Kandy, 117/4c, Ampitiya Road, Kandy7.28226,80.652841(Show on Map)
7.9
Good
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Kandy Backpackers Hostel offers a quiet, serene retreat slightly removed from the busy center of Kandy, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility while remaining accessible to major attractions such as the Temple of the Tooth. The walk to the city center, around 15 to 30 minutes, provides pleasant views of Kandy Lake, adding to the charm of this location.
The hostel provides a straightforward and sufficient breakfast, featuring fried eggs, toast, jam and beverages, which many guests appreciate for its home-cooked feel and value, given that it's included at no extra cost. The dinner experience stands out for its excellent quality, social atmosphere and the unique inclusion of a free cooking class, where guests can learn to prepare and enjoy Sri Lankan dishes together.
Room offerings at the hostel are basic and budget-friendly with private rooms and dormitories covering essential needs. However, improvements in cleanliness and maintenance are necessary, as guests have reported issues with dampness, mold and cramped conditions in dorms. The common facilities also face similar challenges with shared bathrooms often noted to be wet and unclean.
Despite these drawbacks, the staff at Kandy Backpackers Hostel are highly praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This positive engagement extends to the enjoyable cooking demonstrations and overall service provided by the staff members.
The hostel features a pool, generally well-received for its cleanliness, size and scenic views, adding a refreshing escape for guests, particularly on hot days. Although occasional cleanliness issues were noted, the pool remains a favored amenity.
Beds at the hostel garner mixed feedback. Many guests find them comfortable, but issues like cramped placements, dirty sheets and occasional noise from creaking or wobbly beds highlight areas needing attention.
Overall, Kandy Backpackers Hostel is appreciated for its peaceful location, delightful dinner experiences, exceptional staff and valuable amenities such as the pool, making it a suitable choice for budget travelers who prioritize sociable and tranquil settings. However, addressing the noted concerns on cleanliness and room maintenance would significantly elevate the guest experience.
Categories
Cheap
This hostel provides budget-friendly accommodations for backpackers. It offers a social environment and basic amenities, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Pool
Outdoor Pool
Parking
Small
Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Double Room with Ensuite Bathroom and Shared Balcony + Free Local Cooking ExperienceThis double room has a dining area, microwave and toaster.
It also provides air conditioning, tile/marble floor and a wardrobe/closet. Shared bathroom and shared toilet with towels and linen are some of its features. Included are a refrigerator, microwave toaster and a dining area.
Free WiFi is available.
Standard Double Room with Shared Bathroom + Free Local Cooking ExperienceThe pool with a view is the standout feature of this double room. Guests will find a refrigerator, a dishwasher, kitchenware and a tea and coffee maker in the well-equipped kitchen. The double room also includes a barbecue. The double room features air conditioning, a washing machine, a terrace with garden views as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Free Local Cooking ExperienceThis bed in dormitory has a tea/coffee maker, tile/marble floor and toaster.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Free Local Cooking ExperienceThis bed in dormitory has a soundproofing, garden view and kitchenware.
4-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThe dormitory room includes a shared bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit has 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Review Summaries
Location
Kandy Backpackers Hostel enjoys a peaceful and quiet setting, slightly removed from the bustling center of Kandy. This slightly off-the-beaten-path location is appreciated for its serene atmosphere, offering a calm retreat after a day in the city. Visitors find the walk to the city center manageable, taking approximately 15 to 30 minutes with pleasant views of Kandy Lake along the way. The proximity to the Temple of the Tooth is an added convenience for those interested in cultural sites. Although it's a bit farther from the train and bus stations, the journey around the lake compensates for the distance. The location strikes a balance between tranquility and accessibility, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quieter stay while still being able to walk or take an inexpensive tuk-tuk into town. Overall, the hostel offers a good location and atmosphere, worthy of consideration for a stay in Kandy.
Breakfast
Kandy Backpackers Hostel offers a breakfast experience that aligns well with the needs of most travelers, focusing on simplicity and adequacy. Guests can expect a consistent selection every morning, featuring a fried egg, toast and jam, accompanied by black tea or coffee. This straightforward approach has been appreciated for its home-cooked feel and pleasant taste, although some guests have mentioned that adding fruit would enhance the offering.
Breakfast often begins at 8 AM, which some guests find too late. However, the inclusion of both breakfast and dinner in the reservation is noted positively with many praising the quality and deliciousness of the meals. Despite its simplicity, the breakfast is considered sufficient and a great value, especially since it's included at no extra cost. For those seeking more variety, additional items like extra eggs or bread are available for a small fee. Overall, the breakfast at Kandy Backpackers Hostel is appreciated for its simplicity, taste and value.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Kandy Backpackers Hostel is highly praised by guests for its culinary delight and social atmosphere. Every night, the hostel offers a free cooking class where guests not only learn to prepare a variety of delicious Sri Lankan dishes, but also indulge in the food they’ve created. These group cooking sessions foster a sense of community, making it easy for travelers to meet and interact with one another. The communal dinners, often held on the rooftop, provide a great platform for socializing and sharing travel stories, all while enjoying tasty and well-prepared meals. Guests particularly appreciate the inclusion of dinner in the hostel price, adding excellent value to their stay. The dinner timings are well-organized, typically starting at 8:30 pm and the quality of food is consistently noted as excellent. Overall, the combination of a cooking class and a communal dinner offers a memorable and enriching cultural experience at Kandy Backpackers Hostel.
Rooms
Kandy Backpackers Hostel offers rooms that are generally small and simple, fitting the expectations of a standard budget accommodation. While the facilities are basic, they seem to cover the essential needs of travelers. Private rooms, although minimal and plain, come equipped with the necessary amenities, though the overall condition and cleanliness were points of concern for several guests.
Dormitories were found to be quite cramped with beds positioned very close to each other. Dampness and the presence of mold in some rooms posed a significant issue, contributing to a less than pleasant smell. The hostel interiors would benefit from better maintenance, particularly with cleaning the walls and more thorough ventilation systems.
Despite these issues, the beds in the dormitory were noted for being comfortable, which is a positive aspect for backpackers needing a good night's rest. Noise from staff playing loud music was mentioned as a disturbance, particularly during the evenings. The simple decor and limited space make it difficult to keep personal belongings organized, especially in the smaller single and double rooms.
In summary, Kandy Backpackers Hostel is a suitable choice for those on a tight budget and who are not particularly picky about room aesthetics or spaciousness but do appreciate a cozy bed to sleep in amidst basic, functional surroundings.
Beds
While Kandy Backpackers Hostel offers an engaging environment for travelers, the feedback on the beds points to a mixed experience. Numerous guests have found the beds to be very comfortable and in some cases, described them as really comfortable. However, there are several remarks about issues such as cramped spacing of the beds within the rooms, which can detract from the overall experience. Some found the beds wobbly and encountered creaking sounds, which can be disruptive to a restful night. A few guests also mentioned that the bedsheets appeared dirty with some reporting stains and mold on the mattresses, which certainly raises concerns about cleanliness. The quality of the bedding seems inconsistent with some mattresses described as uncomfortable or even broken, adding to the discomfort for certain visitors. While many have appreciated the comfort of the beds, improvements in maintenance and cleanliness would significantly enhance the guest experience.
Cleanliness
Guest reviews for Kandy Backpackers Hostel reveal significant concerns regarding cleanliness and maintenance. Multiple guests noted that the facilities were outdated and not well-maintained with numerous comments about dirty bathrooms, ants, bugs and even cockroaches in the rooms. A recurring issue was the shared bathrooms being "constantly soaking wet," often described as filthy and lacking regular cleaning.
The hostel also appears to suffer from humidity and mold problems, contributing to unpleasant room odors and further discomfort for guests. Some reviews suggested an improvement in cleanliness and better maintenance would be beneficial. While there were positive remarks about the hostel being surrounded by jungle, adding a unique charm, it nonetheless struggled to meet basic cleanliness standards expected by most visitors. Despite a few comments mentioning satisfactory cleanliness and tidiness, the overwhelming consensus points to the need for significant improvements in hygiene and overall upkeep.
Staff
Kandy Backpackers Hostel receives high praise for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. Guests frequently mention the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the staff members and owners alike. The team is noted for their kindness, hospitality and willingness to assist with any needs or questions. The positive vibes begin as soon as you walk through the door with a fabulous welcome and a great atmosphere. Visitors appreciate not only the overall service but also specific experiences like their enjoyable cooking demonstrations. A recurring theme in the reviews is the genuine care and attention provided by the entire staff, often described as charming, sweet and amazing. The presence of a friendly dog adds to the homely and pleasant environment. From superb service to lovely interactions, the staff at Kandy Backpackers Hostel consistently deliver a memorable and uplifting experience.
Pool
Kandy Backpackers Hostel boasts a pleasing pool that draws mixed reactions from its guests. Generally, the pool is described as clean, well-maintained and indispensable for cooling down in the heat. Its large size and aesthetic appeal, coupled with the beautiful views it offers, make it a standout feature for many visitors. Some even consider it a luxury for a hostel setting.
However, not all feedback is entirely positive. A few guests noted occasional cleanliness issues during their stay with the pool not being as inviting on certain days. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment toward the pool remains favorable with its refreshing quality and the additional relaxation options like hammocks on the top floor adding to the hostel's charm.
In summary, while not perfect, the pool at Kandy Backpackers Hostel is often appreciated for its beauty and ability to provide a refreshing escape, making it a notable amenity for potential travelers.
FAQ
Yes, Kandy Backpackers Hostel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Kandy Backpackers Hostel.
No, Kandy Backpackers Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Kandy Backpackers Hostel.
