The Dutch Burgher Union

The Dutch Burgher Union rooms are very well located in Colombo with an excellent VOC cafe. I loved the ambience, the room was small but good, the bed was very comfortable, the AC was good there are larger rooms too at the DBU - there were problems with the TV but BBC World was on the list of TV stations, enjoyed watching the England v Australia cricket matches going on back in the UK - there were Tea and Coffee faciliities and a fridge. There was a safe in the cupboard and hot water from the shower. There was a lovely VOC cafe and the pastries and buns were excellent. I simply couldn't do without the DBU iced coffee - it was simply sublime - the VOC Cafe is an ideal location for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The serving staff on the whole were good, efficient and courteous. Service was quite prompt. I enjoyed the famed "lumpries" served at the DBU. Loved the musical evenings at the DBU. The security outside was excellent and vigilant by the gate. I really do think staying at the DBU is good value for money. It's within walking distance of Laksala the Government handicraft shop, the world famous Radio Ceylon, the oldest and finest radio station in South Asia - only three years younger than the BBC, the BMICH, Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Spa Ceylon for wellness needs, restaurants, ATMs of the Bank of Ceylon and Commercial Banks. There are temples, mosques, churches close by. It is walking distance to the Cargills supermarket where you can top up your Sri Lankan SIM cards for your mobile phones. Transport is at your doorstep - just flag down a tuktuk, I also used a local cab firm. There were Sri Lankan police officers close by if you needed any help because they were flagging down cars who were breaching traffic rules near the DBU. Sri Lanka is a land like no other - if you are reading this review, go visit this beautiful island and stay at the DBU!

I was concerned with two aspects - most of the time my room and bathroom was cleaned very well but on three different occasions my bed was not made up. What caused me real angst was when a cleaner had left the room door open, the fan on and lights on, anyone could have gone into my room. Guests need to feel that they are safe. The CCTV did not cover the immediate area of the three rooms near me only a short corridor leading to the lift.There ought to be CCTV cameras covering the area around rooms 1,2 and 3 and on the other section too covering the larger rooms. I brought my concerns to the notice of the President of the DBU and they have now taken swift action. I am glad because the DBU is a beautiful place with a rich history. If booking.com were to ask me would I return - yes I would. It is good value for money.