Hotel Elephant Park - NEW DEAL! Exclusive Offers on Pickups Available!

Pinnawala 7.30001400, 80.38516000 , Pinnawala, (Show on Map)
9.4
Excellent


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Summary of reviewsHotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" is a favored destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, thanks to its prime riverside location. Guests can enjoy stunning views and close encounters with elephants, which come to bathe in the river twice daily, directly from their rooms, the restaurant or even the swimming pool. The tranquility and picturesque landscape make it an ideal spot for relaxation and photography, enhancing its allure for both wildlife observers and those seeking a serene getaway. Proximity to the elephant orphanage adds to the convenience, allowing guests easy access to witness these majestic creatures.

The breakfast experience at the hotel is noted for its variety and deliciousness, featuring both English and Sri Lankan cuisines, along with fresh fruits, juices and made-to-order items such as omelets and pancakes. Dining with a view of the elephants is highlighted as a unique aspect, although some guests mentioned minor issues like a lack of food covering and occasional non-replenishment of buffet items.

Dinner experiences are mixed with many guests appreciating the tasty and well-prepared meals against the backdrop of the river. Specific dishes like soups and fried rice with chicken receive notable praise. However, some critiques include limited menu options, occasional cold food and early dining hours. Despite these, the overall dining experience remains positive, largely due to the extraordinary setting and reasonable prices.

Guest rooms are generally clean, comfortable and equipped with basic amenities such as air conditioning and kettles. Rooms with balconies offer captivating river views and direct elephant sightings, which are highly appreciated. While some reviews pointed out that the rooms and furnishings could use a bit of updating, the value for money and the stunning vistas often compensate for these minor drawbacks.

Cleanliness across the hotel receives mixed feedback. Many guests found the rooms and the premises clean and well-maintained, but some noted specific issues like mold in bathrooms and inconsistent housekeeping. However, the hotel's cleanliness is generally satisfactory, contributing to a comfortable stay.

The hotel's standout feature is its staff, frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Notable members and the management team draw special commendations for their dedication and exceptional service, enhancing the hotel’s hospitable ambiance.

WiFi service at the hotel is a bit inconsistent. While some guests experienced reliable and speedy connections, others faced slow speeds or limited access, particularly during peak times. Nonetheless, the hotel offers complimentary WiFi as part of their services.

Parking facilities are ample and convenient with a large parking lot and assistance available for transportation needs. The hotel also arranges transfers and small trips, making it an accessible choice for those driving to the location.

Families find Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" an excellent choice with family rooms offering great views and spacious comfort. The hotel’s location near elephant bathing spots provides an educational and enjoyable experience for children, complemented by child-friendly breakfast options and a delightful swimming pool. Babysitting services add to the convenience for parents.

The beds generally receive positive feedback for comfort and cleanliness, although there were occasional comments on bedding issues like pillow quality and mattress firmness. Overall, guests found the beds conducive to a restful stay.

As a quintessential three-star hotel, Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" offers good value for money with necessary amenities and a comfortable stay. Its exceptional location and wildlife experiences, combined with attentive service and reasonable pricing, make it a recommendable choice for travelers, especially for those who seek a unique and memorable stay amidst nature and wildlife.
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Family Friendly Hotel
The hotel is family-friendly and offers spacious rooms with balconies. Its location near Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage makes it ideal for families wanting to see elephants.

Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Hotel Elephant Park offers an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and is located opposite the Ma-Oya River, offering views of elephants from the rooms.

Hotel with Swimming Pool

  Outdoor Pool  


Hotel with Free Wi-Fi

Business Hotel

Small Hotel

3-Star Hotel

Room Types
Deluxe Double Room with Balcony-No River View This room is equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. The en suite bathroom features a shower.

Deluxe Room with Balcony and River View This room is equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. The en suite bathroom features a shower. This larger room offers river-views.

Superior Room with Balcony and River View The pool with a view is the standout feature of this triple room. Featuring free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious triple room features air conditioning, a private entrance, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.

Superior Room with Balcony-No River View The pool with a view is a top feature of this double room. The spacious double room features air conditioning, a private entrance, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.

Deluxe Family Room with Balcony - River View This quadruple room provides a pool with a view. This air-conditioned quadruple room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.

Deluxe Room with Pool View-No River View The unit has 1 bed.

Guest Reviews
9.4
Excellent
Location
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" boasts an exceptional location, making it an unparalleled destination for elephant enthusiasts. Nestled right by the river, guests are treated to stunning views where elephants come to bathe twice daily. This proximity allows for a unique and unforgettable experience with many reviews highlighting the ability to observe these magnificent creatures from the comfort of their rooms, the restaurant or even the swimming pool.

The hotel offers a tranquil and beautiful environment, ideal for both relaxation and wildlife observation. Guests appreciate the perfect positioning of their rooms with river views, allowing for serene morning scenes as elephants venture into the water. The picturesque landscape and peaceful ambiance add to the appeal, making it a prime spot for photography and nature lovers alike.

Conveniently situated close to the elephant orphanage, the hotel provides easy access for guests to witness and enjoy the daily routines of these gentle giants without the need to venture far. Many reviews emphasize the unbeatable experience of watching elephants from balconies or terraces, enhancing the overall charm of the stay.

In summary, the hotel's prime riverside location, coupled with incredible views and close encounters with elephants, makes it a standout choice for visitors to Pinnawala. The serene and natural setting, combined with the thrill of observing elephants in their bathing rituals, creates a remarkable and memorable stay for all who visit.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" has generally received positive feedback from guests, accentuated by the unique setting of dining with a view of the elephants bathing in the river. The buffet style offers a diverse selection that caters to a variety of tastes, including both English and Sri Lankan cuisines, as well as options like omelettes, pancakes, egg hoppers, fresh fruits and juices.

Many guests have highlighted the freshness and variety of the food, describing the breakfast as plentiful, delicious and very good. Some specific items that received praise include fresh omelettes, pancakes, traditional Sri Lankan dishes and European cuisine options. The experience is often noted to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, enhanced by the attentive and helpful staff.

However, there were some criticisms, particularly regarding the lack of food covering at the buffet and the quality of certain items, which some found not up to the mark compared to other accommodations. Issues such as being presented with a bill for water at the end of breakfast and the buffet items not being replenished during peak times were also mentioned.

Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the breakfast at Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" stands out for its extraordinary setting, diverse options and generally favorable taste and quality, contributing to a memorable start to the day for many guests.

Dinner
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" offers a mixed dining experience for its guests with notable highlights focusing on the picturesque setting and diverse offerings. Many guests appreciated the tasty dishes at reasonable prices and the wide choices available for dinner. The ambiance, especially the relaxing sound of the river water during meals, significantly contributed to the dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy good food while watching elephants.

The dinner offerings received varied remarks from travellers. Positive feedback highlighted delicious and well-prepared meals with some guests describing their dinners as exceptional, lovely and excellent. The portions were noted as generous and several guests enjoyed specific dishes like soups and fried rice with chicken, along with recommended European selections.

However, not all reviews were glowing. Some guests found the dinner to be bland, mediocre or even disappointing. Complaints included the limited and uninteresting menu, high prices not matching the quality and occasional instances of cold food. Additionally, the option of only rice or noodles at times and the early dinner invitation at 18:30 were points of critique.

Despite these drawbacks, many guests still found the overall dining experience to be positive, particularly when they dined separately or ordered from the menu. For those on half board or full board plans, a few felt that the meals were satisfactory and even provided good value for money.

Overall, while the food can be hit or miss, the setting of Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" and the opportunity to dine while observing elephants provide a unique and memorable backdrop for guests.

Rooms
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" offers a mix of experiences when it comes to their rooms. Many guests appreciated the cleanliness and comfort, noting the spaciousness and functional amenities such as air conditioning, kettles and comfortable bedding. Rooms with balconies provided beautiful views of the river and close-ups of elephants, which many guests particularly enjoyed.

Although the general cleanliness and comfort were often highlighted, some aspects of the rooms were not as positively received. A number of reviews mentioned that the rooms, furniture and overall appearance are a bit outdated and could use some refurbishment. A few guests experienced issues such as unpleasant odors, occasional noise and a lack of thorough cleaning, particularly under furniture or in bathrooms. Some rooms were described as small or dark and a few guests encountered issues like broken facilities or malfunctioning devices.

Nevertheless, many reviewers found the rooms to be a good value for money with stunning views and modern amenities in certain cases compensating for the drawbacks. The top-floor rooms and those with a river view received special mentions for their scenic beauty. The quality of room maintenance seemed to vary, but the housekeeping staff were often praised for their efforts in ensuring a pleasant stay.

Beds
Guests have shared their experiences about the bedding at Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda," highlighting both positive points and areas for improvement. A predominant theme is that the beds are widely described as comfortable with several guests specifically mentioning they enjoyed the large, clean and comfy mattresses. The bed linens are often noted to be clean and in some cases described as snow white.

However, there are mixed reviews regarding the pillows; some found them impossible to sleep on or too soft, while others commented on the cleanliness of the pillows, saying they were dirty or old. Additionally, the firmness of the mattresses received varied feedback with a few guests pointing out that they were either uncomfortable or quite firm.

Occasionally, guests encountered issues such as noisy beds or bedding with holes, which detracted from an otherwise positive sleep experience. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall sentiment about the beds leans toward comfort and cleanliness, making the hotel a recommendable choice for visitors looking for a restful stay.

Cleanliness
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" displays a mix of both positive and negative feedback regarding cleanliness. Many guests appreciated the clean rooms, describing them as very clean, spacious and exactly as depicted in photos. The hotel generally appeared clean with modern, comfortable amenities. Some reviewers praised the clean swimming pool, provided clean towels and noted the remarkable cleanliness of the entire hotel.

However, several comments highlighted areas for improvement. Guests noted dead insects on the floors and traces of mold in the bathrooms. Some experienced awful odors from rooms and bathrooms with reports of dirty, worn-out conditions and mouse droppings. Cleaning frequency seemed inconsistent, as some rooms were not cleaned daily and some bathrooms had blocked sinks or lime-encrusted showerheads.

Overall, while the rooms are generally clean and spacious, there are notable instances where cleanliness could be significantly improved, particularly in the bathrooms and the pool area.

Staff
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" boasts exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, which is frequently highlighted by guests. The hospitality team, including notable members like Andrew, Shalika and Kavee, receives consistent praise for their attentiveness and care. Whether it's the reception, restaurant, housekeeping or tour management, the staff is described as accommodating, polite and responsive, always striving to fulfill guests' requests and needs.

Guests have positively noted the staff's welcoming demeanor with many recounting personal interactions that made their stay memorable. The willingness to assist organize transfers at reasonable prices and provide local insights has left a lasting impression. Management and tour guides like Andrew are commended for their dedication and exceptional service.

The hotel's emphasis on customer care is evident from the numerous mentions of staff being lovely, pleasant and eager to help. Even when issues arose, the staff’s prompt and diligent responses were appreciated. Housekeeping's efforts to maintain cleanliness and tidiness were also a highlight, contributing to a comfortable stay.

Overall, the team's friendly, accommodating and professional approach ensures a warm and hospitable environment, making guests' experiences at Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" enjoyable and stress-free.

Wi-Fi
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" offers guests a mixed experience when it comes to WiFi connectivity. On the positive side, guests have noted that the WiFi works well in certain areas with consistent coverage and acceptable speeds in the rooms. The internet seems to be reliable, particularly during the day and some guests found it to be great and free.

However, the WiFi experience isn't consistently positive. Many guests reported slow speeds, particularly in the evenings and some experienced minimal to no signal at all. There were instances where the WiFi facility was not working or couldn't handle the load, leading to frustration. Additionally, while electricity cuts are common in the area, the hotel does have a generator that kicks in after a few minutes, which may affect the WiFi performance during such times.

Overall, while the hotel provides WiFi as a complimentary service, its reliability and speed can be hit or miss, varying significantly throughout the day and across different parts of the hotel.

Parking
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" boasts convenient and ample parking facilities with a large parking lot available for guests. The hotel not only provides parking but also offers assistance with transportation, arranging transfers and small trips with private drivers. Guests have noted the ease and convenience of parking on-site and there are even discounts available for local taxis. Separate parking areas ensure that vehicles are well accommodated. Despite a minor inconvenience mentioned about access in the morning, the overall consensus emphasizes the great and spacious parking amenities provided by the hotel.

Family
Hotel Elephant Park Grand Royal Pinnalanda shines as a destination ideal for families, particularly those with young children. The hotel's family rooms, many featuring expansive balconies with impressive river views, provide ample space and comfort. Several guests highlighted the great hospitality afforded to family groups, expressing appreciation for the staff's attentiveness, particularly towards the needs of those traveling with infants and toddlers.

Children are especially well-catered for with a good breakfast selection designed with them in mind. The on-site pool is another hit, offering a delightful experience for kids. The location itself, near a spot frequented by elephants, adds a magical touch that captivates both adults and children alike. The presence of babysitting services is an additional convenience that parents found valuable.

While there are mentions of some maintenance issues, particularly in the bathrooms and occasional housekeeping lapses, these did not overshadow the overall positive family experience. The property's exceptional location and the staff's friendly and helpful demeanor left a lasting impression on many visitors.

For families seeking a short, memorable stay filled with unique wildlife encounters and child-friendly amenities, Hotel Elephant Park Grand Royal Pinnalanda offers a welcoming and enjoyable retreat.

3 Star
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" is a quintessential three-star hotel, offering a well-balanced mix of amenities that provide good value for money. The accommodations include all the necessary features, aligning well with the standard comfort level expected from a three-star establishment. The hotel presents an overall satisfactory experience and is especially noted for its affordability, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Its location is ideal for those interested in observing elephants with facilities and procedures to enhance this experience. However, the hotel does have a few areas that need improvement. The property feels dated and guests have reported minor issues such as ants in the rooms and room size discrepancies. The staff's limited command of English has also been pointed out as below expectations for a three-star rating, which can sometimes affect communication.

Despite these drawbacks, the hotel matches its cost, offering a commendable price-performance ratio. Guests have mentioned that it is not a luxury stay but a solid choice for a quick visit, especially considering the recent challenges of reduced tourism in Sri Lanka. While not perfect, the hotel strives for quality within its three-star rating, providing a satisfactory and reasonably priced experience.

Business
Hotel Elephant Park "Grand Royal Pinnalanda" offers an excellent setting for business travelers with professional and courteous staff that caters well to a business environment. Its prime location allows guests to conduct business while enjoying the unique and picturesque view of elephants, which adds a pleasant touch to the stay. The hotel proves to be suitable for short business trips and offers appropriate facilities for meetings and conferences.

The Deluxe rooms are highly praised for their spacious balconies and breathtaking views of the river, where elephants are often seen. The big buffet breakfast is another highlight, offering tasty options to start the day right. Guests have access to a swimming pool with river views and sunbeds, providing a relaxing break from business activities.

However, there are some areas for improvement. The doors in the rooms reportedly do not close properly and the prices for excursions, as well as airport drop services, are considered overpriced. Overall, despite minor drawbacks, many guests still regard it as one of the best hotels in the area and recommend it to their friends.


Yes, Hotel Elephant Park - NEW DEAL! Exclusive Offers on Pickups Available! has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Hotel Elephant Park - NEW DEAL! Exclusive Offers on Pickups Available!.

No, Hotel Elephant Park - NEW DEAL! Exclusive Offers on Pickups Available! doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Hotel Elephant Park - NEW DEAL! Exclusive Offers on Pickups Available!.

No, Hotel Elephant Park - NEW DEAL! Exclusive Offers on Pickups Available! doesn't have a gym.

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