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The Wallawwa was once the country estate of the head chieftan of Galle. It is now home to The Wallawwa, Sri Lanka's first and only boutique airport hotel. Perfectly situated and designed to welcome weary travelers in style and seclusion. Just 15 minutes from Colombo airport and within touching distance of Colombo, there is now no reason to take on long car journeys after arriving at the airport. Join us, sit back and relax at the Z spa or at the Verandah restaurant and start or finish your holiday in heavenly luxury. A 18 room private boutique hotel, restaurant, spa and gardens.
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The Wallawwa hotel emerges as a tranquil oasis, praised by guests for its immaculate cleanliness, spacious rooms, and serene atmosphere that cleverly blend colonial charm with modern luxury. Nestled in a location reminiscent of a rainforest yet conveniently close to the airport, it provides a peaceful retreat.
While the on-site restaurant's prices have been noted as steep by some, the hotel compensates with exceptional service and a plethora of amenities, including tranquil gardens, a pool, and an excellent spa, all earning rave reviews from travelers seeking an elegant and comfortable stay.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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Our stay at Walawwa was supremely blissful and enchanting to say the least. The service standard was excellent and impeccable.
The Walawwa property and the location are absolutely gorgeous and gives one the experience of a rainforest's calm in the surrounding atmosphere and a tranquillity you would never feel in the suburbs of any city. The staff are extremely polite and helpful and do absolute justice to the luxurious boutique experience you offer.
One among them stands out above the others, perhaps because he was serving us from our afternoon tea of the 23rd onwards. Whatever educational background he stems from he has mastered his spoken English so well that one would think he is fluent in same... And he (almost) is. It's not just his language skill but his attention to pander us with our order and requirements (and I am a nit-pick / detail-freak), and to double check details from the kitchen, etc were well noted and highly appreciated.
Any negative detail -had there been any- could be easily overlooked with the overall ambience on offer. To indulge in Breakfast with a view of a large, idyllic lawn while hearing Edith Piaf sing La vien rose was perfect. Hearing this enchanting music at the poolside (ever so softly) was the icing on the cake. There was some awesome jazz (I’m sure I recognized Stefan Grappelly, Django Reinhardt, etc) all of which was a bonus.
We recommend this gorgeous property to any traveler / visitor looking for that blissful idyll away from the bustle of city life one. You will be ensconced in tropical enchantment whilst pampered in the lap of luxury.
Sanjeev Hewavitharne
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sakuni Wisanperuma, Marketing at Wallawwa
Responded 26 Dec 2024
Dear Sanjeev, Thank you for sharing such a beautifully detailed and heartwarming review of your stay at Wallawwa. We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tranquil surroundings, impeccable service, and curated ambiance. Your kind words about our team, especially the standout service you received, mean the world to us, and we’ll be sure to share your compliments with them. Until we get to welcome you back for another blissful escape, we wish you a fabulous day! Sincerely, Sakuni Wisanperuma
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Just 15 minutes from Colombo airport, the Wallawwa is the perfect safe harbor for the weary traveler in search of creature comforts and rest after a long international flight. We enjoyed our time there so much, we spent our last two nights in Sri Lanka there as well. Once a country estate during Colonial times, it has since been converted into an elegant and serene boutique hotel complete with large comfortable rooms, enormous skylit baths, an excellent kitchen round the clock kitchen, swimming pool, and lovely reasonably priced spa. Impeccably managed, its staff exudes warmth and offers a highly professional level of service. We were so glad to have asked Wallawwa to send a driver to meet our flight. Selvam was the first Sri Lankan we met and immediately won us over with his warm welcome, careful driving and helpful travel advice. Selvam drove us to the second stop on our itinerary and was ultimately the last Sri Lankan we said goodbye to when had to catch a 3 AM flight home. The Wallawwa truly feels like well run family home. I can not recommend it more highly.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sakuni Wisanperuma, Marketing at Wallawwa
Responded 11 Mar 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for this amazing review and recommendation. I am so glad we were able to have been a part of the start and end of your Sri Lankan adventure. The team takes pride in creating unique and memorable experiences for each of our guests and will be delighted to hear the lovely compliments. Looking forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable experience at Wallawwa. Until then, I wish you a great week ahead. Sincerely, Sakuni Wisanperuma
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We stayed here for our first and last night of an amazing Sri Lanka trip as it’s less than 30 minutes from the airport and it was the best decision. From the moment we left the car this oasis of green lushness and beautiful bird song made us feel so relaxed after a long haul flight. The food in the restaurant is delicious, the rooms large and comfortable and the beautiful pool deserves a review of its own! Of the many hotels we stayed in in Sri Lanka it is probably our favourite.
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Date of stay: March 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Have a good look around the gardens
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was the hotel on our first night in Sri Lanka. As we were travelling as a family with our 2 adult children we stayed in the Mountbatten suite which had 2 rooms and bathrooms and a large plunge pool. It was certainly luxurious.
The food was wonderful especially as it was our first opportunity to sample Sri Lankan cuisine which we came to love. We all had curry dishes and they were delicious. In the morning we tried our first hopper for breakfast which was a surprise given we didn’t know what to expect.
The staff went above and beyond. We played croquet and mini cricket on the space outside the restaurant. One of the staff (and I’m sorry I can’t remember his name) spent a long time showing us how to play Carron.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants to stay outside Colombo and wished we’d been there for more than one evening.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sakuni Wisanperuma, Marketing at Wallawwa
Responded 13 Feb 2024
Dear Mary, Thank you for the wonderful review and recommendation. I am delighted to hear you had a wonderful stay with us enjoying the property, the cuisine, and the amenities. The team takes pride in creating unique and memorable experiences for each of our guests and will be delighted to hear the lovely compliments. Looking forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable experience at Wallawwa and hopefully, it will be an extended stay. Until then, I wish you a great week ahead. Sincerely, Sakuni Wisanperuma
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We had a brief but lovely stay at Wallawa near Colombo. The hotel is located in an old heritage house beautifully restored with incredible grounds. The rooms have private gardens and open on center courtyard with a beautiful pond. The common areas of the hotel retained the feel of the old home, with well-appointed cozy space and lovely details. The restaurant faces the beautiful garden and the breakfast is delicious, with especially fragrant pastries and high quality dishes. The rooms are very cool and comfortable, with a mix of old and modern details and materials effortlessly layered. Beautiful mix of reclaimed finishes and new and the most amazing bathroom. Wish we stayed longer!
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sakuni Wisanperuma, Marketing at Wallawwa
Responded 30 Nov 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you for your fantastic 5-star review and recommendation. I hope to see you back again soon at Wallawwa for a longer stay :) Sincerely, Sakuni Wisanperuma
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Just a stones throw from Colombo airport in kilometres but a world away in reality is this oasis of a hotel. People use this as a transit hotel but it is so much more than that. Set in acres of tropical gardens the rooms are spacious and restful with a delightful restaurant and beautiful swimming pool. Run by the stylish TearDrop brand the Wallawwa does not disappoint. Take a tour of the kitchen garden, pick some fruit and meet the goats. Chat to the accomplished chef across the open door to try to discover some secrets or just relax and let the staff pamper you. We ended up here by accident but would stay again in a heartbeat. Service was faultless and our only sadness was how unnecessarily empty this hotel is at the moment and how much hardship that means for those whose livelihood relies on room occupation.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walawa is an exceptional place to stay with staff who are extremely helpful and grounds that transport you to a sanctuary within close reach of Colombo Airport. It is not however just a place to stay when you land or before you depart but a great place to explore from and the hotel can arrange transport to Colombo Town or other nearby places - our driver Selvam was fantastic. We booked the cooking night which was amazing as we cooked with all the fresh ingredients in clay pots on a stove and got to eat the delicious curries the chefs helped us to cook. The food was really good and a good variety offered. Family of 4 - children and adults had lots of options they enjoyed. Rooms were large and very clean. The whole experience was amazing and Saliya, the manager, was always on hand to ensure we were well looked after throughout our stay. Thank you to all the staff and we will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Try the cooking night.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sakuni Wisanperuma, Marketing at Wallawwa
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful stay at Wallawwa and that it felt like a sanctuary rather than just an airport hotel. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed exploring the area, and we’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to Selvam. The cooking experience is always a guest favorite, and we’re so pleased that your whole family had fun creating and savouring delicious Sri Lankan curries. Saliya and the team will be thrilled to know they made your stay extra special. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon! Sincerely, Sakuni Wisanperuma
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We have recently returned from a 4 week trip to Sri Lanka and as in earlier holidays stayed at The Wallawwa for a couple of nights at the beginning and end of our holiday. It is very close to the airport and as such an excellent chill out spot before and/or after a long flight. The beautiful grounds and pool, are great for relaxing and bird watching, which we did, and although we didn't partake there are also various local tours, cookery classes and the SPA. All transfers arranged by the parent company, Teardrop, went very smoothly Happy Hour is a little treat before a well cooked dinner from a varied menu. We were pleased to find that the levels of cleanliness, comfort, choice and quality of food etc have been maintained at pre pandemic levels. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with really helpful friendly people and the Wallawwa staff are so caring, if you don't already know this just go and find out. I would recommend a garden suite room
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Demi Hewamanna, Marketing at Wallawwa
Responded 3 Apr 2023
Dear Aporo, Thank you for this amazing review of your stay with us at Wallawwa. I am happy to note that you have been able to enjoy our services, cuisine and the overall experience of the property. I will ensure to pass your compliments to the Bungalow team as well as the team at HQ, who will value this great feedback. We look forward to having you with us again soon and wish you a lovely week. Yours sincerely, Demi
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We stayed at Wallawwa twice - once upon arrival in Colombo and once before our early morning flight. It is a charming manor house with a lovely pool and spacious, comfortable rooms. The air conditioning works great and we really appreciated the complimentary beverages in the mini bar. The staff is fantastic - friendly and efficient. They even asked for our breakfast order the night before because they knew we had to hurry in the morning for our flight. The food at dinner and breakfast was high-quality and delicious. It feels very secluded despite its location only 20 minutes from the airport. I would highly recommend a stay, particularly before or after a flight.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sakuni Wisanperuma, Marketing at Wallawwa
Responded 8 Apr 2024
Dear Gloria, Thank you for your amazing review. I am delighted to hear you had a lovely stay at Wallawwa on both of your visits. I will make sure to pass on your feedback to the team at Wallawwa. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Sincerely, Sakuni Wisanperuma
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My wife and I stayed here for 1 night, before we left Sri Lanka. It is a beautifully restored 18th century manor house, in extensive grounds. It is just half an hour's drive to Colombo airport, but very quiet and relaxing, so ideally located. Great bedroom and a range of comfortable public rooms, with period furniture. We enjoyed the delicious dinner and because we had to leave at 4:30am, the manager provided us with very good bagged breakfast meals. He also personally came to reception to be there for our departure. Highly recommended
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Date of stay: February 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sakuni Wisanperuma, Marketing at Wallawwa
Responded 5 weeks ago
Dear Guest, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear that you and your wife had a relaxing and memorable stay at Wallawwa before the end of your island adventure. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the tranquility of our gardens, the charm of our historic manor, and our dining experience. Our team always strives to provide thoughtful service, and we’re delighted that the bagged breakfast and personal farewell made your early morning departure a little smoother. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for a longer stay next time. Safe travels! Sincerely, Sakuni Wisanperuma
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If I remember correctly, they were about 30 USD and depending on if crowded you may wish to book in advance. During our visit, we saw perhaps 3 other guests/parties and were able to "walk-into" a massage appointment.
Hi Bryan, we can arrange for a driver to meet you in the arrival's hall of the airport, and bring you to the Wallawwa, if you send your flight arrival details to our reservations team. Alternatively, there are taxi booths in the arrivals hall that you can use. Please do, however, make sure they know exactly where they're going before you set off. It's only a 15-20 minute drive.
Warm regards,
The Wallawwa
London, United Kingdom161 contributions82 helpful votes
similar response. this is a top quality hotel. i am sure they will respond to all your needs...there will be plenty for your kids to eat (western or sri lankan), and the shower rooms were very well equipped....
There are more places to choose from in the Kotugoda area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$370 - AU$827 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the wallawwa hotel kotugoda, wallawwa hotel colombo, wallawwa boutique hotel colombo
LOCATION
Sri LankaWestern ProvinceKotugoda
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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