Reviews of Lion's Rest

5a Kadabeddagama , Gurubebila, 81700 Weligama, Sri Lanka

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10 Exceptional
Simon
Reviewed: 30 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified review
9.0 Superb
Post
Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified review

We had a warm welcome by Ayesh. The room was spacious and clean. Our kids enjoyed the pool, playing area and the beach. Great to have this all so close. Although we were there during low season, they did everything possible to make it to an enjoyable stay.

Prices were steep compared to the rest of Sri Lanka. The food could be better to what you expect of the level of this hotel.
10 “Wonderfull place with great vibe!”
Caroline
Reviewed: 15 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified review

Great location, big room and a very nice vibe also because of the great staff!
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9.0 Superb
Fam
Reviewed: 9 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified review

We really enjoyed our stay at Lion's rest. The room was so spacious, the hotel was clean and beautiful but at the end what makes the experience memorable is the kindness and the helpfulness of the people who work there. We received tips and hidden gems where to go, didn't order dinner upfront (low season) but were still able to get dinner spontaniously, no problem at all. The people working there really doing the extra effort.

Since we were here in July, which is low season, you are not able to access the sea in front of the hotel. You are able to access the beach, but the sea is rough. This is not something to dislike, but you might want to know if you are going to book this amazing place. (There are pool clubs nearby where you can go for a swim / surf in the sea, just a little drive away.)

Property response:

Hi Moudette & Family, Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your spacious room, the clean and beautiful surroundings, and most of all, the kindness and helpfulness of our team. It’s wonderful to know that the tips, hidden gems, and a spontaneous dinner in low season helped make your stay extra special. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we’d love to welcome you back for another memorable stay — perhaps in surf season next time! Warm regards, Ayesh

Hi Moudette & Family, Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your spacious room, the clean and beautiful surroundings, and most of all, the kindness and helpfulness of our team. It’s wo… Show more

Lion's Rest

14 August 2025
10 Exceptional
Jonathan
Reviewed: 23 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified review

Lions rest was the most amazing stay for me and my family. The staff were all so so helpful, kind and accommodating and I request big or small was too much trouble for them. The room was clean, spacious, and the location is just amazing right next to the main surf breaks. Everyone made us feel truly welcome and a special note that my wife has got a gluten-free allergy so travelling can be difficult but again the management and catering team went above and beyond every day to make sure she had lovely food to eat throughout each day. Could not recommend this place highly enough …great work guys and thanks again! Jon Duncan ✌️

Property response:

Hi Jon, What an absolute pleasure to read your review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your family had such an amazing stay with us. It means a lot that you felt truly welcome and cared for — that’s exactly the feeling we want every guest to leave with. We’ll pass your kind words on to the whole team — they’ll be thrilled to know their efforts made such a difference. Thank you for your high recommendation and for sharing your experience in such detail. We’d love to welcome you back for more waves, sunsets, and good times at Lion’s Rest. Wishing you all the best until next time, Ayesh

Hi Jon, What an absolute pleasure to read your review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your family had such an amazing stay with us. It means a lot that you felt truly welcome and cared for — that’s exactly the feeling we want every gu… Show more

Lion's Rest

14 August 2025
10 Exceptional
Ciara
Reviewed: 3 June 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

Warmly welcomed and felt like part of the family from the moment we arrived.

Property response:

Hi Ciara, Thank you so much! It means the world to us that you felt like part of the family — that’s exactly the kind of experience we hope to create. We’d love to welcome you back anytime! Best Regards, Ayesh

Lion's Rest

24 July 2025
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10 “Great location on the beach, excellent food and very friendly staff.”
Neil
Reviewed: 8 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
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Great location right on the beach. Very friendly and helpful staff, excellent food, particularly the Sri Lankan curry. Nice clean pool for when sea to strong to swim/surf.

Nothing at all

Property response:

Dear Neil, Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the beachside location, the Sri Lankan curry (a favourite!), and the pool as a backup for those stronger surf days. It means a lot to hear such positive words about our team too. Hope to welcome you back again soon! Best Regards, Ayesh

Dear Neil, Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the beachside location, the Sri Lankan curry (a favourite!), and the pool as a backup for those stronger surf days. It means a lot to hear such positive words ab… Show more

Lion's Rest

24 July 2025
10 Exceptional
Silvia
Reviewed: 2 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified review
10 Exceptional
Benjamin
Reviewed: 30 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
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10 “Highly recommended”
Francis
Reviewed: 30 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
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Great location, top service with beautiful rooms, pool and view.

The restaurant for dinner is very nice. The food is great, but it is expensive for Sri Lanka. Breakfast was included and was excellent.

Property response:

Hi Francis, Thanks so much for your feedback! We're really glad you enjoyed the vibe here — from the rooms and views to the pool and meals. Happy to hear breakfast hit the spot! We do our best to source fresh, quality ingredients for dinner, but we totally get where you're coming from and appreciate you mentioning it. Hope we get to welcome you back sometime soon! Best Regards, Ayesh

Hi Francis, Thanks so much for your feedback! We're really glad you enjoyed the vibe here — from the rooms and views to the pool and meals. Happy to hear breakfast hit the spot! We do our best to source fresh, quality ingredients for d… Show more

Lion's Rest

24 July 2025
10 “Gem in Gurubelia”
Cheryl
Reviewed: 7 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified review

Lion's Rest is an absolute gem. It made my trip to Gurubebila exeptional. The staff was friendly and attentive, they went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. The grounds were very well taken care of. The room I stayed in was very comfortable and clean. The locations was perfect, right by the sea, surf, and close to restaurants. The breakfast was delicious, I love that the coffee, tea, fruit, and toast, was set out to self serve (then you get to order off the menu as well). Everything about Lion's Rest was very well thought out, I will return!

Property response:

Hi Cheryl, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your stay at Lion’s Rest made your trip to Gurubebila exceptional. It means a lot to know that you felt well looked after by our team — we’ll be sure to pass along your appreciation. We're glad you enjoyed the peaceful setting, the comfort of your room, and our breakfast setup (we agree, there's something nice about helping yourself to that first coffee!). We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon — the waves and warm smiles will be here waiting! Best Regards, Ayesh

Hi Cheryl, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your stay at Lion’s Rest made your trip to Gurubebila exceptional. It means a lot to know that you felt well looked after by our team — we’ll be sure … Show more

Lion's Rest

24 July 2025
10 “The staff was genuine and attentive and made us felt right at home.”
Sarah
Reviewed: 30 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

My son loved his own sleeping space with the upstairs loft!

Property response:

Hi Sarah, Thank you for sharing a lovely review! We’re so happy to hear your son loved the mezzanine level in our deluxe room. Hope you all had a comfortable and fun stay, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime! Many Thanks Ayesh

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
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10 “Great place.. Zero complaints.. no cars.. kind people.. great vibe..”
Daniel
Reviewed: 24 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

Great place.. Zero complaints.. no cars.. kind people..

Property response:

Hi Daniel, Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay and the peaceful vibe. It was a pleasure having you, and we hope to welcome you back soon! Many Thanks Ayesh

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
10 Exceptional
Lars
Reviewed: 24 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

We felt very welcome, the staff was super friendly, the environment is relxed and the room was perfect for a family.

Property response:

Hi Lars, Thank you so much! We're really happy to hear you felt welcome and relaxed during your stay. It’s great to know the room was just right for your family, and we’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team. Hope to see you & the family again sometime! Many Thanks Ayesh

Hi Lars, Thank you so much! We're really happy to hear you felt welcome and relaxed during your stay. It’s great to know the room was just right for your family, and we’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team. Hope to see you… Show more

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
10 Exceptional
Becky
Reviewed: 24 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

Fantastic location, in more chilled village a short Tuk Tuk ride away from the main hustle and bustle of Weligama. Staff super friendly and helpful. Delicious breakfast and dinners. Great for staying as a family with young children. Plenty of space to relax and for a crawling baby! Lovely pool. Rooms were spacious, cool and clean. We would have stayed longer if we could! We may return at the end of our trip!

Property response:

Hi Becky, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your family felt relaxed and well looked after during your stay. It’s wonderful to know the little ones had space to enjoy themselves too – and that you enjoyed the food, pool, and peaceful vibe. We'd absolutely love to have you back at the end of your trip if it works out. Safe travels and hope to see you again soon! Many Thanks Ayesh

Hi Becky, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your family felt relaxed and well looked after during your stay. It’s wonderful to know the little ones had space to enjoy themselves too – and that yo… Show more

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
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9.0 Superb
Dennis
Reviewed: 19 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
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7.0 “Well located surf traveller’s hotel.”
Matthew
Reviewed: 16 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

Fabulous staff and location. They try really hard to make it a comfortable guest experience. Food was nice - both breakfast and evening meal.

Not too much ! It’s a great spot for surfer/budget conscious traveller.

Property response:

Hi Matthew, Thank you so much for the kind words! We're really glad you enjoyed the food, the location, and the effort our team puts into making guests feel at home. Hope to see you back at Lion’s Rest sometime soon! Many Thanks Ayesh

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
8.0 “Good stay for calm holidays”
Jurgita
Reviewed: 14 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

Its in perfect location - best location to live in the area for calm holidays - intermediate surf spot (on the beach ask for surf instructor Freddy) ahead, yoga place nearby, nice cafes and restaurants around, best sunset area. Its also nice to have a cooled pool. The staff is also amazing - the manager can help with any issue as well as his crew. They also have tuktuk drivers (2 nice guys) in front of the hotel who are ready to go anytime. Very convenient place to stay. Lots of people with children.

Price is a bit too high. However, if you want to stay in this majestic area and have a pool there are not many options. It should be also noted that superior double room (the one with huge balcony and ocean-view) is not as private as it might look - common stairs separates the room and the balcony thus you might want to cover your windows (no view if so).

Property response:

Hi Jurgita, Thank you so much for the kind and thoughtful review! We're really happy to hear you & Anthanas enjoyed the location, the surf, the pool, and all the nearby spots – and that our team (including our lovely tuk tuk drivers!) made your stay a smooth and memorable one. It’s great to know you found the area peaceful and convenient, especially for families and those looking to unwind. We appreciate your honest feedback about the room and pricing. The superior ocean-view room does offer those beautiful views, but we understand the privacy note and will continue working on how to better communicate that. Thanks again for staying with us – we’d love to welcome you back anytime! Many Thanks Ayesh

Hi Jurgita, Thank you so much for the kind and thoughtful review! We're really happy to hear you & Anthanas enjoyed the location, the surf, the pool, and all the nearby spots – and that our team (including our lovely tuk tuk driver… Show more

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
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10 “Quiet family friendly property.”
Sarah
Reviewed: 12 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

Quiet location away from weligama busy street. There’s also really nice natural pools round the corner. It’s like a secret small beach.

Nothing, lovely place to stay at.

Property response:

Hi Sarah, Thank you so much! We're really glad you enjoyed the peaceful location and discovered the little natural pools nearby – such a hidden gem! It means a lot to hear you had a lovely stay with us. Hope to welcome you back again soon! Many Thanks, Ayesh

Hi Sarah, Thank you so much! We're really glad you enjoyed the peaceful location and discovered the little natural pools nearby – such a hidden gem! It means a lot to hear you had a lovely stay with us. Hope to welcome you back again s… Show more

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
9.0 “We had a good time in Lion's Rest”
Magdalena
Reviewed: 7 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified review

I spent 6 days at Lion's Rest at the end of our Sri Lanka trip with my two teenage sons. The place is cool. The room was quite small but big enough for the three of us. The bed was comfortable. The breakfasts were delicious and there was a choice of both continental and local dishes. We had a great barbecue buffet at the place twice for a reasonable price. The boys also had a few tasty lunches. I recommend the food and the drinks. The place has a great surf instructor who helped me catch my first big waves. Every morning he took us in a tuk tuk with boards, which had a lot of charm. The area around Lion's Rest is homely. Right out of the gate you meet cows and you're just a few steps from a beautiful beach. You don't have to look for a trip to see turtles, because there are plenty of them on the ocean next to hotel. The center of Weligama is very close, and there is always a Tuk Tuk in front of the place to take you there. The staff was wonderful. They took great care to make sure that the stay at Lion's Rest was a success. In the evenings you can also watch surfing films on the projector what was real fun for us.

I paid for additional expenses - food, massage, drinks -with a payment card and I was charged a 3% transaction fee, you have to remember this to withdraw the money earlier, I was not warned that. The water in the pool has a lot of chemicals, thanks to this you won't catch a disease, but watch out for swimming shorts, my son had blue ones before entering and pale blue ones after leaving. There was no enclosed shower in our room, only a small shower tray almost at floor level, which is why after a bath in the bathroom there was water on the floor for a long time.

Property response:

Hi Magdalena, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re really happy to hear that you and your sons enjoyed your stay with us – especially the surf sessions with Lucky, the food, and the laid-back atmosphere. It’s lovely to know the little things, like tuk tuk rides to the waves and movie nights, added to your experience. We appreciate your honest feedback as well. We'll certainly take your comments on the shower and pool chemicals into account as we continue to improve. It was a pleasure having you all with us, and we hope your Sri Lanka memories stay with you for a long time. You’re always welcome back at Lion’s Rest! Many Thanks Ayesh

Hi Magdalena, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re really happy to hear that you and your sons enjoyed your stay with us – especially the surf sessions with Lucky, the food, and the la… Show more

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
10 Exceptional
Lukas
Reviewed: 3 March 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified review

The manager and owner were extremely friendly and helpful. We did some Surf-lessons with Lucky and enjoyed them a lot. Breakfast was fantastic, the accomodation was beautiful, clean and cozy. Overall our best stay during our time in Sri Lanka - full recommendation!

Property response:

Hi Lukas, Thank you so much for your lovely words! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay with us – it means the world to hear it was your favourite in Sri Lanka. Lucky will be thrilled to know you had a great time surfing with him, and we're happy you loved the breakfast and felt at home here. You're always welcome back at Lion’s Rest – we’d love to see you again someday! Many Thanks, Ayesh

Hi Lukas, Thank you so much for your lovely words! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay with us – it means the world to hear it was your favourite in Sri Lanka. Lucky will be thrilled to know you had a great time surfing with him, and w… Show more

Lion's Rest

6 April 2025
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10 “Perfect place to stay for calm after the busier tourist areas.”
Claire
Reviewed: 1 March 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
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The Lion’s Rest was a wonderful property. The room was lovely and the staff very welcoming particularly Ayesh. There’s surf breaks and turtles swimming in the ocean right in front of the property. Our only regret was that we didn’t stay longer.

We liked everything.

Property response:

Hi Claire, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted you had such a great experience, from the warm hospitality to the incredible ocean life just steps away and thank you for mentioning me as well. Hopefully, next time you'll have the chance to stay even longer! 😊🌊 Many Thanks, Ayesh

Hi Claire, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted you had such a great experience, from the warm hospitality to the incredible ocean life just steps away and thank you for mentioning me as well. Hopefully, next time you'… Show more

Lion's Rest

25 August 2025
10 “Perfect.”
Richard
Reviewed: 27 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified review

Staff are lovely, nice rooms and great location

-

Property response:

Hi Frank, Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed the friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and fantastic location. Hope to welcome you back soon! 😊 Many Thanks Ayesh

Lion's Rest

12 March 2025
10 “Relaxing bliss with a perfect mix of Sri Lankan communal hospitality”
Sue
Reviewed: 25 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified review

The location was amazing with a mix of 'surf culture' and local every day life. It was truly relaxed and welcoming but not showy. The staff including Ayesh Prasad, Kalhara, Nuwan, Ramesh and Kalana the in house tuk tuk driver were very friendly, full of useful advice and ready to help. The Sri Lankan breakfast and the curry buffet were tremendous! We were only sad not to have been there for the fish bbq the day after we left.

Nothing it really hit the spot

Property response:

Hi Sue, Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We’re thrilled you & Tom enjoyed the blend of surf culture and local life, along with the hospitality from our team. It’s great to hear you loved the Sri Lankan breakfast and curry buffet! We’re sorry you missed the fish BBQ, but we hope to welcome you back soon to enjoy it next time. Best Regards, Ayesh

Hi Sue, Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We’re thrilled you & Tom enjoyed the blend of surf culture and local life, along with the hospitality from our team. It’s great to hear you loved the Sri Lankan breakfast and curry buffet… Show more

Lion's Rest

25 August 2025
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8.0 “Great location for a peaceful stay.”
Vincenzo
Reviewed: 23 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified review

Excellent location and great breakfast. The Lions rest is in a village very close to Weligama making it more peaceful . Great beach best by. We had a fish bbq there which was also very good.

We had a ground floor room close to the entrante and swimming Pool. Not as Private as the upper floor rooms.

Property response:

Hi Vincenzo, Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted you enjoyed the peaceful location, delicious breakfast, and fish BBQ. We understand that the ground-floor rooms offer a different level of privacy compared to the upper floors, and we’re sorry if this caused any inconvenience. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another wonderful stay! Best Regards, Ayesh

Hi Vincenzo, Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted you enjoyed the peaceful location, delicious breakfast, and fish BBQ. We understand that the ground-floor rooms offer a different level of privacy compared to the upper floors… Show more

Lion's Rest

5 March 2025
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