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Hotel Pinnalanda
Superior River View, Hotel Pinnalanda in Pinnawala
Interior view, Hotel Pinnalanda in Pinnawala
Bathroom, Hotel Pinnalanda in Pinnawala
Bathroom, Hotel Pinnalanda in Pinnawala
Entrance, Hotel Pinnalanda in Pinnawala
Entrance, Hotel Pinnalanda in Pinnawala

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8.2

Excellent

289 reviews

289 reviews

See map
See map

9.4

Exceptional

Location rating score

Exceptional location
Parking
FREE
Nearby landmarks
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage 250 m
Pinnawala Zoo 760 m
Bandaranaike International Airport 56.8 km
Ratmalana Airport 76.5 km
Sigiriya Airport 82.2 km
Anuradhapura Airport 111.6 km
Ampara Airport 137.4 km
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport 138.7 km
Koggala Airport 145.6 km
Weerawila Airport 149.4 km

Hotel Pinnalanda

Pinnawala, Rambukkana, Pinnawala, Pinnawala, Sri Lanka, 71100 - See map

The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Conveniently situated in the Pinnawala part of Pinnawala, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Rated with 3 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to restaurant and outdoor pool on-site.

Highlights

Airport transfer

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Currency exchange

Air conditioning

Balcony/terrace

Facilities

Airport transfer

Car park

Shuttle service

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Golf course [on-site]

Swimming pool [outdoor]

Front desk [24-hour]

Check-in/out [express]

Value for money7.9
Distance to city center9.3 km
Location rating9.4

Rooms available at Hotel Pinnalanda

Superior River View
...
  • Room size: 25 m²/269 ft²
  • River view
  • 1 double bed and 1 king bed
Enter dates to see prices
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
...
  • Room size: 14 m²/151 ft²
  • River view
  • 2 single beds
Enter dates to see prices
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
...
  • Room size: 13 m²/140 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Superior Double Room with Lake View
...
  • Room size: 16 m²/172 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Deluxe King Room
...
    Enter dates to see prices
    Room Assigned on Arrival
    ...
      Enter dates to see prices

      Frequently asked questions

      Does Hotel Pinnalanda have bars on-site?

      Enjoy your holiday vacation the perfect way with a beverage in your hand at Hotel Pinnalanda's bar accessible right in front of your doorstep for when you need a drink or two.

      Is car parking available at Hotel Pinnalanda?

      Hotel Pinnalanda features car park free of charge for all visitors traveling with a automobile. Please contact the property for more information, or log into your Agoda account and contact the property through Agoda's direct message chatbox.

      What points of interest are in close proximty of Hotel Pinnalanda that are in walking distance?

      While staying at Hotel Pinnalanda, kick start your trip by checking out the nearest attraction in walking distance to the property such as Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

      When was Hotel Pinnalanda built?

      Hotel Pinnalanda was built in 1985.

      How many rooms does Hotel Pinnalanda have?

      Hotel Pinnalanda has a total of 4 rooms.

      How long do visitors normally stay at Hotel Pinnalanda?

      Verified past guests that have stayed at Hotel Pinnalanda had an average nightly stay of 1 night at this property.

      What is the typical rating that verified Families with older children have given to Hotel Pinnalanda?

      Past families with older children that have stayed at this property have given Hotel Pinnalanda an average rating of 8.6. You can check out more thorough customer ratings and remarks by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

      What is the typical rating that verified Group travelers have given to Hotel Pinnalanda?

      Verified group travelers that have stayed at this property have given Hotel Pinnalanda an average rating of 8.3. You can look up more specific customer ratings and feedback by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

      What do local travelers think about Hotel Pinnalanda?

      Verified local travelers that have stayed at this property have given Hotel Pinnalanda an average rating of 8.3. You can look up on more descriptive customer testimonials, and remarks for this property down in the review section.

      What is the closest airport to Hotel Pinnalanda?

      The closest airport to Hotel Pinnalanda is Anuradhapura Airport, 112.0 km away.

      Is breakfast offered at Hotel Pinnalanda?

      Wake up to a fantastic continental and buffet breakfast at Hotel Pinnalanda. Travelers can enjoy breakfast offered with an additional charge of 833 LKR for adults if not included in the room rate. You can save more on breakfast costs with Agoda by booking a room with breakfast, which is generally included for less than buying it at the resort.

      See map

      Explore the neighborhood

      What people love about Hotel Pinnalanda

      • 7.6

        Very good
        Location

        "Very good location and service"

        Panatda

        |

        March 9, 2020

      • 9.6

        Exceptional
        Staff 

        "Good breakfast & Friendly staff."

        Umasuthan

        |

        November 15, 2021

      • 9.6

        Exceptional
        Staff 

        "Friendly staff and very accommodating."

        Shavon

        |

        March 1, 2023

      Overall rating:

      8.2

      Excellent
      289 reviews
      Cleanliness
      7.5
      Facilities
      7.1
      Location
      9.4
      Read all reviews >
      More about Hotel Pinnalanda

      More about Hotel Pinnalanda

      Hotel Pinnalanda

      The facilities and services provided by Hotel Pinnalanda ensure a pleasant stay for guests. Post your pictures and answer your emails whenever you want, with the hotel's free Wi-Fi internet access. Pre-plan your rides to and from the airport with the hotel's easy to book transportation services. The hotel provides car hire services to help you find what you want in Pinnawala.
      Parking is available and free, provided by the hotel for guests with their own transportation. The helpful staff at the front desk can assist you with services including luggage storage. If you want seats to city's best entertainment, you can get help through the hotel's tours. The hotel even offers a fireplace for a warm atmosphere on chilly nights.
      The hotel's on-site laundry service helps you keep your favorite travel outfits clean so you can pack less. In-room conveniences include 24-hour room service and room service, so you can relax and enjoy your stay.
      Experience high-quality room facilities during your stay at Hotel Pinnalanda. The hotel provides air conditioning in some rooms for the benefit of guests. Some selected rooms at Hotel Pinnalanda include a balcony or terrace, as part of the room design. Some selected rooms have daily newspaper, television and cable TV to keep guests entertained.
      The hotel also provides guests with a refrigerator, a coffee or tea maker and bottled water in some rooms. Knowing that bathroom amenities play an important role in increasing guests' satisfaction, the hotel provides toiletries in some select rooms.


      Dining and things to do

      Start your vacation days in the best possible way. Begin every morning of your stay with an in-house breakfast. Wake up bright and energetic in the mornings with a cup of good coffee offered at the cafe right at the hotel. Never let hunger affect your travel plans! Restaurants on-site provide convenient and tasty dining options. Have fun at night with your travel companions right at the hotel's bar.
      To fill your days, be sure to check out the fantastic facilities offered at Hotel Pinnalanda. The hotel's on-site pool invites you every day for a cooling dip or a few refreshing laps. Souvenir shopping for yourself or those back home takes no time at all at the shops.


      Reasons to stay here

      Rooms here are cheaper than 93% of accommodations in the city.
      This hotel's food and dining score higher than 93% of accommodations in the city.
      This hotel scores higher than 81% of accommodations in the city for its location.

      Show less

      Amenities and facilities

      Very good
      Facilities

      7.1

      Most talked about facilities

      Breakfast

      6 mentions

      Housekeeping

      4 mentions

      Food & Dining

      2 mentions

      View

      1 mention

      Languages spoken
      • English
      • Sinhala
      Internet access
      • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
      • Internet
      • Internet services
      • Wi-Fi in public areas
      Things to do, ways to relax
      • Garden
      • Golf course [on-site]
      • Swimming pool [outdoor]
      • Ticket services
      • Tours
      Cleanliness and safety
      • Breakfast in room
      • First aid kit
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Shared stationery removed
      • Staff trained in safety protocol
      • Temperature check for guests and staff
      Dining, drinking, and snacking
      • Alternative meal arrangement
      • Bar
      • BBQ facilities
      • Breakfast [buffet]
      • Breakfast [continental]
      • Coffee shop
      • Restaurants
      • Room service [24-hour]
      Services and conveniences
      • Air conditioning in public area
      • Cash withdrawal
      • Currency exchange
      • Elevator
      • Fireplace
      • Invoice provided
      • Laundry service
      • Luggage storage
      • Meeting/banquet facilities
      • Shops
      • Smoking area
      • Terrace
      For the kids
      • Family room
      • Kids meal
      • Swimming pool [kids]
      Access
      • Check-in/out [express]
      • Check-in/out [private]
      • Front desk [24-hour]
      • Non-smoking rooms
      • Pets allowed
      Getting around
      • Airport transfer
      • Car park [free of charge]
      • Rental car
      • Shuttle service
      Available in all rooms
      • Air conditioning
      • Balcony/terrace
      • Closet
      • Clothes rack
      • Coffee/tea maker
      • Daily newspaper
      • Desk
      • Fan
      • Free bottled water
      • Internet access – wireless
      • Mini bar
      • Non-smoking
      • Private bathroom
      • Refrigerator
      • Satellite/cable channels
      • Shower
      • Telephone
      • Tile/marble flooring
      • Toiletries
      • Wi-Fi [free]

      Food and dining

      Breakfast options
      • Asian
      Restaurants on site
      Restaurant
      • Cuisine: Asian
      • Menu: Buffet

      Location

      Pinnawala, Rambukkana, Pinnawala, Pinnawala, Sri Lanka, 71100
      Exceptional
      Location

      9.4

      Property policies

      Children and extra beds

      Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

      All children are welcome.

      Children 0-10 year(s)
      Stay for free if using existing bedding.
      If you need an extra bed, it will incur an additional charge.
      Guests 11 years and older are considered as adults
      Must use an extra bed which will incur an additional charge.
      Others
      • When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

      Some helpful facts

      Check-in/Check-out
      • Check-in from14:00
      • Check-out until12:00
      • Reception open until07:00
      Getting around
      • Airport transfer fee60 LKR
      • Distance from city center9.3 km
      • Travel time to airport (minutes)90
      Extras
      • Breakfast charge (unless included in room price)833 LKR
      The property
      • Number of bars/lounges1
      • Number of floors4
      • Number of restaurants2
      • Number of rooms 4
      • Year property opened1985
      • Most recent renovation2013
      Parking
      • Daily parking fee0 USD

      Reviews of Hotel Pinnalanda from real guests

      Provided by verified guests of Agoda
      7.9
      Cleanliness7.5
      Facilities7.1
      Location9.4
      Room comfort and quality7.2
      Service8.0
      Value for money7.9
      High score for Pinnawala
      Rating
      9+ Exceptional (27)
      8-9 Excellent (18)
      7-8 Very Good (13)
      6-7 Good (9)
      <6 Below Expectation (16)
      Time of the year
      Mar - May (14)
      Jun - Aug (22)
      Sep - Nov (19)
      Dec - Feb (28)

      Show reviews that mention 

      Showing 83 verified guest comments
      12345
      10.0
      Exceptional
      Marc from Sri Lanka
      Family with young children
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in September 2022

      Exceptional”

      Staff was really friendly and helpful. Value for money. Perfect place to visit with children.. CRO officer, receptionists, room service, waiters also guard room person we’re really friendly

      Reviewed September 26, 2022

      See room deals

      9.6
      Exceptional
      Umasuthan from Sri Lanka
      Family with young children
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in November 2021

      Best Location”

      We stayed with young kids. Elephant Park & Pinnawala Zoo are 5 mins walking distance from the hotel. They also have a food truck with great food. Good breakfast & Friendly staff. We missed the elephant bathing due to bad weather.

      Reviewed November 15, 2021

      See room deals

      9.2
      Exceptional
      Desiree from Germany
      Family with young children
      Superior River View
      Stayed 2 nights in December 2021

      Perfect location”

      We spent hours watching the elephants from our terrace. We didn’t even go to the orphanage

      Reviewed December 26, 2021

      See room deals

      8.8
      Excellent
      kapil
      Family with young children
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in February 2021

      Great Location ”

      Staff were very very friendly and welcoming. Location is a big plus point. This property is the closest to the elephant bathing place. Rooms overlook the Maha Oya river and you can get glimpses of peacock and other birds.

      Reviewed February 09, 2021

      See room deals

      9.2
      Exceptional
      lakshan from Sri Lanka
      Business traveler
      Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
      Stayed 1 night in March 2021

      Exceptional”

      Good service

      Reviewed March 03, 2021

      See room deals

      6.8
      Good
      Michael from Germany
      Couple
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in April 2022

      Little bit disappointed from facilities”

      Pro: - super friendly personnel, willing to help and go the extra mile - great location directly at the river - everything was very clean Con: - Room facilities were not very nice (bad smell in bathroom, old furnitures) - prices in restaurant and for taxi services are very high and always billed in USD (25 USD to Kandy, 4 USD for a beer), however staff is paid in LKR according to local wage level. Tipp: Skip staying in Pinnawala and make it a daytrip.

      Reviewed April 14, 2022

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      7.6
      Very good
      Panatda from Thailand
      Group
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in March 2020

      Good location hotel”

      Very good location and service

      Reviewed March 10, 2020

      See room deals

      5.2
      Mohamed from Maldives
      Family with teens
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in December 2022

      Dirty Rooms”

      Rooms were very dirty not dusted. Got sick first night we were there. Also the place looks very deserted. Food at breakfast buffet was very limited and not tasty.

      Reviewed January 11, 2023

      See room deals

      9.0
      Exceptional
      Kymberley from Australia
      Couple
      Stayed 2 nights in April 2014

      Very comfortable, great value ”

      Location to elephants, very comfortable and clean room

      Excellent hotel our best stay in Sri Lanka so far. Great location to interact with the many elephants of Pinnawala - better than the orphanage or Millennium. Not a great location for day trips to sightsee in Kandy as traffic makes the commute take hours. Well worth an overnight stay particularly if you enjoy watching elephants.

      Reviewed May 01, 2014

      See room deals

      9.0
      Exceptional
      SARA from Pakistan
      Family with young children
      Stayed 2 nights in July 2014

      exciting, breath taking”

      location, location, location

      Stay at Pinnalanda was excellent. We spent 2 nights there even though most people don't recommend spending even one. Get a ground floor river view room to enjoy serene views all day and the bathing elephants at a close distance. It's a place where you don't want to miss either the sun rise or the sun set. The tourist market closes at 4pm after the last lot of elephants go back; so do all the tourists who come to watch. You can always cathch a 3 wheeler to go into Rambukkana town to grab a quick local meal or grab some wadas for tea. Enjoy the cool river water or relax in the balcony with a cup of tea and watch the sun set.

      Reviewed July 19, 2014

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      10.0
      Exceptional
      Amanda from Australia
      Family with teens
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in January 2018

      Great little hotel to view elephants”

      Loved our stay here. Slight issue at check in but this was soon rectified. Room was clean with a massive window that overlooks the river. Amazing shower!!! Bathroom was a little smelly from the drain, but not a big deal...find this in a lot of places. Dinner wasn’t spectacular but it was fine. Had breakfast on the deck at 8.30am with a small group of elephants arriving at 9am. As the hotel only has 3 or 4 rooms, there were only about 4 of us watching these elephants. Then at 10am, a much larger group came to bathe. Again we had a great viewing spot, right outside our hotel room. Amazing spectacle to see. An added bonus was a Sri Lankan wedding being held at the hotel, with the bride staying right next to us. Wonderful to see the colour and dance of the wedding. Only bit of advice, is don’t arrive before 4pm for check in. You will be unable to enter the hotel grounds to check in unless you pay 2500 rupees/person (to view elephant bathing in the afternoon). Overall, great value for money...book well in advance as rooms book quickly...but it is quite an experience to have breakfast whilst watching those majestic animals bathe!

      Reviewed January 21, 2018

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      9.0
      Exceptional
      Lajwanti from Australia
      Couple
      Stayed 2 nights in March 2014

      Spectacular location”

      Located right where the elephants come for a bath twice a day, comfortable bed, great air conditioning

      This hotel is mainly a function centre, with only 3 rooms available for accommodation. If you are lucky enough to get one of the 3 rooms it is an unforgettable experience. In the morning the elephants come for a bath right informs of your balcony where you are sitting to have the great complimentary breakfast. Because there are no other tourists there (for day trips) the keeper invited us to wash the elephants, and took heaps of photos of us. It was an unforgettable experience!!! The room itself was large, with a comfortable bed, good air con, and English channels on the TV. The shower a great rain shower with lentil of hot water. The food is a little expensive at the hotel, so we ate at the local small restaurant for lunch at least, great curry and rice meals for Rs400/ head. We spent all day just watching the elephants. As we saw them at all bath times, we did not need to pay extra money to go to the Elephant Orphanage, where the elephants live. An exceptional hotel at a perfect setting.

      Reviewed April 06, 2014

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      8.0
      Excellent
      PEI from Malaysia
      Family with teens
      Stayed 1 night in June 2014

      comfort stay ”

      clean room , friendly staff , natural site

      Clean room with river view . Quiet place with perfect view for elephants at the riverside . Its like get back to Nature . Friendly staffs for fast check in and check out . Highly recommend for stay at Hotel Pinnalanda . We will be return to this hotel for our Second trip to Sri Lanka.

      Reviewed June 19, 2014

      See room deals

      6.3
      Good
      Muhammad from Pakistan
      Family with young children
      Stayed 1 night in June 2014

      Good hotel for viewing the elephants”

      Location

      The hotel is located around 1 hour drive from the city of Kandy, adjacent to the elephant orphanage. We were greeted by the owner and check-in was quick. This is a relatively new hotel and is located along side the Mahaweli River where elephants come to bath twice a day. We enjoyed our time with the elephants and saved a lot of money by not going to the orphanage and instead enjoying our time with the elephants here. Please bear in mind that the town of Pinnawala where this hotel is located becomes DESERTED after 4 pm. I recommend not spending a night here, just a day trip to see the elephants can be enough. We had to check out late in the night (around 4 AM) but no staff came to help us for the luggage, which was very frustrating. The food quality is average, but priced very very high.

      Reviewed June 25, 2014

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      6.8
      Good
      Nico from Netherlands
      Family with young children
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in January 2019

      Hotel itself is ok”

      It seems the hotel is going through some renovations during our stay. For Diner and Breakfast we had to go to the other Pinnalanda building located next to the hotel, which was fine. Both breakfast and diner were excellent. Hotel staff was very friendly but have mis-informed us multiple times about the time and place the elephants would arrive and where and how we could consume our breakfast. I would not recommend this hotel or the Orphanage as a whole as i did not like what i saw with the elephants in the river. Some were forced to lay down in the river and beaten with sticks because it didn't go fast enough. It is clearly visible the elephants are very scared for the keepers (with their sharp sticks) and they are very (to) calm and behave as expected. Nevertheless it is a beauty to see the Elephants in the river. I took nice pictures of those who were left alone and were not chained down.

      Reviewed January 28, 2019

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      9.7
      Exceptional
      Michael from United States
      Couple
      Stayed 1 night in September 2014

      Great location to watch the elephants bathe!”

      Location, Riverfront Balcony, Elephants

      Very clean room with balcony overlooking the river where the 30ish elephants bathe twice daily! By staying here, you avoid having to pay the exorbitant fees foreigners have to pay to see the elephants. The room literally pays for itself since you and your travel partner don't have to pay the entrance fee. Make sure to print your Agoda voucher or have a screen shot to prove you are staying at the hotel to the officials who collect tickets at the street where the hotel is located. Ample English satellite TV channels. Great stay!

      Reviewed October 04, 2014

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      8.8
      Excellent
      ARUN from India
      Family with young children
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in December 2018

      Perfect stay for Elephant watching. Worth the money.”

      If you are a family with young children, then this is the best place. Elephants bathing right on your room door step and having breakfast with the view. One of my best experience in Sri Lanka. Kids loved it. Staffs: Madhu and Santha - excellent service. Food: Pretty good too. Rooms: Very spacious and very clean. Cons: Its best to go after 4pm for Check-in or else you need to pay the entrance fee even if you have booked the room (not to the hotel but to the park). Very wrong in my opinion. Hotel management has to do something about this. Recommended.

      Reviewed December 23, 2018

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      10.0
      Exceptional
      Joanne
      Couple
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in December 2017

      Elephant experience”

      Excellent location for viewing elephants bathing in the river which they do several times a day. River view rooms have view from windows and tables and chairs on deck where you can have your meals. Clean and tidy room. Very relaxing stay. Only drawback for us was noise due to wedding in hotel and smell of cooking in room. Definitely value for money. Wish we could have stayed longer.

      Reviewed December 10, 2017

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      10.0
      Exceptional
      Keeley from United Kingdom
      Couple
      Superior River View
      Stayed 2 nights in November 2018

      Exceptional”

      We had a fantastic time at this hotel, the rooms were clean, comfortable and the air con worked really well. We were looked after by Gayan from the moment we arrived and he was amazing. obviously the elephants were amazing to see but the hotel made the experience more enjoyable. The food was really good and freshly cooked.

      Reviewed December 03, 2018

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      10.0
      Exceptional
      Marion from Austria
      Solo traveler
      Superior River View
      Stayed 1 night in June 2017

      Great Stay”

      We stayed in the hotel only for night but enjoyed it very much. The rooms were very nice and clean, with AC. The staff was very nice and concerned that we enjoyed our stay. Although we didn't visit the orphanage, we could watch the elephants in the river during breakfast.

      Reviewed June 27, 2017

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      12345
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