Name: Hotel Pinnalanda
Address: Pinnawala, 71100 Pinnawala, Sri Lanka, Pinnawala, Kegalle District, 71100, Sri Lanka
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at £22 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 8.3

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Guest reviews (295)

Hotel Hotel Pinnalanda

This is a Preferred Partner property. It is committed to providing guests with a positive experience thanks to its commendable service and good value. This property may pay Booking.com a bit more to be in this Programme. Airport shuttle. Airport shuttle available for an additional charge. You can request this in the next step.

Pinnawala, 71100 Pinnawala, Sri Lanka –

*8.3* Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: only 5 minutes away! (400 yards on foot)

Lock in a great price for Hotel Pinnalanda - rated 8.3 by recent guests.

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We booked two rooms which were located next door to each other which was good. The rooms were clean and generously sized, the beds were very comfortable, good air conditioning, block out blinds, a mini fridge and good sized bathroom. Good water pressure in shower. Our balcony area looked right over the river where the elephants bathed (river view room). Free coffee and water in the rooms. The breakfast was a buffet with a variety of foods, fruits, juice, coffee and sweets. Breakfast buffet overlooks the river. We did not get the lunch buffet but it smelt and looked amazing. Lots of markets nearby with souvenirs, clothes, elephant products (recycled paper) etc. Check in and checkout were an easy process.

Lily, Australia

The location by the river seeing the elephants was amazing

Kay, United Kingdom

Location for seeing the elephants in the river could not be better.

Jo, United Kingdom

Very nice place. It was our first point in Sri-Lanka which left the warmest feelings. The hotel driver met us at the airport, the trip took about 2,5 hours. The hotel Pinnalanda is under reconstruction now and in the morning we found ourselves in the neighboring Elephant Garden (hotel with the same management). The balcony view was fantastic and these 2 hotels are in the best place for elephant bathing observation. Tasty buffet breakfast on the spacious terrace, everything was clean, comfortable and convenient. It was good idea to stay in Pinnawala as the most interesting things are early in the morning before huge flow of tourists who visit this place as a part of excursion to Kandy etc. I chose Pinnalanda based on reviews and suppose that after reconstruction it will be even much better. At the same time I can recommend Elephant Garden as well.

Larysa, Belarus

Much better than I expected, after reading the reviews. It is having some renovations, new rooms and is now also called Grand Royal Pinnalanda. Reception is outside and rooms and restaurants are to both sides of the river entrance. Perfect for seeing the elephants bathing. We chose e river view room and had room 301. Wow! Rooms 301-3 have a huge shared terrace overlooking the river. We watched sick elephants bathing at 0830 and then the others, about 30 of them, about 10am. Lovely big shower/wet room.

Jayne, United Kingdom

The hotel itself was nice, even though quiet expensive for sri lanka. The hotel was still under renovations when we went. Otherwise the view of the river was nice and the breakfast very great.

Sarah, Australia

Best view on the river and shower of the elephants. They were there almost all the day. It was wonderful to watch these beautiful animals from balcony. Breakfast was ok, we love their bananas.

Tterez, Czech Republic

Most friendly and helpful staff, and a situation that is absolutely beautiful. Dinner and breakfast venues overlooking the river and bathing elephants.

Jean, Ireland

The view of the elephants in the morning is next to none. I was able to eat my breakfast right on my balcony which was the absolute closest to the elephants that you could get.

Cayley, Hong Kong

Perfect view on the river and bathing elephants. Very good breakfast in near by hotel. Very friendly staff who agreed to make late check out at 12 for free. Nice balcony. TV, conditioner.

Nataliya, Russia

9.4

Excellent location!
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property
Highly rated for:
Views from the property

What guests loved the most:
“We booked two rooms which were located next door to each other which was good. ”

Lily Australia
“The location by the river seeing the elephants was amazing”

Kay United Kingdom
“Location for seeing the elephants in the river could not be better.”

Jo United Kingdom
“Very nice place. It was our first point in Sri-Lanka which left the warmest feelings. The hotel driver met us at the airport, the trip took about 2,5 hours. ”

Larysa Belarus
“Much better than I expected, after reading the reviews. It is having some renovations, new rooms and is now also called Grand Royal Pinnalanda. ”

Jayne United Kingdom
“The hotel itself was nice, even though quiet expensive for sri lanka. The hotel was still under renovations when we went. Otherwise the view of the river was nice and the breakfast very great.”

Sarah Australia
“Best view on the river and shower of the elephants. They were there almost all the day. It was wonderful to watch these beautiful animals from balcony. Breakfast was ok, we love their bananas.”

Tterez Czech Republic
“Most friendly and helpful staff, and a situation that is absolutely beautiful. Dinner and breakfast venues overlooking the river and bathing elephants.”

Jean Ireland
“The view of the elephants in the morning is next to none. I was able to eat my breakfast right on my balcony which was the absolute closest to the elephants that you could get.”

Cayley Hong Kong
“Perfect view on the river and bathing elephants. Very good breakfast in near by hotel. Very friendly staff who agreed to make late check out at 12 for free. Nice balcony. TV, conditioner.”

Nataliya Russia

Pinnalanda Hotel is housed in a colonial building just a 5-minute walk from the well-known Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.

Surrounded by lush greenery, the hotel is a 1-hour drive from the beautiful Kandy. Colombo City is a 2-hour drive away while Bandaranaike International Airport is 35.4 miles away. Airport shuttle services can be arranged at a surcharge.

Enjoying tranquil river views, each room will provide you with a flat-screen TV, minibar and air conditioning. There is also an en suite bathroom with hot-water showers.

Pinnalanda Hotel offers a tour desk and meeting/banquet facilities. Enjoy beautiful views of the elephants bathing as you relax with a cup of coffee.

Overlooking the stunning Ma Oya River, the on-site restaurant serves various Sri Lankan and Western meals. Room service options are possible as well.

This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Pinnawala! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

We speak your language!

Hotel Pinnalanda has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 7 Mar 2014.

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Most popular facilities

Bar

Currency exchange: Need local currency? This property offers currency exchange on site.

Guests love...

“great views”
12 related reviews

“stunning location”
7 related reviews

“friendly staff”
6 related reviews

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.4)

Breakfast info

Asian

Free WiFi

FREE parking!

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An inside look at Hotel Pinnalanda

Hotel Pinnalanda is known as one of the finest and outstanding Hotels in Pinnawala. The hotel is located in an enchanting landscape of a calm river bed with a dazzling view of elephant bath. It is the best place to enjoy your stay relaxing and entertaining at Sri Lanka while watching wisest creatures of Mother Nature, Elephants. Hotel Pinnalanda is placed in between the scenic “Maha Oya” river and prestigious country hills. Hotel provides a stunning panoramic view of river that will relax your mind. While your stay at Hotel Pinnalanda. You can have amusing time with adorable elephants.

Hotel surroundings – Guests loved walking around the neighbourhood!

Closest landmarks

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
0.2 miles
Rambukkana Railway Station
1.5 miles
Polgahawela Railway Station
6.1 miles
Kadugannawa Railway Station
9.8 miles
Kadugannawa Railway Museum
9.8 miles
Alawwa Railway Station
10 miles
Gadaladeniya Temple
12.2 miles
Kurunegala Railway Station
12.2 miles
Lankatilaka Temple
13.2 miles
Ambakka Temple
14.2 miles

Restaurants and markets

Hotel Elephant Park Restaurant
0 miles
Cafe Pinnalanda Cafe/bar
0.1 miles
Cargills Food City Supermarket
0.1 miles

Natural beauty

Ma-Oya River
0 miles

Closest airports

Bandaranaike International Airport
35.1 miles

What travellers love about this location

“We booked two rooms which were located next door to each other which was good. The rooms were clean and generously sized, the beds were very comfortable, good a...”

Lily

Australia

“Location for seeing the elephants in the river could not be better.”

United Kingdom

“Location was good to see elephants”

Eva

Denmark

7.9

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1 restaurant on site

Restaurant

Cuisine: Asian

Open for: Breakfast

Menu: À la carte

4 reasons to choose Hotel Pinnalanda

Why book with us

Manage your bookings online

The staff speak English

Booking is safe

House rules Hotel Pinnalanda takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in

16:00 - 00:00

Check-out

11:00 - 12:00

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and extra beds

All children are welcome.

Free! One child under 2 years stays free of charge when using existing beds.

There is no capacity for extra beds in the room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Hotel Pinnalanda accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

“We booked two rooms which were located next door to each other which was good. The rooms were clean and generously sized, the beds were very comfortable, good air conditioning, block out blinds, a mini fridge and good sized bathroom. Good water pressure in shower. Our balcony area looked right over the river where the elephants bathed (river view room). Free coffee and water in the rooms. The breakfast was a buffet with a variety of foods, fruits, juice, coffee and sweets. Breakfast buffet overlooks the river. We did not get the lunch buffet but it smelt and looked amazing. Lots of markets nearby with souvenirs, clothes, elephant products (recycled paper) etc. Check in and checkout were an easy process.”

“Very nice place. It was our first point in Sri-Lanka which left the warmest feelings. The hotel driver met us at the airport, the trip took about 2,5 hours. The hotel Pinnalanda is under reconstruction now and in the morning we found ourselves in the neighboring Elephant Garden (hotel with the same management). The balcony view was fantastic and these 2 hotels are in the best place for elephant bathing observation. Tasty buffet breakfast on the spacious terrace, everything was clean, comfortable and convenient. It was good idea to stay in Pinnawala as the most interesting things are early in the morning before huge flow of tourists who visit this place as a part of excursion to Kandy etc. I chose Pinnalanda based on reviews and suppose that after reconstruction it will be even much better. At the same time I can recommend Elephant Garden as well.”

Larysa

Belarus

“Much better than I expected, after reading the reviews. It is having some renovations, new rooms and is now also called Grand Royal Pinnalanda. Reception is outside and rooms and restaurants are to both sides of the river entrance. Perfect for seeing the elephants bathing. We chose e river view room and had room 301. Wow! Rooms 301-3 have a huge shared terrace overlooking the river. We watched sick elephants bathing at 0830 and then the others, about 30 of them, about 10am. Lovely big shower/wet room.”

Jayne

“The hotel itself was nice, even though quiet expensive for sri lanka. The hotel was still under renovations when we went. Otherwise the view of the river was nice and the breakfast very great. ”

Sarah

“Best view on the river and shower of the elephants. They were there almost all the day. It was wonderful to watch these beautiful animals from balcony. Breakfast was ok, we love their bananas.”

Tterez

Czech Republic

“The view of the elephants in the morning is next to none. I was able to eat my breakfast right on my balcony which was the absolute closest to the elephants that you could get.”

Cayley

Hong Kong

“Perfect view on the river and bathing elephants. Very good breakfast in near by hotel. Very friendly staff who agreed to make late check out at 12 for free. Nice balcony. TV, conditioner.”

Nataliya

Russia

See all guest reviews for Hotel Pinnalanda

Newest reviews for Hotel Pinnalanda

Reviewed: 29 April 2019

Lily
Australia

1 helpful vote
10

“Would recommend to friends”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Superior Room with River view
- • Stayed 1 night
There was a large spider in our room. Some Sri Lankan people hand out fruit to feed the elephants however then force you to pay them. When the elephants stand near the area where you can take photos, the staff forced them away back into the water. Some of the elephants were chained up in the water and looked distressed.
We booked two rooms which were located next door to each other which was good. The rooms were clean and generously sized, the beds were very comfortable, good air conditioning, block out blinds, a mini fridge and good sized bathroom. Good water pressure in shower. Our balcony area looked right over the river where the elephants bathed (river view room). Free coffee and water in the rooms. The breakfast was a buffet with a variety of foods, fruits, juice, coffee and sweets. Breakfast buffet overlooks the river. We did not get the lunch buffet but it smelt and looked amazing. Lots of markets nearby with souvenirs, clothes, elephant products (recycled paper) etc. Check in and checkout were an easy process.

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: 17 April 2019

Mohamed
Qatar
9.2

Superb
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • 2 rooms
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Location is amazing , can't be better Watching elephants bath is Woooow Sunrise from room is spectacular

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: 4 April 2019

Kay
United Kingdom
7.5

“Seeing the elephants and location excellent.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Superior Room with River view
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Not being able to get to the hotel before 4 pm without having to pay 7500 rupees ( for 5 people, 3 were children)
The location by the river seeing the elephants was amazing

Stayed in March 2019
Reviewed: 26 March 2019

Lise
Norway
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Superior Room with River view
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The breakfast was disappointing
The view by the river

Stayed in March 2019
Reviewed: 22 March 2019

Jo
United Kingdom

1 helpful vote
10

“Excellent location for seeing the elephants, relaxed atmosphere.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Room with River view
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Obviously being next to the river there were many critters at night, to be expected. Also, once the elephants leave, it appears everyone else does, Pinnawala was a ghost town at night, only our hotel restaurant available to eat in, which thankfully was good. One night was enough for us.
Location for seeing the elephants in the river could not be better.

Stayed in March 2019
Reviewed: 19 March 2019

Arpita
India
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • 2 rooms
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Restaurant could be a tad better with a little more variety
This was the best location for viewing the elephants .. no other hotel seem to have access to main elephants area. One can view elephants in river from the room. Highly recommend esp coz of the location and great value for money

Stayed in March 2019
Reviewed: 7 March 2019

Isuru
Sri Lanka
8.8

Fabulous
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
All The staff was very good , Friendly, except the lady who seems to be inchrage of the reservations .

Stayed in March 2019
Reviewed: 3 March 2019

Larysa
Belarus
9.6

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Very nice place. It was our first point in Sri-Lanka which left the warmest feelings. The hotel driver met us at the airport, the trip took about 2,5 hours. The hotel Pinnalanda is under reconstruction now and in the morning we found ourselves in the neighboring Elephant Garden (hotel with the same management). The balcony view was fantastic and these 2 hotels are in the best place for elephant bathing observation. Tasty buffet breakfast on the spacious terrace, everything was clean, comfortable and convenient. It was good idea to stay in Pinnawala as the most interesting things are early in the morning before huge flow of tourists who visit this place as a part of excursion to Kandy etc. I chose Pinnalanda based on reviews and suppose that after reconstruction it will be even much better. At the same time I can recommend Elephant Garden as well.

Stayed in March 2019
Reviewed: 26 February 2019

Anonymous
United Kingdom

1 helpful vote
10

“Great location ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Room with River view
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Not hotels fault, but hated the hawkers who exploited the elephants outside the hotel, and could be intimidating!
The location was perfect, the food amazing, and the staff attentive. The rooms are kept spotless.

Stayed in February 2019
Reviewed: 25 February 2019

Jayne and Mark
United Kingdom

2 helpful votes
9.6

“A perfect location for the elephant bathing!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Room with River view
- • Stayed 1 night
Much better than I expected, after reading the reviews. It is having some renovations, new rooms and is now also called Grand Royal Pinnalanda. Reception is outside and rooms and restaurants are to both sides of the river entrance. Perfect for seeing the elephants bathing. We chose e river view room and had room 301. Wow! Rooms 301-3 have a huge shared terrace overlooking the river. We watched sick elephants bathing at 0830 and then the others, about 30 of them, about 10am. Lovely big shower/wet room.

Stayed in February 2019
Reviewed: 19 February 2019

Sarah
Australia
6.7

Pleasant
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Room with River view
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Unfortunately you have to wait until 4 PM to check in the hotel. It is said that they are close to an orphanage but unfortunately it is more a zoo than an orphanage, we saw the elephant bathing close to our balcony but some of them were chained and the other was not allowed to go very far away in the river. We felt like we shouldn't have gone there for ethic reasons. There is no traditional sei lankains food in pinnawala it is just a very expensive city made for tourist around the "orphenage"
The hotel itself was nice, even though quiet expensive for sri lanka. The hotel was still under renovations when we went. Otherwise the view of the river was nice and the breakfast very great.

Stayed in February 2019
Reviewed: 18 February 2019

Anonymous
Canada
7.9

Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The view of the elephants in the morning is amazing! Definitely the closest hotel to where they bathe. Great views from both the restaurant and the balcony off our room.

Stayed in February 2019
Reviewed: 14 February 2019

tterez
Czech Republic

1 helpful vote
8.8

“Wonderful view, but you should transport there by yourself”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Room with River view
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
This was our first location, so I can advise now - Be careful with hiring the driver. It's better to hire some driver by yourself on the street. We did it with receptionist and it costs more than it should. They wrote us an email how much will cost the transport from the airport (7000 rupies). In the end we payed 8100 and it has to be payed in cash (like a special services). You know..everybody in Sri Lanka wants provision.
Best view on the river and shower of the elephants. They were there almost all the day. It was wonderful to watch these beautiful animals from balcony. Breakfast was ok, we love their bananas.

Stayed in February 2019
Reviewed: 12 February 2019

Jean
Ireland
10

“Most enjoyable and”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Too many steps. Keith
Most friendly and helpful staff, and a situation that is absolutely beautiful. Dinner and breakfast venues overlooking the river and bathing elephants.

Stayed in February 2019
Reviewed: 12 February 2019

Cayley
Hong Kong
8.8

“Elephant views make this hotel worth it!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View
- • Stayed 1 night
The hotel was under construction and since I arrived later at night when it was dark, it was impossible to find where to check in.
The view of the elephants in the morning is next to none. I was able to eat my breakfast right on my balcony which was the absolute closest to the elephants that you could get.

Stayed in February 2019

Sleeps	Room type
	Superior Room with River view 1 double bed	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking Enjoying beautiful river views, this comfortable room for 2 features tiled flooring, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Room facilities: • Minibar • Shower • Air conditioning • Desk • Fan • Toilet • Private bathroom • Satellite Channels • Flat-screen TV • Tile/Marble floor • Wardrobe or closet • River view • Clothes rack Free WiFi! Parking: Free! Free public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Please select everything you’d like to know more about (Your response helps provide better information for travellers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the selected options? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve, so you can book more easily next time. Close We're sorry, but there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in date Check-out date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
	Deluxe Double or Twin Room with River View 2 single beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking This twin/double room has air conditioning, satellite TV and tile/marble floor. Room facilities: • Minibar • Shower • Air conditioning • Desk • Toilet • Private bathroom • Satellite Channels • Flat-screen TV • Tile/Marble floor • Wardrobe or closet • River view • Clothes rack Free WiFi! Parking: Free! Free public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Please select everything you’d like to know more about (Your response helps provide better information for travellers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the selected options? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve, so you can book more easily next time. Close We're sorry, but there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in date Check-out date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content

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Hotel Hotel Pinnalanda