This 36-acre, 105-room upscale resort on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is family-friendly and relaxed, drawing a mostly German and British crowd. The beach isn’t the draw -- it contains course, beige sand that burns hot in the sun, and the current is not always safe for swimming -- but it's fine for walks and sunsets. Rooms with varying views have modern furnishings and amenities, and bathrooms come with walk-in showers (Junior Suites have separate jetted tubs). Water sports at the Kalu Ganga River and excursions are available, but most guests tend to stick to the the outdoor pool, which can get a crowd (ahem, chairs get snagged early). There are two restaurants and two bars; a spa is available at the Anantara resort next door. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.
This 36-acre, 105-room upscale resort on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is family-friendly and relaxed, drawing a mostly German and British crowd. The beach isn’t the draw -- it contains course, beige sand that burns hot in the sun, and the current is not always safe for swimming -- but it's fine for walks and sunsets. Rooms with varying views have modern furnishings and amenities, and bathrooms come with walk-in showers (Junior Suites have separate jetted tubs). Water sports at the Kalu Ganga River and excursions are available, but most guests tend to stick to the the outdoor pool, which can get a crowd (ahem, chairs get snagged early). There are two restaurants and two bars; a spa is available at the Anantara resort next door. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.
This simple, mid-range option in southwestern Sri Lanka is an excellent value. Open since 1983, the 88-room Hotel Mermaid tends to attract long-term vacationers (coming for 10 days or more) -- mostly couples from Europe, some of whom stay for three weeks. Standard Rooms (the majority) have teak furnishings, CD players, and balconies, and there are two pools, a spa, and fitness center. Guests will find plenty of lounge chairs in which to sit back and read a book, the preferred daytime activity. One restaurant serves varied buffet spreads and three bars pour the basics; all-inclusive packages are optional and there's also live entertainment a few nights a week. For more luxury and romance, check out pricier sister property Saman Villas down the road.
This simple, mid-range option in southwestern Sri Lanka is an excellent value. Open since 1983, the 88-room Hotel Mermaid tends to attract long-term vacationers (coming for 10 days or more) -- mostly couples from Europe, some of whom stay for three weeks. Standard Rooms (the majority) have teak furnishings, CD players, and balconies, and there are two pools, a spa, and fitness center. Guests will find plenty of lounge chairs in which to sit back and read a book, the preferred daytime activity. One restaurant serves varied buffet spreads and three bars pour the basics; all-inclusive packages are optional and there's also live entertainment a few nights a week. For more luxury and romance, check out pricier sister property Saman Villas down the road.