Amber House Lanka

This place is truly like no other - simply amazing! We dont even know where to begin with the praise we have for the owner, his family, and his helping hand, Manou. The apartment was incredibly clean and bright, and feels like home. We enjoyed some lovely shakes, drinks, and awesome sunsets on the spacious balcony! But besides the rooms, the family running the hotel and Manou are what makes the real difference. Already before our arrival, the owner provided us with tips on how to get there and offered to pick us up from the station - all while casually speaking our native language (German). Since the first day, we sat together during dinner and lunch with the family - but you can also sit alone on the beautiful porch at the river if you prefer. We enjoyed it so much to learn about the local cuisine from them. It felt like we got a personal cooking class! The food we were served by the owners lovely wife was always freshly made, tasted amazing, and they went through real effort to provide a truly Sri Lankan culinary experience - and they are also incredibly generous! Everyday, the owner checked in with us to help us make the best out of our short stay in Aluthgama / Bentota. He arranged an incredibly fair priced Mangrove tour with a local guide, and taught us how to avoid tourist traps in the city. Even on the last day, the owner supported us with arranging the next steps of our trip (sometimes buying train tickets can be confusing) and dropped us off at the train station - that is so kind and made it so much easier for us! Especially during the day, when the owner and their family were busy, Manou went above and beyond to ensure we are comfortable. For example, we asked for something that they didnt have in stock and without telling us (because we wouldve stopped him) he went to the city and came back 5 minutes later with the item. This just shows the generosity and kindness we experienced here every day.

My main problem is that I was upgraded by booking.com to the King Suite and the only reason I booked the room at all was because it had the rare Jacuzzi Tub. Otherwise I would have stayed at a property for the cost of this one. When I arrived the upgraded room was not available. I was told by the owner over the phone that this happens all of the time with booking. So my question is, why didn't the owner see that booking.com upgraded the room and tell me that it wasn't available when I booked it 4 days earlier. We were having actually conversations about this room. I feel like this was a bait and switch. Also, they offered me $5 off the room. But today when I paid they overcharged me. Then after I Ieft the property in the morning they canceled my booking. After I paid them cash. I think you get the picture, right? The other thing about this place is the fish tanks. They have a gigantic fish in a tank so narrow that the fish can barely [if it can at all] turn around. I watched 2 turtles try and try to get up on a piece of wood that they have floating in the tank to get some rest and they couldn't get up. It was honestly heartbreaking to watch. As kind as the staff was, I would never book here again. If it had not been for the fact that it was raining and nighttime and I was alone, I would have left for a different place.