We switched to Boa V ista after Grand Tourist hotel, which was really bad and dirty. The Boa Vista was clean, offered free wi-fi, and had friendly staff.
However, we had to pay very big extra for the air condition, did not get breakfast, and the whole place is very used - overall, not the best value for what they offer. The air condition works on some secretly known protocol, doors do not close properly, lock in the bathroom did not work at all (not that we need it urgently, but seeing rusty leftovers of previous mechanism somehow didn't make feel romantic). The owner's recommended guide for ancient city is completely useless, and we truly started to enjoy our walk only after we released the guide from his "duty".
Overall, we would not make our way back to this guesthouse, even if we have seen worse already on our trip.

Went to stay for 2 nights but left immediatly and went to a different place, They said i had no booking, tried to charge me double and showed me a basement room. the bed had stained sheets. the main entrance was beautiful but it ended there.

Shani and her Canadian husband have built a modern, 10 room guest house with nice views of the big water tank (artificial lake) .

The rooms were clean and the A/C was kept working by an ever present electrician.

They serve western food too but if you’re fond of Sri Lankan food it’s worthwhile staying here because you’ll enjoy one of the most varied,tasty,imaginative “Rice +Curry” meals that I’ve ever had –and this was my 21st trip to Sri Lanka! The long bean curry ,devilled chicken ,chicken curry ,banana flower sambol, yellow dhal ,seeni sambol, cardamom flavoured beef curry etc were all memorable –as were the egg hoppers and fish curry for breakfast.

The tuktuk drivers in town do everything they can to avoid this place because the owner refuses to pay them commission. I had trouble getting someone to take me here. But it is a fantastic place at a bargain price.

Overlooking a lake, it is in the middle of the historical area, far more conveniently situated than almost every other place. The rooms are absolutely clean and to a high standard, and some have magnficent views and balconies overlooking he lake.

The owner is exceptionally helpful, and is especially keen to give advice and make sure
visits to he area are successful. She negotiated to get best value for a tour for me.

This is of a much higher standard than most other guest houses in Sri Lanka and
very highly recommended.