Hotel Pinnalanda - New Deal! Half Off Airport Pickups Available
1 night
Rooms and Guests
1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
All properties in Pinnawala
Hotel Pinnalanda - New Deal! Half Off Airport Pickups Available
Pinnawala, Pinnawala, Sabaragamuwa Province 71100, Sri Lanka
Show on map
We Price Match
Highlights
Lots to do
Ideal location
Excellent service
Sparkling clean
Free parkingAmenities
Outdoor swimming pool
Private parkingFree
24-Hour Front Desk
Luggage StorageFree
Bar
Restaurant
Café
Car Rental
All amenities
Property Description
Hotel Pinnalanda offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort. Share your photos and respond to emails at your convenience, thanks to the free Wi-Fi internet access offered by hotel. Should you require transportation to or from the airport, hotel is able to organize it prior to your arrival date. Experience the wonders of Pinnawala with ease by utilizing the services provided at car hire.Visitors can take advantage of complimentary parking directly at the hotel.The accommodating team at the reception will aid you with amenities such as luggage storage. Should you desire access to the top entertainment in the city, assistance can be provided by the hotel's tours.Relax and feel the warmth in the hotel's inviting lobby, featuring an enchanting on-site fireplace.Traveling with minimal luggage is achievable at Hotel Pinnalanda due to the hotel's laundry service ensuring your garments stay fresh. Room amenities like 24-hour room service and room service contribute to making a perfect selection for your stay. Embark on your holiday experience in the most ideal manner. Commence each morning of your visit with an on-site breakfast.Experience the delight of a fresh morning by savoring excellent coffee at the cafe situated within hotel.Should you prefer not to venture out for a meal, the enticing culinary choices at hotel are always available for your satisfaction.Experience an unforgettable evening with your fellow travelers just a short distance away, at hotel's bar. Indulge in the numerous pursuits available at Hotel Pinnalanda. Make certain to allocate time for discovering the shoreline, easily reachable right from the hotel.Each day at hotel, immerse yourself in the invigorating waters of the pool, perfect for a rejuvenating plunge or a series of revitalizing laps.
Show more
8.2/10
Very GoodCleanliness8.2
Amenities8.2
Location8.2
Service8.2
All 13 reviews
Surroundings
Airport: Katugastota Airport
(47.2 km)
Train: Rambukkana Railway Station
(4.0 km)
Train: Ihalakotte Railway Station
(17.5 km)
Landmarks: Elephant Bathing Site
(<100m)
Landmarks: Elephants Bathing Place
(<100m)
View on map
Overview
Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies
3
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
1 Double bed or 2 Single bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
River view
Private toilet
Check Availability
4
Superior Room With River View
1 Double bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
River view
Electric fan
Check Availability
Guest Reviews
8.2/10
Very Good
13 reviews
- Cleanliness8.2
- Amenities8.2
- Location8.2
- Service8.2
Average for similar properties in Pinnawala
Book now and leave a review after your stay to earn up to 120 Trip Coins (approx. NZD 2.00). Trip Coins can be used to save instantly on room rates.
Review summary
Powered by AI
Prime Location: The hotel offers an exceptional vantage point to observe elephants bathing in the river daily, typically between 8:30 AM and 11 AM, with views accessible from rooms, the pool, or breakfast areas.
Guest User
June 14, 2025
An awful hotel, we actually didn’t check in due to the room and the standard of the hotel. One bedroom door was actually kicked in on the corridoor that they allocated to us. It is low season but the hotel seemed completely closed up with no lights on at all. The hotel is in desperate need of renovation or rebuild. The only thing I’d say that is good is the location it is literally on the river close to the elephant bathing area. The sister hotel where we actually had to check in (opposite this hotel) was very accommodating and lodged us with them instead. The staff we helpful and seemed quite used to this. The communal areas weren’t much better here as a standard of hotel but at least it was staffed and lights were on.
Guest User
January 12, 2025
i was staying next door, but came here for dinner - great choice ! A lovely evening. Soft music playing when I entered and of course, a gorgeous view !
I went at sunset ... watching the bats flying back to roost is magical. Attentive professional waiters, great atmosphere. I had the pepper steak - it was delicious ! I was eating early ... 6 pm. About 7 pm a musician arrived, playing soft acoustic guitar & singing gentle, lovely songs. Twas a lovely night.
Guest User
September 2, 2024
We spent one night in this simple hotel. There were at least 3 hotels in close proximity. We were not sure how the restaurant functioned because the hotel attached to our hotel was not the one we were asked to dine in. We also did not have a pool. The food was ok for high prices. There was live entertainment in the evening. Breakfast buffet was ok. The best thing about the hotel was the access to seeing elephant bathing. It was heart- warming.
Guest User
March 26, 2024
Hotel with a grate view & very friendly staff. Rooms are good. well cleaned. It was heavy rain when we visit there. They warmly welcome us. Food was Ok. but can improve. unfortunately there was no elephant to see in the river due to high water level. the elephant orphanage is within the walking distance. will visit again surely.
Guest User
August 27, 2023
We had a lovely time at Grand Hotel Pinnalanda, this was our 2nd time at theirs. Such lovely and helpful staff, always goes above to help their guests. “Ela” and Miraj both were very attentive to all the guests and helpful at their best. There was some issues with the electricity in our room, but Mahesh (electrician) and Miraj took care of it during our stay, going above and beyond to ensure we are not disturbed with the power issues. A huge thank to Shantha, the manager who is a people pleaser and always tries to make every guest returns to them again. He even helped us buying tickets for the elephant bathing session. The two lovely ladies at the reception (sorry we couldn’t take their names) were welcoming, polite and friendly. We are definitely going there again next time we visit Sri Lanka. To the owners of this property - Your strength is your lovely staff, take good care of them! There’s a lot of room for you to improve things in this property for more guests to return to you on their next visit to Pinnawala. Try and invest some money on improvements in the property and your guests will pay happily to enjoy as your hotel has the best view of the river. Also we believe that you don’t need to keep the minibar filled in all rooms, not even 5 star hotels do that nowadays. Instead, invest some money on improvements and maintenance of the property. It’s a lovely property that needs a bit of love from the owners.
昊吴
August 5, 2023
The view of numerous elephants bathing in the palm-fringed Maya Ora River in front of the Pinnalanda Hotel is an iconic promotional image of Sri Lanka that looks as good in real life as it does on the tourist brochures. And the location in Pinnawala is half way from Colombo to Kandy or Sigiriya. On our arrival, management confided to us that their deluxe rooms were actually basic with a communal balcony. They upgraded us to a private balcony room overlooking the river in the next door hotel. The room was great, bed comfortable, and view over the river and elephant bathing in the morning was excellent. There will be elephants bathing in the river from about 8.30am until 12 noon, although the biggest number will be between 10-11am. The hotel pool overlooking the river was great, (although you had to walk through the restaurant to get to it) and the hotel staff were friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, their restaurant food was poor quality. Dinner in the restaurant was a selection of badly cooked western food. Breakfast buffet was not much better. Unfortunately you have no other options for eating. If you arrive at the hotel before 4pm, you will be required to pay the Elephant Orphanage entry fee, even if you don't visit it. The hotel has many flights ofstairs and no elevator. This was difficult for my wife as she has some mobility issues.
Guest User
February 12, 2023
This hôtel is perfect to see elephants ! You can watch them from the pool or from your breakfast it’s completely insane :) All he Staff are very friendly and take care about you ! De spent such a good time !
Guest User
January 31, 2023
We (family of four) stayed at the Hotel Pinnalanda for one night after our arrival into Sri Lanka. The hotel is basic but has everything you need for a short stay. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. The view and the close proximity to elephants is what makes this place. It is truly amazing to experience the elephants so close, even whilst having breakfast in the morning. We didn’t see or witness any bad treatment towards the elephants at all (some reviews suggest this takes place) and we also didn’t get pressured into feeding them or having pictures with them. The food was good and the staff very helpful and willing to change certain things for my fussy daughter. There was limited options but that was understandable and not the hotels fault, due to the current crisis. Overall this is a good base for a very short stay (1-2 nights max as nothing else to do in the area) if wanting to see elephants close up.
Services & Amenities
Most Popular Amenities
Outdoor swimming pool
Private parking
Free
24-Hour Front Desk
Luggage Storage
Free
Bar
Restaurant
Café
Car Rental
Currency Exchange
Meeting Room
Additional charge
Secretarial Services
Children's Pool
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Free
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
No additional info available
More Amenities
Internet
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Free
Outdoor swimming pool
Infinity pool
Parking
Private (exclusively for guests) is available On-site parking. Reservation not needed.
Private parking
Free
Transportation
Car Rental
Shuttle Bus Service
Additional charge
Front Desk Services
24-Hour Front Desk
Express Check-In and Check-Out
Luggage Storage
Free
Currency Exchange
Tour/Ticket Service
VIP Check-In Service
Languages Spoken
English
Food & Drink
Café
Bar
Room Service
Activities
Eco Tours
Public Areas
Barbecue
Garden
ATM
Shopping Mall
Cleaning Services
Laundry Service (On-Site)
Additional charge
Facilities for Children
Children's Meals Available
Children's Pool
Business Services
Secretarial Services
Meeting Room
Additional charge
Safety & Security
First-Aid Kit
Property Policies
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: 16:00–24:00
Check-out: 11:00–12:00
Front desk hours: 24/7
Child Policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Children between 0 and 4 years old can stay for free if no extra bed is needed.
Cots and Extra Beds
For all room types, cots and extra beds cannot be added.
Pets
Pets are not allowed
Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
Paying at the Hotel
- Cash
Property Description
- Opened: 1985
- Renovated: 2013
- Number of Rooms: 3
Hotel Pinnalanda offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort. Share your photos and respond to emails at your convenience, thanks to the free Wi-Fi internet access offered by hotel. Should you require transportation to or from the airport, hotel is able to organize it prior to your arrival date. Experience the wonders of Pinnawala with ease by utilizing the services provided at car hire.Visitors can take advantage of complimentary parking directly at the hotel.The accommodating team at the reception will aid you with amenities such as luggage storage. Should you desire access to the top entertainment in the city, assistance can be provided by the hotel's tours.Relax and feel the warmth in the hotel's inviting lobby, featuring an enchanting on-site fireplace.Traveling with minimal luggage is achievable at Hotel Pinnalanda due to the hotel's laundry service ensuring your garments stay fresh. Room amenities like 24-hour room service and room service contribute to making a perfect selection for your stay. Embark on your holiday experience in the most ideal manner. Commence each morning of your visit with an on-site breakfast.Experience the delight of a fresh morning by savoring excellent coffee at the cafe situated within hotel.Should you prefer not to venture out for a meal, the enticing culinary choices at hotel are always available for your satisfaction.Experience an unforgettable evening with your fellow travelers just a short distance away, at hotel's bar. Indulge in the numerous pursuits available at Hotel Pinnalanda. Make certain to allocate time for discovering the shoreline, easily reachable right from the hotel.Each day at hotel, immerse yourself in the invigorating waters of the pool, perfect for a rejuvenating plunge or a series of revitalizing laps.