Jetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve

We were first given a room with a view on the bar and swimming pool, just next to the second floor open terrace which was awful in terms of privacy. Fortunately we were changed to a room on the far East of the old building and the view as fantastic.. the room was old but well maintained. The problem was the terrace door was not sound proof and we learnt at night how bothersome it would be. Because you see, our room was just above the restaurant that gives directly to the sea where waves crash on the rocks. Impossible to have a quiet night. Light sleepers better choose a room in the swimming pool area. Food was ok. Service as everywhere in SriLanka was slow and not very responsive. You had to ask twice for hot water or something. We expected more for a 5 stars. We tried the restaurant next to the spa on our last night and service was great there. The pizza at the pizza restaurant next to the pool was very good. Location of the hotel was great, a 5 min by tuktuk to the castle. Unfortunately, everything was almost perfect until the day we left. We realized the hotel has a monopoly on all the taxi and tuktuk that come and leave the hotel. As I couldn't book a car on Uber or kangaroo cab, we just asked a driver who just dropped a group of people if we could hire him and he was ok but the hotel staff interrupted us and sent him away because they asked us to choose from their drivers which was completely absurd. We insisted on using this driver so they entered in a negotiation with the driver to get a cut on the fees. Apparently these are common practices in 5 star hotels. A total mafia style management. Outrageous. And in the hotel room, you have a biography of the founder that highlight his ambition to highlight Sri Lankan hospitality. I encourage him to take a look in the mirror. For that I would not recommend this place, especially during winter vacation when prices are half a grand for 2 nights!

We stayed here in June when it’s low season so it’s not crowded. Staff was super friendly and the pool size is huge facing the sea. In June the waves are really rough so can’t go swim in the ocean. Breakfast and Dinner was amazing, hotel restaurant manager and staff’s service was exceptional. Our room was facing the sea so we get to wake up seeing the ocean. Room was very clean, the only thing is there are lots of spider babies around the sink and closet, also some tiny ants around, everything else is really good. We will definitely come again!!

Amazing sea view. Friendly staff very good room service.