel and Riu. There were 3 big pools but only one with an easy bar access which was also strictly (and enforced) adults only. That suited us but with parties including under 18s may be an inconvenience and something to consider. The rooms were big, clean with functional facilities and simple decor designs. The hotel is right on a stunning public beach. You can swim but need to take care due to big waves and strong currents. Overall, we’ve done lots of all inclusives and this one is defiibately up there as one of the better we’ve experienced! "

"A family business run by Himmel. The property sits right next to Bentota Lagoon. There is a daily shuttle to and from the beach. The accommodation is in a block of two floors. The rooms are clean and spacious with plenty of storage space and a large furnished patio or balcony overlooking the pool and lagoon. The rooms are kept very clean by very friendly staff. Breakfast is plentiful with a good choice. Himmel also runs a travel firm called Zeus Travel which provides transport to where ever you want to go. We gave him a list of places we wanted to see and he worked out an itinerary of day trips for us. He also acted as guide and came with us on each trip. The result was highly professional excursions on which we had a fabulous time. Overall we had a fantastic 10 days holiday with Himmel, his family and staff and the Lagoon Bentota comes highly recommended for a true Sri Lankan experience."

"Both the breakfast and dinner buffets were fresh with a good range of choices, regularly changed. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Methuli on the front desk was particularly helpful. I highly recommend this hotel and look forward to planning a return visit "

"Outdoor surroundings are beautiful, clean and well kept with easy access to a sandy beach. Pool is large and easily accessible. Food is lovely with a huge choice in the buffet. There's also an Italian restaurant and noodle bar on site. I think all rooms have a lovely view over the Indian Ocean. Staff are very attentive, kind and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and I hope to return next year."

"Lovely serene location and not far from restaurants. Great staff, restaurant and rooms. No complaints at all"

"This is a truly stunning hotel in a beautiful location. The staff look after you impeccably throughout your stay and are clearly very proud of their workplace and Sri Lanka itself. "

"Great breakfast "

"Clean, big and up todate rooms, direct access to private beach 50m"

"The was as advertised, however the restaurant and menu certainly were not 5 star. I complained to the manager regarding the lack of wine available with meals and lack of choice. This was escalated to the chairman. After much to and fro it was agreed I would receive a refund of two nights as we left early due to lack of choice and general incompetence. This refund was promised within 15 days on my payment card. Needless to say no refund and no reply to my enquiry. Their email system was also hacked. Not impressed and would not recommend. Very disappointed and not 4 star "