We stayed in the Riverdale apartment. Very special. Beautiful location.

Stayed in April 2025

To get around in Kandy is not that easy. You need a car and driver or at least a tuk tuk driver. The hotel is not situated in the heart of the city. The waiters from the hotel are helpful, very helpful or even a bit too helpful.

The hotel Elephant stables is situated on one of the small hillocks of Kandy with quite a nice view over the region and its wood covered hills. It is a very quite place with only a handfull rooms and guests, very privat. You get easily in contact with the hotel crew.

Stayed in February 2025

Everything was amazing. Just heads up if you’re driving: the road to access the property is a bit narrow and secluded, but that’s what makes it special!

The property is beautiful, immersed in nature and with stunning views on the hills. The staff was great and extremely accommodating to our last minute change of plans. Breakfast was delicious. Perfect for a cozy and relaxing getaway.

Stayed in February 2025

We did not realize that the bungalow is shared between the owner and the guest. The guest rooms are outside.

Spectacular scenery. We stayed in Riverdale bungalow and not the main Stables. We did not visit the stables. So the review is about the bungalow.

Stayed in February 2025

Little bit tricky to find the first time and tuk tuk drivers not sure where it is. But all fine after we got there.

Beautiful property in stunning location. Views are fantastic. Own pool, and extremely friendly, efficient and professional staff. Many thanks to Danju and the chef. Food was delicious. Would love to stay again.

Stayed in February 2025

Not much, dogs are always an issue in Sri Lanka , not their dogs but neighbourhood dogs. Minor in reality compared with the vista and private pool.

This was the separate bungalow at Elephant stables called riverside. Own chef and butler who were brilliant. Food and care and attention in all aspects very good

Stayed in February 2025

None

The staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Special shoutout to Niyal who gave us local tips and stayed late to ensure we made it home safe after our day of excursions. The view of town and the mountains is gorgeous and our safari tent was tasteful and elegant. We were very sad to only spend one night at this oasis.

Stayed in February 2025

If you need absolute quiet at night, the tent might not be the best place to stay on the property as there is some traffic noise from the roads below as well as the bird song (delightful).

We stayed in the 'Royal Tent' to the side of the main house. It was spacious, well equipped, private, with its own outdoor seating areas. There were only two of us, but the curtained off area with single beds would make it ideal for families as well. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, the food excellent. The property is on a ridge and has great outlook in two directions. It is an easy drive to the main sights.

Stayed in January 2025

Staff were a little pushy for tips at the end

Beautifully designed with a great view. Food was amazing both breakfast and dinner. Staff were friendly.

Stayed in January 2025

Difficult to fault this place, but I would question whether it needs to be quite so expensive. Also, the location is not quite the calm, peaceful backwater that they would have you believe. That said, it is out of the city (LAK 400 ish in a tuktuk) and we weren't disturbed by any noise.

The place is beautiful. Lovely furnishings, garden, rooms. We took the Tent Suite, which is stunning, and not at all what one expects of a "tent." The breakfast was delicious, with a wide choice of western and Sri Lankan options. The egg hoppers were especially delicious! We had dinner at the hotel on one occasion and ordered the rice and curry - a choice of rice, served with about 10 different curries, all of which were delightful. Finally, every member of staff is friendly and caring. The chef even comes out to talk about his food. And the hotel tortoises are cute too!

Stayed in January 2025

The Sir David Lean bungalow was exceptional. The carefully designed decor enhanced the historical character. The infinity pool overlooking the river and the valleys beyond added another touch of glamour. The staff were attentive, and went above and beyond when my daughter cut her finger badly.

Stayed in January 2025

What is the "for Elisa" tune Very loud early in the morning? It seemed like it was coming from outside the property but you may wish to speak to your neighbours as it woke us up every morning.

Amazing property Great facilities Breakfast super!! Staff adorable

Stayed in January 2025

Food is over priced (London prices)

Amazing staff, location, views and amenities. Great boutique hotel.

Stayed in January 2025

Had a lovely two nights here- felt that was plenty to see Kandy. The hotel is a short tuc tuc ride from the town by it’s lovely to be out of the noise and pollution of the city. Beautiful sunset over the town. The resident tortoises are a welcome addition. The staff were particularly noteworthy- Tyronne not only cooked amazing food (we had the Sri Lankan set menu one night and it was delicious, although a little too much food!), but he was also available for tuc tuc trips to the city. Lovely pool and very comfortable rooms.

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing

A beautiful colonial building with very thoughtfully chosen furnishings.

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing everything was perfect.

Exceptional service, staff and location. The food is exceptional .. Indika and his team are master chefs! The property is beautiful and well maintained surrounded by amazing wildlife with some of the best views in Kandy. The place is also a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Kandy town but not too far away from anything. The staff are all amazing and went out of their way to help us which made us feel like staying with family ….we can’t wait to return again and stay at this magical place. Thanks to Joel and his team we miss you already!

Stayed in January 2025

N/a

Beautiful property with lovely view, comfortable beds, beautiful bedrooms. All staff exceptional

Stayed in December 2024

One of the most enchanting places on earth! Nihal took exceptional care of us from the very first moment. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and we felt warmly welcomed. The property, the garden, and the pool are truly magical. We enjoyed lunch and breakfast, and both meals were absolutely delicious. The chef Idika came personally to check in to ensure everything was to our satisfaction. The location is in Kandy, just a five-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city centre. The hotel also kindly offered to drive us back and forth. Overall, a five-star-plus experience.

Stayed in December 2024

Location , food, staff

Stayed in December 2024

N/A

We stayed 2 nights and the staff could not have been more helpful. From the minute we arrived they were on hand to help with cases, explain the facilities and tell us what we could do in the area. The room was comfortable, lovely outside area and excellent food/drinks. Thank you to you all for everything you did.

Stayed in November 2024

The tent accommodation is not sound proofed and noise made in this accommodation can be heard throughout the property

Amazing decor and facilities inside a large country house. Very comfortable rooms, excellent service and delicious food made on site. Very friendly staff that go the extra mile to ensure you are comfortable and looked after. The pool is amazing and looks out onto the valley. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for somewhere to stay in Kandy, and is worth travelling to Kandy for!

Stayed in November 2024

For two couples having one bathroom was a bit awkward, a seperate toilet would have been great.

We stayed in the bungalow, the location, the pool, the butler, the food, the view, all the beautiful sitting areas, it was an oasis to return to after a busy day exploring Kandy and it’s surrounds.

Stayed in October 2024

Lots of insects flying around. It's a jungle what can one expect. They also sometimes come into the room. It's difficult to find. The location on Google map is wrong. The location on booking.com is wrong. We had to ask Manju for the pin location.

Beautiful decorated rooms, breathtaking views, exceptional service my Manju who was our butler and Madhu who was the cook. It's a quiet place away from the city chaos that offers exclusive luxurious rooms with a private pool. Loved it.

Stayed in October 2024

My only comment would be about the bed sheets , they were clean but old.

The food was delicious and beyond . The view from the hotel was beautiful , very cosy and beautiful garden.

Stayed in September 2024