Days Inn Kandy: Sri Lanka's BEST Hotel? You WON'T Believe This!
Days Inn Kandy: Sri Lanka's "Best"? Okay, Let's Talk About That… (Spoiler: It's Kinda Amazing)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Sri Lanka, and the Days Inn Kandy? Yeah, that's where I parked my weary backpack for a few nights. And let me tell you, the whole "Sri Lanka's Best Hotel?" marketing blitz? Had my skeptical radar pinging. But honestly? They might be onto something. Let's unpack this, shall we? Because this won't be your usual sterile review.
First Impressions: The Labyrinth of Delight (and a Few Hiccups)
Pulling up, the exterior… well, it screams "Days Inn," which, let's be real, isn't exactly the Eiffel Tower. But the lobby? Surprisingly slick. Airy. And the staff? Utterly charming. Smiles for days. Check-in was blessedly contactless check-in/out, which, in this post-pandemic world, is a HUGE win. 24-hour front desk because getting in tired at 3am is a real life (and an excellent service). Elevator, because carrying luggage is a hassle.
Then there's the location. Kandy is a chaotic symphony of honking tuk-tuks and fragrant spices. Days Inn? Right in the thick of it. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property brought me peace of mind. Walking distance to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (a must-see, seriously), and a short tuk-tuk ride to the botanical gardens. Pure travel bliss. And, of course, airport transfer, which made the whole arrival process a breeze.
The Room: My Oasis of Air-Conditioned Sanity (Plus a Few Crumbs)
My room? The non-smoking option, thank goodness. And air-conditioned, a godsend after a day sweating my face off in the jungle. Let's be clear, air conditioning in public area is a must and is provided. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! Internet access – wireless (and I’m not just saying that for SEO, the Wi-Fi [free] was spot-on). Free bottled water. Small things, but they add up.
Now, the details. Solid carpeting, a closet big enough for all my questionable souvenir purchases, and a comfy sofa where I could collapse after a day of exploring. The alarm clock was actually set! The bathrobes, though. The slippers, well, they were the stuff of nightmares. Don't get me started on the water pressure, which was a bit like a polite drizzle sometimes. My room had a window that opens, which was lovely for the view. Also satellite/cable channels, which meant I passed my evening with a few movies.
One thing that actually impressed me? The desk. It wasn't just a flimsy table. It was a proper desk, perfect for working on my laptop while sipping my coffee/tea maker brew. I'm starting to think this is the perfect place to get lots of work done. My room also had other amenities. Like an ironing service. I don't use too much but it's good to have.
Okay, real talk: there may or may not have been a stray crumb or two on the floor. My daily housekeeping was amazing though, as they immediately made sure that my room was spotless. And the linens were pristine. A small price to pay for overall clean comfort.
Dining and Drinking: From Buffet Bliss to Street Food Dreams
Alright, food. This is where the Days Inn really shines. The breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast (with actual bacon!), fruit, pastries… I probably gained five pounds in three days. Which is par for the travel course, right? It had coffee/tea in restaurant, delicious juices, and all-around deliciousness. The breakfast takeaway service was a great idea. They offer alternative meal arrangement, which is something you can consider depending on specific needs. The buffet in restaurant has a selection of options. The main restaurant had a la carte in restaurant, a selection of food. Also, the salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant and desserts in restaurant were top-notch.
The restaurants offer a variety of selections. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was superb and the Western cuisine in restaurant was quite good.
But the real win? The poolside bar. Picture this: you’ve spent the day battling crowds at the Temple of the Tooth, you’re sunburned, exhausted, and craving a cold drink. You plop yourself down at the poolside bar, order a local beer, and watch the sun set over Kandy. Happy hour is a must. There's even a snack bar, handy for those between-meal cravings. The pool with view is amazing.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Nightmares
Okay, I'm not a spa kind of gal, but Days Inn, you almost got me! They have a full spa, including a sauna, a steamroom, massage options, even body scrub and body wrap treatments! (I chickened out, but I'm already regretting it.) Add to that the swimming pool [outdoor] (perfect for a refreshing dip), and a fitness center (which I bravely walked past).
Anecdote time: I did, however, spend a solid two hours lounging by the pool, people-watching, and basically doing nothing. It was glorious. The swimming pool itself was perfect, especially when the hot sun was up.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because We’re All Slightly Freaked Out Now
Look, let's be honest. Covid has changed the game. And I was super impressed with Days Inn's precautions. They were on point with their staff trained in safety protocol. It had anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They went the extra mile. Hand sanitizer was readily available. Safe dining setup. Also, individually-wrapped food options. I felt genuinely safe and cared for. I noticed that shared stationery removed. It also has first aid kit. Hygiene certification. I appreciated that there was doctor/nurse on call.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Basics
Concierge, currency exchange, dry cleaning, a gift/souvenir shop (yes, I bought ALL the things), laundry service, and luggage storage. All the things that make life easier when you're traveling. They could also provide an invoice provided if needed. It's the little things, you know? A convenience store is something you might appreciate.
Accessibility:
Facilities for disabled guests. The hotel strives to be accommodating to all guests.
Business Travelers: Not as Boring as You Think
I’m not a business traveler, but I did spot some people in suits. They seem to cater to that. The meeting/banquet facilities were available, ready for presentations. There was a business facilities, meetings, and seminars. Audio-visual equipment for special events. You can host indoor venue for special events or outdoor venue for special events. They provided Meeting stationery and the hotel has Projector/LED display. They have great technology, like Wi-Fi for special events. Also, Xerox/fax in business center if it is needed.
For the Kids:
I didn't have kids with me but family/child-friendly hotel is good. They also have babysitting service and kids facilities. They offered kids meal.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site]. Car power charging station is available. Taxi service and Valet parking options if you have your own car, or use a taxi.
The Verdict: Should You Believe the Hype?
Honestly? Yeah, you probably should. Is it the absolute "best" hotel in Sri Lanka? That's subjective. But is it an excellent choice, offering great value, a prime location, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere? Absolutely. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe I'll even brave that spa this time.
Quirky Observation: The staff's dedication to anticipating guest needs was uncanny. One afternoon, as I was about to head out for a late lunch, I was asked if I needed a taxi, even though I didn't asked for one. It was amazing. They are always ready to help.
The Offer: Book Your Kandy Adventure Now!
Are you ready for an unforgettable Sri Lankan escape? Days Inn Kandy is offering a special promotion:
- Book your stay for 3 nights or more and receive a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability!)
- Enjoy a 15% discount on all spa treatments.
- Free airport transfer for direct bookings through the hotel website!
**Don't miss out!
Unbelievable Chengdu Luxury: JI Hotel Happy Valley's Hidden Paradise!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel diary. This is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (well, mostly) about my Kandy adventure, specifically at the Days Inn. Brace yourselves, because it’s gonna get real.
Days Inn Kandy: The Kandy Chronicles - A Total Cluster
Day 1: Arriving with a Thud (and a Few Regrets)
- Morning (Let the Games Begin): Landed in Colombo. That airport? Honestly, a chaotic ballet of baggage handlers and bewildered tourists. Found the pre-booked taxi - a sweaty dude who drove like he was auditioning for a Fast & Furious sequel. Seriously, I aged a decade on the drive.
- Afternoon (Days Inn Check-in - Ordeal Number One): Finally, Kandy! Found Days Inn, which looked… well, like a Days Inn. No frills, but clean enough (praise the heavens!). Check-in was a charm, or more accurately, a trial. The staff were lovely but communication was a bit of a lottery. Finally snagged my room. The AC blasted like a hurricane, which was both amazing and slightly terrifying.
- Evening (Cultural Shock & Stomach Rumble): Okay, I was hangry. Headed out to find food. The streets of Kandy were a whirlwind of tuk-tuks, vendors hawking everything imaginable, and the most amazing smells I've ever encountered. Found a tiny local place (the kind with plastic chairs and questionable hygiene). The food? Oh, the food! Spicy, flavorful, and potentially, the reason I might be spending more time in the bathroom tomorrow than I'd like. But oh-so-worth-it! Wandering in the streets as it gets dark.
- Emotional Low: Overwhelmed by the sheer sensory overload. Feeling like a complete tourist idiot who can't even navigate a simple street. Briefly considered booking a return flight.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Toilet Troubles
- Morning (Temple Time & Regrets): Woke up… let's just say my stomach wasn't feeling the love. This is a travel diary, so, yeah, stomach issues. Anyway, after some ahem quality time in the bathroom, I rallied. Headed to the Temple of the Tooth. It's beautiful, truly. The atmosphere is serene, the architecture is stunning. But the crowds are intense. The crowds, the lines, the relentless heat… Made me realize I'm not exactly a "temple person." Should have stayed in bed and rethought that curry.
- Afternoon (Tea Plantation Heaven - and a Few Misadventures): Managed to get a driver to take me to a tea plantation, a bit away from Kandy. Oh dear god, the views! Lush green hills dotted with tea bushes. The air smelled like heaven. Took a tour. Learned how tea is made. Drank copious amounts of tea. Bought a suitcase full of tea. Considered moving to Sri Lanka and opening a tea shop. Thought about my stomach yet again.
- Evening (Spice, Spice, Baby - and More Toilet Time): Back in Kandy. Found a spice garden – the colors, the scents, the sheer exoticism! Bought more spices than I'll ever need. Went back to the hotel. My tummy was still not happy.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: From awe-struck (tea plantation) to slightly panicked (bathroom location). A growing love-hate relationship with Sri Lankan cuisine.
Day 3: Kandy Lake, Kandy Chaos, and a Dose of Reality
- Morning (Lake Stroll & Tourist Traps): Decided to take a stroll around Kandy Lake. Very picturesque, very crowded with the inevitable tourist traps. Fell for a scam that involved a "lucky" gem. Realized my inner idiot was winning.
- Afternoon (Shopping and Local Encounters): Got swept away the chaos of Kandy. Bargained hard for a scarf. The shopkeeper laughed when I gave him my offer. Walked through the market. Saw amazing things. Felt completely under-prepared for all of it. People watched. Laughed.
- Evening (Finding Peace, For A While): Sat in the hotel room. Ordered room service (safe food and quiet). Watched some mindless TV. Found a brief moment of sanity.
- Emotional Take-Away: Ups and downs. Lessons in acceptance.
- Emotional Low: The utter realization that I was, in fact, a tourist. And a bit of a klutz at that.
Day 4: Leaving, Possibly a Better Person (Maybe Not)
- Morning: Woke up. Relatively okay tummy! Packed. Checked Out. Goodbye, Days Inn! Hello, fresh adventures!
- The Conclusion: Kandy was an assault on the senses, a rollercoaster of joy and frustration, beauty and chaos. I ate amazing food, got scammed a little, saw breathtaking sights, and questioned my sanity more than once. It was messy, it was imperfect, and it was, ultimately, unforgettable. Would I go back? Absolutely. Armed with a stronger stomach, better bargaining skills, and an even bigger sense of humor. Sri Lanka, you wild, beautiful beast, I’ll be back.
Days Inn Kandy: Sri Lanka's BEST Hotel? You WON'T Believe This! (Or Maybe You Will... Let's See)
Okay, *is* Days Inn Kandy actually the BEST hotel in Kandy? Like, should I book it NOW?
What’s the *vibe* like? Is it all shiny and modern, or… well, not?
Tell me about the rooms. Are they clean? Spacious? Do they have… air conditioning?
The location is supposed to be great. What's the *actual* story?
Is breakfast included? And if so, is it any good? (Because hotel breakfasts can be TERRIBLE.)
Okay, but what about the *negatives*? Spill the tea! What annoyed you?
Would you stay there again? And would you recommend it to a friend?
Okay, you mentioned the *staff* was great... spill the tea on that!
