Hotel Sigiriya, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

If you have a penchant for nostalgia steEped in luxury, Raajkutir Kolkata is for you. Think ornate furniture, Bengal specialties on the menu, impressive storytelling, warm hospitality. Tagore’s Bengal.

KAHAANI EDITOR

We had quite some luxe names up our sleeve for Sigiriya, but our curiosity for an affordable yet luxurious stay that could easily turn into a long stay took us to Hotel Sigiriya—and we were right. Soft notes from a piano greeted us as we entered the reception area, alluring enough to make us follow it and spend the next couple of hours at its poolside bar where a pianist was at magic. 

A hearty dinner followed soon after and we do not remember much else from the night other than the comfortable, clean beds in the rooms that made us sleep in a jiffy. People might say it was the rather long flight; we believe it was the vibe. Hotel Sigiriya does that to you without making a display of its adept hospitality.

And yes, this is also the hotel that features in almost every photo that you might have seen of a large pool with the famous Sigiriya Fortress at its backdrop. They’ve set up a telescope by the pool and you can pretty much enjoy a very close look of the hilltop fortress and see what’s going on there! Pretty close. 

The hotel is warmly and well-staffed, their bar area lively and servers pretty good, the food here is fresh and hearty with some Sri Lankan dishes doled out as well. We booked a Superior Twin Room here that opened out to a verandah in the orchard, had a comfortable bed, and a well-stocked washroom. 

What the hotel does need to work on some renovation; while it is an affordable hotel and suits almost every international traveller, a quick revamp such as fresh tiling in the washrooms can make it good enough for a 5-star category.

There is nothing that qualifies as an eyesore here, but it can be a way better to make Hotel Sigiriya more charming.

What I loved rightaway is the bar here, with a very fine selection for those who know their drinks well.

There’s an in-house bakery as well, the Loafer’s Cafe, for those with a sweet tooth or a penchant for English tea.

KAHAANI EDITOR

Raajkutir staff, like other IHCL SeleQtions hotels, would woo you with their hospitality and charm. Check-ins, travel arrangements, dining requests are met with avid promptness. As a guest, you’d be pampered not just with the elegance and heritage the hotel structurally exudes, but with the genuinely caring and dedicated staff, who are always equipped to provide a personalized experience around the clock. The restaurant offers a delectable array of food, finely prepared by skilled chefs catering to all guests’ tastes. The chef is always open to a conversation for any special culinary requests or suggestions.

The concierge service has a knack for making all your travel arrangements hassle-free – be it airport transfers or local sightseeing. The front-desk team is proficient and attentive, ensuring swift check-in/check-out procedures.

Location

Hotel Sigiriya’s location is probably the best in the region with a clear, outstanding view of Sigiriya Rock from the premises itself. 

Who is it for?

Le Coral will bowl you over with its tariffs that can easily fit most pockets, without compromising on any of the essentials. More than just the essentials. The food here is blissful. If a luxury staycation that is cheaper than a trip to Goa is on your mind, pick the Le Coral.