Laya Waves — Hotel in Sri Lanka

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Pros Location Cons Worst customer experience ever (see details below) Neither the managing director nor the staff are able to speak a proper English which can be very problematic Dishonesty and incompetence of the staff Very expensive taking into account the above Bad restaurant

First, I would like to acknowledge that the location is wonderful.

Nevertheless, the management of the hotel provided the worst customer experience ever.

Indeed, starting 11PM, a DJ and about 25 drunk Sri-Lankans which were not customers of the hotel started to have party next to the pool, just in front of habitations, with techno music extremely loud. I complaint to the receptionist because no customer was able to sleep, and the music stopped. At midnight, the music started again even louder. I complaint to the receptionist once again, but he explained me that it was a private party and that the Sri Lankees moved on the beach (i.e. only 10m away) which is not the property of the hotel whereas the DJ was plugged to the restaurant of the hotel!! At 2PM, exhausted, I tried to speak with the Sri Lankans but they were agressive and provocative so I gave up. The techno music stopped at 3:30AM and started again at 8AM. In the morning, I told the managing director to come by ASAP (he was absent) and asked for a compensation. He did not assume any responsibility and threatened me to call the police if I was not willing to pay the night. When I threaten to complain further, he told me “you can speak to whoever you want I don’t care”.

Finally, this stay was traumatic and I do not recommend this hotel at all. There are few others wonderful places along the cost, with a true and reliable client service. In Laya Waves, not only they do not care about customers, but the staff and the managing director are also dishonest, disrespectful and below the bar of standards that we can expect from an hotel which claims...

We stayed for 2 nights at Laya Waves, and unfortunately it wasn't the best experience.

Positives:

1. The public beach nearby (5 minutes drive away) included snorkelling, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
2. The hotel pool was relatively clean.
3. Many of the waiting staff were friendly, helpful, and accommodating to our needs.

Negatives:

1. Room facilities were unclean and showed a significant lack of maintenance. There were stains and bugs on our bed sheets, and the bathroom was covered in limescale, dirt, and rust. The shower head only released a small stream of water and barely let out hot water—we had to ask for the shower head to be replaced. The curtains were also severely damaged, and the remote for the AC did not work, so it couldn't be switched off or the temperature adjusted.
2. Because it was off-season, we were given the option of 4 different set menus. However, we could only choose 1 of these 4 menus for the family, not a menu/dish each. While this may be okay for some, for us it was challenging given we all had different meal preferences and tolerances. It all felt very restrictive, and the food that came was subpar and often cold.
3. The beach opposite the hotel was not safe for swimming, and we were not informed of this upon arrival, only after we visited the beach, which posed a major safety risk.

Overall, our stay was mediocre and, in truth, saved by the fun activities close by, which meant we didn't have to spend time in the hotel for too long. As it's run by the Sri Lankan Army, it could be better maintained and meals significantly approved. Our stay was not worth the price we paid, and we had much nicer experiences with cheaper hotels...

I recently stayed at Laya Wave Hotel and overall it was a delightful experience. Here are my impressions:

Beautiful & Calm Beach One of the biggest highlights of the hotel is its beachfront. The sand is soft and clean, and the water is calm which makes swimming and relaxing by the sea very peaceful. Because the beach is less crowded, it feels like a private retreat — ideal for people wanting to unwind without too much hustle and bustle.

Stunning Sunrises If you’re an early riser, you’ll be rewarded. The sunrises at Laya Wave are truly something to behold — the sky paints itself in shades of pink, orange, and gold, slowly illuminating the sea in a way that makes you feel very centered and peaceful. Sitting by the shore with a cup of tea, watching that happen, is one of the best moments of the stay.

Atmosphere & Ambience The hotel has a very serene vibe. The landscaping is well done, there’s plenty of greenery, and the overall design gives a feeling of tranquility. Staff are friendly and helpful, which adds to the relaxed holiday mood.

Maintenance Issues While much is good, there are a few maintenance aspects that let the place down at times. Some rooms have fixtures that are aging — taps, door hinges, or bathroom sealants that need attention. Occasionally, paint is peeling in certain areas, or there are signs of wear on furniture that could benefit from refurbishment.

Cleanliness / Upkeep Details Most of the time the cleaning is very good, but I noticed in a few spots (corners, under furniture) there was some dust or small debris. Also, the beach-side furniture (chairs, umbrellas) needs more regular upkeep — some of the cushions are sun-faded, or fabric has...