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Reviews of The Lake Forest Hotel

103, Tissa Wewa Lane, Pothanegama, 50000 Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

#29 of 107 hotels in Anuradhapura

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 80 hotel reviews

8.2

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.8

  • Comfort

    8.5

  • Location

    8.8

  • Facilities

    8.3

  • Staff

    8.7

  • Value for money

    7.9

  • Free Wifi

    7.0

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: August 2, 2025

    9.0
    Relaxing, lakeside retreat with great hospitality
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing we didn’t like. We will definitely be coming back in the future!

    Beautiful setting with spectacular views across the lake (Tissa Weva) to 5 Great Stupas of Anuradhapura (Ruwanwelisaeya, Mirisawatiya, Jethavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya and Sandahiru Saeya). The room was spacious and clean with a balcony that took in the views across the lake. Food was delicious and the staff were kind and attentive. The pool was a great place to cool off and relax. All in all a wonderful place to spend a few days in Anuradhapura, within easy reach of the Sacred City.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 1, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Family Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Friendly staff, good breakfast, spacious clean rooms

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: July 15, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Only 4 sunbed at the pool for more than 20 room…

    The view

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 13, 2025

    8.0
    Great stay overall, but check-in experience felt unwelcoming.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night

    When we were checking in, the lady at the reception told us to pay in full at that time itself. A temporary hold or refundable deposit would have been understandable. But this was a non-refundable full prepayment, with no explanation. When I pointed out that generally it is at the end that the bill should be settled, given that we may incur other expenses such as food costs that would be convenient to settle in one go, she made a face and showed very reluctant acquiescence. Since I did not want to start an argument, I told her to go ahead and charge the full amount as she wanted. Now, I do not know if this has become the practice of this venue for all guests, or if this is a prejudice against local guests, or perhaps I didn’t fit their profile of a ‘preferred’ guest. Whichever one it was, I felt that the interaction was rather inhospitable, which is ironic, given that it is from an entity which ostensibly is part of ... the hospitality industry.

    This is the second time we have stayed here. The rooms are clean and the relevant amenities are provided. We requested an iron and an ironing board, which were also given. The food tasted good. The à la carte portions were adequate (See picture). There was a good variety of choices in the breakfast buffet. The view across the lake was excellent (See picture). The waiting staff, security, and bell boys were quite friendly and helpful.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: April 3, 2025

    8.0
    Stunning View Accross Thisa Lake to See the Famous Stupa
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 1 night

    The shower was a bit difficult to figure-out. I suggest the a sicker with an arrow be pasted on the hidden latch so that the guest know what to pull. I had to come out of the shower and call the reception for help.

    Breakfast was amazing! Had so many choices and variety. Food tasted great. The stunning view from the hotel lobby, dinning and my room was definitely the best part of this hotel for me.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: January 19, 2025

    8.0
    This is definitely a gem in the area. Highly recommend it.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The view to the lake is fantastic. Room is comfortable.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: October 26, 2024

    7.0
    Enjoyable stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The pool was beautiful and the view across the lake peaceful. Meals were good and the service professional.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: September 28, 2024

    9.0
    vacation
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very nice place directly at the lake with great view to the Stupas. Beautiful pool and garden area. Clean and spacy rooms. Super breakfast and food.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: September 25, 2024

    8.0
    Amazing views in a lovely setting
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night

    Very good breakfast and amazing views

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: September 14, 2024

    7.0
    Beautiful view , with special location on the edge of the reservoir.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    AC unit had the default set to reset every 30min to 28 degrees. So was hotter in room than outside. As you can access the admin menu on the ac I found the default setting and removed the 30min reset so the room would stay at the temperature we wanted but that was after a very hot uncomfortable night on first night. Food was a bit average and not up to the standard the rest of the hotel offered.

    Lovely view over the “Tank” Reservoir to the illuminated Stupa’s of the 3 monasteries.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: September 3, 2024

    9.0
    The place to stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    The views! Marvellous! And the room size, so big and confortable.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 31, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    One of room has issues with electricity..it kept on tripping but nothing was done

    Location is awesome Food is good

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: July 22, 2024

    8.0
    Friendly staff and wonderful view
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Breakfast was good but dinner was not so good

    Gorgeous vista

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: June 23, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Beautiful and accessible location. Lovely rooms. Staff (young man) at breakfast particularly helpful and courteous. Thank you.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: June 19, 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Felt a little remote. Quite far away for any town centre. The restaurant was a bit hit or miss. On the 1st night the buffet was great, but on 2nd night there was a very uninspiring set menu and the ala carte menu had most things unavailable.

    Big rooms with nice view of the lake and stupas.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: April 3, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    None

    Excellent location. Very good Restaurant.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 18, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The view day and night

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: February 19, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The buffet spreads need to be better and have more variety.

    The moment you enter the hotel you are blown away by the view of the lake. The lake view rooms are really nice with balconies where one can sit and enjoy the gorgeous views. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the hotel staff is very friendly and helpful.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 6, 2024

    9.0
    Good location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The coffee. There are mosquitos around but the bed does have a net.

    This hotel is set in beautiful surroundings with magnificent views overlooking a lake where there is an abundance of wild birdlife. The area is tranquil and away from main roads, yet within easy reach of attractions such as temples. The room and facilities were very comfortable. There is a nice pool. We received a refreshing welcome drink. The restaurant overlooking the lagoon is lovely (romantic setting). Food for dinner and breakfast was buffet service and there was an array of options, especially for Sri-Lankan style food. The dinner dishes were particularly tasty.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 16, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Breakfast Buffet was lovely with a good variety. Views over the lake were beautiful. Bedrooms were spacious and comfortable.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: January 6, 2024

    8.0
    Beautiful hotel but overpriced
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It was very expensive compared to similar places we stayed at in Sri Lanka. Pool location was bizarre. It was half inside the restaurant which made you feel very exposed. Pool was in the shade at the logical time you wanted to use it and hence quite cold.

    Nice big room with nice big balcony with loungers. Comfortable beds. Lovely staff. Beautiful view.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: December 25, 2023

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Liked everything but more varieties for the breakfast buffet would be good

    We very much enjoyed the surrounding of the property Beautiful view Staff are very helpful

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: November 24, 2023

    9.0
    a relaxing place to stay despite the hot sun of Anuradhapura
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    variety of the buffet

    location, swimming pool

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: September 2, 2023

    7.0
    good valvue
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room with Lake View
    • Stayed 1 night

    One of the bathrooms in our room is not clean.

    The room was lovely and modern, with an amazing view. The staff were lovely and the breakfast was very nice.

    Stayed in August 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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