Reviews of The Tapherini Bungalow
No. 57 Spencer Park Road, Katumana, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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Reviewed: 28 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewClean property, excellent hosts Dilpan and Sashi who were friendly and provided catering. Great location with good view!
Reviewed: 26 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe best personnel there is. Such a good cook! He really exceeds the quality of most restaurants we visited. They even made a camp fire in the evening.
Some maintenance needs to be done on the roof and electricity. But they fixed what they could
Thank you for the lovely feedback. We’re delighted you enjoyed the cooking, service, and the campfire experience. We also appreciate your note on maintenance everything has now been fully fixed, so your next stay will be even more comfortable. Looking forward to welcoming you again!
Thank you for the lovely feedback. We’re delighted you enjoyed the cooking, service, and the campfire experience. We also appreciate your note on maintenance everything has now been fully fixed, so your next stay will be even more comfortab… Show more
Reviewed: 25 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe property is quite cozy, well equipped and perfect for a family getaway. What makes it even amazing is the staff- both Shashi and Thileepan left no stone unturned to make our experience !memorable.
Roof began leaking just when we checked in
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted you enjoyed the cozy setting and the efforts of Shashi and Thileepan. The roof issue you experienced has now been fully fixed, so future stays will be even more comfortable.
Reviewed: 21 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewI loved the homely feel and how welcoming the hosts were. The food was delicious too!
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the homely atmosphere, warm hospitality, and the food. It was a pleasure hosting you!
Reviewed: 15 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 1 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 21 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe location, the interior, staff and food all were great.
Thank you for your kind words. We're happy to hear you enjoyed the location, ambiance, service, and food. Looking forward to welcoming you again!
Reviewed: 16 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 9 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThis was in a great location. Food was amazing!! Staff was very friendly and helpful!
Thank you for the wonderful feedback. We're thrilled you enjoyed the location, food, and service. We'd be delighted to welcome you back on your next visit!
Reviewed: 17 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewIt was a horror story from the beginning. We stayed at 7 different properties in our 9 day stay in Sri Lanka. This has to rank as the worst experience by a long stretch. The staff at the property have taken over the reins of the property so much so that their attitude reeks of arrogance, high handedness and open threats to their guests. The staff at the property heckled, physically charged at and intimidated my wife and I for asking for more than 1 egg!!!! For breakfast. We were told that both the menu as well as the QUANTITY of breakfast items were fixed. Why not mention that in their offering. Won't offer water the next morning as we can only get 1 500 l bottle each. Crazy place with crazy staff. We felt unsafe the entire night fearing for our well being there. If you want to avoid any mishap or misadventure to your safety and well being, avoid the property at all costs. Booking.com ought to blacklist them
It was a disaster.
False Claims and Defamation – Our Official Response We strongly reject the false, misleading, and defamatory claims made by this guest. These accusations are completely fabricated, and we have CCTV footage proving that our staff acted professionally at all times. 1. Deliberate Misrepresentation of Breakfast The claim that we only serve "one egg" is an outright lie. Our Western breakfast includes: 1 egg (cooked to preference) 3 sausages Grilled tomato Potato hash brown or mashed potato Unlimited toast with butter and jam Fresh fruit juice Freshly brewed tea or coffee This is a complete breakfast, and extra portions are always available at an additional charge. The guest deliberately misrepresented this to create false outrage. 2. Aggressive Behavior and Extortion Attempt This guest attempted to pressure us into giving him a free room upgrade in exchange for “promotion” on his Instagram account (which has only 8,000 followers). When we refused, he became aggressive, raised his voice, insulted our staff, and made threats. 3. No Physical Threats – CCTV Footage Proves It The claim that our staff "physically charged" at them is a blatant lie. CCTV footage shows our employee calmly responding while the guest shouted and acted aggressively. At no point was there any physical intimidation from our staff. It was the guest who became aggressive, rude, and threatening. 4. Water Policy Clearly Stated A Double Room includes two complimentary 500ml bottles of water per day. Additional bottles are available for purchase, just like in any other hotel worldwide. This guest knew the policy but chose to falsely twist it into a complaint. 5. False Safety Claims We have never had any safety complaints from previous guests. This is an attempt to harm our reputation because we did not give in to his demands. 6. Guest Paid for Their Stay – Yet Spreading Lies The guest paid in full but is now attempting to damage our reputation simply because we did not offer a free upgrade. Request to Booking.com We request this false review be investigated and removed if possible. We urge Booking.com to take action against guests who use negative reviews as a tool to extort free services. We stand by our reputation and are prepared to take legal action if necessary to protect our business from defamatory claims. Mangment, The Tapherini Bungalow
False Claims and Defamation – Our Official Response We strongly reject the false, misleading, and defamatory claims made by this guest. These accusations are completely fabricated, and we have CCTV footage proving that our staff acted prof… Show more
Reviewed: 16 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewVery comfortable place with nice rooms which were spotless clean, quiet location with great views great staff, we ate dinner there due to the pouring rain and it was very good.
Nothing
Thank you for the great feedback. We're glad you enjoyed the comfort, cleanliness, views, and our food. It’s always a pleasure to know our guests had a relaxing stay.
Reviewed: 23 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewThe place is nice and clean and warm enough at night which is this place is a good plus.
The place is far from Nuawara Eliya town (1h30 walking or 20min by TukTuk to the center of town) and doesn't offer transportation to town which doesn't make it ideal. It's also located in a very steep hill, which I guess is not unusual in this area. The bathroom isn't great but the shower is ok. The staff while very nice and with good intentions are not the most efficient (on the first day we asked that they book us a Tuk Tuk to town for 15min after we arrived because we wanted to go eat, they said yes but in the end mentioned that the 2 tuk tuks that are usually in the propriety were out and just stood on the street with us waving tuk tuks down for over 30min)
We appreciate your feedback. However, it's important to clarify a few things: 1. Location – Nuwara Eliya is a hill country destination, and steep roads are a natural part of the area. Our exact location is clearly mentioned on Booking.com, and we encourage guests to check before booking. 2. Transportation – We do not advertise transportation services, nor do we claim to have tuk-tuks on the property. While our staff initially tried to assist you, we have now instructed them not to arrange transportation for guests moving forward. It is each guest’s responsibility to arrange their own transport. 3. Restaurant – We have an on-site restaurant with food available, so guests always have an option if they prefer not to go into town. We always strive to provide a good experience for our guests, but we also expect reasonable expectations in return. Safe travels.
We appreciate your feedback. However, it's important to clarify a few things: 1. Location – Nuwara Eliya is a hill country destination, and steep roads are a natural part of the area. Our exact location is clearly mentioned on Booking.com,… Show more
Reviewed: 14 February 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewIt was amazing to stay here. He chose this place for Christmas Eve and were spoiled by the staff who went an extra mile for us to feel comfortable and special for the occasion. We received surpise desserts and extra attention. Although there were more guests staying at the same time, it felt like we were the only ones. Highly recommend.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your Christmas Eve stay was special and that our team went the extra mile to make you feel comfortable. It’s great to know that the surprises and personalized attention made your experience memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your Christmas Eve stay was special and that our team went the extra mile to make you feel comfortable. It’s great to know that the surprises and personalized attention made … Show more
Reviewed: 14 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewNice beds
We were watched by a staff all the time while having dinner and breakfast. We felt very uncomfortable as we were the only two and it was not at all cozy as he was talking on the phone - watching videos and listening to loud music. No privatcy at all ! Very little toilet paper- no extra roll. Breakfast egg was served cold and very dry toasts A very tiny room. Could not open two suitcases at the same time. Furthermore the access was very steep and our driver was very nervous to go up there by car
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you found our beds comfortable. However, we’d like to address some of your concerns. Nuwara Eliya is a mountainous area, and many roads, including ours, are naturally steep. Most drivers familiar with the region navigate them without issue. Regarding staff presence, we prioritize guest service and security, but we certainly don’t intend to make anyone uncomfortable. We’ve reviewed our records and confirmed that our staff was in the kitchen after serving you. All room details, including size, are clearly listed on our booking page to help guests make an informed decision before reserving. If you needed additional toilet paper or had any concerns during your stay, we would have been happy to assist if informed at the time. We strive to provide a pleasant stay for all our guests and regret that your experience didn’t meet your expectations. Nonetheless, we appreciate your feedback and will use it to continue improving.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you found our beds comfortable. However, we’d like to address some of your concerns. Nuwara Eliya is a mountainous area, and many roads, including ours, are naturally steep. Most drivers fami… Show more
Reviewed: 9 February 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewClean room, very good breakfast, staff very polite.
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the clean room, delicious breakfast, and the hospitality of our team. We look forward to welcoming you again!
Reviewed: 7 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 20 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewThe service of Thiliban is outstanding! His boss has the jackpot with him. He is a One-Man-Show and handles everything so well! The food is very good too! The Bungalow is nice and has a beautiful view!
Was not the cleanest room and some things should be repaired/maintained.
Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear about Thiliban's outstanding service—he truly is an asset to our team, and we’ll make sure to pass along your compliments. We’re also glad you enjoyed the food and the beautiful view from the bungalow. We acknowledge your comments about the cleanliness and maintenance and will address these issues to ensure a more comfortable experience in the future. Your feedback helps us improve, and we hope to welcome you back soon!
Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear about Thiliban's outstanding service—he truly is an asset to our team, and we’ll make sure to pass along your compliments. We’re also glad you enjoyed the food and the beautiful vi… Show more
Reviewed: 20 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewWonderful stay with really great host. Room was really confortable and you will surely sleep like a baby overthere. Good Wi-Fi connection and hot water made it even more enjoyable. I highly recommend.
Nothing
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted you had a wonderful stay and enjoyed the comfortable room, good Wi-Fi, and hot water. It’s great to hear you had such a restful experience. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back!
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted you had a wonderful stay and enjoyed the comfortable room, good Wi-Fi, and hot water. It’s great to hear you had such a restful experience. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and … Show more
Reviewed: 16 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewThe dinner was delicious as the manager of the house is a chef 😃
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed the dinner, and it’s great to hear you appreciated the chef's special touch. We’re proud of our culinary offerings and are happy to have been part of your enjoyable experience. We look forward to serving you again!
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed the dinner, and it’s great to hear you appreciated the chef's special touch. We’re proud of our culinary offerings and are happy to have been part of your enjoyable exper… Show more
Reviewed: 15 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewThilipan is a amazing worker. Nice place and clean
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience, and we’ll be sure to pass along your praise to Thiliban. We're glad you enjoyed the cleanliness and the atmosphere of the place. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience, and we’ll be sure to pass along your praise to Thiliban. We're glad you enjoyed the cleanliness and the atmosphere of the place. We hope to welcome you ba… Show more
Reviewed: 10 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful property with lovely host. It was like coming home after a long day of travelling. Room was clean and tidy with comfortable beds.
Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that you felt at home and found the room clean and comfortable. It's always our goal to provide a relaxing and welcoming experience. Safe travels!
Reviewed: 30 December 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewThe property is very cozy and our room was very comfortable and clean. The staff was very kind helpful. We also had a delicious dinner there.
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're thrilled you found the property cozy and enjoyed the comfort and cleanliness of your room. It’s wonderful to hear you appreciated the kindness of our staff and the delicious dinner. We hope to host you again soon!
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're thrilled you found the property cozy and enjoyed the comfort and cleanliness of your room. It’s wonderful to hear you appreciated the kindness of our staff and the delicious dinner. We hope to h… Show more