Goldi Sands Hotel

This was my third stay at the Goldi Sands, honestly, the last time was nearly 20 years ago but I had such a great time back then I had high expectations. In the intervening 20 years, the hotel has had a revamp, double the size, double the number of swimming pools, added an elevator and they've removed the beach-fronted bungalows. All of which I think was a smart move and well worth doing. What has changed is the service and the catering. The staff are of course all very polite just that they didn't go the extra mile like they used to. We arrived late as our flight had been delayed, all I wanted was a couple of bottles of beer, they did arrive but I almost had to beg. I booked a taxi to the airport with the front desk, but they forgot, the waitresses at dinner were all about the hard upsell rather than serving. The breakfast as far as my memory serves me used to be awesome, today's breakfast is the same every day and lacks imagination, is poorly presented, and includes the worst coffee ever. The hotel has a confusing number of tariffs from all-inclusive to room only which means if you want to buy a drink it takes forever as they have to check your "status" and then if you pay cash they have to go to the cashier as they carry no float. The rooms are a good size, clean and comfortable but basic. All in all it is still a good hotel to choose but sadly it is no longer in the memorable category.

We spent two weeks at the hotel and found it a great place to be. Although in need of a little TLC and update in places it was welcoming and kept very clean. Our sheets were change regularly, and the room was spotlessly clean (hard working chambermaids). The food was fine. The facilities were fine with plenty of sunbeds and good waiter service. Location is brilliant and right on the beach. We had a second floor ocean view double room. Netting across the front of the balconies, but not intrusive, as this was to keep the crows out. Sitting on the balcony at dusk watching the fruit bats(flying foxes) flying around was like having your own wildlife programme! The main asset of the hotel is the staff. Everyone was so polite, caring and helpful. Two ladies (Osandi and Rwani - spelling may not be correct) in the restaurant made you feel so welcome and had lovely personalities. Without a doubt the nicest group of people you could wish to meet, and this made our stay so enjoyable. Douglas, the TUI representative, was excellent and helped us a great deal. We had a guide , named Sudu (spelling?) for 3 excursions and his knowledge, kindness and guidance made each of these a wonderful experience. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with such lovely people. Goldi Sands was a good location from which to experience this.

We had a great stay at the hotel. Everything was excellent from cleanliness, food (good spread with variety) to the ambience. They gave us an early check in too. Friendly staff specially at the pool and restaurant. Can recommend to anyone who likes a relaxing beach resort experience.

Nice stay and we celebrated awurudu festival at goldi sands hotel, and really enjoyed your service and folk games ,nice location ,friendly staff and courtesy thank you sandu and the team and their dance very nice , will see you again in near future

We love this hotel it’s in the one of best location in Negombo and me n husband stay in for few night twice, we enjoyed our staying there the rooms were the best, Bar n the staff were very good specially Restaurant manger Adrian. Food was not what we expect they need big improvement in the food other than that one of our favourite hotel to stay in. Soo closed to airport.

This was our third visit to this wonderful hotel sitting next to the Indian Ocean, sadly I think it will be our last stay. The hotel, facilities, food and particularly the staff are all first class. We had a room on the first floor of the original building which as ever was charming, well appointed and a fantastic sea view. Although we are not a particular fan of buffet style meals the food presented was tasty, varied and plentiful. We were All inclusive and its a shame that wine is NOT included in the package, even one glass at dinner would be appreciated. Pool, beach both excellent . My main reason for not returning is the Managements decision to cater mainly for large groups that only stay for one night. Every day there is a constant procession of guests arriving/departing, overwhelming the restaurant and spoiling the ambiance of the pool/beach area. Long stay guests appear to be less looked after in favour of the one nighters. That said I must give a special mention to some of the staff that made our stay so memorable, although all the staff are brilliant. Samantha and his pool team, Sanjeewa in the bar,Ruchira,Ruvee and Mohan in the restaurant. Well done Goldi Sands *

It is a fantastic place, with a lovely swimming pool. The staff is kind and prepared. Andrew, the bartender, is kind and professional and does fantastic cocktails! I came alone to chill before catching a flight and couldn't be happier. I recommend it :)

We enjoyed staying in the hotel Goldi Sands in Negombo very much. It is a clean, nice hotel, the staff is very helpful and really nice. The food is delicious. We liked the beach and the ocean, and beautiful sunsets. Everything was perfect! It's a good place to stay and relax, and also to start some tours around this wonderful island.

I stayed here during the day, I rented a sunbed, towel and could use the pool. All were sooooo friendly and I enjoyed it very much!! :-) Especially Sanjeewa was such a nice guy and company :-) Would recommend to everybody when staying in Negombo, also very fair price!