Reviews of Goalma Family Holiday Resort & Restaurant
618/ 62 E Buddhagaya Mawatha, Anuradhapura, 50000 Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
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Reviewed: 31 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 27 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe Good: Location: Great spot, just outside the busiest parts of town. Host: Nilmini was an exceptionally friendly and helpful host, who even arranged a tuk-tuk for our sightseeing. Cleanliness: Both the room and bathroom were small but very clean. Sleep Quality: Despite being on a suburban road, the thick walls and effective AC made for a wonderfully quiet and cool night. Shower: Excellent water pressure and temperature. Breakfast: Absolutely delicious!
Areas for Improvement: The Bed: The bed was comfortable but on the firm side and a bit short. It was pushed against the wall, making it awkward for two people. Lighting: The curtains didn't fully block the light, and an uncovered window with an outside light stayed on all night, which was a bit distracting. Bathroom: A few more hooks would be a helpful addition.
Reviewed: 3 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 1 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewBasic accommodation with good food.
Noisy AC. No curtains. Sheet too small to properly make the bed.
Reviewed: 25 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewWe had some wonderful days at Goalma Family. A warm and heartfelt welcome. The family is very helpful and always willing to think along with you. From here, we did a day trip to Wilpattu, everything was arranged for us. Delicious food. Truly a top recommendation
Reviewed: 24 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewVery nice place to stay
Dear Andrew, Thank you for your kind review. Sincerely, Anil - Your Host
Reviewed: 23 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewGreat food and very helpful host
Dear Eiso, Thank you for reviewing us following your recent stay at Goalma Family Holiday Resort. Sincerely, Anil - Your Host
Reviewed: 22 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe place was simple yet super clean. We had a great few nights sleep here. It was super comfy. Anil, the owner is such a helpful and genuine guy. He was a great help to us. Breakfast was great too !!
Dear Rebecca, Many thanks indeed for choosing Goalma FHR in Anuradhapura for your recent stay. Your review about our small property is highly appreciated. Sincerely, Anil - Your Host
Reviewed: 21 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewClean room, working AC, breakfast good but simple,nice safari
Owner was nice but a little controlling, more food options for people with food intolerances (especially for the safari lunch; was very little food )
Dear Maria, Thank you for your review after your recent stay at Goalma - Anuradhapura. Reg. your comments on foods for people with food intolerance, it was noted for future compliance. However, our Breakafast and Food Supplement for Safari Groups were highly apprecited by our recent Guests. Thank you, Anil from Goalma
Dear Maria, Thank you for your review after your recent stay at Goalma - Anuradhapura. Reg. your comments on foods for people with food intolerance, it was noted for future compliance. However, our Breakafast and Food Supplement for Safari… Show more
Reviewed: 20 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 12 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 12 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe host is very very helpful. He made our stay absolutely wonderful. He arranged good activities for us: safari and guided tour to the city. Found the best guides and drivers. We absolutely loved the food. Last but not least the rooms are very comfortable. We had a modern newly renovated bathroom.
Absolutely nothing.
Reviewed: 11 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 11 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewCalm & quiet place. Very well maintained. The room was good. The staff were good and supportive.
Nothing
Reviewed: 27 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewGoalma Family Holiday Resort & Restaurant is a lovely, small accommodation run by a welcoming family. After a long drive, we received a very warm welcome and were even able to order authentic and delicious food for the evening. The hotel is very close to the temples in Anuradhapura. The rooms are nicely arranged, clean and equipped with everything you need (including air conditioning). We were especially impressed by the delicious breakfast. They served us string hoppers as well as plain and egg hoppers, but there were also other delicious items on the table. All in all, it was a very nice stay with a lovely family.
Dear Karsten, Your wonderful feedback is truly motivating to read. As much valued guests it is wonderful to know that our team were all so welcoming and that you enjoyed your meals. We all very much look forward to welcoming you back to your home away from home at Goalma - Anuradhapura. Warmest regards, Anil, Your Host
Dear Karsten, Your wonderful feedback is truly motivating to read. As much valued guests it is wonderful to know that our team were all so welcoming and that you enjoyed your meals. We all very much look forward to welcoming you back to yo… Show more
Reviewed: 5 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewI chose to stay in Anuradhapura as it was where I needed to catch my train to Jaffna and would offer me a chance to visit some of the local temples prior to making my way further north. It's about 1.5hrs from Sigiriya by car which was perfect. The accommodation met my requirements which a good size, very comfortable room and bed. The bathroom was spotless and the shower was perfect. The AC and ceiling fan as an option were welcomed. It's a quiet location and the host was welcoming, offering me a fruit platter in light of the city wide power-cut. The WiFi was welcomed once power was restored as it meant I could make arrangements for the next part of my journey north. Breakfast was fine.
Arriving to find an all-day city wide power-cut, which meant no AC, or anywhere to eat until power was restored later in the evening. Whilst this was outside the control of the host, it effectively lost me a day as I was unable to do some work I had planned ahead of my next stage of travel, plus I was hungry. Whilst I understand it's the low season, a lot of work was taking place around the outdoor seating area, which didn't make it very comfortable for relaxing.
Dear Alan, First of all let me offer my sincere appologies for the city wide power cut though is is beyond my control. Your wonderful feedback is truly motivating to read. As much valued guests it is wonderful to know that our team were all so welcoming and that you enjoyed your meals and the complimentary fruit plate in the Lounge while you were experiencing the difficulties of the unexpected power cut. We are centarlly located with close proximity to / within walking distance to many hospitals / shops, restaurants/ public transport and ancient cites. I am pleased that our place was beneficial during your visit and ideal location to plan your next stages of your tours. I will be especially delighted to share your kind comments with our team and we all very much look forward to welcoming you back to your home away from home at Goalma - Anuradhapura. Warmest regards, Anil, Your Host
Dear Alan, First of all let me offer my sincere appologies for the city wide power cut though is is beyond my control. Your wonderful feedback is truly motivating to read. As much valued guests it is wonderful to know that our team were a… Show more
Reviewed: 5 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewThe owner was absolutely lovely and helpful.
Dear Marie, Thank you so much for your kind words following your stay with us at Goalma FHR. Warm Regards, Anil, Your Host
Reviewed: 21 April 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 17 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 10 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewGood friendly helpful host who suggested good places to visit. Room was clean and beds comfortable and the breakfast was exceptional! Overall a great place to stay
Not much
Dear Scott, Thank you very much for your review done following your recent stay at Goalma. Best Regards, Anil
Reviewed: 5 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewPerfect for an overnight stay, had everything that was needed including water bottles and hot water in the bathroom.
Dear Shruti, Thank you very much for choosing Goalma FHR for your recent stay in Anuradhapura. We also want extend our appreciation for giving us 09/10 for our Property and its services. Thanks and best regards, Anil from Goalma
Reviewed: 2 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 28 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewGreat host beautiful city, lovely people
Dear James, Thank you for offering us 10/10 review following your recent stay at Goalma FHR. Best Regards, Anil from GFHR
Reviewed: 26 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewFood, ambience, comfort, cleanliness = all 10/10.
The owner continued to push me to take a private car even when I told them repeatedly I was taking the bus to Dambulla. He did this three times.
Dear Warren, Thank you very much for your recent review and offering us 10/10 for Food, ambience, comfort, cleanliness. We have our transport services up to Dambulla and Sigiriya. We check time to time if anyone is in search of transport. Out intention is to offer the best and the lowest transport services to our Guests because some times they become the victims of fraud transport mobile apps and road side taxi drivers who charge additional money citing various reasons. We offer sincere apologies, if there was any miscommunication. Thanks and best regards, Anil from Goalma FHR
Dear Warren, Thank you very much for your recent review and offering us 10/10 for Food, ambience, comfort, cleanliness. We have our transport services up to Dambulla and Sigiriya. We check time to time if anyone is in search of transpor… Show more
Reviewed: 13 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewIncredibly nice service, great atmosphere, delicious food, clean rooms and a sincere smile from the Lady who served us.
no objections
Dear Krzysztof, Many thanks indeed for reviewing us, specially the Waitresses Nilmini. I will share your feedback with her. Thanks , Anil from Goalma