Earl's Regency Hotel

Earl's Regency doesn't quite live up to its advertised five-star rating -- particularly in regards to service -- but it presents an upscale experience nonetheless. The main building is painted light-yellow with dark-green wood and stone accents, showcasing locally inspired designed that was influenced by the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka hundreds of years ago. Inside, the large two-story lobby is decorated in shades of beige and dark brown, with floor-to-ceiling windows and numerous potted plants to bring the area's lush greenery inside. While interiors are undoubtedly handsome, its the views of the mountains and Mahaweli River that stand out. Given its location in the middle of Sri Lanka, the hotel is visited by almost exclusively by tourists.

Earl's Regency is located about a 20-minute drive outside of Kandy in central Sri Lanka. Because it is removed from the city and on the other side of the Mahaweli River, there is nothing within walking distance and guests will need a car to get anywhere. The Temple of the Tooth, a royal Buddhist temple with a relic of the tooth of the Buddha, is the most popular site in Kandy and a 16-minute drive away. The Ceylon Tea Museum, a four-story museum with information on the history of tea manufacturing and a top-floor tea cafe, is a 28-minute drive away. The Royal Botanic Gardens, with 4000 species of plants and renowned for its collection of orchids, is a 29-minute drive away. The closest airport is the Bandaranaike International Airport, which is a three-hour drive away. 

The 134 sophisticated rooms are all decorated with locally inspired furnishings that are primarily in neutral colors, plus some earth-tone accents. Though actual design varies, most have wood floors, wood and wicker furnishings, nature-inspired artwork, and white sheets topped with bed runners. All have furnished balconies that look out onto the grounds and forested mountains, and some suites add outdoor hot tubs and sitting areas. However, thin walls let in outside noise and some rooms are showing wear and tear. Standard amenities include ceiling fans, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite and local channels, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free bottled water, and Wi-Fi. Wardrobes also contain safes, bathrobes, and slippers. Bathrooms vary from room to room -- some are outfitted in sleek white marble and others in black or green tile -- but all have showers and separate bathtubs. Some luxury rooms have whirlpool tubs. An extensive selection of free toiletries, including dental and shaving kits, are provided. Free cots for babies can be requested and extra beds are available for a fee. Additionally, interconnecting rooms are available. 

Earl's Regency has a solid amount of amenities for the size of the hotel. Outside is the freeform pool, surrounded by cushioned loungers and dining sets under umbrellas. Also in this area are an outdoor bar and a children's wading pool. The Ayu Spa has treatment rooms for massages -- including for couples -- plus a jetted tub and a small but well-equipped gym. Guests can also get physically active through a tennis court, badminton court, and putting green.  The hotel has three restaurants: the Far Pavilions buffet restaurant (which seats 175), the more upscale Royal Spice Indian Restaurant with an outdoor terrace, and the casual Mountbatten Lounge, open 24 hours with a full bar. They serve a variety of cuisine, but food receives mixed reviews. Room service is available.A business center with three computers and a large conference room are both on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout and free parking is available for guests.