The bathrooms could have been cleaner.

This was the quirkiest most incredible hotel I have ever stayed in. Not 5 star by any means but totally fascinating with the art work and photos on every surface. It is Alice meets Bridezilla in every facet. We loved meeting Madam Helga and were fascinated by the stories and history. A unique experience!

Stayed in August 2025

The hotel seems a bit run down and we didn't see any other guests while we were there. The aircon in our room stopped working on the second day but luckily the ceiling fan worked and was good enough to keep us cool overnight.

Loved the history of this place and decor (whilst not to everyone's taste!) is absolutely incredible, everywhere you look you'll find interesting artwork. The staff were friendly and we enjoyed watching the monkeys playing from our balcony.

Stayed in July 2025

The entire place is incredible and definitely worthy of staying there.

Stayed in June 2025

I can't think of anything. It was a good stay and met all of our expectations.

Loved the fun decor and vibe of the hotel overall with the quirky decor and fascinating story as well as the art all around. The location was perfect as it was on a hill where it was quiet allowing you to collect your thoughts and lounge with a short walk to the Lake for a lovely sunset walk.

Stayed in March 2025

the living reception areas need a good clean

Breakfast was great and the food generally was very good

Stayed in February 2025

It’s all good

Helga’s is just not to be missed, simple as that. Truly bonkers, joyous decor with art filling literally every inch of walls and ceiling. The food is fabulous, a small menu that is done extremely well. Soothing songs of a bygone era fill the air, and you can’t help but feel you’ve stumbled into a magical pocket between time and space, where anything is possible.

Stayed in February 2025

The bedrooms could have been a bit better. We had a very squeaky fan and dubious shower

Very eccentric and like nothing you have ever stayed in

Stayed in February 2025

bathroom was very basic

a lot of love and creativity put in this anti-hotel for many years. History of a gone-by hippy era.

Stayed in January 2025

Forewarned is forearmed! Read the reviews and decide if it is for you.

As said in other reviews - Helga’s is an extraordinary experience. If you are prepared for this then you will enjoy it. Look past the layers of dust to the layers of history and you will appreciate this place for what it once was. I wish I had been here back in its glory days - it would have been absolutely wild. We had 2 nights here and ate in for one of them. The meal, while expensive, was also worth the experience of it all. We loved it and I absolutely recommend it - it’s a trip!

Stayed in January 2025

Helga's Folly is not to be missed! Worth a visit during the day - for a small fee, non-guests can explore this quirky hotel. The food is delicious and the artwork and decorations are a discussion starter. Madame Helga was a delightful and generous host and we loved our conversation.

Stayed in January 2025

I was locked out one night, so had to spend an hour at another hotel trying to get back in

Super unique. Full of art, history, and stories. Utterly incredible owner! Really attentive staff!

Stayed in October 2024

It's not for everyone. It needs a good clean and some love. It's a bit spooky but adequate. The air-conditioning needs an upgrade and more comfortable pillows would be great but we enjoyed a night there basking in the ghosts of good times past.

It's an extraordinary experience. A trip back in time to the hey days of Kandy. It's kooky and cool and the staff were just lovely. The dinner was very nice and the pool very refreshing. Helga is an icon so it is worth visiting to view the artefacts and history of her life.

Stayed in July 2024

While everything worked, certainly, the room could not be accurately described as deluxe by any stretch of even the wildest imagination. Quirky, characterful, potentially dangerous in places, Yes, deluxe ? No. (Be careful of shallow steps) There are, I believe, far far better rooms than that in which I stayed. I would say you need to have reasonably good mobility, and good eyesight, to ensure your wellbeing when visiting.

The Art, the Family, the Staff. The food was good, some perhaps would prefer larger portions, one can always ask for more, of course. The shower worked, and there was hot water when required, and the water pressure of the shower was entirely acceptable. I would encourage any visitor, (and you should visit) to forget any concept of this being a hotel of any sort. Regard this as a private family home, where the Family receive guests. Regard the money you pay simply as a thank you, for access to easily one of the most fascinating collections of art and history I have ever seen.

Stayed in February 2024

Only a couple of things which were relatively minor in the context of an exceptional stay. It could be cleaner. It could have been made clearer breakfast was not included.

Comfortable, unique and warm hospitality. We were fortunate enough to be staying at the same time as Helga's daughter, Selina. She is a delight and told us lots of interesting stories about the history of their family and the property. Later in the evening she even directed us to the period cinema to watch the 1954 film, Elephant Walk starring Elizabeth Taylor: the cast stayed at the hotel. The Stereophonics also wrote a song about it! Other highlights: many different artists in addition to Helga have contributed to the art and it is therefore varied but equally unique. You will never visit a hotel like it. The food is excellent, although we should note it is not included in the bill. We enjoyed the pool too. Our room was comfortable. Babies welcome and nothing too much trouble including putting a beautiful wooden crib in the room.

Stayed in February 2024

It could use a bit of a clean

The breakfast was great. The hotel we’ll never forget. Don’t expect modern standards. This place is as eccentric as anywhere you could find. Just go with it.

Stayed in January 2024

Helga's is definitely a vibe and not your traditional hotel with all the amenities.

Helga's is an adventure! Beautifully painted hotel - I spent hours exploring the paintings, pictures, and news clippings in every corner. Met travelers who came just for dinner and wished they had spent the night -- some thought place seemed "spooky" but I felt completely safe and welcome. Friendly and helpful staff. Large room with comfortable bed.

Stayed in January 2024

The prices are quite high for everything including a bottle of water.

Great place with unique style. The owner is really sweet and despite being old, makes sure to meet all who request. The staff is quite knowledgeable and helpful.

Stayed in December 2023

Food was not great

Quirky!

Stayed in December 2023

The room did feel of another time but in a less positive manner, and amenities aren't really up to date. The room smelled a bit musty as well. But the decor of the common areas is really what is worth the stay

Helga's Folly is truly a unique place! The decor feels like you've stepped in another time. The team at the hotel are fantastic, very helpful and keen to share the rich history of the place and its owner. The breakfast was very good too.

Stayed in November 2023

The plugs 🔌 obviously were from the 50s and only one would work , the room was a bit smelly. Although you pay about 100 bucks , breakfast is not included :(

Very special place , enjoyed the decoration and the spooky atmosphere. The staff was extremely kind and helpful :)

Stayed in November 2023

Helga's Folly does not fit the standard Hotel expectations. It far exceeds them in character and authenticity. This is, as the title says, an Anti-Hotel. You are walking into a museum not a Holiday Inn. A stay here is an experience unlike any other. Though it welcomes everybody, it is only those whose eyes twinkle at the eclectic that will be truly gratified. Come with an open mind and heart and you will be rewarded aplenty.

Stayed in September 2023

Rooms not great - esp bathroom.

A must visit for atmosphere and artwork. Breakfast great

Stayed in September 2023

Very unusual place. The room was amazing and the staff very friendly. A great experience.

Stayed in August 2023

I loved everything

Amazing experience, the decor was stunning and so many details every where, absolutely an experience I will always remember. I will be back .

Stayed in August 2023