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Review submitted by Monika from Burghausen (Submitted: 26 Aug 2010)
Lage: Wunderschöne Aussicht. Zum Einkaufen ist nichts in der näheren Umgebung.
Ausstattung: Schöner Garten. Gut ausgestattete Küche. Matratzen sind sehr dünn. (Hat aber nur mich gestört) Viele bequeme Sitzgelegenheiten, keine richtigen Liegestühle für den Garten.
PC vorhanden aber Internetverbindung un- brauchbar. Architektur sehr interessant und luftig. (Dadurch immer angenehme Temperaturen aber etwas hellhörig und offen für Insekten, Geckos usw.)
Betreuung: Frau M. lebt direkt im Anbau und kümmert sich jederzeit herzlich um ihre Gäste. Die Verständigung war manchmal etwas schwierig und es kam zu einigen Mißverständnissen. Die von ihr organisierten Fahrer sprachen meist kein Wort Englisch, auch das Aufschreiben von Ausflugszielen war wegen der anderen Schrift sinnlos. Man war also darauf angewiesen was Frau M. mit dem Fahrer vereinbarte, kurzfristige Änderungen schwer durchführbar.
Frau M. hat zweimal für uns gut und reichlich gekocht.
Wir hatten package 3. Man überlege sich ob man wirklich so viele Ausflüge machen möchte da die Fahrten doch sehr lang und anstrengend sind.Und die Eintrittspreise extrem hoch. (Z.B. Sigiriya 25 US Dollar)
Insgesamt hat es uns gut gefallen und wir können dieses Haus empfehlen.
Review submitted by Andrew from Cairns (Submitted: 1 May 2010)
We spent 10 days here and found it great .. the plusses were the view , the kitchen and the house itself, the food offered was generous and pleasant, although not exceptional,and the taxi service they offered down town. The minuses were a distinct lack of privacy( you are actually only renting the larger part of the house, and 2 ladies live in the other section), quite a severe language barrier for English speaking ( we are Australian), the worst internet service I have experienced, very unreliable hot water and water pressure in general, and no shops of any nature nearby. The major problem was language though .. an example was the lady came demanding final payment at 6.15am the day BEFORE we were due to settle, even though I thought I had explained that we had to go to a bank that day to draw out the money.
However, dont be deterred .. the view is to die for and the house amazing .. just trying to give some helpful hints for when you book, and try to learn a bit of Sinhalese !!!
Review submitted by KEELY from Dhahran (Submitted: 18 Apr 2010)
The House on the Rock was our last destination in Sri Lanka. Before we arrived Yohan (the owner) was very helpful in giving us information about what to see and arranging meals and transfers ( we took one of the inclusive packages offered). The house beautifully located on top of a hill and built in an unusual circular design taking advantage of the great panoramic views. We found the house to be clean with a modern new kitchen with a hob, fridge and microwave although there was no oven. The bathrooms both had wet room showers although the shower pressure was low it functioned fine. The house was very clean and well cared for but we did share it with a fair number of bugs. There are geckos which make a chirupping noise at night and the open design of the house means that moths, spiders and other insects do get in. Just a word of warning! The meals here are delicious and we felt very well looked after - thank you. In summary the House on the Rock is amazing value and a nice place to relax or a good jumping off point for touring - just watch out for the bugs!
Review submitted by Elinor from Haverigg, Cumbria (Submitted: 21 Mar 2010)
This is our 3rd trip to Sri Lanka and our second stay at the house. We had a great time in Kandy visiting the elephant orphanage, the botanical garden and other sites. Staying in House on the rock was very convenient as a base to travel around Kandy and to the cultural triangle and up country. Even though last time we visited it took 5 mins to drive from the city centre to the house, this time it took 15 mins as we had to go all the way round the lake due to temporary security blocks near the temple of the tooth.
The house was as before, clean, well equipped and beautiful. The surrounding is breathtaking with lots of birds and butterflies flying by the garden. The garden is much bigger than last time and was ideal for our 2 kids to play around and the owners have done much more to the house to improve it for guests. Although we had one night where our hot water didn’t work, it was fixed promptly the next day. The place is really good value for money with loads of facilities and optional extras available, especially compared to European prices. We mostly ate at home eating what Mrs Meegswatte prepared as the food was so nice and she always gives loads - one meal generally lasts for two !
We will definitely return to the beautiful country, city and the house.
Review submitted by Mary from London (Submitted: 21 Mar 2010)
Very beautiful, well equipped and a value for money house, situated in one of the most beautiful places in Kandy. Very romantic place and was ideal getaway.
Mrs M who lives next door looking after the house and cooks is so kind and very generous she makes the best Srilankan Curries we ever had. The pol roti with pumpkin and pol sambol was to die for.
The packages the owners offer were reasonable and made our trip hassle free.
The only negative aspect of the trip was that we felt that people at private tourist sites tried to over change foreigners, especially when they charge extra to give a commission to the guide or driver you go with, however this is a common occurrence thought Asia and the extra charges are not much compares to European standards.
Overall, we had a great time in Srilanka and at House On the rock.
Review submitted by cathy from france (Submitted: 19 Jan 2010)
The highlight of this property is actually the owners mother who lives next door. She is an ayurvedic doctor, and is charming, helpful and interesting.
Renting the house gives an escape from the (sometimes overwhelming) bustle of Kandy and the views are magnificent. Yes, it is quite far from the centre but we managed the walks back several times and there is always a cheap tuk tuk.
The only negative is that the bathrooms could do with a bit of updating but they were very clean and that was the most important thing for us. The house itself is airy and a wonderful construction.
The cooking was simply the best we have ever had of Sri Lankan and curry cooking anywhere in the world. Actually it was quite astounding in its delicacy and flavour!
Review submitted by simon from leeds (Submitted: 28 Oct 2008)
Sarah and I visited Sri Lanka in August / September 2008. It seems to have taken me a while to get around to submitting a review. Too chilled out after the holiday I guess.
So first things first - the house on the hill. This is superbly located on one of the many hills around Kandy. The views are spectacular with unspoilt forrest and jungle in every direction. We found ourselves bird, insect, reptile and monkey watching on a regular basis.
The accommodation itself is very clean and comfortable, which left us wanting for nothing. Further, with Aunty Chandra close by to help advise and suggest trips we felt as though we had our own personal tourist information office.
Although the house is on a hill we often chose to walk both into and out of Kandy. This took approximately 25 minutes and was always an enjoyable experience, giving us plenty of opportunity to practice our limited Sinhalese. A big thanks to Auntry Chandras schooling is necessary here. The few phrases we learnt were always rewarded by cheerful responses.
The city of Kandy is a fascinating place. There are the sites of special interest, obviously worth a visit, but just walking around town is equally rewarding. The hussle and bussle, sights and smells make a refreshing change to those of the UK or mainland europe. Never once did we feel unsafe or awkward. You must visit the central market. Get there early and go out the back to the vegetable and fish areas, its great.
This brings us nicely onto food. There are literally dozens of places to eat, from street vendors to five star hotels. Even the latter represent excellent value. The pineapples are terrific, have one prepared for you on the street, and if thirsty get a king coconut. Of particular note was Aunty Chandras cooking. Be this breakfast or an evening meal. In all honesty it was better than anything we ever bought when out.
Finally, as the house on the hill is roughly in the centre of Sri Lanka it makes a great base from which to explore the rest of the country. Independent travel is easy but all travel takes time: you need to slow down to the pace of the country and enjoy the scenery. Sri Lanka is an excellent holiday destination offering everything you could possibly want.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 25 Feb 2008)
We were guests at the property in January 2008, and our hosts had done the hard work of getting things sorted out. Even so, it was a salutary reminder that in Asia, just as in Africa, one must accept that standards are not like Europe, and if you expect or want European standards of comfort, then you must stick to five-star hotels and be ready to pay. Have a look at the Trip Advisor website for the inside story!
Owner reply:
Please see the reply below.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 20 Apr 2007)
Our 3rd visit to Kandy and the House on the Rock. Kandy is a great place for touring around, there is such a lot to see and do - and the nights are much cooler here than on the West Coast or in Colombo, so sleeping is easier!
If you are worried about the troubles in Sri Lanka - don't be - there are road blocks here and there, but all the trouble is in the far north of the island. We didn't have a problem.
This time we had a friend who cannot eat chillies and Mrs M. prepared the same food for her , but without the chillies - absolutely scrumptious she said. She is also a vegetarian and was never short of a choice of wonderful dishes.
The hotel Thilanka at the bottom of the road does a wonderful buffet for about £3.50 - and the 5 star Earls Regency not far away also does one for around £5.00. If you eat in the hotels( plenty of 4 & 5 star to choose from) you can usually use the pools free - most have spectacular views too.
This time we wanted to visit the famous Cultural Triangle and we asked the owner to recommend a reasonably priced hotel, which he did. We stayed at the Gimanhala Transit Hotel in Dambulla. It was very reasonably priced, and the pool and restaurant look out over open countryside at the rear. Excellent food too.
We loved the new bird baths and all the other improvements to the house and garden.Thanks for yet another memorable holiday - we will be back - most definately.
Review submitted by Pamela from Kent, UK (Submitted: 7 Jan 2007)
The House on the Rock has THE most spectacular views from its balconies and garden. If you stay here you will gain an insight into the everyday life of Sri Lanka as well as enjoying the "buzz" of nearby Kandy city.
The house itself is light and airey and a great place to chill out. Don't expect the height of luxury but do enjoy the simple pace of life in this idyllic location.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 21 Jul 2006)
Jackie Otley, London - UK
"The house was as described. The picture of view from balcony does not do it justice. Great watching the birds and squirrels. Mrs Meegaswatte was very friendly providing such good food I never ventured out to eat. My stay was all the more enjoyable by having Mrs Meegaswatte’s dog (bonju?) with me. Would hope to return next year."
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 28 Feb 2006)
Probably one of the most outstanding views in Sri Lanka – quite breathtaking.
House comfortable and clean, caretaker friendly and helpful.
The bird life was great round the house too. Wished we could have stayed longer…….. so good to be able to self cater. Many thanks to you both!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 13 Feb 2006)
Fantastic house with great views. Excellent services and the food of Mrs Meegaswatthe is to die for!!! Will definitely return.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 11 Jan 2006)
Ted Sánchez, Kingweston, England.
“I really enjoyed the villa: the views were fantastic and it was a great base to explore Kandy and the surrounding areas.”
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 10 Dec 2005)
Peter and Anne Robinson- Dumfries and Galloway, UK:
"Superbly situated house, a bird watchers' paradise. Excellent home cooked Sri Lankan food."
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 10 Jul 2005)
Mr Niranjan Patel and friends- London, United Kingdom and India:
‘I can honestly say that the views from the house are breath taking, the house had a good character, but above all the food was exceptional. I definitely hope to return in future, GOD WILLING!’
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 15 Mar 2005)
Mr Dugmore and friends- London, United Kingdom:
‘Waking up in the house and watching and listening to dawn break was amazing. You really feel like you are in the middle of the hills with the animals and birds and the sound of monks chanting. A great cultural experience.’
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 15 Mar 2005)
Mrs Vickers and family- Leeds, United Kingdom:
'Beautiful views and a lovely house. Wonderful food by Mrs. M. Highly recommended'
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 15 Mar 2005)
Mr and Mrs Rupasinghe - Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
'A romantic and beautiful place for an ideal honeymoon. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. Will definitely return'
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 15 Mar 2005)
Smith Family- Birmingham, United Kingdom:
'Such a peaceful location. Fantastic holiday'
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 15 Mar 2005)
Hodges family- Yorkshire, United Kingdom:
‘Lovely house, great views. Had a wonderful holiday and hope to return.’