Royal Bar & Hotel

We stopped by the Royal Bar and Hotel for a drink and were immediately charmed by this historic building. Our waiter, Rasintha, took the time to explain some of the building's history to us - first as a Kandyan aristocrat's home, then a British naval club and, since 1860 a public bar and hotel. We'd already booked a place to stay, but asked Rasintha to show us a room - it had all the atmosphere of the bar. We've already recommended to friends to stay here. A delightful historical hotel in the heart of Kandy.

Such a lovely, charming place to stay in the middle of Kandy. Really nice rooms in this little oasis and Rasintha and all the staff ensured we had a good stay. The balcony of the bar is a lovely place for a quiet drink.

If you're looking for an authentic colonial hotel in the centre of Kandy then this may be for you, so long as you don't mind over paying five star prices for a two star experience. On the plus side this hotel is truly authentic and very well located. Kandy, despite its charm and appeal is not well set up for international travellers so options to sleep or eat around the centre are quite limited. Food is one thing the hotel does very well. The menu is good and the food even better. Be prepared though to pay top dollar and wait an eternity. Likewise breakfast was extremely good with a variety of options, however most days we would wait 45 minutes or more just for coffee and toast. It's clear that the hotel has hardly changed at all in over 100 years. A centre courtyard, bar, restaurant complete with grand piano, and a veranda where you can sit and watch the world go by. However while it all looked good, none of it was actually used during our stay. Moreover the entire hotel is very dimly lit, making it almost impossible to see what you're doing or eating. This may add to the antique effect but was quite annoying. We had a double room on the 3rd floor. The room was clean and nicely laid out but with very few facilities. There was air con, iron, hair dryer, and safe. No tea or coffee making facilities. The en suite bathroom was 'ok' but quite mouldy and lacking any real hot water. Worse still was the odd accumulation of dirt and wood chippings we found each morning. Eventually on our final night we were awoken by a noise and were subsequently told by the staff that it was rats! The staff, in general were very nice. English was an issue but they were all keen to help. Ultimately I probably wouldn't stay here again unless the hotel was renovated, knowing now that I could get a five star hotel in Kady for less. I feel the restaurant is a good option for a night.

All I can comment on is the building itself as there was a power cut and they had run out of gas so we could not get any food. You can just imagine army officers in the 19th c sitting in the upper salon, drinking their G&T’s because it is unchanged from those days. The entire place reeks of the colonial era which I’m sure the woke brigade will tut tut over but personally, I found it very attractive.

It's at a great location , close enough to the lake yet tucked away in a quieter location away from traffic. Breakfast is expansive , staff very good. Checkin process should be smoother. I recommend the suite room। The decor is very very beautiful and tasteful

After a big day of travels we decided to kick back with a few draft beers at this joint. Good vibe, ice cold beer, the boss gave its signature cocktail a big thumbs up. We also shared a really good curry for dinner. If I lived in Kandy, this would be my go to Pub.

Welcomed with King Coconut, key to a fantastic suite, 4 poster bed, en suite bathroom with a Bath! Caring efficient staff with high quality service Th courtyard offers local food and drink whilst upstairs is definitely fine dining.