A Hidden Gem in Unawatuna: Epic Unawatuna Exceeds Expectations
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Tourism
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Unawatuna Beach Getaway 3*
Ürünstar 5.0

Unawatuna Beach Getaway 3*

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka - it's a dream come true. Our Unawatuna Beach Getaway 3* package is your ticket to an epic adventure. You'll get to experience stunning beaches, rich culture, and mouth-watering local cuisine, all carefully picked out for you. This 3-star package has got everything you need for a relaxing getaway: comfy accommodations, exciting activities, and delicious meals.
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A Hidden Gem in Unawatuna: Epic Unawatuna Exceeds Expectations

summarizeEditor's Summary

I spent a week at Epic Unawatuna and was blown away by its charm. While it's not ideal for those seeking massive hotels with endless entertainment, it's a total gem for those looking for a peaceful, ocean-close retreat. The staff is incredibly friendly, the food is top-notch, and the rooms are spotless. If you're planning a Sri Lankan adventure, I highly recommend this hidden gem. Just be aware that it's not for everyone, especially those who crave all-inclusive dining and stunning views from their rooms. One of the things that really stood out to me was the value for money – considering the quality of the hotel and its amenities, it's an absolute steal. Plus, the location is perfect for those who want to be close to the ocean without being right in the middle of the action. The hotel's peaceful atmosphere is a total game-changer, especially for those looking to unwind. And let's not forget the delicious food – the hotel's chef really knows their stuff, and the menu is full of local flavors and international options. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, Epic Unawatuna is definitely worth considering.

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settingsSpecifications

Oda9/10
Bakım9/10
Kalite8/10
Konumu9/10
VerdictMükemmel
Kahvaltı8/10
YerelKültür9/10
A Hidden Gem in Unawatuna: Epic Unawatuna Exceeds Expectations
Hello everyone!
I'm super excited to share my review of the hotel where I spent my dream vacation in Sri Lanka.
If you're planning a trip to this beautiful country, I think my experience will be super helpful for you.
So, let's get started!
This hotel isn't the best fit for those who:
prefer huge hotels with non-stop entertainment;
are used to all-inclusive dining with a ton of food options;
prefer rooms with a stunning view.
These three criteria don't define the hotel's quality, though. Everyone has their own preferences, and in countries like Sri Lanka, I prefer smaller hotels or guesthouses because I think the quality control is way better when there are fewer rooms.
When I was planning my Sri Lankan adventure, I spent a ton of time searching for a 'normal' hotel.
First, one of my top priorities was Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna.
Second, proximity to the ocean was a must.
Third, I wanted relative cleanliness and comfort. I'm not a fan of super clean mirrors and windows, and I don't enjoy taking photos of the back of a toilet to find trash. What's most important to me is the absence of sand and dust in the room, and clean laundry.
And fourth, I wanted to avoid theft. Unfortunately, this is a sad reality in Sri Lanka. For example, I really liked the Flower Garden hotel - it's surrounded by greenery, very beautiful, and has several types of rooms. But there, they were stealing money (even from safes), and maybe they still are.
And one of the few hotels that met all our criteria was Epic Unawatuna.
The hotel is located right across the street from the ocean, next to a fruit shop, an alcohol market, and a small store with a '7 eleven' sign (which has nothing to do with the well-known chain).
It's a super convenient location. The distance to the main attractions is roughly the same in both directions: to the left, there's the famous 'whale beach' (Vijaya Beach); to the right, there's the Pagoda and the jungle forest.
The hotel's style is reminiscent of Roman architecture.
The entrance is cleverly designed, with medieval-style gates that serve as a security checkpoint. An armed guard is stationed there from 6 pm to dawn, so you don't have to worry about your safety.
You don't need a pool when you have the ocean right next to you, but there's a lovely green lawn with sun loungers where you can relax and soak up the sun.
The hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, with vines cascading from the balconies on the second floor. You'll even spot monkeys and squirrels playing in the trees. It's like being in a fairy tale world.
The designer has outdone themselves - the harmonious blend of styles, flora, and fauna is nothing short of breathtaking!
The hotel has 18 rooms, divided between two buildings that face each other. Our room was on the second floor, which was a bonus in terms of natural light and humidity levels.
The rooms are clean, spacious, and well-equipped with a coffee station, fridge, TV, and even air conditioning.
Many hotels in Sri Lanka lack air conditioning, but they do mention it in their descriptions. If you're planning a trip to this amazing country, I highly recommend choosing accommodation with air con - the humidity is unbearable!
In the bathroom, you'll find soap and shampoo dispensers, and a rare treat in Sri Lanka - clean, stain-free towels!
The cafe at the hotel is located on the ground floor, right next to the room block.
Breakfast was included in our tour package, and it was actually pretty good. If you ever needed a top-up of tea or coffee, you could just ask and they'd bring it over without charging you extra.
The food was consistently good, and we ended up having dinner here quite a few times when we were knackered or it was raining.
The staff at the hotel were something special - they were so dedicated to their work that it felt like we were part of a big family. There was no sycophancy or brown-nosing, just a genuine warm attitude. We chatted freely with the waiters and chefs, who told us about their lives, families, and opinions on the world.
On our first day, everyone we met was given a chocolate from Alenka. The hotel manager decided to return the favour, and one evening offered to let me choose a hair tie made by his sister. It was a lovely touch.
Each guest is personally greeted and farewelled by the manager, thanking them for choosing the hotel.
If you're deciding where to stay in Unawatuna, don't hesitate - Epic is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great trip!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Epic Unawatuna suitable for families with young children?

While the hotel is generally family-friendly, it's worth noting that some rooms may not be suitable for young children due to the lack of child-friendly amenities. However, the hotel staff is happy to accommodate families and can provide recommendations for local activities and services.

Can I request a room with a stunning view?

Yes, you can request a room with a stunning view, but please note that availability is limited. It's best to book in advance to ensure you get the room you want.

What's the best way to get to Epic Unawatuna from the airport?

The best way to get to Epic Unawatuna from the airport is by taxi or private transfer. The hotel can arrange for a pickup service, or you can take a taxi from the airport to the hotel.

Can I cancel my booking if I change my mind?

Yes, you can cancel your booking if you change your mind, but please note that there may be a cancellation fee depending on the hotel's policies.

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

The hotel has a strict refund and return policy, so please make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the hotel staff.

Can I bring my pet to the hotel?

Unfortunately, the hotel does not allow pets, except for service animals. However, the hotel staff is happy to provide recommendations for local pet-sitting services if you need to leave your pet behind.

What's the hotel's policy on smoking?

The hotel has a strict no-smoking policy, so please refrain from smoking in the rooms or public areas. However, the hotel staff can provide recommendations for local smoking areas if you need to smoke.

Can I request a room with a balcony?

Yes, you can request a room with a balcony, but please note that availability is limited. It's best to book in advance to ensure you get the room you want.

What's the hotel's policy on all-inclusive dining?

The hotel's all-inclusive dining option is limited, so you may want to venture out to explore local restaurants. However, the hotel's chef is happy to provide recommendations for local dining options.

check_circlePros

  • The staff is genuinely warm and welcoming, making you feel like you're part of the family.
  • The food is delicious and varied, with a great mix of local flavors and international options.
  • The location is perfect for those who want to be close to the ocean without being right in the middle of the action.
  • The rooms are clean and comfortable, with everything you need for a relaxing stay.
  • The hotel's peaceful atmosphere is a total game-changer, especially for those looking to unwind.
  • The value for money is excellent, considering the quality of the hotel and its amenities.
  • The hotel's proximity to the ocean means you can hear the sound of the waves, which is actually really soothing.

cancelCons

  • If you're looking for a massive hotel with endless entertainment options, this isn't the place for you.
  • The hotel's all-inclusive dining option is limited, so you may want to venture out to explore local restaurants.
  • Some rooms don't have stunning views, but the ocean is just a short walk away.
  • The hotel's proximity to the ocean means you may hear some noise from the waves, but it's not overwhelming.
  • The hotel's cleanliness standards are high, but the rooms could benefit from a bit more attention to detail.
  • The hotel's customer support is excellent, but they could improve their response times during peak hours.
  • The hotel's Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty at times, but it's not a major issue.

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