Hotel Hibiscus Reviews

This was our first time to Sri Lanka. We have been to India a few times before.

The Hotel Hibiscus is next to the Mermaid Hotel and one kilometre from the Tangerine Beach and Real Palms Hotels. It is right on the beach, which is steep and narrow, but clean with fine sand. The sea was a little rough but we were able to swim close in with ease. The beach itself was virtually deserted. This was mainly due to the hawkers who eagerly and quite persistently try to sell you anything from trinkets to overnight trips in-land. However they tend to back off after a few days after you`ve either bought something from them or realise you won`t buy anything at all.

It is up to you, but it is worth remembering that the average wage is about £20 per month, so a couple of quid for a T-shirt makes all the difference to them. It is a shame that some tourists do not venture outside the hotel complexes in fear they will get hassled. We actually struck up a friendship with a couple of them and went on trip with them (more later). In fact one of the Tuk-Tuk (auto-rickshaw) drivers outside the hotel became good friends. Saman was worth his weight in gold. He took us on several local trips (waterfalls were wonderful) that were not known or available through the hotel or rep., he also taxied us to banks, shops, chemists and local temples. He charged us very little for a full day!, and made us feel guilty if we offered him more. He invited myself to his home which was a wonderful if not a little humbling experience. His Tuk-Tuk is British racing green and is called the Flying Donkey.

The hotel itself was very good and we recommend it. Clean as clean can be. Fresh linen, bed change and towels daily. Good, quiet A/C and ceiling fan, satellite T.V and reasonably priced mini-bar. Pleasant and welcoming staff. Relatively cheap pool and main bar - a pound for a cocktail (the local spirits do not taste quite the same as the Western originals!)and 90p for over a pint of good Lion lager. The evening entertainment ranged from good to terrible (which in itself was entertaining). The pool was lovely and clean and we could always get a couple of loungers; pool towels were clean and free. There is some intersting wild-life in the gounds - chipmunks (they make some strange noises), small and large lizards (monitors)and fruit-bats - all harmless.

We stayed half-board. The breakfasts and evening meals were alright. Plenty of choice but particularly aimed at German taste buds (who make up the majority of guests here). Rice and Curry available at both mealtimes (good but not as varied as in India). The seafood at the beach-shacks and at the few nearby restaurants (near to the Tangerine Beach Hotels) is caught off the resort beach by local fisherman and freshly cooked . It is superb, I have not tasted fish like this in the UK and it is at unbelievebly low prices. The fruit is out of this world too. If you go to the Hill Country near Kandy treat yourself to a red banana - they are a lot sweeter than their yellow variety but you can`t get them by the coast.

The resort itself is just a few hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants. Kalutara town is actually three kilometres south. It is a working town and in no way touristy. It is well worth a visit and reflects true Sri Lanka. There is a large Buddhist Temple as you approach Kalutara from the main road over the river (the Kalu Ganga)and a smaller Hindu temple in the town itself (ask directions or get a Tuk-Tuk). You will get some hassle here, as in any town in this part of Asia - it will be polite but be firm. On the face of it there appears to be less extreme poverty than in India, but, again, you will experience beggars in built up areas. All the banks offer better exchange rates than the hotel (up to 10% better) and less or no commission. So the trip in Tuk-Tuk to the town to change money more than pays for itself. Prior to going to Sri Lanka, we read in a couple of the more well-known guide books that travellers cheques attract higher exchange rates and lower commission than cash. On both counts we found neither to be true.

Our two day trip to Kandy was well worth the £40 each. We went with Jalli one of the locals rather than through the rep. and we were n`t disappointed . Visited pineapple and tea plantations, saw a Kandy dance and the Temple of the Tooth; the botanical gardens are breath-taking. The hotel in Kandy (the Thilanka) was of good standard and the resident troupe of monkeys on your balcony was amusing (do not let them in and remember they can open unlocked doors!). The only downside was the visit to the Spice Garden. There are several hundred of these on the way to to Kandy. They all state that they are Government sponsored research sites and sell the best herbal remedies. In fact once you have been shown around a garden about the size of a stamp you given a hard-sell to buy a £3 tub of Aloe Vera for £12.

I hired a motorbike (125cc) from a local which broke down several hours after I had got it. The owner took no responsibility but Saman managed to negotiate a cheap repair from a local mechanic. Slightly annoying to say the least. Good way to see local area but would need a machine a little more substantial to see the whole country. Apparently there are reputable motorcycle hire shops in Colombo (50 Km north) and Hikadawu (40km south) but not in Kalutara. The roads are an experience, especially the Colombo - Galle Road (runs through Kalatura). The problem is that the main roads are actually quite well maintained - leading to an increase in speed and general disrespect especially from lorries and buses. They give you no space and then overtake you and then stop quickly (rarely have working brake lights). Good mirrors are therefore essential. There is no check on exhaust fumes so some sort of face/ mouth covering is recommended; helmets are mandatory. Once of the main roads things are more quieter if a little more bumpy; but remain vigilant. Rider beware!

Unfortunately ten days after arriving home the Tsunami struck. Fortunately Saman and his family are safe and we have sent them some money. Our hearts go out to all effected by this disaster. Hopefully over time Sri Lanka and elsewhere will be able to rebuild itself and we can visit this wonderful country again.

John and Nicky