Helgasfolly Anti Hotel Residence

we got the Day Package to spend the day at Helga's and this includes welcome drink, use of pool, garden and all the spectacular public rooms, and a delicious lunch. then we watched the film, Elephant Walk, in the cinema with a pot of tea before a final dip in the pool. it was a beautiful day - Helga's place is incredibly special, full of life, love, art and whimsy. i spent lots of time wandering around taking in the epic story of this wonderful home which covers every inch of space. there is nothing else like it in the world. thank you so much to Helga and your lovely team.

My husband and I booked a room at Helga’s and during our stay I regretted it. I regretted it because we were only there for one night. In my years of traveling, I have never ever been in a hotel like this, but I guess that is the reason why they firmly state they are an anti-hotel. Every part of Helga’s had something interesting to see. From family photos and artifacts to quirky antiques and art, it can be a bit of a sensory overload and that’s the beauty of it. So the WiFi was not that great and there weren’t a lot of electrical outlets in our room, but that is what I thought was so lovely about it. It felt like the sort of place where I could just tune out the noise of the world and escape. For the basics: the staff are super professional and helpful, the rooms are clean and tidy, and they are a close walk to the Kandy Lake - which is great for an evening stroll. I would have liked to stay longer and found a spot in the house to read a book or write during the day and then a few nights of cocktails outdoors in the garden or watch a movie in their cinema room, so I know we will definitely return when we come back to visit Kandy and certainly for more than one night. If you want a hotel with fancy soaps and toiletries, super fast internet, and big screen TVs with room service, this is not for you. BUT - if you want to get away from the noise and relax, do something creative or just be in a fascinating environment like you’ve never been in, then this is definitely for you.

this is not a Hilton five star experience and for those who want a pizza delivered to their room at midnight. It is old worldly but immensely charming.It is for someone with an artistic eye and interest in history as well as a desire to have an insight into a Sri Lanka of a by-gone era. Helga’s Folly is an incredible experience. The decor is unusual and eccentric. The stereophonics passed by and decided to dedicate a track to Helga. We were lucky enough to meet the Chatelaine, Helga, herself whose more stunning Cruella de Ville outward appearance , masks a warm and generous hostess. she is the biggest draw and the history of the house and the people that have passed through… Her daughter in law was the incredible Izzy Blow, who discovered Alexander McQueen, so why wouldn’t you expect style here? Her staff are family retainers and professional hoteliers who make you feel as though you are actually staying with the family. This stay was truly the highlight of our three week stay in Sri Lanka. We felt part of a movie , having excellent breakfast with porcelains and beautiful silver ! The food is great btw!! And yes, the bathrooms need a little renovation maybe ☺️Thank you all!!❤️

Helga's is so fascinating full of character and history. Helga herself is absolutely charming and entertaining. Helga makes no pretensions to being a six star hotel and she warns everyone who looks at the hotel's website that it's not. I can't believe the comments recently about the hotel being dirty, yes it is a little dusty in places but not dirty. We have stayed many times and have never seen signs of blood on the sheets we have noticed some small rust type marks which are bound to appear in such a humid atmosphere. Goodness me people will complain about the masses of candle wax around the candelabra! This a collection of wax which has been deliberately left to make a more fairytale setting. If you want a Holiday Inn experience then don't go to Helga's but if you want a genuine historical experience and delicious food and company Helga's is for you. Every time we visit there is something new to experience.

Reading previous reviews we were looking forward to our stay in this unique ‘boutique’ hotel. We had two nights booked - during the Kandy festival week so was expecting the hotel to be busy with lots of atmosphere. On arrival the outside looked tired and run down albeit the artwork was quirky and fun, and there was no one in sight! The two staff who greeted us were very warm and welcoming and helpful when we discussed arranging a tuktuk to travel to the festival that evening. (It’s a very long walk down a very steep hill) As we were shown to our room it became apparent that the hotel was empty (many empty rooms with open doors/ mattresses leaning against walls- and confirmed there were only 3 rooms booked that night), very run down and not clean in places. The numerous corridors and nooks were full of the weird and wonderful, pieces of artwork, furniture set up’s and displays and unique decor. And it was lovely to read about the fascinating Helga’s life. Unfortunately this fantasy journey changed when we reached our room (12a) as we noticed the sheets were dirty, blood stains on the pillows, a foot mark on the cover and stains on the sheets. There was no hand soap or soap at all in the bathroom. The grout in the shower was black and it smelt as if it had just been run but not cleaned as there was still water on the tiles. The musty smell throughout the building was not pleasant and when asked to see the rooftop pool, we were greeted by a dirty pool, overgrown surroundings, broken seating …. Sadly I could go on. At a price of $130 per night we decided that we were leaving! This hotel can be viewed as a museum tour, now that I would pay the $6 for as it is facilitating… but unfortunately will not be recommending it as a ‘Boutique’ hotel to stay in.

We hadn’t booked to stay, but if we visit kandy again definitely would next time. Visited for evening cocktail and supper - a magical experience from start to finish. Extraordinary building with every spare inch uniquely decorated, filled with interesting pictures and artefacts. We also met Helga’s daughter Selina who was visiting for a few weeks, and treated us like long lost friends. Lots of tales, a personal touch sharing of stories. Supper (Mustard Chicken and Chicken Biriani) was also delicious, topped and tailed by a gorgeous spicey coconut soup, and some sort of spiced chocolate/icecream desert. The chef then returned us to our hotel in his tuktuk (As the one booked had given up waiting while we were lapping up the last of the wine…). Highly recommended if you like quirky, warm and interesting places and people.