Rarely do we go back to the same place twice but after our first visit in 2019 we knew we would have to return to Buckingham Place. The place was as magic as ever with Nick and his team pulling out all the stops to make our stay as fantastic as the first, despite all the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the current economic situation. Everything is outstanding from the rooms, to the food and the service. Couldn't recommend enough and a big thank you from us for a wonderful and memorable time.
Well this was such a great spot! Beautiful spacious clean rooms with lovely effective and quiet AC. Lovely main restaurant area looking out over the beautiful pool and the sea beyond. There is a little path down to the deserted beach which is glorious. The food was amazing and service first class. Nick the owner came round all the tables in the morning and evening and had a little chat with his guests. He is such an interesting character, looks a little bit like Jack Nicholson, and, as we told him, really needs to write an autobiography! Quality place and we hope to return some day.
This is a wonderfully relaxing place to stay. We started with the lovely surprise of an upgrade to the honeymoon suite. We ha a beautiful spacious room, with a very comfortable bed, and an enormous open area bathroom, complete with coconut palm. Just sitting by the pool is wonderful, with the sound of breakers from the ocean below. A range of birds flit through the garden, or drop to the pool. The food is great with a good selection of local and international dishes. Breakfast is when you want it - a great idea. I particularly enjoyed the bacon curry at breakfast, and the seafood lamprais (fish and rice in a banana leaf) for dinner. It seems nothing is too much for the staff. They were all so welcoming and attentive. The difficult decision might be where to sit to drink the evening cocktail. So many great choices. It's so relaxing, you won't want to go out, but we did two trips. One was to see buffalo curd being made, and the other was for an early morning boat ride at Kalametiya. When we left, the staff lined up like a guard of honour. It was quite touching. Nick has built a great place, with his staff. Highly recommended.…
We somehow managed to miss Buckingham Place when booing our accomodation but from talking to some people it came highly recommended for its food too. And it didnt disappoint. It was quiet as we were in the low season but we had a really nice meal and cocktails prepared by the team. The tuna salad with mango and avocado was particularly good. Our only disappointment was that we didnt see Buckingham Place when originally booking our stay in the area as the hotel looks beuatiful! We will make sure to book in the next time we are in the area!
Having been fortunate enough to stay in many luxury hotels all over the world, it’s hard for me to put my finger on exactly why this place is up there as my very favourite and what exactly makes it feel so special. There are so many things about Buckingham Place that quite simply delight. The barefoot luxury, tastefully eccentric, tropical jazz club vibe of the Oceanfront building immediately relaxes you and the attention to detail that has been paid to the design of this boutique hotel-cum-homestay is evident throughout. The colourful decor, moody shuttered lighting, bright sofas and comfortable sun loungers combine to create a truly amazing space that is a pleasure just to be in. That is before you mention the beautiful infinity pool with its horizon views and the stunning beach that is just a few yards away. The service we received was absolutely impeccable from beginning to end with there-in-a-second attentiveness from all staff, proactive deliveries of water and fruit juices throughout the day (a nice touch) and amazing flexibility and openness on dining options. Due to some awkward flight times, we requested as late a checkout as possible and were happy to offer additional payment to do so. Kalpa, the general manager, was happy to oblige well beyond our expectations and refused to take any extra payment. This made our final day so much easier and more relaxing and simply would not happen at any of the larger cookie-cutter chain resorts. Nick, the hotel owner, was also very friendly and always keen to ensure guests were enjoying their stay, though it was his two dogs that may have stolen the show for us. The food and drinks were top notch on both days. I can recommend the Village Manhattan cocktail especially, although the Pina Colada got equally rave reviews from my sweeter-toothed travel companions. Breakfast in particular was stellar and I am a huge fan of the a la carte, order as much as you like service style. It is unusual to find this for a breakfast that is included in the standard room rate. The Sri Lankan curry selection at dinner was also excellent and was one of those meals that you just don’t want to end. Finally, the room was huge with a very comfortable bed and sunset views over the lagoon. The laidback luxury style continued with polished concrete floors, functional wooden furniture and a semi-open air, almost ludicrously large bathroom. All of it unfussy but tasteful. Overall Buckingham Place is an absolute diamond of a hotel and I cannot wait to return. My only regret is not staying for longer this first time round.…
All the reviews are true. Highlights for us were the beautiful pools with monkeys popping by for a drink! The service, nothing wasn't ever too much trouble, the staff are just amazing, a real credit.. Water and complimentary juices round the pool, if you want to book a spa treatment they come to you... its faultless. The food - we tried everything and loved it all - my daughter, she is fussy and boy did Nick try everything for her, they even made their own chocolate sauce for pancakes. Even giving her beans on toast for supper one evening (sorry all!) We enjoyed two excursions - one to Galle and one to the national park, the hotel organised the drivers who were lovely, punctual and good drivers which is really important to me as driving can be a little crazy! There are some issues in Sri Lanka at the moment, however the hotel work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that the guest isn't affected at all. Two back up generators kick in with any power cuts. It is a wonderful time to visit Sri Lanka and support the locals that work in the hotel. Any improvements - well there can always be one - for me I would have preferred more comfortable chairs on the balcony. However I did tell Nick this and he did offer to change them for me - I declined as I wouldn't want to be such a burden, however I know that they would have done it happily, what more can you ask. This is small boutique hotel, however, not too small to be intrusive, they have the balance right. We would love to return some time in the future.…
We were hotel guests with Nick and his team for 5 nights. We would have loved to stay longer. Every single member of the staff was incredibly attentive. From the beginning and at all times we were served warmly. The whole stay and well-being is meticulously thought out. From housekeeping, service, kitchen, spa, concierge etc everything was first class. The facilities are fantastic too, huge rooms, lovely restaurant and amazing pool…and omg…the view. The effort, motivation and energy these staff members invest in their work needs to be honoured. So, we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to the entire team and wish them continued success. Keep it up. Stephanie and Lisa
Well worth the travel to what is a truly lovely resort. We spent eight wonderful nights at the Buckingham Place, arrived midday and both rooms were available so no waiting for the customary 3:00pm access to the rooms like other hotels. Access was provided straightaway for WIFI in all guest areas including rooms and was it fast which was a credit once again to the infrastructure at the hotel. We stayed half board with fresh cooked meals both morning and evening, lovely service and very attentive staff that just couldn’t do enough for the guests. The cuisine is a choice of local Sri Lankan food and other cultures including European but when there wasn’t anything suitable for our daughter they stepped up to the mark and made her something unique and to her pallet…great customer service. The hotel organised the transfer to and from the hotel which was excellent and also organised two trips out on separate days which were faultless. Driver was excellent on all occasions, I would certainly recommend the hotel arranging trips. The pool area was awesome and peaceful with a wonderful pool and an unbelievable view…we spent many an hour at that pool and once again the staff were always there should you need a drink or food. All in all a great eight nights which can only be put down to hard work of Nick and his team of staff but one special mention to the masseur in the Health Spa, she certainly knows how to give a great massage.…
Buckingham Place made such an impression on us first time round that we really couldn't wait to return again. And we weren't disappointed. It was just as great as we remembered it. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave you couldn't be better looked after. The staff are just fantastic. A big thank you to them all especially Kalpe and the other front of house guy who kindly organised our onward transportation for us (sorry that I have forgotten his name). Buckingham Place is blissfully relaxing and the attention to detail is astounding. It is more than just a hotel, it is a labour of love and Nick is a great character who makes you feel incredibly welcome and at home. That combined with beautiful grounds, an infinitely pool, stylish decor, decent cocktails and great food really leaves you wanting for nothing.…
We are a family of four (kids 11 and 15 years old). We stayed at Buckingham Place after five busy days exploring the island. We had really high expectations because of all the great reviews I had read, and we were not disappointed. We had the best two days of our trip at this wonderful place. We literally saved the best for last! Neither of us wanted to leave! Everything was great: the room, the beach, the pool area, the food but the best of all was the outstanding service we received from everyone! The room we got had a view of the lagoon. It was beautiful and very spacious; we had a big open space with a double bed and two single beds for the kids and a cool skylight in the middle. The open-air bathroom was huge, and the shower was amazing. The beach is beautiful and is basically just for you. The sea is rough, and you cannot swim, but we walked about 15 to 20 minutes to a small bay close by where the girls could play in the water for a while. The walk on the beach was so relaxing! The infinity pool is awesome and the whole pool area is so nice and calm, you can be there for hours enjoying the sound from the ocean. Food was fantastic, everything we tried was delicious, the presentation of the dishes was beautiful and the ambience in the dining room was very nice. The menu had a lot of different options including local food. The best of this hotel was the staff; everyone was so kind, friendly and attentive. All of them had a smile on their face, and they were always making sure we had everything we needed. Nick, the owner, stopped to say hi to us every day. We had a good conversation with him about the story of the hotel and he explained us how they aim for perfection. Well, they do a pretty good job. We had a perfect time at Buckingham Place!…
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