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Summary of reviewsSituated in the lush greenery of Sri Lanka, The Thick Forest is celebrated as a prime destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a tranquil retreat. Ideally located between Sigiriya Lion Rock and Pidurangala Rock, the hotel's treehouse accommodations offer guests breathtaking views and an immersive connection with the surrounding vibrant wildlife. The setting provides a serene escape from the everyday hustle, accented by exceptional service from the friendly and attentive staff.
Breakfast at The Thick Forest is a highlight, featuring a delightful fusion of traditional Sri Lankan and hearty English dishes. Guests consistently appreciate the flavorful, varied, and substantial breakfast offerings, which are served with a breathtaking view, setting a positive tone for their day. Dinner too, although simple in selection, is embraced for its freshness, authenticity, and cost-effectiveness, making mealtime a memorable experience.
The accommodations, including treehouses and cabins, offer a unique, cozy experience with forest views, particularly of Lion Rock. While guests cherish the nostalgic and immersive ambience of sleeping among the trees, they also note the need for updates in cleanliness and maintenance. Issues such as outdated facilities, fluctuating shower temperatures, and extra charges for air conditioning are common critiques.
Despite these concerns, the fantastic staff and the welcoming host enhance the overall experience, leaving guests with fond memories. The beautifully maintained garden and new structures are noted for their excellent cleanliness, although the same attention is needed for all accommodation areas. Wi-Fi connectivity is another consideration, performing well near the antenna but often lacking in room coverage.
Overall, The Thick Forest captures the essence of a dreamlike escape in nature, offering an imperfect yet charming experience with superb hospitality, set against a stunning natural backdrop. Show more
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Categories
Small Lodge
Located in front of Pidurangala Rock, this lodge offers a unique and intimate experience. It provides comfortable accommodations with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. It is perfect for guests looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Lodge for Yoga
Lodges in natural settings can offer yoga as part of their wellness activities. The forest environment is ideal for meditation and relaxation.
Lodge with Parking
Cheap Lodge
Room Types
Standard BungalowWooden bungalow features a fan, private balcony and shower facilities.
Double Room with Mountain ViewThe double room offers air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower.
One-Bedroom ChaletThis room has air conditioning and private entrance.
Superior ChaletFeaturing a private entrance, this air-conditioned chalet consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bidet. The spacious chalet provides soundproof walls, a seating area, a dining area as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Location
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka, The Thick Forest stands out as a prime destination for travelers seeking proximity to natural wonders. Ideally situated between Sigiriya Lion Rock and Pidurangala Rock, this hotel offers breathtaking views that extend beyond its humble accommodation. Guests consistently highlight the unparalleled location, emphasizing the ease of access to these iconic sites and the peaceful atmosphere created by the surrounding thick tree cover. The jungle environment provides a serene backdrop, ensuring a tranquil escape from the busyness of everyday life. The unique treehouse accommodations contribute to the magical ambiance, perfectly complementing the stunning nocturnal views and offering a distinctive experience. The amenable staff and exceptional service further elevate the stay, with hosts ensuring comfort and convenience. Transportation options, including complimentary bike rentals, facilitate exploration of the nearby attractions. Amidst the calm nature, guests marvel at the picturesque scenery and cherish the intimate connection to the vibrant wildlife, particularly during birdwatching excursions. With its impeccable setting, The Thick Forest stands as an extraordinary base for tours to Sigiriya's majestic mountains, promising a stay immersed in nature’s grandeur.
Breakfast
Nestled within the captivating surroundings of The Thick Forest, guests can anticipate a delightful breakfast experience that consistently garners praise. The hotel offers a fantastic and diverse selection of dishes, blending traditional Sri Lankan fare with hearty English options. This fusion of flavors provides a varied breakfast that exceeds expectations, leaving patrons suitably impressed. The offerings are not only delicious but also substantial, ensuring guests start their day on a satisfying note.
The breakfast viewpoint adds an extra dimension to the dining experience, allowing guests to savor their meal amidst picturesque scenery. Visitors appreciate the hearty portions and the pleasant atmosphere created by attentive and welcoming staff. The experience is further enhanced by the hotel's commitment to serving quality food sourced from local town markets.
Whether enjoying the simple yet flavorful meals or indulging in a more elaborate spread, the breakfast at The Thick Forest is consistently noted for being tasty, varied, and excellent value for money. This dedication to providing a brilliant breakfast experience is a highlight for many travelers, making it an integral part of the stay at this charming retreat.
Dinner
Nestled at the base of Lion Rock and Pidurangala, The Thick Forest offers guests an inviting dining experience that complements its serene, treehouse setting. The dinner service, characterized by its helpful and attentive staff, consistently leaves a positive impression. While the menu might feature a selection that's simple, the flavors are anything but. Guests frequently delight in the truly delicious meals that are both plentiful and cost-effective.
The hotel takes pride in sourcing food directly from town, ensuring freshness and authenticity, while also offering local options that surprise and satisfy the palate. The combination of excellent dinner preparation and a warm, attentive service makes the dining experience particularly memorable. Additional conveniences, such as arranging tuk-tuk trips and bicycle rentals, further enrich the stay, while maintaining a strong focus on comfort and taste in its culinary offerings.
Rooms
Nestled amidst the forest, The Thick Forest offers a unique stay experience with its charming treehouses and cabins, providing a simple yet cozy atmosphere. Guests praise the experience of sleeping high among the trees, embraced by the soothing sounds of the jungle—a serene escape reminiscent of a childhood dream. Key features include comfortable beds equipped with effective mosquito nets and essential amenities such as a shelf, refrigerator, and a bathroom, though these are admittedly rustic and simple. Views of the iconic Lion Rock from some rooms are a particular highlight, drawing visitors eager for a memorable landscape.
Despite the enchanting setting, various areas call for improvement. Many guests note the outdated nature of both the treehouses and cabins, with maintenance issues such as wear and tear, cleanliness concerns, and a musty smell. Specific facilities, like the shower, fluctuate in temperature, and overall upkeep doesn't meet the expected standard compared to similar accommodations in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the extra charge for air conditioning and modest maintenance detract from the overall value, suggesting the need for some renovations.
On a positive note, those visiting with larger groups appreciated the newly built, clean accommodations, indicating a range in quality across different units. The welcoming and fantastic host further enhances the experience, along with the prime location close to Sigiriya, making it an attractive, if imperfect, choice for travelers seeking immersion in nature with a truly distinctive lodging experience.
Cleanliness
Nestled amidst lush surroundings, The Thick Forest offers a visually pleasing escape with a beautifully maintained garden that is impeccably clean. Guests markedly enjoy the serene setting and new constructions in the area which are praised for their cleanliness. However, the same level of care does not translate to all aspects of the accommodation. Many visitors note that the rooms and bathrooms could benefit from significant attention to detail in terms of cleanliness and maintenance. Issues highlighted include run-down interiors, dirty and rusty bathrooms, along with bedding and towels that do not meet clean standards. Pests and small animals intruding into the cabins further detract from the overall experience, exacerbated by structural flaws allowing insects to enter. Inadequate lighting and loose electrical installations add to the upkeep concerns. While the staff are frequently appreciated for their friendliness, the need for a thorough refurbishment and enhanced cleanliness is evident to improve the guest experience.
Staff
Nestled in the heart of The Thick Forest, the staff and management of this charming hotel have left a lasting impression on guests with their exceptional hospitality. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful nature of the hosts, who are always willing to go the extra mile. Nandana, the manager, receives special praise for his warm welcome, even accommodating late arrivals with genuine kindness. The owner, often described as truly charming, is known for taking meticulous care of his guests, from organizing taxis and day plans to preparing sandwiches for lunch.
The staff, fluent in English and renowned for their attentiveness, consistently demonstrate a readiness to assist guests with everything from navigating local areas to ensuring a comfortable stay. This commitment to service doesn't go unnoticed, as visitors repeatedly commend the staff's warmth and charm. With a combination of superb accommodation and personable, dedicated staff, The Thick Forest leaves guests with fond memories of their stay.
Wi-Fi
The Thick Forest offers a Wi-Fi experience that is functional in certain areas, primarily near the antenna, such as the kitchen veranda. Guests have enjoyed excellent connectivity in these spaces. However, the Wi-Fi can be less reliable, with coverage often being poor or cutting out entirely. Visitors have noted that the internet connection in the rooms is either inconsistent or non-existent. Travelers should be prepared for variable Wi-Fi performance, which may be characteristic of the area's network conditions.
No, The Thick Forest doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Thick Forest.
No, The Thick Forest doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Thick Forest.