The Lake Forest Hotel

Food, staff and location is execellant

This is the second time we have stayed here. The rooms are clean and the relevant amenities are provided. We requested an iron and an ironing board, which were also given. The food tasted good. The à la carte portions were adequate (See picture). There was a good variety of choices in the breakfast buffet. The view across the lake was excellent (See picture). The waiting staff, security, and bell boys were quite friendly and helpful.

When we were checking in, the lady at the reception told us to pay in full at that time itself. A temporary hold or refundable deposit would have been understandable. But this was a non-refundable full prepayment, with no explanation. When I pointed out that generally it is at the end that the bill should be settled, given that we may incur other expenses such as food costs that would be convenient to settle in one go, she made a face and showed very reluctant acquiescence. Since I did not want to start an argument, I told her to go ahead and charge the full amount as she wanted. Now, I do not know if this has become the practice of this venue for all guests, or if this is a prejudice against local guests, or perhaps I didn’t fit their profile of a ‘preferred’ guest. Whichever one it was, I felt that the interaction was rather inhospitable, which is ironic, given that it is from an entity which ostensibly is part of ... the hospitality industry.

Breakfast was amazing! Had so many choices and variety. Food tasted great. The stunning view from the hotel lobby, dinning and my room was definitely the best part of this hotel for me.

The shower was a bit difficult to figure-out. I suggest the a sicker with an arrow be pasted on the hidden latch so that the guest know what to pull. I had to come out of the shower and call the reception for help.

The location was breathtaking, with rooms overlooking the lake all the way to 6 stupor of the old town. Beautiful, private balconies. The staff couldn't be more attentive.

There is nothing to dislike about this place.

The view from the hotel over the lake is truly magnificent and rooms are very specious.

We didn’t have a hot water in our room, staff was not attentive, breakfast was very limited, so was a dinner.

Good View

The main hall of the property is great, well maintained with great view. But during my stay I was greeted by a cockroach in the room. Too much noisy, could hear our neighbors and outside noisy dogs barking. Didn’t got proper sleep during our stay, towels were stinky. Buffet dinner and breakfast had many options but it was too cold to eat. Never going neither recommending anyone.

Beautiful location. Service and food was top notch

Internet slow

The pool was beautiful and the view across the lake peaceful. Meals were good and the service professional.

Very nice place directly at the lake with great view to the Stupas. Beautiful pool and garden area. Clean and spacy rooms. Super breakfast and food.

Lovely view over the “Tank” Reservoir to the illuminated Stupa’s of the 3 monasteries.

AC unit had the default set to reset every 30min to 28 degrees. So was hotter in room than outside. As you can access the admin menu on the ac I found the default setting and removed the 30min reset so the room would stay at the temperature we wanted but that was after a very hot uncomfortable night on first night. Food was a bit average and not up to the standard the rest of the hotel offered.

Location is awesome Food is good

One of room has issues with electricity..it kept on tripping but nothing was done

The hotel provided a free room and food to our guide/driver. He felt very well taken care of.

During two afternoons of our three-day stay at Lake Forest Hotel (August 14-17), the entire premises boomed with dance music from weddings on the third floor and roof. When we wanted to relax in the touted tranquility and air conditioning of our room, instead the room pounded with the base of the dance party happening literally on the other side the wall. We complained to the hotel and received the response, “But the music ends by 4:00 PM.” Apparently, the hotel’s “safe haven” status only applies in the evenings. When our driver intervened, the hotel offered to move our room, but it wouldn’t make a difference. The rooms, elevator, garden, and entire property (including the drivers’ rooms in the building across the parking lot) pulsed like a nightclub. Lake Forest can be a pricey luxury hotel for reconnecting with nature, or it can be a booming dance hall for loud and large Sri Lankan weddings. It cannot be both.

Beautiful hotel by the lake with a view of Anuradhapura in the distance. Well maintained, comfortable rooms. Great service including the restaurant with full buffet.

Beautiful and accessible location. Lovely rooms. Staff (young man) at breakfast particularly helpful and courteous. Thank you.

Big rooms with nice view of the lake and stupas.

Felt a little remote. Quite far away for any town centre. The restaurant was a bit hit or miss. On the 1st night the buffet was great, but on 2nd night there was a very uninspiring set menu and the ala carte menu had most things unavailable.

The moment you enter the hotel you are blown away by the view of the lake. The lake view rooms are really nice with balconies where one can sit and enjoy the gorgeous views. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the hotel staff is very friendly and helpful.

The buffet spreads need to be better and have more variety.

We liked the large room overlooking the lake. The food and service was exceptional with an excellent range of food.Staff are excellent and very helpful, Enjoyed our stay in this quiet hotel by the side of the lake with magnificent views

This hotel is set in beautiful surroundings with magnificent views overlooking a lake where there is an abundance of wild birdlife. The area is tranquil and away from main roads, yet within easy reach of attractions such as temples. The room and facilities were very comfortable. There is a nice pool. We received a refreshing welcome drink.The restaurant overlooking the lagoon is lovely (romantic setting). Food for dinner and breakfast was buffet service and there was an array of options, especially for Sri-Lankan style food. The dinner dishes were particularly tasty.

The coffee. There are mosquitos around but the bed does have a net.

Breakfast Buffet was lovely with a good variety. Views over the lake were beautiful. Bedrooms were spacious and comfortable.

Nice big room with nice big balcony with loungers. Comfortable beds. Lovely staff. Beautiful view.

It was very expensive compared to similar places we stayed at in Sri Lanka. Pool location was bizarre. It was half inside the restaurant which made you feel very exposed. Pool was in the shade at the logical time you wanted to use it and hence quite cold.