The first upscale boutique hotel in Sri Lanka's interior brings new meaning to the phrase "instant classic." Though just opened in 2005, Kandy House has roots two centuries old — from 1804 on it was home to one of Sri Lanka's ruling families — and the stylish, newly renovated interiors stop a bit short of trendy minimalism, instead mixing modern fixtures and materials with traditional architecture and an impressive array of antique furniture.
All of the eight rooms (and one suite) are contained in the old manor house, so the experience is a remarkably authentic one — there's no television, and without air conditioning you're forced to engage with your environment a bit, throw open those windows or even step out on the veranda and survey the grounds of the estate and the jungle beyond. Authentic doesn't mean uncomfortable, though, as the ceiling fans and the gentle hill country breeze keep things cool, and the four-poster beds and claw-foot tubs are classic low-tech luxury.
In fact there's little to do here that wouldn't have been possible to 19th-century guests as well — the courtyard and the verandah are still the house's main attractions, though the pool is presumably of newer vintage. Food is upscale traditional Sri Lankan, with produce selected daily from the market in Kandy proper. And for a look into Sri Lanka's pre-colonial past, you can't do better than the city of Kandy and its surrounding region — this part of the interior was the last holdout against colonization, and cultural monuments abound, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha (which is, if you're wondering, pretty much exactly what it sounds like).
Note: The Kandy House only accepts children over the age of 12.
- 9 Rooms
- Style: Traditional Elegance
- Atmosphere: Quiet
- 8 Guest Reviews
- The Kandy House
- Amunugama Waluwa, Gunnepana
- Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hotel amenities and services
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Library
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Spa treatments (on request)
- Yoga
Other Kandy hotels
8 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
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- Steven
- Stayed September 2012
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
From the welcoming drink to the car service at the end, everything was done right. At no point were were pointing out details that were overlooked. Our butler Janika was oustanding - there when we needed him and unobtrusive when we didn't. Really one of the best hotels in the country.
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
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- miriam
- Stayed June 2012
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
The atmosphere of the hotel has maintained the character of a house and the service made you feel at home.
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
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- olivier
- Stayed August 2011
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
rooms, grounds, staff
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
