Queens Ark

The best thing about this hotel is the owner, Nimal. Such a friendly guy and will go out of his way to ensure you have a great stay. It was school holidays and his family were around. It really felt like a friendly home stay! His wife cooked us the most delicious curries with chicken, Dahl, pappadam, coconut sambal, vegetables- prepared for our late arrival on first evening and we ate in their lovely colourfully decorated dining area. Dinner was so good, we asked for it again next night! Breakfast was also delicious with tropical fruits, eggs, roti, toasts, fresh squeezed juices etc. The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable. It’s only a short walk to start of Adam’s Peak trail. We were there during Sri Lankan NY holidays (April). Was so busy with local religious pilgrimage (scores of busloads) that we decided not to climb. Not our kind of walking- we like nature and tranquility. Instead, Nimal suggested a walk through tea plantations and to see two beautiful waterfalls. It was so scenic and incredibly peaceful and it surpassed the thought of fighting crowds trying to get up Adam’s Peak. My sons even had a swim. The area itself is just incredibly beautiful and worth visiting!

The entrance to the hotel is unfinished (Nimal is saving for his next building stage) and in fact it’s a little hard to recognise it as a hotel at all from the street. Never mind, once you are in you will be made to feel incredibly at home. Our family occupied the two lower rooms, very peaceful and quiet with little garden and river outlook (couldn’t hear the traffic on street) but there was a slight dampness in the air. If you can, request an upper room as they are more airy.

Room was huge, clean and with a great view. I arrived at 8pm and they cooked me an incredible dinner and made me a packed lunch for my 3am hike the following day.

Nothing!

Such a nice place to stay, the owner Nimal is an incredibly kind and attentive host. We arrived so much later than expected and he was still up waiting for us with food ready to serve and a warm welcome. We stayed at an exceptionally busy time of year, there was so much traffic on the road outside but the hotel rooms are set down the cliff from the road so you couldn't hear any of the traffic, the room was actually so peaceful. The entrance to the accommodation doesn't look like much but don't let it fool you, the interior is very comfortable, the balconies have stunning views and the food provided was absolutely delicious. If you're staying to climb Adams peak, this hotel is so close to the base that you can start walking straight from it. Nimal also knows a lot about the hike so if you have any concerns he is really informative.

It was all good in my opinion.

Breakfast was good and tasty.

Nimal was very helpful and he offered a hoodie for the hike because I didn't have anything to protect me from the cold and prepared snacks for the hike. He was very hospitable and friendly. The location of the hotel is less than a 15 minute walk to the starting point of the Adam's Peak hike.

Room and bed could be cleaner Bed was a bit small for me but that's my problem (187 cm tall) Heater did not work

There is no better stay than here. Honestly. We pre-booked only 1 night but stayed for 4 nights instead. Our TukTuk lost function on our way to the accommodation and I got sick while being here. Namil (the host) managed to turn these worst-case-scenarios in best-case-scenarios. He is the best host one could wish for. My girlfriend and I always felt very welcomed, understood and almost like home. The rooms are clean, spacious with very cosy beds. During my sickness I had plenty of options to worship the beautiful view from our windows. The food cooked here is remarkable and belongs to the best food we have eaten during our 3-weeks-Trip through Sri Lanka. Food is always freshly made and adjusted to your needs. Namil will always be there for you and will care for you like you are family. We hope to have found a friend here. We highly recommend considering (and picking) this accommodation for your stay.

Lovely views, really nice food and friendly staff - a good base to do Adam’s Peak from!