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Summary of reviewsThe Icebear Guesthouse in Negombo offers an exceptional escape with its idyllic beachfront location, providing guests with direct access to sandy shores surrounded by a lush tropical garden. This serene setting is further enriched by its proximity to both the airport and local attractions, making it an attractive choice for travelers seeking tranquility without sacrificing convenience. The ambiance is heightened by attentive and friendly staff, known for their hospitality and proficiency in English, ensuring guests feel both welcome and secure.
Guests frequently commend the guesthouse for its well-maintained gardens and individual room charm, noting the comfortable and clean accommodations. Although furniture in some rooms may appear slightly aged, the guesthouse offers a variety of rooms that cater to diverse preferences, from spacious family apartments to cozy economy options. While there are occasional comments about cleanliness and musty smells, the overall experience remains positive due to the property's relaxed atmosphere and budget-friendly appeal.
A highlight for many visitors is the dining experience at The Icebear Guesthouse, with breakfast offerings and dinners consistently praised for their quality and taste. The homemade jams and Swiss muesli during breakfast, as well as the fresh seafood and expert culinary preparation during dinner, deliver memorable meals that enhance the guest experience. While prices may be higher than other local restaurants, the delightful presentation and taste justify the cost for many.
The guesthouse excels in creating a peaceful retreat, especially with its beautiful garden leading to the beach, offering a blend of comfort and nature that appeals to guests looking for an exclusive and relaxing getaway. While there are remarks about the beach's cleanliness and occasional inconveniences like the lack of hot water, the overall atmosphere is one of warmth and hospitality, providing an inviting sanctuary amidst the natural beauty of Negombo. Show more
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Categories
Beachfront Guest House
Located on Lewis Place, this guesthouse provides a budget-friendly beachfront stay. Offers easy access to the beach and nearby attractions.
Dog Friendly Guest House
This guesthouse is a pet-friendly option. It provides a welcoming atmosphere for guests traveling with pets.
Guest House for Yoga
A guesthouse that provides a more intimate and budget-friendly option. Guests can potentially find quiet spaces for personal yoga practice.
Guest House near The Beach
Guest House with Free Wi-Fi
Cheap Guest House
Small Guest House
4-Star Guest House
Room Types
Single RoomThis single room has a tile/marble floor.
Deluxe Double RoomThis air-conditioned double room has a desk, outdoor furniture, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.
Triple RoomThe spacious triple room features air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a bidet. The triple room is furnished with a desk and a seating area and provides a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Economy Single RoomThis air-conditioned single room features a desk, outdoor furniture, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Large Single RoomThis air-conditioned single room features a desk, outdoor furniture, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room with Garden ViewThis air-conditioned double room has a desk, outdoor furniture, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.
Studio with Sea ViewThis studio's special feature is the fireplace. The studio's kitchen, which has a refrigerator and a tea and coffee maker, is available for cooking and storing food. This air-conditioned studio features a desk, outdoor furniture, sea views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe Double Room with Sea ViewThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a bidet. The double room is furnished with a desk and a seating area and provides a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and sea views. The unit has 1 bed.
Double Room with Sea ViewThis air-conditioned double room has a desk, outdoor furniture, sea views and a private bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.
Apartment with Sea ViewBoasting a private entrance, this spacious apartment also comes with 1 living room, 3 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower. The apartment's kitchen, which features a refrigerator, is available for cooking and storing food. The apartment has tiled floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a dining area as well as garden views. The unit has 6 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.4
Very Good
Location
The Icebear Guesthouse boasts an enviable location that consistently garners praise from its guests. Nestled directly on the beach, visitors can enjoy easy and direct access to the sandy shores, forming an idyllic backdrop for a tranquil retreat. This beautifully located guesthouse presents a hidden gem in a dreamy, tropical garden adorned with roaming animals, perfectly maintained to invite guests to immerse themselves in nature and relaxation. Despite its serene setting, the guesthouse is conveniently positioned just 20 minutes from the airport, offering ease of access for arriving travelers. Guests appreciate the proximity to local attractions and the center of town, allowing them to explore without straying too far from the peaceful sanctuary of the guesthouse.
The property features charming décor and a distinctive, individual style that adds character and warmth. With a private beach access, guests find it a delightful haven away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, fostering a sense of exclusivity and calm. The superb location is complemented by attentive and friendly staff, who create a welcoming atmosphere that consistently makes visitors feel at home. Alongside the beautifully maintained garden, the guesthouse offers comfy accommodations, tasty food, and a charming little restaurant, providing a comprehensive experience that caters to both relaxation and leisure.
Breakfast
The Icebear Guesthouse has earned high praise for its breakfast offerings, with many guests highlighting the tasty and diverse foods available each morning. A standout feature is the excellent Swiss breakfast muesli, which has been described as delicious and even amazing by some visitors. While breakfast is included at most of their locations, guests appreciate the quality and richness of the meal, noting that both coffee and tea are readily available and can be reordered at any time, often served in charming silver teapots.
Homemade jams add a delightful touch to the dining experience, and breakfast on the lovely terrace enhances the enjoyment. For those who prioritize their morning meal, the Icebear Guesthouse delivers a superb start to the day, with very good and plentiful breakfast offerings. However, a few reviews suggest there is room for improvement when compared to other establishments, particularly in diversifying options further while emphasizing their celebrated muesli. Overall, the breakfast, alongside their notable evening meals, helps make this guesthouse a memorable visit by the coast.
Dinner
Nestled in a charming location, The Icebear Guesthouse stands out with its impressive dining offerings that have captured the hearts of many guests. Visitors consistently praise the quality of the food served, describing the meals as delicious and lovingly prepared. The restaurant at the guesthouse provides a culinary experience that many guests found amazing, featuring very good dishes, particularly fresh fish that leaves a lasting impression.
Guests appreciate the careful consideration put into the presentation, with fancy dishes and cutlery, and cloth napkins highlighting the loving style of this cozy establishment. The appealing menu boasts an array of tasty offerings, including seafood, that are sure to satisfy diverse palates. However, some noted the menu prices are comparatively higher than other local options, pointing out that the food, while good, leans towards the pricier side.
Despite the occasional remark about cost, many visitors express high satisfaction, emphasizing how they liked everything about their dining experience, further underscored by an incredible cook. While the dishes might not adhere strictly to traditional local fare, the skillful preparation and delightful taste of the meals continues to garner positive feedback, making dinner at The Icebear Guesthouse a noteworthy aspect of an enjoyable stay.
Rooms
Nestled right by the beach, The Icebear Guesthouse boasts an enviable location with fabulous gardens providing a peaceful retreat. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable and clean rooms that are often described as spacious or cozy, depending on the selection. Many rooms are lovingly furnished, showcasing individual charm, though some might find the furnishings a bit aged or in need of updates.
The beds are noted for their comfort, with mosquito nets adding an extra layer of protection, although improvements could be made as some nets were not fully intact. While some reviews mention that the rooms can be quite simple, it's clear that many appreciate the straightforward charm and well-positioned accommodation near the beach.
Certain rooms are exceptionally spacious, including family apartments that offer plenty of room. However, the room sizes can vary, and some might find the smaller economy single rooms or bathrooms less ideal for their needs.
While most of the accommodations are clean, there are occasional reports of a lack of cleanliness or a damp smell, suggesting an inconsistent standard that future guests should be aware of. However, any lack in room modernity is often balanced by the guesthouse's budget-friendly appeal, marking it as a practical option for travelers who value both simplicity and affordability.
Overall, for visitors seeking a quiet beachfront getaway with individualized charm and lush surroundings, The Icebear Guesthouse offers a great choice with its mix of cozy and spacious lodgings.
Beds
The beds at The Icebear Guesthouse have received a mix of feedback from guests. On the positive side, many have found the beds to be comfortable, citing good experiences. The presence of mosquito nets is appreciated, although some guests have found them less effective. However, there are areas for improvement; some guests noted that the beds felt a bit short for taller individuals, and the middle of the mattresses showed signs of wear. There were also reports of beds being squeaky and lacking proper support, leading to discomfort for some. Despite these issues, the combination of comfy beds, a lovely garden, and tasty food creates a generally pleasant stay.
Cleanliness
Nestled within serene surroundings, The Icebear Guesthouse offers guests a blend of comfort and simplicity. The rooms are generally reported to be clean and cozy, with several guests noting their tidy appearance. While the bathrooms stand out for their spaciousness, opinions on cleanliness are more mixed, with some bathrooms being described as moderately clean. Despite occasional remarks about cleanliness needing improvement, including issues with mustiness and mosquito presence in the bathroom, the guesthouse compensates with its charming communal garden. This garden is a true highlight, filled with lush plants, providing a wonderful escape for visitors. The architecture of the guesthouse, which emphasizes climate-friendly designs, aligns with the tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Though some guests have experienced inconveniences like the absence of hot water during certain times and cleanliness issues, the overall vibe is one of warmth and friendliness. With clean rooms being a common satisfaction point, The Icebear Guesthouse presents a decent choice for travelers seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature.
Staff
The staff at The Icebear Guesthouse consistently receives high praise for their exceptional hospitality. Guests frequently note the team’s friendliness and helpfulness, highlighting an attentiveness that ensures visitors feel welcome and secure during their stay. From the warm reception upon arrival to the extraordinary service provided throughout, the staff goes above and beyond to accommodate guests' needs and wishes. Their proficiency in English facilitates smooth communication, enhancing the overall guest experience. The genuine kindness displayed by everyone, from the gardener to the manager, contributes to an inviting and personal atmosphere. While occasionally noted as overwhelmed, this doesn't detract from their dedication to providing top-tier service, underpinning the charming and serene ambience of the guesthouse.
Beach
Nestled on the serene shores of Negombo, The Icebear Guesthouse offers an idyllic beachfront experience that feels like a fairytale escape. The property boasts a beautiful garden that leads directly to the ocean, creating a picturesque setting where guests can unwind and listen to the soothing sounds of the waves all night. The garden also features a charming, small restaurant, adding to the intimate and tranquil atmosphere.
Guests enjoy direct access to the beach, allowing them to easily explore its sandy stretches and watch local fishermen at work. It's important, however, to be cautious of the strong undertow when swimming. Despite its natural beauty, some reviews mention that the beach can be quite dirty, which might affect the overall experience.
With its unique, individual rooms and enviable location away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, The Icebear Guesthouse is a delightful retreat offering private access to the coastal wonders of Negombo.
No, The Icebear Guesthouse doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Icebear Guesthouse.
Yes, The Icebear Guesthouse welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Icebear Guesthouse.