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  5. Reviews of Sanctuary Cove Guest House

Reviews of Sanctuary Cove Guest House

No. 517 First Cross Lane Batticaloa Road Polonnaruwa, 51000 Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

#18 of 70 hotels in Polonnaruwa

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 43 hotel reviews

9.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.1

  • Comfort

    9.0

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    8.6

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.3

  • Free WiFi

    7.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2025

    8.0
    Really enjoyable. Best hosts ever.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The kindest family stay. Lily the dog was an added bonus. Close to World Heritage site.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 August 2025

    10
    A Lovely guest house
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    A pleasant stay, very clean and with a renovated bathroom. A hearty, homemade breakfast. The owners, Mrs. Wasa and her husband, are wonderful people. The location is excellent for visiting the temples and the town.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 July 2025

    8.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bathroom could use a deep cleaning, but overall the room clean. The bedsheets had some holes in it, they were clearly very ‘used’.

    Close to the busstop and entrance to the archeological site. Basic room and bathroom. Very friendly family with a dog.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 July 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    A wonderful guesthouse! Lovely hosts and great food. Would highly recommend!!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 April 2025

    10
    The host at this place made our stay very welcoming they went out of the way to meet our needs highly recommend this pl
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The showers are too high for shorter people. Can’t reach to turn on

    The hosts were most accommodating and friendly. Food was fantastic although a little high in price, however the convenience of being served at the house was nice! Rooms are upgraded

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2025

    10
    Fantastic homestay with a lovely local family!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    nothing

    The hosts were the best we had in all of Sri Lanka. So genuine and caring, we felt like home away from home. The food was amazing too! They picked us up from the train and also drove us to our next destination. A 10/10 local authentic stay with a lovely family. Fleur & David, Australia

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Friendly owners, English speaking, delicious food, close to the lake, we had a great time here

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Run by a hardworking happy couple, Wassa and Sampa Very clean with a beautiful dog lily to keep you company Offers breakfast and dinner and bicycles and pick up and drop off services if needed

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 February 2025

    9.0
    Amazing homey home stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wifi and hot water wasnt working, but it was being fixed Breakfast and diner were more expensive than expected, but we should have asked before. Still great value for money

    Very friendly owner We felt very at home which was so Nice after 6 months of travelling Healthy and tasty diner and breakfast Cute dog

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 February 2025

    10
    Fantastic homestay 😁
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The facilities were a bit old but for the money paid we can't complain!

    The owners were great. We felt part of their family right away!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 February 2025

    8.0
    Great location, exceptional breakfast
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Worth mentioning that at present all the rooms are ground floor and look directly out into the shared courtyard so need the curtains closed for privacy. Also lacks a kettle in the room.

    Very well located to visit the huge Polonnaruwa site in a quiet area. Great communications throughout and the owners are very helpful, chatty, and offer their own pickups from the railway station and transfers onwards. Excellent breakfast (additional charge). Lovely dog.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    A lovely family that welcomes you as if you’re part of their own. They are incredibly kind and open-hearted. The breakfasts were delicious, with a choice of either Western or local options. They also offer bike rentals, which is the best way to explore the area since it’s quite a large complex. The location is very convenient, right next to the historic site.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 January 2025

    10
    Such lovely people. 100% recommend.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    the only thing that isn't ideal is the shower gets the whole bathroom wet but a very non issue- everything else is perfect.

    Incredibly friendly and helpful host and family, with an adorable dog. We rented bikes which was very handy for polonnaruwa, the rooms were great, comfy, with fans and A/C, everything very clean. Rooms had bathrooms as well, which were clean and great! Area was very close to the old town and ancient ruins which felt very authentic (but also they have bikes so you can easily cycle to other areas). And did I mention the hosts were amazing because they were the best. They offered us dinner (which we sadly missed but Mr.punsiri's kitchen around the corner was 10/10) but got a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 2 January 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had a truly wonderful stay at Sanctuary Cove in Polonnaruwa. From the moment we arrived, the warm and welcoming hosts made us feel completely at home. The generous breakfast was a real treat, offering a wide range of fresh and delicious options to kickstart the day. The room was comfortable, spotlessly clean, and well-equipped, and the peaceful surroundings provided the perfect escape after a day of sightseeing. What really stands out about this place is that it offers far more than value for money. With excellent service, a tranquil atmosphere, and genuine attention to detail, it truly is a hidden gem in Polonnaruwa. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and relaxing stay.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 January 2025

    9.0
    Nice and welcoming homestay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing to complain about. As everywhere at the moment: mosquitoes - do have repellent near you

    Nice and comfortable rooms (especially No 3+4), good mattress, AC+fan, very clean everywhere, modern bathroom with hot shower, small place to sit outside, very welcoming, super nice, helpful, caring hosts - Wasata & Saman and dog Lilly. We could easily park our Tuktuk on their premises. Walkable distance to 2 restaurants. Close to ticket counter for Ancient City.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 October 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Didn't have option to eat Dinner or Breakfast at the property, though tea/coffee was offered. Walking out to eat every time can be a bit troublesome.

    Great location. Very close to the main square of the old city. At walking distance from the Polinnaruwa ancient town complex. Many shops nearby for all essentials. Room was basic but comfortable. The owner dropped me to bus station for my onwards journey. Overall, comfortable stay.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 September 2024

    9.0
    Very pleasant.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Could provide towels for shower.

    The couple that owns the place is very hospitable, they even picked us up from the train station and took us to our next place for little money. Breakfast was delicious!

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 September 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very kind and welcoming hosts 🥰🫶🏽 Had a wonderful time staying here and felt right at home! Their dog Lily is also a sweetheart!

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 August 2024

    8.0
    Good guest house for visiting Polloneruwa
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    If you ask extra's (bicycles, food, taxi, etc.), ask prices upfront.

    Very friendly family. They made us feel at home. They prepared us a great Sri Lankan home cooked meal and the room was clean. Bicycles for rent. The family has a kind dog Lily. The location is good for visitting to Polonneruwa.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 August 2024

    10
    Very Nice!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Welcoming place, a few steps from the main attractions of Polonnaruwa. Very friendly and welcoming hosts, they gave us some excellent advice and prepared a good lunch and breakfast on demand. Very nice!

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 July 2024

    10
    Lovely hosts and great dog. Would highly reccomend
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Super lovely hosts, great location, comfortable room and clean. Excellent value for money

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 April 2024

    10
    Great hospitality and kindness in this Guesthouse.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    a very warm welcome! a great hospitality and kindness. the guesthouse is very well located and quiet. the room is large and well equipped. the Sri Lankan breakfast was delicious. it is possible to rent a bike to visit the archaeological site which is nearby. I had a wonderful two days. THANKS

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 January 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    super clean room,well equipped facilities,welcoming owners and they bring us to the next bus station,very patient to help us ask for the bus to the next destination,it helped a lot and we really appreciated,the family are really careful and helpful

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 January 2024

    9.0
    Lovely hosts.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was lovely.

    Stayed in January 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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