There were mosquitos in the room, but there was also a mosquito net. The bed could have been better. The property did not accept card payments, only cash in LKR.

Location was very nice- very nice restaurants around. It is situation on the main road. Breakfast was not included but could be paid for. Room was good, but the bed could be better. Luggage could be stored.

Stayed in February 2025

However, a few aspects could be improved. Despite requesting an iron, it wasn’t provided, which was a bit inconvenient. Additionally, the hospitality felt a bit impersonal.

The Nilmini Lodge offered a peaceful stay with its ideal location near the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The facilities were basic but clean and comfortable, providing great value for money. We booked two rooms; one had round wall sockets, so it’s advisable to carry a three-pin plug point travel adapter. While the hospitality didn’t feel particularly warm, perhaps because we were locals, but our stay was pleasant. The basic English breakfast added a touch of homely charm to the place. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, The Nilmini Lodge is a good choice. Its convenient location, reasonable service, and affordability make it a great base for exploring Sigiriya, Pidurangala Rock, and the Sigiri Village Safari. I recommend it for anyone visiting this stunning region of Sri Lanka!

Stayed in December 2024

There is a restaurant bar nearby that plays music very loud every day until late which makes it hard to fall asleep and have a good rest.

Staff was very friendly and helped us figure out the buses we needed to take. Location was great really close to lion rock and there are plenty of restaurants nearby.

Stayed in December 2024

At night it was too loud. Music was playing all night in one of the nearest restaurant.

Everything was amazing, the staff was very nice, breakfast great and the location was the best.

Stayed in November 2024

The fan and A/C in my room were very dirty (a lot of dust).

The lodge is close to many little restaurants. It is also right in front of the bus stop that you would get to go to/come back from Dambulla. The lodge is at walking distance from both the Lion’s Rock and the Pidurangala Rock, however if you plan on visiting before sunrise or after sunset, you should take a TukTuk as the elephants crossing at the time are dangerous. I saw one myself during the day while walking back. The hosts are available to help if you have any questions or need a Tuk Tuk.

Stayed in September 2024

I had a lovely stay at Nilmini Lodge, the whole family were very kind, helping me with anything I needed, from organising early morning tuktuks for hikes to teaching me some local sayings and pronunication The breakfast was wonderful, and my room suited me perfectly as a solo traveler for a couple of days, I couldnt of asked for anything more. I really can't stress how nice the whole family are, especially Marli. Thank you!

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing, all was fine.

Excellent and well maintained room with aircon, fan, private bathroom with hot shower for bargain price. Close to entrance to Sigiriya Rock and to all other facilities in Sigiriya village.. Friendly hosts who have run this lodging since 1973.

Stayed in March 2024

A bit dark and moist. But for one night a good choice!

Good location, relatively clean and good money value. The host (don’t remember grannies name) who works there is very helpful and friendly and provides you with all information. Really great host!

Stayed in January 2024

We had a misunderstanding about the rooms: the 'bungalow' has only one bedroom with a single and a double bed, whereas based on the Booking.com description we were counting one two bedrooms.

This place is very conveniently located for Sigirya, and close to a bunch of restaurants. The rooms are basic but clean, and there is a nice veranda with a pretty garden. The old lady is very friendly.

Stayed in December 2023

The location can't be better, absolutely in the center, next to shops and restaurants. They also have a tiny shop and motorbikes for rent. The owners are lovely! Mali was always helping me and we had a nice talk about Sri Lanka's culture and history. They will help you with everything you need. They are running the guesthouse for quite a long time and they love what they do. Internet works perfect!

Stayed in December 2023

Noice from both sides of the property. Loud music all day from the Rasta restaurant next door and some other music from other side. It’s a shame as the place itself would have been peaceful.

lovely older couple running the place. Very welcoming. The place is central, within walking distance to the rock, or they hire bikes which is an excellent way to get to the sites. A few restaurants to choose from next door. Stayed in the villa which is nice.

Stayed in May 2023

Not super clean, dark and out dated decor and poor lighting

Great value for money , central location, big spacious room

Stayed in February 2023

Private Shuttle-Service from the airport and to the next stay. Friendly family and nearly located to the most important spots in Sigiriya.

Stayed in March 2023

We had a breakfast prepared by the host, which was great and tasty. The property is situated next to many restaurants so you will have a few options for lunch or dinner. The room itself is clean, basic facilities but if you are there only for a night you do not need much. Great value for money. Also, the host is very kind and friendly.

Stayed in January 2023

very loud music from the bar next to the accomodation

really nice and friendly family, we had tasty breakfast

Stayed in January 2023

Nothing. It was all great.

Lovely accommodation which is just around the corner form the entrance to the rock.

Stayed in September 2022

The place have a good situation, close the bars, restaurants and sigiriya. The all family is very kind and helpful, also organized our safari. They also helped us with good tips to travel by bus.

Stayed in August 2022

An incredibly lovely family who made my stay in Sigirya feel so warm, personalised and peaceful, in what is otherwise quite a touristic town. Not the top end in term of facilities - but super good value - and after arriving late one night they offered to give me a ride to see sunrise at 5am the next morning. Owner has been running the guest house since the 60s and has plenty of stories of the town over the years. For an authentic Sigiriya experience, highly recommend.

Stayed in June 2024

Caring people First guesthouse in town First guesthouse in Sigyria to be visited by the Lonely Planet guy( I just discovered this yesterday) Tasty Hoppers

Stayed in April 2024

Na

Great family running the place and the room was basic but perfect. Had hot water, good ac, a fan, bug nets and wifi. Close to restaurants and helped with well priced safari's. Also has a little store there that was better priced than the rest!

Stayed in March 2024

When we reached the property after several hours of journey, they told us there is no room available. But we told them we have a confirmed booking. Then they said one of their guests extended their booking for another day. Then we told them we booked more than 4 hours ago, you didn't message us or ask us to cancel. The owner then replied that we saw the booking only 15 minutes ago and he is not constantly checking his messages/bookings. When we told them we will raise the issue with the Booking.com they gave us another option - a more expensive room but we have to pay extra - which we refused to accept. Then they said we have nothing to do, search for someother hotels. This is the last thing that we would expect to hear at around 9pm in a place covered by jungle (those who have been to Sigiriya would know what I mean). But then we insisted that we be provided a room, and then they came up with another option that they will give us a more expensive room without any extra charges but with two conditions - one, that we cancel the Booking.com booking so that they do not need to pay commission to Booking.com. two, no breakfast, even though it was originally included in our booking. We literally had no other option left than agreeing to these terms. The host was very rude. We spoke to local guides, tuk-tuk drivers, forest officials, etc. about the incident and they all had some choice words about this property owner.

The worst booking experience ever in my life (we have booked around 50 hotels with Booking.com alone). We had a horrific experience and that’s not about the dirty bathroom or the used bath soap in there or the several varieties of insects we spotted inside the rooms or WiFi was not available in the room or the fact that we had to go and ask them to provide bed rolls, towels and soap. But it is more beyond that - read below

Stayed in January 2024

I highly recommend this accommodation. The owner's grandmother welcomed me very kindly and warmly. The hot water was readily available and the meal was delicious. Moreover, I would also like to recommend the barista coffee shop next to the accommodation. Coffee (cafe mocha) is correct. It was nice to have a good time with all the staff. If I travel to Sigiria again, I will stay here again.

Stayed in December 2023

Amazing owners, always helping us to book safari, give us a welcome tea and also helped us to find a way to get to negombo. We loved It so much that came back! I hope I can come again on future and see this amazing family

Stayed in November 2023

Friendly people..

Stayed in August 2023