Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel

Beautiful smiling Sri Lankans, in pretty saris and shirts. There are english speaking front desk staff (just ask for Shiva or Janaka if needed). I came from Canada via England as a retired successful business woman. Given my education and experience, I believe I have an understanding of customer psychology and how they want to be treated. I have travelled the world and stayed in different hotels. Understanding the customer is what makes a winning success and I believe Hikkafuwa Beach Hotel is on that road to success. The Gnl mgr, Robert from Sweden, is always improving and resolving. He understands the western tourist standards. Although it can't be easy, Robert meets with his staff regularly to promote proactive understanding of customer expectations. Customers are incredibly diverse and that too must be challenging. Plus, the elements from the climate, rain, salt water winds from the Indian Ocean takes its toll on the wear and tear of this gteat hotel. Its that close to the seas edge. Whilst it was closed for two years, the owner and manager is doing everything to keep it beautifully thriving. It survived covid and the tsunami damage. Well done! Slow suppliers are a hurdle everywhere. I've seen improvements after staying there 3 times. The English speaking office and front desk managers are more proactive and they are open to your face to face feedback. They've expressed eagerness to understand and improve. Suppliers are slowing up replacements for mal-functioning lamps, etc.etc. They're supppsedly aware and waiting. Comfortable beds, pillows and fresh bedding, fridge, bottled water, very clean, etc. The newer refurbished rooms are with ocean view glass balconies and lighter furnishings with lighter wood and a lovely atmosphere with accent colours. All rooms have high ceilings, pleasant atmosphere, flat screen TVs, stainless steel kettle with tea/coffee making. Lovely walk in showers with shower gel and soap is provided. Pool towels are at reception, and there's room service with a reasonably priced menu. Shishas are lovely and available. Some fun live music occasionally. Security all night. If you come back late, they'll be watching and allow your entry. Safety boxes are with your own key, you enter a door to the side of the reception. Breakfast buffet is with a delicious and healthy variety. Omelette making and delicious fresh fruit, etc.etc. Food in domes can be put on a plate for a staff member to heat in their kitchen microwave. Just ask a staff member to fill the coffee pot, or replenish where it's empty. They don't always proactively look and refill or maybe I got there too close to closing. Either way, they're happy to refill. Their food menu is available all day. They have a bring your own booze (BYOB) policy which saves the guest n cost. There's a liquor store, directly across the street and a few doors up with all. Location right on the beach. Front entrance has available tuk tuks and cars. On the street offers many shops, eateries and tour operators, snorkeling, surfing, etc, etc Housekeeping are very good. They've been trained to apply rules for quantity control. If you want flexibility with the rigid rules, just ask for the English speaking supervisor, he's always on one of the floors. Supervisor understands and smiles as he accommodates and gives permission to the others. For example, an extra towel or more water. Not all hotels are this rigid in your face but I get why they are. Different cultures may be taking with little regard for the costs to the hotel.