The Surf Hotel Bentota

The Surf Hotel is a lovely relaxing, peaceful place to stay, staff are very helpful and can't do enough for you. Check in was easy, we were given a cold towel and a most welcome iced tea, and our room was soon ready, even though we arrived before the 2pm check in time. The rooms appear to have recently been refurbished and are certainly up to a very good standard, all rooms have a stunning view of the Indian Ocean. Rooms are equipped with a safe, hairdryer and tea making facilities and a good shower/wet room. Two bottles of water per day are provided. Sheets and towels are changed on a daily basis. You need to request the fridge to be unlocked. There is a UK three pin plug and a three pin round plug in the room plus two isdn plugs, so if you have more than one device either fetch a UK plug adaptor with multiple sockets or a charger with dual USB points. You can get wifi all over the hotel, not a great speed but enough. Only the most fussy would find something to complain about breakfast, there is a wide choice and you can choose to eat outside on the terrace. For changing money, there is a money changer just at the end of Beach Road on the other side of the main road called Nilmi or The Bank of Ceylon also with an ATM is close by just cross the footbridge at the end of the railway station by the police station, but you need to have your passport and give your name and address, also as you exit the airport on arrival there are loads of money changers so worth getting some there, I was never charged commission, there is a small supermarket close by in Bentota but they don't sell alcohol, you have to find a wine store. A good day out can be had by visiting Galle, the 2nd class fare from Bentota is 120 rupees, around 50p! The journey takes around an hour but the train can get a bit packed, best get the 8.23 or 9.56 trains. The town of Aluthgama is about a fifteen minute walk away, you can get a tuk tuk outside the hotel for 100 rupees, if you are out walking you will be constantly hassled and approached and if you talk to anyone they will follow you which does become a bit annoying, so to avoid this make out you are Italian or French. I would definitely like to return to this hotel in the future. A note for duty free at the airport, you can't use rupees to purchase goods, not certain with food and drink though.

I went with my family around 20pax FB Basis, we all happy with overall experience. Special thanks to FOM - Mr. Dulaj to arranging the reservation and others. We got a warm welcome on arrival. We got a room in ground floor near the pool which was very convenient to access the pool, beach and restaurant. Food - All 3 meals buffet and quite happy with spread. It would great if they have arranged few grilled items. Lobby, Pool, Restaurant, Beach - All good and well maintained. Specially pool and beach was so great. Kids enjoyed the pool and beach very much. The only thing we were dislike is the hotel is bit clustered (Specially the entrance and other access points), So many doors etc… :-) We would recommend the hotel and would love to come back again