Reviewing the restaurant only, as we did not book accommodation here, but we would have if it was within our budget, and we ate here every single day. As far as I can tell, after a bit of trial and error around the Weligama area, this is the only establishment that knows how to make a goddamn salad. Literally have not had a bad meal, the food is reasonably priced and the menu is pretty vegan friendly. The Sri Lankan breakfast was the best so far, the juices and smoothies are fresh, the beer is cold, the coffee is hot, and the service is great. Lion's Rest has a really good vibe, and somehow for such a small place it never feels crowded. Highly recommended.

Sri Lanka is a place I travel to when I can, to escape the winter gloom and Lion’s Rest is my home away from home. I have explored a lot of the island but this stretch of coast and this exceptional little hotel are my favourite places to be. The village and beach are unspoiled and the only sounds are the jungle and the ocean. I love yoga and started and finished my day with the classes here. Which was just as well, because I needed to work off the amazing curries and fish barbecues on offer. The staff are polite, friendly, helpful and the vibe is relaxed but you feel very well taken care of. My room was clean, the bed super comfortable, with a/c and a great hot shower. I was also happy to see little touches like no plastic water bottles and beach-cleans have become part of policy to protect this beautiful part of our planet. I hope to back. Thank you all at Lion’s Rest for a wonderful stay.

Loved the place. Staff was extra welcoming and super caring. They gave us all the info necessary. Food was great. Location is great too, it’s right in front of a couple great waves for surfing and not far from both Mirissa or weligama. Plenty of activities through the week including yoga, surf lessons, movie nights and local buffet nights! I can totally recommend this place

I came to Lion's Rest with some friends as outside guests for lunch. The staff were really welcoming and smiley. The menu was really varied with lots of choice but not overwhelming. We had the sun-dried tomato pesto pasta, curried seafood pie and the chicken burger. It was all really delicious, well-presented, generous portions and reasonable prices. Will definitely go back to try the other things on the menu! Thank you!

Best place in Sri Lanka. Lucky 10/10 for surf coaching.

Great food and excellent service! The staff are always super friendly too. I really enjoy the atmosphere - family friendly relaxed vibes. Oh, and coconuts beach where it's located is simply stunning! Can't wait to visit again.

This is my fourth time in Sri Lanka but 1st time to stay in the wonderful, safe, family-friendly Lion’s Rest. I discovered the food on a previous trip and came back to stay with my 3 year old this time round. The location is idyllic, the staff are so helpful, friendly and professional (and wonderful with kids) and the room quiet and cool. You can do a wave check or yoga class on the balcony or just chill on a hammock/by the pool. The curry buffet night was the best food on our trip. I couldn’t recommend it more! Oh and they even put on a movie night for the kids on a rainy day! Next chance we get we’ll be back!

Adore this location Right near to Coconuts Beach is a fantastic position. I ate the toastie since I was moderately hungry. There are two toastie options; I chose option 1 (chicken, cheese, and pol sambol), which made me feel like everyone was invited to a party in my mouth. Additionally, a huge serving of salad, skinny fries, and ketchup. To wash it down, I had a really cold Lion beer. highly suggested.

First time we visited Lion`s Rest Hotel was at the begining of 2022 when we came on our holiday. We like the location which is just in front of the ocean when you can watch amazing sunsets. The beach called Coconut Beach. Trully reccomend Lion`s Restaurant, because cousine is yammy. Very welcomed stuff and there is also a big screen TV if you want to see some sports games. There is a fast fiber internet (WiFi) and nice tables if you are looking for place to make internet calls or smth. Btw there is a pool and rest area, surf racks and showers. Very surfer friendly place) This time in December 2022 we visited this place again and would like to reccomend it to everyone. Have a great day and delicious meals friend

What an amazing stay, made memorable by a team of wonderful staff, all at the helm of one of the south coast’s most authentic hotels. The breakfast was exceptional every morning. I tried nearly everything on the menu, although my husband found the Sri Lankan omelette to be so good that he never went without it! Lovely lunch and dinner (vegetarian burger and prawn spaghetti get special mentions) and a great spot to have a beer. The staff have that perfect yet hard to find balance of attentive but not overbearing when it comes to poolside service, and they really do deserve more than five stars. We miss them terribly already!

Sunil and the team at Lion’s Rest were fantastic. Their local knowledge and helpfulness made for an unforgettable stay The beach on the door step and pool were relaxing and the staff helped us arrange several trips out. The food was the best we had in Sri Lanka with rice & curry night and seafood BBQ being stand out. The included breakfast had a variety of local and western options, both were great Cant wait to come back soon!

I came to Lion's Rest with some friends as outside guests for lunch. The staff were really welcoming and smiley. The menu was really varied with lots of choice but not overwhelming. We had the sun-dried tomato pesto pasta, curried seafood pie and the chicken burger.

We stayed 2 weeks with 2 young kids and it was perfect! The family room is large and comfy, the beds are huge, the breakfast is delicious (every single option), the swimming pool is a huge asset for the kids. But most of all the staff is very helpful and nice, the kids loved them! I also liked their eco friendly efforts. No disposable straws, cups, and bottles. They give you a large glass water bottle to fill up for free, and there's a solar water heater. The place around is also great. We loved the grass with the cows in front. It's far from the main road so no traffic noise, good surfing spots nearby, a small rock pool for the kids, lots of restaurants in the village, and in the evenings there's always a nice atmosphere on the beach with music, beer, coconuts, and fire. Highly recommended! We'll be back.

Great food and excellent service! The staff are always super friendly too. I really enjoy the atmosphere - family friendly relaxed vibes. Oh, and coconuts beach where it's located is simply stunning! Can't wait to visit again

Brilliant stay there a few weeks ago. In a great location as it is close to travel. I would stay here again when I'm next visiting. Breakfast was great too with a great choice of food. The rooms have a Brilliant air conditioner and there is very very little noise from the outside. Overall a great stay.

Love this place! A great location next to Coconuts beach. I was medium hungry so I had the toastie. There are two toastie options - I had option 1 - chicken, cheese, pol sambol - it was like there was a party in my mouth...and everyone was invited! Also a very generous portion of skinny fries, salad and ketchup. I had a very cold Lion beer to wash it down. Highly recommend!

First time we visited Lion`s Rest Hotel was at the begining of 2022 when we came on our holiday. We like the location which is just in front of the ocean when you can watch amazing sunsets. The beach called Coconut Beach. Trully reccomend Lion`s Restaurant, because cousine is yammy. Very welcomed stuff and there is also a big screen TV if you want to see some sports games. There is a fast fiber internet (WiFi) and nice tables if you are looking for place to make internet calls or smth. Btw there is a pool and rest area, surf racks and showers. Very surfer friendly place) This time in December 2022 we visited this place again and would like to reccomend it to everyone. Have a great day and delicious meals friends!

Great food and excellent service! The staff are always super friendly too. I really enjoy the atmosphere - family friendly relaxed vibes. Oh, and coconuts beach where it's located is simply stunning! Can't wait to visit again.

Large rooms very friendly and helpful staff, very good food and coffee as well. The owner is very nice. It’s right on the beach near a few good surf spots, very recommended!

I love local Sri Lankan food but sometimes you need a break from rice and curry. I have tried a few other places looking for some decent salads etc but Lion's Rest is the only place that has impressed so far. It is a hotel but the restaurant is open to anyone. The staff are friendly and welcoming and really make sure you have everything you need. Funnily enough they actually did the best take on a Sri Lankan breakfast (Dahl, coconut sambol, coconut roti and string hoppers) I've had so far. Vibe is relaxed but the staff don't miss a beat.

Super service from Sunil, Amila, Holly and the team. We ended up staying by accident and when we walked in asking if there was a room available Sunil was super accommodating and arranged a free upgrade. Motorbikes and surf lessons can be arranged via Lucky. And Holly is always happy to do a yoga class in the evenings. Food was great- especially the South African inspired “bunny chow”. It’s going to be a great hit at Lions!!! A very nice relaxed vibe at Lion’s. We loved it so much we extended our stay.

"Every Day Beautiful" Review of Lion's Rest My Fiancé and I have just returned from a 2021 Christmas and New Year Stay at The Lions Rest Guest House. I want to thank the staff so so much for the most wonderful holiday! We stayed in room 2 with a balcony overlooking the village green and beyond to the stunning warm ocean and surf. Many evenings and mornings spent on the balcony watching the sights, the local lads playing cricket, the incredible sunsets and lets also mention the little group of cows and calfs grazing. All a feast for your eyes, heart and soul! The Lions rest is situated just metres from the beach in the small village of Gurubabila, perfect for the couples and families, Yoga fans and surfers. Mike (The owner) and his team couldn't do enough to make our stay just perfect. Whats special about this place is where its situated along the stunning Sri Lankan South coast. A small community village where you really slot into the lifestyle in your time here, meeting and making great friends with other guests and the lovely locals. Thank you again Mike, We WILL be back! Special thanks to all the staff at the guest house, Sunil for his big welcome smile, laughter and help with everything, such a lovely man! Thanks to the guys behind the bar for the 100's of Drinks you beautifully prepared for us. (yes we racked them up, it was Christmas after all!! ) Come and stay here you will love it! Phil & Nicola