Mandara Rosen Yala, Kataragama

Good pool with music, big rooms, nice areas to explore nearby.

Our recent stay at Mandara Rosen Yala was a genuinely pleasant experience. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness was evident, and the staff were consistently helpful, making our visit thoroughly enjoyable. Breakfast each morning provided a good start to the day, while the dinner buffet was particularly impressive, offering a fabulous spread that was a highlight of our evenings. The hotel's serene atmosphere allowed us to relax and recharge, which was much appreciated after exploring the local area. We felt welcomed and valued as guests throughout our stay, thanks to the attentive service. If our travels bring us back to Kataragama, Mandara Rosen Yala will certainly be our hotel of choice once more. It's an establishment that promises comfort and excellent dining experiences.

We stayed at this property for 2 nights, and unfortunately, the experience was far below expectations for a 4-star hotel. The hotel didn’t seem busy, yet basic services were poorly managed. On our second day, we left the room in the morning and returned around 6 PM, only to find housekeeping still cleaning. After a long day of sightseeing, this was extremely inconvenient. The pool towel policy was another issue. We were told towels could not be taken to the room and had to be used only at the pool. Since the weather was cold, we had to walk back to our room in wet clothes, which is unreasonable and could lead to guests getting sick. Breakfast was the worst among the four properties we stayed at during our trip. Flies were on the fruit, food was cold, and staff seemed more interested in enjoying breakfast themselves than serving guests. The live station appeared to be exclusively for staff—when guests were present, no chef was available, but as soon as staff arrived, the chef started cooking for them. It felt more like a staff cafeteria than a guest dining area. Management needs to take these issues seriously. While we didn’t expect luxury, basic etiquette, hygiene, and professionalism should be standard for a 4-star property.

Lovely hotel in a great location, there it ends. Room had obviously not been prepared for guests, tea coffee not filled up. Sat on bed on arrival, wheel fell off corner of bed, reported it to reception, staff member lifted bed shoved wheel back under corner of bed (filled us with confidence). Wife asked for an ironing board, staff brought it, set it up and broke it, whilst in use it collapsed, complained at reception, greeted with indifference, until I demanded to see manager. Went to use shower to cool off, only to find pipe work loose, water spraying everywhere except from shower. Dining room continued the Fawlty Towers theme, all members of party of 16 arrived at the same time. By the end of our meal some members were still waiting for their starters to arrive. We were waiting for chef to try to drag a dead body through the restaurant. We kept looking for TV camera crew. Reception staff constantly standing around just talking, no money changing until accountant turns up at 0830 so don’t expect an early start. Managerial staff need to take control of the staff, train them, institute a walk round procedure to check accommodation, ensure defects are reported by house staff. The hotel itself could be a great asset but needs managerial staff to start managing it and training staff. There ends this episode of Sri Lankan Fawlty Towers.

Beautiful hotel architecturally and rooms well appointed. Staff thin on the ground and service is slow and difficult. Food very poor. Limited choice for all meals and run out of basics like bananas. Good wines list but only two bottles actually available. Beer also listed but little available.

Whilst I’ve stayed at Mandara Rosen many times, I’ve honestly never taken the time to write a review. But this time, something felt different — and I thought it was time to finally pen my two cents. In the past, my experiences have always been lovely. The staff have been helpful, the rooms clean and well-kept, and the atmosphere calming — a perfect space to unwind after a day in Kataragama. The pool has always been a personal highlight, especially after being out in the hot sun during religious observances. It’s been a place I’ve recommended without hesitation. The food, too, has never disappointed. I remember the buffet spreads — generous, delicious, and satisfying in every sense. Something for everyone, and nothing to complain about. This time, however, was a shorter visit. I was in Kataragama briefly, with two things planned — lunch at the hotel, and arrangements for a day room so those of us traveling (a group of five) could freshen up before heading back to Colombo. I had called ahead and was informed that a day room would be provided for Rs. 15,000, which I agreed to. But once at the hotel, that offer was off the table. Instead, I was told I’d need to take two rooms — totaling Rs. 30,000 — just for a quick change and refresh. That felt unreasonable. In today’s context, where most travelers aren’t staying overnight and hotels are struggling to fill rooms, this seemed like a short-sighted way to recover costs — at the guest’s expense. I did have lunch at the restaurant, and once again the food was fantastic. Though it was à la carte this time (understandable given low occupancy), it was still flavorful and well prepared. The restaurant staff were kind and welcoming, and I appreciated their service. In the end, I went to another hotel that offered a day room at nearly one-fifth the price. A hotel of similar standard was also willing to offer one room at the same rate of Rs. 15,000, as initially promised here. Unfortunately, the only reason I didn’t go there was the distance — otherwise I would have. What saddens me is that instead of gaining business, Mandara Rosen lost it that day. All for the sake of an extra room rate. And that’s the only reason I’m giving this a 4-star rating — not for the hospitality, the setting, or the food, which remain excellent — but because it felt like the focus shifted from understanding the guest to maximizing the margin.