Royal Palms Reviews

Very nice hotel, right on the beach . stayed on all inclusive, food was good although drinks selection was a little limited. wine was in short supply. overall had a good holiday, staff were very good . only let down on this holiday was the company we booked with Mercury direct. on the return flight we were booked on there was a stop over in doha of 15 hours. yes 15 hours , had to change this at my own expence to a more reasonable time. no way would i travel with MERCURY DIRECT AGAIN . more like mercury indirect ..

After a long flight we were picked up at the airport and were taken on the 3hr drive to the hotel - for all it was a long journey it was so interesting the time passed quickly. We arrived at the hotel and were given such a warm welcome with drinks and hand towels. The hotel was superb, nothing was too much trouble for any member of staff, the meals were beautiful and to sit eating your meals looking on to the Indian Ocean was amazing.

We had read and heard alot about the organised tours and the varying quality and cost. Asking at the hotel doesn't aways reveal the best deal as nearly everyone has added interest in recommending a particular tour guide.

We chose a guide who operates from the front of the hotel called Susantha de Silva who told us he could take us on a tour up to Kandy - at first we were very sceptical but he walked down the road with us telling us about the area he then took us to his Buddist temple and to the herb gardens chatting all the time, he asked if we would like to go to his house to see his letters of recommendations, we did this and after reading them we booked to go on a two day trip to Kandy with him. We had a brilliant two days with him, Susantha really knows his stuff and it seemed that everyone knew him. When we returned from that trip we had two days relaxing at the hotel and then went on a day trip to Galle with Susantha. He had said he would pick us up in the air conditioned mini bus again but we really wanted to go to Galle by train, again this was no problem for him and he arranged everything. We would have no hesitation at all in recommending Susantha we had three brilliant days with him.

We had an absolutely fantastic time in Sri Lanka and would definitely go again.

The royal palms is an exellent luxury hotel. food and service is very good, the only thing that lets it down is the entertainment and animation, they dont cater for children either, but they do have an exellent pool.As sri lanka is mainly a touring island it is an idea hotel for relaxing at the end of a tour

tips
Self Driving - I have driven in many different countries without a problem. But after personally witnessing Sri Lankan driving skills, its definitely a challenge only for the locals.
Buses - they are very cheep, always full to overflowing, very hot and often unroadworthy. But if you want the trill give them a go, but make it a short trip, and sit in the middle.

Trains - You must at some part of trip take a train ride, my advise is that you research the best part, and each get a window seat on either side of the train, there are some of the most amazing views. A first class carried is not worth the extra cost unless the train is busy.

Touring - We found a Driver/Guide on the net, that had been recommended by a previous traveler, We were so lucky, he drove us so calmly , and so safely, he informed us of all the best sights to see and when. He got us the best prices on entry costs and secured the best hotels (at local rates). He gave us a very personalized tour, and treated us like royalty.

We had looked at what we wanted to do, and where we wanted to stay prior to traveling, he then suggested the best options for putting the tour together.
His help and advise defiantly made our holiday, and because we booked direct with him, we only paid a quarter of the normal tour operator charges.

This is one of the nicest hotels I have ever been to. The accommodation was excellent, (we were upgraded to a 4 roomed suite) and the complex was outstanding. Excellent food. Not much going on out of the complex, just a few bars and shops, but you really didn't want to move from the hotel at night. The staff couldn't have been more attentive, there main aim was to make sure you had a fantastic holiday. Tropical Places were very good. There was a private taxi waiting for us as soon as we stepped out of the airport, and after the long 3 hour journey to the hotel, we were greeted with iced tea and cold flannels, and within minutes the rep arrived to greet us.

I really recommend this hotel and couldn't fault it at all. I will most certainly be going back.

Just returned from the Royal Palms 5 star hotel in Sri Lanka. An outstanding country and an outstanding hotel. We recommend that you go before Sri Lanka becomes too commercialised.

The Royal Palms is an excellent hotel with very high standards. It is worth doing your research on the hotels as some of the older hotels looked very tatty. We have traveled around the world and the hotel pool is amongst the best.

When premium class with Monarch which is worth the upgrade cost. Transfer to the hotel from Colombo is a 4 hour nightmare but soon forgotten once you arrive at the Royal Palms. Excellent food - from any one of the three restaurants.

Went on three trips arranged with Walkers and not via Thomas Cook - a lot cheaper. An experience not to be missed - go now.