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Hotel Elephant Bay

3.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel in Pinnawala with spa and outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Hotel Elephant Bay

Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Property amenity
Exterior
Economy Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Garden View
View from property
Unwind in paradise at Hotel Elephant Bay, where a rooftop terrace and lush garden set the tone for a serene getaway. Enjoy daily manager's receptions, relax at the onsite spa, or let kids loose on the playground. Previous guests rave about this family-friendly haven.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Breakfast available
  • Children's pool
  • Room service
  • Babysitting
  • Conference centre
  • Business centre
  • Airport shuttle

For families (6)

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Playground on-site
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Premium TV channels

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 20 of 20 rooms

View all photos for Superior Triple Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Triple Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Single Room, River View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Single Room, River View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • River view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for King Room, Elephant Bath view

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

King Room, Elephant Bath view

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, River View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Room, River View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Economy Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Garden View

Economy Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Garden View

Economy Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Garden View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, Elephant Bath View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Deluxe Room, Elephant Bath View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Family Room, River View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Family Room, River View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • 278 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, Mountain View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Room, Mountain View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Triple Room with Lake View

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Family Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Deluxe Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room with View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

King Room with Balcony

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

King Room with River View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Triple Room with River View

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Triple Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Superior Triple Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Triple Room with Balcony

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Superior Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Single Bed

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Front of property

Elepath Lodge - Pinnawala

  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Laundry facilities
2.0 out of 10, (1)
Elepath Lodge - Pinnawala
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About the area

Map
Pinnalandawatta, Rambukkana, 70130

What's nearby

  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - 3 min walk
  • Pinnawala Zoo - 9 min walk
  • New Paradise Spice & Herbal Garden - 16 min drive
  • Alagalla Mountain - 20 min drive
  • Kadugannawa Tea Factory & Sales Center - 27 min drive

Getting around

  • Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) - 142 min drive
  • Kandy Railway Station - 43 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Ambasewana Hotel - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Eat More - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Champa Bakers & Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Channa - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬14 min drive

About this property

Hotel Elephant Bay

Take in the views from the rooftop terrace when you stay at Hotel Elephant Bay. Guests can be pampered with massages at the spa and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. Other highlights include an outdoor pool, a bar/lounge and a children's pool.

Languages

English, Hindi

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 20 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in time starts at 4 PM
    • Express check-in/out available
    • Late check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age – 18
    • Check-out time is noon
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cots (infant beds)
    • Babysitting*
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free on-site self-parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Off-site

    • Area shuttle*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Barbecue grills
  • Free daily reception
  • Room service (limited hours)

Travelling with children

  • Children's pool
  • Playground
  • Babysitting (surcharge)

What to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby

Working away

  • Business centre
  • Meeting room
  • Conference centre

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • Bike hire
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • Built in 2000
  • ATM/banking
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • An outdoor pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Lockers available
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Braille/raised signage
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Assistive listening devices available
  • Grab bar near toilet

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Premium cable channels
  • Films for purchase

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include massages.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 50 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Local area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge

Children & extra beds

  • Babysitting is available for an extra charge

Policies

This property accepts credit cards and cash.

Also known as

Hotel Elephant Bay Pinnawala
Elephant Bay Pinnawala
Hotel Elephant Bay Hotel
Hotel Elephant Bay Rambukkana
Hotel Elephant Bay Hotel Rambukkana
Hotel Elephant Bay Rambukkana
Elephant Bay Rambukkana
Hotel Hotel Elephant Bay Rambukkana
Rambukkana Hotel Elephant Bay Hotel
Hotel Hotel Elephant Bay
Elephant Bay

Frequently asked questions

Does Hotel Elephant Bay offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Hotel Elephant Bay does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Hotel Elephant Bay?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Are pets allowed at Hotel Elephant Bay?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Hotel Elephant Bay?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is an airport shuttle service offered by Hotel Elephant Bay?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 50 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Elephant Bay?

You can check in starting at 4 PM. Check-out time is noon. Express check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Hotel Elephant Bay and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as hiking. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Hotel Elephant Bay also has a picnic area and a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Hotel Elephant Bay?

Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.

Does Hotel Elephant Bay have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.

What's the area around Hotel Elephant Bay like?

Hotel Elephant Bay is located a short 9-minute walk from Pinnawala Zoo.

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Hotel Elephant Bay Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Very good

Very nice pool with nice view. Friendly staff. Don’t go to the Elephant orphanage - it’s unethical. You can see the elephants from your room.
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

ASKIN, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Il est une évidence que c'est un dépaysement total avec la vue des d'éléphants dans la rivière La piscine est très appréciable dommage que l'eau soit trouble ?
2-night trip

6/10 Good

Awesome river view. One can see the Elephants taking a bath from the pool.
Bob, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Steven, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Слоны
Отель уставший, но сюда надо ехать не за комфортом, а за слонами. Расположение и виды на купание слонов - отличные. Не надо платить за вход в приют, чтобы понаблюдать за ними. Слоны подходят совсем близко. Из минусов - хотели поужинать по меню, сообщили сотруднику, нам дали меню, а потом мы 20 минут сидели и ждали, пока кто-то примет заказ. Не дождались.
Daria, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

Das Hotel ist total in die Jahre gekommen und wirklich sauber gemacht wird auch nicht. Wir hatten dort echt das schlechteste Essen, was wir auf der ganzen Sri Lanka Reise hatten.
2-night trip

2/10 Poor

Really bad experience
Got the wrong room and only noticed it a couple of hours after we arrived. We paid for the elephant bath view and we were literally on the opposite side. We went to tell the receptionist after dinner and they didn't do anything. We had to go back at the reception the following morning and had to argue with the restaurant manager (it seems) because the actual manager was nowhere to be found. We paid for a deluxe room with ELEPHANT BATH VIEW and we got the river view. The whole point that we booked this room was to see the elephants. Anyway, after a LONG TIME arguing with them, they did decide to give us a little discount but that was not enough for us. The room had stains on towels and sheets. The bathroom was not cleaned (sink had bugs and the shower had 2 spiders in it and we found a cockroach !!!). The food is not good, tasted frozen (had the cheeseburger). Also had the carbonara, it smelled really weird and the chef put chicken that had been boiled ?? (The waiter told us that because we complained about it) The food is expensive for what you get. 250 rupees for a bottle of water !!! Breakfast was included and well I'm glad because there was almost nothing on the tables. There were brioche buns etc not good at all, were definitely frozen. Plus the tv was not working, we had to ask them to come and fix it. Overall a bad experience. Go somewhere else !!
Eloïse, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Dejlig beliggenhed med flot udsigt
Dejlig beliggenhed med flot udsigt. Godt pool område. Venligt personale.
Carl Henrik, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

Unsure about how I feel... we had an incredible view from the balcony and it was incredibly exciting when the elephants first appeared in the river about 100 yards away. The excitement disappeared a bit as the “handlers” brought the elephants closer and we realized they had chains on their necks and were eventually chained to the ground to stay in place so that the tourists were free to gawk and take photos.
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Elephants save the day.. and the stay!
The Elephant experience (seeing them bathed and up close) was A++. The hotel is fine and the service is good. Food was just OK. Particularly at night, it is a beautiful facility - outdoors with the lighting in the pool area and the sound of the river rushing by. Unfortunately, the place next door had loud thumping trance club music blaring from about noon until 2AM on the one day/night we were there. It really almost ruined what should have been a more peaceful stay. They said it was just that one time (local holiday or something). Everyone was complaining and management definitely got the message. I would ask about it before I book again. But the Elephants!! The animals were so captivating that I found myself able to tune out the hideous music most of the time.
David, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Ganske fint
Et dejligt sted, der gav os det vi havde brug for brug. Til prisen er det et ganske fint sted og en oplevelse med elefanterne så tæt på.
Ditte, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

3Fの部屋に宿泊しました。プールから象を眺められるのが良いです。ホテルにはエレベーターがないのでホテルマンが担いで運んでくれます。16:00CHECK INですが象の孤児院の入場チケットを買えば16:00前にCHECK IN出来ます。夜はなぜかシャワーのお湯が出ませんでした。川沿いなので夜バルコニーの電灯を点けておくと虫が寄ってくるので注意です。象はこちらのホテル前の川まで来てくれます。
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Good view but run down.
Good area to view the elephants but could do with some TLC. Very dusty and seemed like it has been let go. River was in flood so elephants could not go to the river while we were there. Check on river heights before you book.
Sharr, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

The only thing about the hotel is that the view is beautiful. The room was very poor in all it’s aspects. The property needs refurbishment especially the rooms.
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

1-night trip

6/10 Good

Great place to watch elephants.
It was very good location and it’s unique experience watching parade of almost 50 elephants and then bathing and doing lots of mischief in the river for two hours. Negative side of the stay - breakfast was very poor. Shower pressure in the bathroom was absolutely poor. Overall I will say that if you are nature lover then you will definitely enjoy this place.
SHAH, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Good position But ..
Well positioned hotel, nice room but, As documented elsewhere you can not even go to the hotel before 4pm, The entrance lane is guarded and they will not let you past.This is a blatant tactic to force you to visit the elephant orphanage which is very very expensive.There is little else to do locally whilst you wait. Check in was very slow.The So called honeymoon suite was nothing special.The food was poor, the waiter spoke no English, even basic menu items. The most annoying was the on-site restaurant music, well thumping resonating bass line which started at 7am and could be heard through the hotel, Why ?? Once the elephants come to the river it is a great view from the hotel but overall I feel they could do much much better with what should be a fabulous property.
STEPHEN, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Reliable, picturesque, professional
A great hotel right on the bay where the elephants bathe from the Pinnawala Orphanage. My second time booking here, and I was quite glad to be back.
Stephanie, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Le bain des élephants
accueil sympathique, hotel ideal pour voir les éléphants se baigner( c'est pour ça qu'on y va) . La chambre est vraiment limite: pas nette et minimaliste. Elle ne réponds en aucun cas aux standarts occidentaux mais le prix est tres peu élevé donc on ne peut pas être trop exigent.
Kim, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A FANTASTIC HOTEL IN A FABULOUS LOCATION
This is a fantastic hotel in a fabulous natural location.Dozens of Fruit bats fly out of the trees across the river at dusk every night. The elephants from the orphanage bath in the river below several times a day. The grounds, garden and swimming pool are all beautiful and well maintained. Our room was huge with a wrap around balcony with beautiful views of the river and elephants bathing. The room was clean. The king size bed was very comfortable, the bed linen and towels were good quality and changed daily. Afternoon tea and cake was provided free every afternoon. You must check in after 4 p.m, which is not the hotels fault, but the Elephant Orphanage’s fault as they charge an entrance fee up to 4 p.m. After 4p.m it is free to enter the area. The staff are friendly and extremely helpful and the food was really good. There are a few steps as the hotel runs down to the rivers edge. I would recommend this hotel.
Robin, 5-night trip

8/10 Very good

Ekstra fee for early check in
Overall it is a nice hotel, with great facilities. But, when we arrived early to check in we had to pay an ekstra fee just because we then would be able to see the elephants in the lake. If we had known that before we booked the hotel we would have chosen another one since the check in time, in my opinion is very late!
Mette, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Great place to see the elephants in the river!
Nice hotel with an outstanding view of the elephant bathing area. Comfortable with great service, Priyantha was especially helpful and demonstrated great initiative. Access to the hotel is blocked during elephant bathing times unless you purchase a ticket to the elephant orphanage but the view was amazing!
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Beautiful backdrop, lovely food!
We planned to stay here for one night, but ended up booking another after experiencing an incredible stay! The free breakfast was really lovely- a real variety compared to most places! The elephants can be seen throughout the day at different times- make sure if you are planning to go to the orphanage that you don’t end up just going back into your hotel like we did! You don’t need a ticket when the vast majority is on your doorstep! We would definitely recommend and stay here again, should we find ourselves in Pinawalla!

4/10 Fair

Schlechtes Hotel mit tollem Blick
Abgewohntes, altes Hotel ohne jeglichen Komfort. Speisesaal wird selten oder kaum geputzt. Nach starkem Regen tropft es im ganzen Hotel von den Decken. Modriger Geruch im gesamten Hotel. Einzig der tolle Ausblick entschädigt ein wenig
M, 1-night trip