Niyagama accommodation from NZ$67

Rooms are small, half the size of other 5 star hotels. Bathroom is tiny, hardly any space. Hot water tends to run out after 10 minutes. Very unusual for a hotel of this reputation. Expedia also promised a $50 voucher for VIP access when I purchased the room. The hotel said this was not communicated to them, and Expedia said they cannot honour after I arrived at the hotel. Won’t be booking with them again. The only good thing was the beach was close to the hotel and easy access. Staff were excellent and very friendly too

We went for this hotel based on the trust in the Riu brand, location, all inclusive basis and general good reviews. Overall the hotel was very good. We’d stop short of rating it as excellent based on some of the amenities looking / feeling slightly tired - probably on the basis of having been worked hard. Some key thoughts; We visited during the Middle East war / crisis and consequently the hotel was much quieter than normal. Therefore everything felt more spacious, less crowded and easier to access. We wondered how our very good experience might of been if the hotel had been close to full as we were told is the normally the case. The food was outstanding - particularly for an all inclusive. The choices were broad and quality excellent. The themed restaurants were also superb and easy to book. The Pan Asian and Sauté restaurants were particularly good. The staff were brilliant, so polite, helpful and curtious - a real credit to the hotel and Riu. There were 3 big pools but only one with an easy bar access which was also strictly (and enforced) adults only. That suited us but with parties including under 18s may be an inconvenience and something to consider. The rooms were big, clean with functional facilities and simple decor designs. The hotel is right on a stunning public beach. You can swim but need to take care due to big waves and strong currents. Overall, we’ve done lots of all inclusives and this one is defiibately up there as one of the better we’ve experienced!

This is a truly stunning hotel in a beautiful location. The staff look after you impeccably throughout your stay and are clearly very proud of their workplace and Sri Lanka itself.