Sue & Graeme
England, February 2025
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
The friendliness and hospitality of all with whom we came in contact.
The quality and quantity of the food.
The sunshine and light in February.
The birds and other wildlife.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
The plastic litter and stray dogs.
The diesel fumes in Yala National Park.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
The eclectic mix was sensitively curated, quirky, and always delightful. Apart from [The] Fort Printers [Galle], all were clean and well-presented within the parameters of the location and budget. [Villa Hundira, Negombo; Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana; Hanthana House, Kandy; Borderlands Eco Lodge, Kitulgala; Oatlands by Jetwing, Nuwara Eliya; Clove Tree Cottage, Ella; Kalu’s Hideaway, Udawalawe; Flameback Eco Lodge, Weerawila; Buckingham Place, Tangalle]
In our room in Fort Printers, the floor was dirty, and we saw and heard rats in the roof space. We did raise this with management. Furthermore, the swimming pool appeared unloved and unclean. I appreciate that this was a 16th century building but Aspergillus fungus adorning the wall above and along the length of the pool was unsightly and a potential health hazard to the susceptible. This place was disappointing. [This is very disappointing to hear, and I am sorry for the poor standard of accommodation experienced at The Fort Printers, which, in the past, has been exemplary. I will inform the hotel immediately and reply to you with their response. I also apologise for the late change of your accommodation in Galle from The Merchant Galle Fort, which was necessary due to an administrative error.]
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Ayesh [Mahesh] was a good guide. He was knowledgeable and had well developed communication skills. He was assertive in situations when called for and was a safe driver. He was punctual; the car was clean both inside and out and his personal presentation was clean and tidy.
However, he was often preoccupied, having lengthy and frequent discussions on his phone with clients and/or guides of his hiking business. Such was happening when driving which was unnerving to say the least. Interestingly, our transfer only drivers did not respond to calls or pulled off the road to take them. [We are not at all impressed by Mahesh’s behaviour regarding his mobile phone use. It is absolutely forbidden by Tikalanka for chauffeur guides and transfer drivers to take or make calls while driving – our customers safety as well as their comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities. We will have a serious and immediate discussion with Mahesh to ensure he abides by our rules and never uses his mobile phone when driving in the future. It is also disrespectful to you for him to be preoccupied with other issues when guiding you around Sri Lanka, for which we apologise unreservedly. However, I am pleased to hear that our transfer drivers behaved appropriately.]
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
Emirates via Dubai worked well for us. [Premium Economy/Economy Class – London Heathrow]
Any other comments?
This holiday was up there with the best ever had by us and we heartily thank you, John and Pathi, for such a superb time. Perhaps give Fort Printers a miss in future.
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