Batticaloa Hotels with Pools

I recently stayed at the Giman Free Hotel and had a unique experience. This hotel is truly isolated, far away from civilization, making it a perfect spot for introverts or those looking for solitude. While the hotel itself is clean, it is clear that some renovations are needed to update the facilities. However, the staff more than makes up for any shortcomings with their friendliness and willingness to accommodate guests. The restaurant at the hotel surprised me with its delicious food, which I found to be better than what I have experienced at some five-star hotels in Sri Lanka. The beach near the hotel is clean. However, the downside of the beach which is very wild and long is the amount of garbage and plastic that washes up on the shore. Since the beach is deserted it was disheartening to see all the pollution scattered along the shoreline. Overall, if you are seeking a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Giman Free Hotel is a great option. Just be prepared for a bit of roughness around the edges of the beach.

High quality of service!

I was able to stay without any problems this time. The clerk were kind. The room is very clean. The location was very convenient.

The rooms are incredible and the beach is lovely but this is NOT a 4* hotel. The rest of the place seems run down and not looked after, the gardens are a mess, volleyball court isn’t usable and I’ve not seen a children’s play area. Staff are scarce, there is no pool bar and you have to go in search of beach towels or drinks. The restaurant is extremely poor, long wait for service and we were the only ones in the restaurant. Food options weren’t available and beer was only put in the fridge when I asked for it, so I then had to wait for it to cool down before it was served, when food arrived it wasn’t great, felt like a quick microwave meal. Room initially had no hot water, which we had to wait to be fixed, there is nothing in the mini bar as advertised, you just get an empty fridge, hairdryer had to be requested and room was missing towels and robes etc on arrival. Rooms took a long time to be made up each day and again some towels and robes were not replenished and had to be requested again. Parts of the hotel were closed and lots of lights at night flickered. They also advertise that the hotel has a night club and a billiards room, we haven’t seen any sign of a nightclub and the billiards room is two pool tables, one completely out of use with tape over it and the other is extremity rundown, dusty and wonky that you can’t play a game on it properly. No staff ever gave us a briefing on arrival or told us about the hotel, we have had to explore, guess and ask questions. Staff have been somewhat helpful, they speak English but don’t seem to understand it when they’re asked questions. Hotel has a what’s app service but responses are very slow and even then not fully understood. It’s like it used to be a 4* hotel but it’s run by pirates 🏴☠️