Frequented by large tourist groups, this otherwise perfectly acceptable tourist class hotel is let down by its poor attention to guest comfort -  a few examples, of an evening the independent guest is forced to either dine in the small section of the restuarant not being used by groups, where a live pianist unsucessfully competes with the live band laid on for the tourist groups or private function. If one dines in ones room the same music provides a distracting baseline, until around 11pm. During our stay the hotel also hosted several wedding receptions during the day, which meant when using any of the common areas, such as the resturant, pool or the bar we were subjected to "conversation stopping" Sri-Lankan party music and the wedding guest's children running around by themselves while their parents enjoyed the festivities.  The restrarant menu is comprensive, but the taste on the dishes we tried was uninspiring. On a more positive note, the hotel carries five advert free english movie channels and the bar staff were friendly. In summary, if you can afford to stay elsewhere in Kandy do, this hotel is best left to visitors from tour groups who don't have a choice and the locals.

This hotel has a lot of old-world charm, from the colonial-style furnishings right down to the grizzled old veteran manning the snooker room (watch out for his stern lectures on your cue-holding style if you book a snooker session).

A relaxing time was had by all, the quality of the food was decent (watch out for the mad rush to the bacon station in the mornings) and we enjoyed some time by poolside too. Gym was on the small side but was fine for a quick workout.

Rooms were spacious although they are housed away from the lobby and so require a brisk walk to and fro.

As mentioned before the main gripe is to do with the wifi charges, surely it would not be too much to expect free wifi in at least one of the common areas?

Overall a pleasant experience with a few quirks which made for a memorable stay.

Our travel agency selected this hotel for us (2 nights, B&B) as part of a one-week private tour during last week of December 2011.
The hotel colonial architecture is really unique and the location by the Mahaweli river is just perfect. Swimming pool is fine.
The overall atmosphere is really relaxing.
Rooms are very large, well fitted, clean and very agreable. Our two rooms had a view on inner fish pond and car-park and that was quite fine.
Indeed we are pleased to advise our friends to book into Mahaweli Reach Hotel.

Now, a few issues can be improved by the hotel management:
- Food is rather average. Breakfast buffet is good but not the best in international standard. Dining experience is to be upgraded (we had lunch and dinner the first day) : food was long to come, one dish delivered was not the one ordered ... but replacement came quickly.
- The English language skills of restaurant staff is poor and led to misunderstanding : it shall really be improved. Continuing education is the key ...

One tip : if you order a dish, and want it just a little bit spicy/hot, do not say :"little spicy" or it will come really spicy according to western standards. Just say :"no spicy AT ALL" ... and it will come just a little bit spicy/hot according to western standards! In both cases, I enjoyed it a lot 'cause I liked them (but had to eat my kids' so-called "little spicy" dish).

We stayed for 2 nights half board as part of an organised tour during early December 2011. We were given a fantastic room overlooking the river. The swimming pool is stunning. Such a photogenic hotel. Great food in the retaurant. This and the Mount Lavinia Hotel were the best 2 hotels of our holiday. Only possible downside is that they wanted $10 an hour for internet access, which is OTT. Their price for beer in comparison was very reasonable. Highly recommended.