Thimbiri Wewa Resort Wilpattu

The rooms are very nice - comfortable, tasteful, with balconies and lovely views out over the wewa. The bathroom was clean and modern. There's an absolutely great swimming pool, and kids play area. And the rooftop was a lovely place to watch sunset from. The staff were nice, but a bit variable - not always very efficient, and front desk/reception didn't really speak good English, meaning that it was difficult to be understood. The restaurant is pretty basic, and rather average (curry, devilled things, fried rice and noodles) - and has no alcohol licence, so you need to bring your own beer / wine if you want a tipple. There is a very nice and helpful, slightly older, waiter in the restaurant, who was particularly friendly, and was able to speak good English to us. The hotel is located very close to Wilpattu National Park - about 10-15 mins drive from Hunuwilagama gate. We arranged a full-day safari with naturalist through the hotel, and were very happy with it. Casun the naturalist was great, and we'd recommend him - and request him next time.

I had an amazing stay at this hotel! The staff was excellent—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help. The location is perfect, offering a breathtaking lake view and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax. The room was spotless and beautifully designed, featuring modern equipment, comfortable furniture, and a unique architecture. The built-in two-person bathtub was a fantastic touch, adding to the luxurious feel. The hotel also has a beautiful pool and a stunning rooftop area, perfect for unwinding. Overall, an excellent stay—highly recommended, and I would definitely visit again!

The family room was clean and comfortable, albiet a little cramped. The shower was hot with good water pressure. We stayed in an upstairs (family) room - when the key was not in the slot (i.e. when you're out) all power is lost (including the fridge) this meant when we came back from safari ants had found a jar of peanut butter we had in the fridge! It would be great if the fridge was on a different circuit and secondly there was a way to cool the room a little whilst out. My parents whose room was on the ground floor did not have this issue. The bathroom does not have an extractor fan. While this did not impact us, the are minor construction issues like this that could age the hotel prematurely. The staff were helpful and friendly in particular a gentleman in the resturant who kindly organised dhal for my daughter (even though it was not on the menu). We had the omelette, biryani and fried rice which were okay. Dhal was very tasty. Breakfast was great and loads of food, the packed breakfast on the safari day was good too. On the second night we had dinner down the road at Wilpattu Coco Hut Village foods which was one of the best meals of our trip! The pool and area was beautiful and well maintained. Our daughter enjoyed playing on the play equipment which was a lovely touch for the hotel to include in their garden. The pool has a kids pool section which was a big "win" in our books.

The room was very comfortable and big. The bath was amazing though I only had a shower so I don’t know whether it would have been possible to fill it with enough hot water. The food was diabolical. We were on half board so we were on the buffet option. The chicken was dry, the beef tough and everything was cold. I asked to have the a la carte menu and pay but I was told that wasn’t an option for us. On the plus side we were offered an omlette for breakfast which was actually quite good. The WiFi was dodgy. I could connect either at reception or in our room. There was a power cut around in the evening but the following morning was exactly the same.

The first nights dinner was horrible cos we ordered the wrong stuff & lunch & breafsdt sandwiches were not so good. So the next day for breakfast we ordered Sri Lankan milk rice, string hoppers & Pol Rotti., chicken & fish curry, potato & dhal curry. It was absolutely super, excellent. The fruit was so good. It was to die for. The papaya especially.

Very helpful and friendly staff made our three day stay enjoyable. Convenient for accessing Wilpattu national park which is about 20 minutes drive away and the historic city of Anuradhapura which is 30 minutes away. Tasty and traditional Sri Lankan food is served. Rooms are spacious and clean with excellent facilities.