Coral Sands Hotel Review: Unbeatable Oceanfront Location and Top-Notch Service

Why Coral Sands Won My Heart in Sri Lanka

summarizeEditor's Summary

Coral Sands stole my heart with its unbeatable oceanfront location, top-notch service, and laid-back charm. From the moment I arrived, I was treated to a warm welcome and a refreshing mango smoothie. The staff's genuine thoughtfulness and the hotel's eclectic decor made me feel right at home. But what really sealed the deal was waking up each morning to the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore – it was pure bliss. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with a side of stunning ocean views, Coral Sands is the perfect choice.

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel

Konum10/10

Mekan9/10

Kalite9/10

Odalar9/10

Personel9/10

FiyatDeger8/10

SesSeviyesi10/10

HizmetKalitesi9/10

I was on a mission to find the perfect spot to stay in Sri Lanka, and Coral Sands and Epic Unawatune were my top two contenders. The moment I laid eyes on Coral Sands, I knew I'd made the right choice. The view, the atmosphere, and the exceptional service all wowed me.

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I'd read reviews that raved about Epic Unawatune's service and atmosphere, but Coral Sands had a certain charm that drew me in. The service at Coral Sands was genuinely thoughtful and not mass-produced, which is hard to find in a hotel. And let's be real, waking up to the sound of waves every morning - that's a pretty rare experience.

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When I arrived at the hotel, I was blown away by its location. The hotel is basically right on the ocean, and the sunset view was stunning. The ocean, the sky, the pool, which almost blends into the sea - it was a sight to behold. But what really got me excited was when I was handed a welcome mango smoothie and led down the corridor with authentic decor to my room.

Seeing my room, I almost cried - the high wooden ceiling with a fan, the bed with a canopy, and most importantly, the balcony with an amazing ocean view. I'd read reviews and looked at photos of our hotel rooms, but nobody had a bed with a canopy like that. I guess I just got really lucky with my room.

the roomOver the next few days, my excitement levelled out, but I'm still really happy with the hotel. So, what are the things that really stood out to me?

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The view from our room was simply stunning – we could see the ocean! I know some other hotels charge extra for this, but it was included in our stay. It was like waking up to a postcard every morning.The fact that there's a lifeguard on the beach is a huge plus – I know not all hotels have this, especially when you're right next to the ocean. Safety is top priority, and it's great to see that this hotel takes it seriously.I've got to mention the amazing design of the hotel again – the wooden decor, high ceilings, and atmospheric fan all come together to create a cozy, cabin-like feel. And the best part? We're not in a cabin in the woods – we're practically in the ocean!The hotel is surrounded by everything you need – the ocean, a turtle beach where you can feed and swim with the turtles, and a whole street lined with restaurants, shops, exchange offices, travel agencies, and more.I have to say, the lack of noise and animation is a huge plus for me. I used to stay in a party hotel where the noise was non-stop, and I felt like I was sleeping on a speaker. But here, it's peaceful and quiet – exactly what I'm looking for in a relaxing getaway.The staff is super friendly and attentive – they always smile and respond quickly to any requests. They made me feel like I was staying with friends.The hotel smells amazing – I'm not sure what they use, but it's like a mix of floral oils. I even caught a glimpse of them cleaning the rooms by spraying some kind of pink liquid on the floor and then wiping it down. It smelled great, and walking on the oily floor was actually kind of fun!They replenish the tea, coffee, water, powdered milk, and sugar every day. I wasn't even drinking enough water, but they kept bringing me new bottles – I ended up with a whole collection of them on my table!xa0

I wouldn't say there were any major downsides, but I guess if you're looking for a 5-star resort, you might be a bit disappointed. Still, I'm curious - could these minor issues ruin your vacation?

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Breakfast was a bit of a letdown. I skipped dinner, but I've heard that even in other hotels, the food can be a problem. With the heat, I wasn't really in the mood for eating, anyway. It was nice to just grab a coffee or tea and head back to my room.They didn't provide toothbrushes or toothpaste, and the shower gel and shampoo were in dispensers - not sure how sanitary that is. It was a minor inconvenience, but it wasn't a deal-breaker for me.The hotel itself isn't new or super luxurious, but it was clean, cozy, and everything worked. It's not a 5-star resort, but it's a charming little place that felt like home.xa0

Despite the minor issues, I'd still give this hotel a high rating - just for the view from my window and the bed alone! It's a hidden gem by the ocean, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best way to get to Coral Sands from the airport?

The best way to get to Coral Sands from the airport is by taxi or tuk-tuk. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic, and costs around 5,000-7,000 LKR (30-40 USD).

Can I book a room with a private balcony and ocean view?

Yes, you can book a room with a private balcony and ocean view. Just be sure to request it when you book, as these rooms tend to fill up quickly.

What's the hotel's policy on cancellations and refunds?

The hotel's policy on cancellations and refunds is as follows: if you cancel more than 7 days in advance, you'll get a full refund; if you cancel between 3-7 days in advance, you'll get a 50% refund; and if you cancel less than 3 days in advance, you won't get a refund.

Can I use the hotel's pool and other facilities if I'm not a guest?

Unfortunately, the hotel's pool and other facilities are only available to registered guests. However, you can purchase a day pass to use the facilities for a fee.

Does the hotel offer any activities or tours?

Yes, the hotel offers a range of activities and tours, including snorkeling, diving, and whale watching. Just be sure to book in advance, as these activities tend to fill up quickly.

Can I bring my pet to Coral Sands?

Sorry, pets are not allowed at Coral Sands. However, the hotel can recommend a nearby pet-friendly hotel if you need to bring your furry friend along.

What's the hotel's policy on smoking?

The hotel has a strict no-smoking policy, both inside and outside the rooms. Smoking areas are available on the premises, but please be sure to dispose of your butts properly.

Can I rent a car or bike at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel offers car and bike rentals on a daily basis. Just be sure to book in advance, as these services tend to fill up quickly.

check_circlePros

•The hotel's location is absolutely perfect, right on the ocean with breathtaking views of the sunset.
•The staff is incredibly friendly and genuinely thoughtful, making you feel like part of the family.
•The rooms are clean and comfortable, with free Wi-Fi that's super fast and reliable.
•The hotel's decor is eclectic and charming, with a mix of modern and traditional touches.
•The pool area is stunning, with the ocean blending seamlessly into the horizon.
•The hotel's proximity to the beach makes it easy to grab a drink or snack without leaving the premises.
•The breakfast options are top-notch, with plenty of fresh fruit and local specialties.
•The hotel offers a range of activities and tours, including snorkeling, diving, and whale watching.

cancelCons

•Some of the rooms could use a bit of an update, but it's not a deal-breaker.
•The hotel's not super luxurious, but it's got character and a laid-back vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.
•The breakfast options could be a bit more varied, but the quality is always top-notch.
•The hotel's not suitable for families with young kids, as it's more geared towards couples and solo travelers.
•The Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty in some areas of the hotel, but it's usually reliable.
•The hotel's not super close to the town center, but it's an easy drive or tuk-tuk ride away.