Ekho Surf - Bentota | Hotel Review

After months of scouring the internet for inexpensive family vacations, Sri Lanka caught my eye. Initially, we had chosen Tanzania, but as time went on, we were slowly drawn to Sri Lanka. We found the perfect hotel in Negombo (so we thought) but rooms were quickly snapped up, and we had to opt to stay in Bentota instead. (That was a blessing in disguise!) Bentota beach had me completely sold, and we decided to book 10 days at Ekho Surf Hotel Bentota.

Although, I had done quite a bit of research, I hadn't heard of any travel experiences from black people, and I had never met anyone who had travelled to Sri Lanka before so I didn't know much of what to expect.

LoveHolidays was offering a great package deal, which costed us under £4000 for three people including flights, hotel and breakfast- and that was a bargain for me!

First Impressions, Lasting A Lifetime

After a long drive and an even longer flight, we finally arrived at Ehko Surf Hotel. We were immediately greeted and welcomed with open arms. We arrived between 5.30 -5.45 am, and although check in time wasn't until about 11.00am, we were fortunate enough to be welcomed and allowed to check in early and seamlessly, with no additional costs.

A kind, gentleman checked us in, and took our cases up-to our room. We were shown around, told where and when breakfast was - but it was the breathtaking, serene, beachfront views that had me stunned. Completely in awe.

We were completely exhausted after a long day travelling, so we had a short nap after a quick shower and had no time for room pictures unfortunately.

Staff at Ekho Surf were very kind and approachable, but on two occasions (one being an emergency) they really did NOT show up for me.

Ekho Surf Hotel - Bentota

Those Pesky Enemies

After being feasted upon by the sandflies and mosquitoes, I was practically bed bound with a swollen ankle, and I requested some ice and this was completely ignored. I had to place my washrag in the fridge and place it on my ankle.

Ice was promised to be bought up-to my room, but my request was continually ignored. After a few days, My mum had to go downstairs to the restaurant and ask for a cup of ice (along with a drink she had bought). Staff had promised to bring us bottles of water, which we asked for and it also did not arrive. We had to wait a whole day until our room was cleaned to receive drinking bottled water. Considering we arrived at 5.30am, hot, exhausted and new around town, that was the least the staff at the hotel could have done for us.

Cleaning was done typically every day, unless we had asked for it not to be done. But the cleaning could have been largely improved. Windows and mirrors should NEVER be an exception.

Sheets should be changed atleast once a week, and we shouldn't have to request it, especially as we stayed there over a week. Bleach or antiseptic should be used in the bathrooms, especially as our bathroom had a bidet/ bidet area. The drains did have a funky smell, but i'm guessing the plumbing needs to be improved.

The staff were very sweet, accommodating, and friendly for the most part, but towards the end of our trip we did feel a little obligated to write a review even though our holiday hadn't actually ended. Of course this was not done, but unfortunately this led us to see a shift in some members of staffs attitudes shortly after.

Amenities at Ekho Surf Hotel

A mini fridge

Shower

Television with (Netflix!)

Beachfront Views

Restaurant

Spa

Kettle/Tea/Coffee/Milk (in room)

Two swimming pools

Overall, my experience at Ekho Surf Hotel, Bentota was a good experience. The views were stunning and breathtaking, and overall we felt very safe. I wouldn't rule out returning to Ekho Surf Hotel, but there is always room for improvement (especially with the food!) but as I cant wait to return to Sri Lanka, who knows how soon you may see me back!

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