I spent a month working near Polonnaruwa and although I lived locally I spent many a happy and restfull evening at the Resthouse. You can relax on the terrace and take in a unique view of life on the lake (tank). The wildlife is ommnipresent with Egrets, fruit bats, monkeys and some VERY big lizards never too far away. For... more

Best thing about resthouse is the location. It can't be beaten. Views over the lake are fantastic and you are right next to the main historical sites (literally in resthouse's back yard). Food and drink are basic but good and excellent value. Rooms need renovation and service, whilst friendly, can be a bit varied. This is not top grade accommodation.... more

The location is beautiful. nice to relax but the service is very poor. The staff gave the true colours of lazy attitude to work. The were looking for tips than to serve and make the name. Toilets are not clean and food is poor. The bread and break fast in U.K is far more better than this for the same... more

Service of this place has improved a lot than it used be. i visited the same place in last year and most of the things were terrible!!! I felt that they are not making use of the things they have!!! the view of the tank was magnificent and made me come here again so after visiting all my relations in... more

We were travelling round Sri Lanka for a few weeks and fancied a nice hotal for a night so according to the Lonely Planet this sounded like the place to be. The rooms are big with a great view over the tank but that's about it. The staff were unhelpful pretty much from the moment we arrived. They made up... more

The Polonnaruwa Rest House has an amazing location, but location doesn't make up for the poor service, bad food and gloomy rooms. i felt as though I was at a bad Motel 6. However, don't miss the museum that is within walking distance of this hotel. more

This hotel is in a fabulous position. It has views of the lake and the wonderful birdlife was a highlight. The room was ordinary but had a new air-conditioner and tea/coffee making facilities which is rare in Sri Lanka. The bathrooms desperately need renovation and a good clean (I am very fussy about bathrooms). The service was quick and attentive... more

Another place from my childhood. Eagerly I took my family to this Resthouse of fond memories, asked for a tank view and was made to pay over $90 for a triple room, B&B. The terrace outside our room was grubby, shabby and not worthy of the price. Dirty recliners but a great view, enhanced by the speeding mongoose. Room was... more