De Saram House by Geoffrey Bawa

Wonderful experience to staying in the important architecture. The site is originally owned the De Saram bros. and given to the Bawa trust then became an accommodation for public. The building is renovated by Geoffrey Bawa, so it’s must visit for architects and designers. The building is in good condition, it’s not for luxury but for indifferent experience. The master staff is really nice and knowledgeable, he kindly showed me other rooms! I had a pleasant and precious experience here. Note: wifi and hot water is really good. Breakfast is international style. (non Sri Lankan) The main entrance is really deep from the street, you just ring the bell of the huge black gate.

Very thankful for the chance to stay in a Bawa property. If you are interested in the architect's work, this is a great place to stay. Also, it is well located in the city to reach restaurants and other sites. Staff onsite were helpful and arranged for us to join the Bawa property tour the following day.

Our final night on our trip around the island. Anthony was very attentive, courteous, and helpful. We were in the studio room and it was fine for a couple, plenty of space with a large ensuite as well. Anthony helped us to organise a tuk to take us down to the coast area (Galle Face Green) where we had a lovely evening stroll and dinner at the old Dutch Hospital. The next morning we went for a walk around the local park after breakfast. The breakfast was Sri Lankan omelette with sausage and was well prepared and tasty. The house is delightful, as one might expect from the illustrious Geoffrey Bawa, intricate spaces that lead into each other, creating internal and external adjoining areas and interplay between rooms. It felt like a little oasis in the hectic centre of the city. Highly recommend this place for a quiet stay in the city.

If you are a lover of Architecture, History and the arts, this villa is a must visit to experience the legendary Geoffrey Bawa’s original restoration of Druvi De Saram’s previous residence. It is now managed by the Bawa trust and has four rooms with a gorgeous courtyard. Although in the heart of the city, the property is very quiet and a perfect place to stay and relax whilst reading, writing or even working. The property is looked after by two kind and courteous staff members, Sujeewa and Anthony who ensured we were comfortable during our stay. The rooms and bedding, washrooms are clean and comfortable. I was allocated the room overlooking the entrance Courtyard and I personally prefer it to all the other rooms. Room is equipped with tea, coffee and a hot water kettle plus extra pillows, blankets and a working desk. The washroom has ample towels in various sizes. This is a bed and breakfast property, so you will have to enjoy your other meals from out. However this is not a problem at all since the location is in the middle of where many restaurants, bars and coffee shops are located. The music room is their most prized possession and is filled with books, art and a grand piano. You can choose to relax in this room and take in its beauty during your stay. Thank you for a lovely stay and looking forward to returning soon!

A fantastic hotel with first-rate service and an ever-present warm and genuine smile from the staff. Thank Sujeewa, Suraj, and Tharka for room service. They shared with us information about the hotel and its architectural influences by the great Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa.  We highly recommend this hotel to both foreigners and locals alike, and will definitely be back soon!