HELGASFOLLY Anti Hotel Residence

Location: 70, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy, lk

Star Rating: 1 Stars

Property Type: Hotels

About this Property

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Family rooms
• Express check-in/check-out
• Fax/photocopying
• Tour desk
• Ironing service
• Car hire
• Private check-in/check-out
• Kid meals
• Fruits
• Express check-in
• Free wired internet
• Self parking (surcharge)
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Internet access
• Housekeeping on request
• Art gallery on site
• Wine release events
• Exercise/lap pool
• Japanese garden
• Secured parking
• Swimming nearby
• Vegetarian menu options available
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Deluxe Double Room

  With a balcony, this air-conditioned room comes with a sofa. The private bathroom is equipped with free toiletries.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Sofa
  • Mosquito net
  • Tumble dryer
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bidet
  • Linen
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo

• Superior Double Room

  The double room provides air conditioning, tumble dryer, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Mosquito net
  • Tumble dryer
  • Bidet
  • Linen
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo

Guest Reviews

• ella (7/5): - So fun to explore around and look at everything we loved being there Was quite expensive (we also thought breakfast was included but that’s our bad) so didn’t feel like it was really worth how much we paid when you could just go an explore in the day. Also the pool was green so couldn’t be used.
• Jane (5/5): - So, I spoke to the very charming Helga by phone as we were about to leave. It was gracious of the 82 yo owner to call and she apologised for not being able to greet us in person during our stay. She was unwell. When asked about the cleanliness of the room, I didn't have the heart to tell her then that it was not up to standard. She did, however encourage me to provide constructive feedback via a review. I'm sure the house as just a museum visit is endearing and fascinating. The house in its heyday would definitely have been a fabulous place to visit and stay. However, for the amount charged it doesn't live up to expectations. The rooms are musty and dusty. The shower dribbled luke warm water. The pool was not available nor was dinner in the restaurant. And the floors throughout were not swept and cobwebs clung to the ceilings in every room. The house really needs some love and attention before offering it as a comfortable stay for guests. Unfortunately, the receptionist's permanent smile was not enough of a distraction from all the obvious deficiencies.
• Franz (4/5): Aus der Zeit gefallen, Preis Standard Verhältnis passt nicht - Um das positive vorwegzunehmen, das Personal ist überaus freundlich und hilfsbereit. Wir hatten dieses schräge Hotel gebucht, weil es in einem Reisemagazin erwähnt war. Allerdings ist es schon wirklich deutlich in die Jahre gekommen, sehr verstaubt, modrig und dunkel. Wir hatten die Ausstattung schon etwas schräg gewartet, aber auf den ersten Blick erinnert er uns das eher an eine Geisterbahn. Die Lage ist okay, man ist in gut 15 Minuten unten am See und in der Nähe des Heiligen Tempels. Das Frühstück war übrigens recht gut. Was interessant ist: Das Haus hat durch die Eigentümerin eine wirklich interessante Familiengeschichte, ihre ganze Familie ist äußerst interessant. Wie in der Beschreibung schon geschildert, passt der Preis überhaupt nicht zum Komfort. In Kandy kann man top Hotels für deutlich weniger Geld bekommen. Eindeutig zu teuer.
• Fredrik (10/5): Ett unikt och underbart spökslott - Ett häftigt och skruvat hotell med en spännande historia och fantastiska miljöer. Det är extra allt och lite till! Ett bedagat spökslott som är annorlunda än alla andra hotell och garanterar en unik upplevelse.
• Alberto (8/5): Hotel especial no apto para todos los públicos - a ver, este hotel no es para todo el mundo. Es un edificio enorme, destartalado, mezcla de club berlinés en decadencia con templo de culto satánico, con una decoración cargadísima estilo kirch, pero que por una noche merece la pena Tienen que mejorar la limpieza de las habitaciones
• gillian (10/5): Down the rabbit hole I fell - Down the rabbit hole I fell in to a world called Helga's Folly. My eyes were immediately drawn to the pictures and stories of the De Silva family history adorning the walls and then I blinked and found myself drawn in to a labyrinth of art, everywhere I looked, the walls, the ceiling, the stairs, all anointed with colour. The house was an eclectic mix of treasure an curios, giving me a glimmer of parties full of glamour and glltz, feather boas and outlandish masks, of fame and fortunes in a world of privilege. I dined at a table with vampires, with the candleabra shrouded in a ghostly skin of melted tallow. I drank from a pewter chalice and feasted hungrily on a medley of the finest curries and after my fill. I danced with the ghosts of yesteryear to the purring of Eartha Kitt from the gramophone. I became aware of a presence and as I slowly turned, there was Madame Helga before me, A true Queen, an icon of fashion, so regal and gracious but kind and humble, as she took the time to share her memories of times past, that should forever be embalmed in the legacy that is Helga's Folly. As the moon lit up the night sky it cast its dark shadow over wonderland, tempting me to seek refuge in sleep but my senses were awakened so much so, that I sought solace in the little cinema room where I lost myself in Elephants Walk and the darling of the silver screen, Mz Elizabeth Taylor. Now I was ready to glide up the sweeping staircase like a ghost seeking refuge, the art now taking on an eerie glow from the glass mosaics shining like cats eyes and the shimmering chandeliers from ages past leading me along the eerie corridors where I fell in to a deep sleep dreaming dreams of the wonderland that is Helga.s Folly Madame Helga it was such a pleasure to meet you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening up your enchanting home for everyone to share A little shabby chic all added to the atmosphere of this most amazing of places
• phil (6/5): The staff were all great, very helpful and friendly. Expensive, not the cleanest - We loved the art and interesting pieces of furniture. All the old family photos and history. No tea or coffee in rooms. Very poor water pressure. But apparently this was due to a landslide. Food very expensive compared to other places. Pool had green slime.
• Ruth (8/5): Most fun I’ve had in an anti-hotel ever! - Totally unique - felt more like staying at a house party! Surrounded by the history of Helga’s family. Nothing - fully embraced the uniqueness and history but if your style is ‘corporate hotel’, this isn’t for you!
• Vsolak (3/5): Great to visit, not fit for overnight guests. - This place is an amazing experience steeped in creativity and history. It is somewhere to visit and gives insight into what life was like in colonial times in Sri Lanka, added with a dose of upper class British eccentricity. I loved its charm and it felt like a relic frozen in time. The staff were lovely too. The place is falling apart and not fit for purpose for guests. The breakfast was poor but cost USD$19. The prices are highly inflated. It is not comfortable, it is dusty, the pool isn't well kept, and the smell is poor. It also isn't as central or easy to get to as it seems. There are plenty of clean, comfortable hotels nearby at a third of the price. The place needs major renovations before it can function as a B&B/hotel. Unfortunately the charm and creativity of the folly does not make up for the lack of comfort, cleanliness and facilities.
• Eric (10/5): - Everything. Nothing
• alyse (10/5): Enchanting - My husband and I stayed here knowing that we were either going to love or hate Helgasfolly, and we were very pleased to find that we absolutely loved it! We spent evenings wandering around looking at the vast collection that makes Helga’s so special, or tucked up in the cinema room watching “Elephant Walk” (at Madam Helga’s recommendation). Helga’s also offers wonderful service, from the moment you go to breakfast, the staff are friendly, polite and very knowledgeable, they really made our stay perfect! Nothing was too much trouble, and we felt instantly welcome. The highlight, of course, was speaking with Madam Helga herself, who gave us a glimpse into the history of the house! We have since recommended Helga’s Folly to our friends, and we will be back!
• Janey (10/5): Fantastic experience - We loved everything about Helga's Folly and definitely hope to return. The host - Helga was fantastic and we were lucky enough to talk with her. The breakfast was the best that we had all holiday. We would have liked to have had a wider choice of Sri Lankan food available on the evening meal menu. Breakfast was so good we would have stayed for dinner too if this had been available.
• Leontine (7/5): Speciale ervaring. Must voor avontuurlijke reizigers en kunstliefhebbers - Je moet hierheen als je houdt van anders dan een saai standaard hotel. Het is een flamboyant ingericht hotel en restaurant. Aardig personeel en je komt ogen tekort. Je waant je Alice in Wonderland tussen smaak, historie en wansmaak in. Als je graag kunt lachen om apen capriolen: ze lopen op de balkons en zijn heel entertaining. Het diner was ook fantastisch lekker! Het is lastig al de meubels en rariteiten schoon te houden. Het is dus wel wat stoffig. Het hotel is oud en weinig up to date als het bijv gaat om stekkerblokken in de kamer (lastig je spullen opladen), meubilair en sanitair. Maar daar kwamen we ook niet voor. Wel heerlijk geslapen!
• Martin (8/5): - It is Helgasfolie.
• francesca (7/5): Esperienza unica ma non la ripeterei - Posto al di la’ dell’immaginazione, veramente una follia! Bagno fatiscente, senza neanche un saponino. Ci siamo fermati due notti e non hanno rifatto il letto
• Charlotte (7/5): -
• Amanda (9/5): A totally unique experience not to be missed in Kandy. If you dont stay, go for dinner. - This was the quirkiest most incredible hotel I have ever stayed in. Not 5 star by any means but totally fascinating with the art work and photos on every surface. It is Alice meets Bridezilla in every facet. We loved meeting Madam Helga and were fascinated by the stories and history. A unique experience! The bathrooms could have been cleaner.
• kenneth (10/5): Det levede op til målet - Det hele
• Andy (7/5): A unique place to stay. - Loved the history of this place and decor (whilst not to everyone's taste!) is absolutely incredible, everywhere you look you'll find interesting artwork. The staff were friendly and we enjoyed watching the monkeys playing from our balcony. The hotel seems a bit run down and we didn't see any other guests while we were there. The aircon in our room stopped working on the second day but luckily the ceiling fan worked and was good enough to keep us cool overnight.
• Christine (8/5): Excellent - The entire place is incredible and definitely worthy of staying there.
• Adrian (4/5): Thought it would be a novel experience, but sadly it was a real let down due to the cleanliness. - The history behind how the hotel become Helgasfolly. It’s very sad that the hotel is very dirty and dusty, as I can imagine years ago it would have been such a wonderful place to stay. But sadly I think it now needs to be a museum and not a hotel for guest to stay at due to is lack of cleanliness.
• John (5/5): Great for a visit but don’t stay here - The history and art works were fascinating of an era past with a glimpse of a special life and family Staff were very welcoming and tried very hard The property has long since seen it’s hey day unfortunately. As we were the only guests it was like being in a huge very dingy dark museum The room wasn’t very clean and the old air con noisy and on off all night. Shortage of toilet paper meant I searched nearby rooms which uninhabitable and a mess.
• Mark (10/5): Exceptional -
• Lorraine (8/5): An experience like no other - Loved the fun decor and vibe of the hotel overall with the quirky decor and fascinating story as well as the art all around. The location was perfect as it was on a hill where it was quiet allowing you to collect your thoughts and lounge with a short walk to the Lake for a lovely sunset walk. I can't think of anything. It was a good stay and met all of our expectations.
• Alison (8/5): loved it - Breakfast was great and the food generally was very good the living reception areas need a good clean
• Jacqueline (6/5): Interesting - Fascinating history and definitely unique. It felt like a cross between a halloween house and Miss Havershams house in Great Expectations. It lacked the level of cleanliness that is important to me. It all felt a bit grungy. I appreciate it must be very difficult to keep clean. Staff were very friendly. Food was okay. Grunginess
• Brendan (5/5): Hotel looking a little tired - Pleasant staff. Hotel has a rich and interesting history with some beautiful art, antiques and curios in the common areas. Rooms not up to scratch for the price. Poor quality linen, towels and pillows. Gaps in the window for mosquitos to easily enter. Rooms surface cleaned, not thoroughly cleaned. Terrible water pressure in the shower.
• Caroline (10/5): Exceeded expectations! Absolutely fabulous! - Like about the place? I LOVED the place. That said Helgasfolly is not to everyone’s taste, so don’t book to stay here, if you are ‘a 5 star all inclusive generic luxury hotel you can find anywhere type of person’. This hotel is unique. There is something to look at in every corner. It’s quite hard to describe. Maybe ‘Alice in Wonderland gone wrong’ but actually it is so much better than that. The staff are also quite special. We found them to be both charming and incredibly helpful. I would definitely recommend dining in the restaurant to enjoy the full experience of staying in this ‘anti hotel’ and the breakfast in the morning complete with silver teapot is a joy. Before we left Madame Helga herself rang to speak to me to check we had enjoyed our stay! I actually felt it was a privilege to stay at this property and very much look forward to returning in the future.
• Kamlesh (6/5): Weird and wacky - not for everyone - The art - it was weird and wacky. Our room was very spacious. Generous common areas. We loved it, but it isn't for everyone. We felt slightly isolated given how few guests there were. The path up to the hotel was unlit, so returning after sunset was awkward.
• Holly (10/5): Exceptional -
• Anuschka (10/5): An unforgettable and totally fascinating, immersive experience. What a privilege to have been there. - A unique and never to be forgotten experience.
• Tiffany (9/5): A whimsical, joyous timewarp - Helga’s is just not to be missed, simple as that. Truly bonkers, joyous decor with art filling literally every inch of walls and ceiling. The food is fabulous, a small menu that is done extremely well. Soothing songs of a bygone era fill the air, and you can’t help but feel you’ve stumbled into a magical pocket between time and space, where anything is possible. It’s all good
• Elsebeth (10/5): Oour stay at Helga's Folly Anti Hotel - First of all : Helga's Folly is not like any hotel we have ever come across, and we have traveled a lot. We came for a cup of coffee and a look round 5 years ago, and swore we would stay there, and it didn't disappoint. The staff was courteious, helpful and smiling, the food exelent and abubdant and Madame Helga, now 80, is a darling, fighting to keep her home afloat, for it is her home, and all her past is everywhere. 🇩🇰😊🥀🦜🐒🎵🎺🎶 If you are afraid of dust and cobwebs and monkeys dancing tango on the tin roof early in the morning, stay away. A lot of the rooms and the pool area could do with (a lot) of maintenance, but we didn't mind at all.
• Jenny (8/5): Very enjoyable - Very eccentric and like nothing you have ever stayed in The bedrooms could have been a bit better. We had a very squeaky fan and dubious shower
• Lara (10/5): Helga’s Folly for those ready to step into a magical whimsical world! - We heard about Helga’s from a previous guest and were enthralled with the art work as well as the story of the property. It is a whimsical world at Helga’s - I wish I could hear the walls talk with all of the stories that have taken place there. The food was impeccable and a great place to rest for a few nights. We were also greeted with a special treat of tea with Helga. We loved it all! It was a wonderful time. If you like things a particular way this is probably not a place for you.
• Theo (8/5): a nice change of hotel experience and go see the in-house movie! - a lot of love and creativity put in this anti-hotel for many years. History of a gone-by hippy era. bathroom was very basic
• Dave (10/5): A fabulous, unique and memorable place. - Location, art, history, ambience, list of famous guests. Meeting Helga’s daughter and grandchildren. Having an unexpected and delightful phone chat with Madam Helga before I left. My room was a bit musty and the bed especially so - which felt unhealthy. (Note you can just visit the restaurant or pay a few dollars to look around - really worth doing).
• James (10/5): A journey within four walls. - Our favourite accomodation in Sri Lanka, and quite possibly the world. If you have to opportunity to stay at Helga's while in Kandy you should grab it with both hands. It's's a place so steeped in history and imagination you'll feel lucky to have been invited inside, let alone shown the warm hospitality that we were throughout our stay (thank you all!). We can't recommend Helga's enough, our short stay left us wanting more and we can't wait to be back. There's nothing we didn't like - to change anything about the place would be to detract from it.
• Brigitte (8/5): Words can’t adequately describe a stay at Helga’s Folly. It’s is an experience and that’s best had by full immersion. Ju - As said in other reviews - Helga’s is an extraordinary experience. If you are prepared for this then you will enjoy it. Look past the layers of dust to the layers of history and you will appreciate this place for what it once was. I wish I had been here back in its glory days - it would have been absolutely wild. We had 2 nights here and ate in for one of them. The meal, while expensive, was also worth the experience of it all. We loved it and I absolutely recommend it - it’s a trip! Forewarned is forearmed! Read the reviews and decide if it is for you.
• Agnes (7/5): Good - Helga's Folly is not to be missed! Worth a visit during the day - for a small fee, non-guests can explore this quirky hotel. The food is delicious and the artwork and decorations are a discussion starter. Madame Helga was a delightful and generous host and we loved our conversation.
• Graeme (3/5): Helga's haunted house - Interesting art everywhere Awful atmosphere, dark dingy lighting, felt like a gothic haunted house, no bar to speak of other than a little unattended cubby hole and not much choice of food other than a set menu. Interesting place to visit but not to stay. Electrics look like fire hazard and mosquito nets have seen better days.
• Hina (10/5): Recommended for a visit and a meal for sure. - The art and history of the place is unmissable. The bed was very comfortable. The towels didn’t look super fresh. Some dust could be sighted. Room smelt a bit dank from being closed up in a cold place. There had been a cyclone im told.
• Filippo (10/5): Incredible place , out of time, a bubble! - Vibe Food is not the best
• Flo (10/5): Iconic hotel with a high fashion background - What an amazing hotel! Hands down the best place I have ever stayed. I honestly think it should be on the UNESCO world heritage site list. It‘s a living museum. Madame Helga came personally to say hello- what an icon! (She is virtually fashion royalty) We had to force ourselves to go and see the temple of the sacred tooth, as we could not get enough wandering around this gothic fairytale mansion! It’s a bit far off from downtown, but staff happily ordered us a tuktuk- who was more of a guide and drove us to Ella the following day (more of a plus at the end of the day).
• Esmé (7/5): Wonderfully unique stay with marvellous hospitality - Super unique. Full of art, history, and stories. Utterly incredible owner! Really attentive staff! I was locked out one night, so had to spend an hour at another hotel trying to get back in
• Stefan (1/5): Not recommendable - We think it was a very unique and special place. But it was.. Now we found a place were the service was good but the rest does not fulfill the expected standards anymore. The room was dirty, no warm water, from toilet and sink came brown water, flush was defect, air condition 20 years old - the cabinets were alive with little animals. The musty smell in the room was hard to take. We were very disappointed. Anyway, we wish the old lady all the best
• Alice (7/5): Kooky and cool. An experience but rustic. - It's an extraordinary experience. A trip back in time to the hey days of Kandy. It's kooky and cool and the staff were just lovely. The dinner was very nice and the pool very refreshing. Helga is an icon so it is worth visiting to view the artefacts and history of her life. It's not for everyone. It needs a good clean and some love. It's a bit spooky but adequate. The air-conditioning needs an upgrade and more comfortable pillows would be great but we enjoyed a night there basking in the ghosts of good times past.
• Barton (10/5): Helga's Fantasy Abode - The smiling greeting from all the sraff. The amazing nostalgic atmosphere created by Madame Helga The halls are dusty and the shower pressure is low but these are trivial compared with the atmosphere and history of the house.
• Rebecca (5/5): Faded glory perhaps - Different from mainstream Faded glory perhaps. Ripped bedsheets and mosquito nets. Burned food. Didn’t feel like value for money.
• Peter (8/5): Fabulous art, fascinating, generous and kind Family. An absolute must visit. - The Art, the Family, the Staff. The food was good, some perhaps would prefer larger portions, one can always ask for more, of course. The shower worked, and there was hot water when required, and the water pressure of the shower was entirely acceptable. I would encourage any visitor, (and you should visit) to forget any concept of this being a hotel of any sort. Regard this as a private family home, where the Family receive guests. Regard the money you pay simply as a thank you, for access to easily one of the most fascinating collections of art and history I have ever seen. While everything worked, certainly, the room could not be accurately described as deluxe by any stretch of even the wildest imagination. Quirky, characterful, potentially dangerous in places, Yes, deluxe ? No. (Be careful of shallow steps) There are, I believe, far far better rooms than that in which I stayed. I would say you need to have reasonably good mobility, and good eyesight, to ensure your wellbeing when visiting.
• Natacha (9/5): A very special experience - Comfortable, unique and warm hospitality. We were fortunate enough to be staying at the same time as Helga's daughter, Selina. She is a delight and told us lots of interesting stories about the history of their family and the property. Later in the evening she even directed us to the period cinema to watch the 1954 film, Elephant Walk starring Elizabeth Taylor: the cast stayed at the hotel. The Stereophonics also wrote a song about it! Other highlights: many different artists in addition to Helga have contributed to the art and it is therefore varied but equally unique. You will never visit a hotel like it. The food is excellent, although we should note it is not included in the bill. We enjoyed the pool too. Our room was comfortable. Babies welcome and nothing too much trouble including putting a beautiful wooden crib in the room. Only a couple of things which were relatively minor in the context of an exceptional stay. It could be cleaner. It could have been made clearer breakfast was not included.
• Nick (7/5): Wouldn’t have missed it for the worlds - The breakfast was great. The hotel we’ll never forget. Don’t expect modern standards. This place is as eccentric as anywhere you could find. Just go with it. It could use a bit of a clean
• Zoe (6/5): I wouldn't recommend this place. It's history and everything about it is fun and fascinating, however the buildi - The interesting past and collectables. Staff were amazing and so present. It was so very dark. Not enough lights in the room because it was so dark. The outlet for the adapter didn't work. The whole building is run down. Tiles missing in our room, the balcony was dirty with an uncomfortable wooden chair. Our room smelled like oil. We asked why and the staff person said they had cleaned the floors and it was from that. A/C noisy.
• Amanda (9/5): Wonderful adventure in creative, colorful hotel filled with amazing art. - Helga's is an adventure! Beautifully painted hotel - I spent hours exploring the paintings, pictures, and news clippings in every corner. Met travelers who came just for dinner and wished they had spent the night -- some thought place seemed "spooky" but I felt completely safe and welcome. Friendly and helpful staff. Large room with comfortable bed. Helga's is definitely a vibe and not your traditional hotel with all the amenities.
• Dominika (10/5): Art imitates life.. - Not for the ordinary..the walls can talk. They tell all the tales of what has been and what might come..good times, bad times, love, heartache, friendship and loneliness. It is a work of art and if you don't get it you never will. There are no ghosts, no bad karma..no regrets but the objects of life.. Beautiful, unique..could stay forever and become part of the story or just visit and take the story with you. Clean and comfortable are the only normal words I can use. Love this place..thankyou M.Helga for sharing your world. Waiting for the pool to fill..ah well.
• Stephen (5/5): Passable - The food generally was good. The property has become quite sinister and is need of a lot of maintenance to be worthy of the price charged. It would make an ideal Gothic location. We were unable to use advertised facilities (the pool) and the grounds were unkempt.
• Rhea (6/5): Its an interesting stay with not much else to offer with no other services being offered. - The staff is excellent. while they dont understand english entirely, they are always smiling and go out of their way to serve their guests. The unique ambience that Helga's folly offers is interesting. They make their own bread and butter which was amazing, the rest of the food is okay. Under the pretext of going with the theme of the hotel, the hotel rooms are not very neat and clean. Its extremely dimly lit and leads to question all the cobwebs in the corners. Carry your own body wash! The bed mattress and pillows were uncomfortable
• Rowley (5/5): Worth a visit, but not worth a stay. - Helga’s Folly is worth a visit for a drink, but perhaps not worth the stay. It is a sensual artistic wonderland with the main bar and upstairs dining room presenting an eccentric display of a hedonistic bygone era. If it were busy, this would come into its own. The staff are very polite and attentive, delivering a good service and were very helpful. Unfortunately it felt like the Folly had lost its shine. Our room was in real need of a refresh. It wasn’t clean and much of the amenities felt like they’d been round for a decade - clumpy old pillows, clean, but old towels and the smell of damp in the rooms, which was present elsewhere in the main parts of the building. The food was okay, but not much more than that. And prices for food and drink were very high by comparison to other, better quality restaurants in Kandy & elsewhere in Sri Lanka. For a hotel with such eclectic history it felt a shame that it is beyond its prime.
• Mireille (10/5): Exceptional - It was absolutely amazing..I loved all the murals and the atmosphere and my pink room..the lovely staff Nothing
• Sophie (2/5): The smell of mould was so bad I couldn’t sleep but place was filthy top to bottom. - It was interesting It stank of mould. Very dirty, cobwebs, dust, dead flies, mould. The electrics looked very dangerous. Blood stains on the pillow.
• Lara (6/5): Impressively Instagrammable but still 2-star - You will never stay at a more eclectic property! The collection of antiques and art are unbelievable and very Instagrammable. It’s a 2-star property that’s in dire need of renovation but to do so would ruin the artistic aesthetic. It was damp and gloomy in all areas - some people might find that atmospheric…
• Shantanu (9/5): Good place - Great place with unique style. The owner is really sweet and despite being old, makes sure to meet all who request. The staff is quite knowledgeable and helpful. The prices are quite high for everything including a bottle of water.
• Alastair (3/5): It was a disappointing stay - It was a quirky place to stay It was dirty
• Rachel (4/5): Incredibly overpriced but friendly staff works hard to make up for it - The decor and atmosphere in the common areas was very very cool. The staff was so, so friendly and helpful. They let us check in early and though we weren’t around the hotel much, they were incredibly pleasant every time we saw them. I was so disappointed with the value for money re: the room. Dark and dingy room and the water would not get hot in the shower. The room smelled mouldy and the corridor outside of it had lights but none of them worked. I have stayed at and enjoyed my time at many MANY places of the same and even worse standard so I’m not really complaining about these things on their own, but the price you pay here for what you get is absolutely absurd. I left pretty annoyed with myself for not just going by for lunch or paying the $4USD they charge non guests to look around rather than >$400 for two nights of $50/night quality.
• Maximilian (8/5): Very good - Quirky! Food was not great
• Louise (7/5): Unique stay at Helga's Folly - Helga's Folly is truly a unique place! The decor feels like you've stepped in another time. The team at the hotel are fantastic, very helpful and keen to share the rich history of the place and its owner. The breakfast was very good too. The room did feel of another time but in a less positive manner, and amenities aren't really up to date. The room smelled a bit musty as well. But the decor of the common areas is really what is worth the stay
• Elisabeth (8/5): Expensive fun night at a place of the past - Very special place , enjoyed the decoration and the spooky atmosphere. The staff was extremely kind and helpful :) The plugs 🔌 obviously were from the 50s and only one would work , the room was a bit smelly. Although you pay about 100 bucks , breakfast is not included :(
• Oliver (9/5): One of the most memorable stays you could ever dream of. - Helga's Folly does not fit the standard Hotel expectations. It far exceeds them in character and authenticity. This is, as the title says, an Anti-Hotel. You are walking into a museum not a Holiday Inn. A stay here is an experience unlike any other. Though it welcomes everybody, it is only those whose eyes twinkle at the eclectic that will be truly gratified. Come with an open mind and heart and you will be rewarded aplenty.
• Robert (9/5): A must visit if you’re in Kandy - A must visit for atmosphere and artwork. Breakfast great Rooms not great - esp bathroom.
• Yann (7/5): Good - Very unusual place. The room was amazing and the staff very friendly. A great experience.
• Per (9/5): Fantastic stay, will be in my memory forever - Amazing experience, the decor was stunning and so many details every where, absolutely an experience I will always remember. I will be back . I loved everything
• Rgb (9/5): Superb -
• Doug (10/5): Helga's is awesome! - One of the best places I've been to. So amazing. Great staff and food. I look forward to returning
• Maryclare (10/5): Exceptional - We visited in the quiet season, and the hotel opened just for the two of us, so we had the entire place to ourselves. It was one of the most surreal and enchanting experiences imaginable. The service was exceptional, as was the food. There is a timelessness about the place, so rich in history. We even had our own movie night in the cinema. It is just wonderful. Don't miss it if you visit Kandy!!

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