Buckingham Place

We had a lovely stay at Buckingham Place, Nick and his team do a great job of making everyone feel at home and create a super relaxed atmosphere. The view over the ocean from the pool is so pretty and you can easily access the beach for a walk. The food is very good quality and the restaurant is a delight to eat and relax in. Rooms are very big and the outdoor bathroom was a nice addition, we didn't have anything other than the odd gheko joining us there. Lots of wildlife to watch outside the rooms with a nice secluded veranda in the lovely gardens. The hotel is located very close to the turtle sanctuary, we enjoyed a couple of hrs watching a turtle lay eggs and covering them up. We would recommend for a relaxing beach trip.

If you are looking for a hotel where you feel that you ‘fit in', where you are instantly made to feel 'at home' and where your every need can be catered for...look no further than Buckingham Place. It sounds like a bit of a cliché, but this place really is a home from home. The rooms are spacious, the beds large and comfortable, air conditioning excellent (and quiet), the gardens are quite extensive, well maintained and home to various interesting birds and animals all of whom seem to quire enjoy being photographed. The pool is also well maintained, the surrounding area is a wonderful place gather and make new friends. There is a swim-up bar in the shallows, and they are always happy to make cocktails to your specification as required. The breakfast, lunch and evening meal menus offer a wide variety of cuisine styles, and, in the unlikely event, you don't see something you fancy, the chefs will happily cater for your needs. The hotel is located within the Rekawa village, and if you take a late afternoon walk (when the day is a little cooler) you will be able to observe village life where people are often happy to chat and to direct you to points of interest. The hotel provides bicycles (free), so you can venture further afield if you wish. As a base for excursions, Marissa for whale watching is close by, as is the local turtle watch, Yala safari park is also easy to get to and Galle is great for sightseeing and shopping. The hotel manager, Kalpa, and his team will be happy to advise you and arrange for transport. The evenings are always fun at BP, the restaurant transforms, it has an enticing, sophisticated atmosphere where you can dress up or down, enjoy a quiet table for two or, as quite often happens, join with other guests to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Nick Buckingham (the owner) is always around to ensure that any celebration becomes an ‘occasion’ whether you are a first-time guest or a ‘returner’ like us. Finally, a word about the staff, the service at this hotel is first class, every single member of the team at BP work hard to ensure guests have everything they need, and they always do so with the warmest smiles. And, if any maintenance issues do arise Chamadu and his housekeeping team work quietly and efficiently to address them. By the way, there are also a couple of canine members of the team (Bella & Gracie), both are very used to meeting new people and will let you pat them - when they feel like it! We have, of course, booked for next year.

Well this small hotel has a lot of magic to enjoy. We are one of the very many 'returners' to this warm and friendly hotel. The staff are a real delight and really go the extra mile to make sure all works well with your stay, as does the owner Nick who is ever present - and he enjoys a good chat whilst hosting the very 'house party' feel. The rooms are deliciously spacious all with nice views over the lake. Each room is nicely equipped with comfortable beds, good linen, a TV, little fridge with a few goodies to welcome you and wonderful bathrooms. Early morning tea can be ordered to deliver to your room. There are a mix of guests - with all ages loving this place. I think there is restriction on young children under 12. It is a place to come and chill and truly relax, perhaps have a stroll on the beach, sit and watch the birds and occasional monkey, mongoose or lizard, but especially I adore the pool which is about 24 metres long and a place where people chill and relax. The breakfasts are superb and there are lots of good snacks that can be ordered throughout the day and then a wonderful evening in the dining room is not to be missed. The food is interesting and the team work hard to develop new dishes - but there are many great favourites as far as I am concerned. The bar is a great place to meet before supper to meet other guests and have a good chat. If you don't want to be sociable it is easy to relax too. There is a simple but good Spa and there are nice walks around the local area.

Gloriously quirky with imaginative use of vivid colours. No grey or beige in sight. Immaculately clean with excellent service and easy going friendly atmosphere. The man himself, Nick Buckingham, is a most interesting character and engages individually with all his guests. The breakfast is "bottomless" and the cuisine is very satisfying classy with a varying menu. All in US$ and definitely not overpriced. Relax and enjoy the lovely pool and the surrounds. The bar is small but with quality beer, wine and cocktails. This is the perfect base to visit the Lagoon Bird Sanctuary. Go early in the morning and enjoy the glorious sunrise. Right in front of the hotel you may time it right to watch turtles coming ashore to lay eggs on the beach. Our second visit to BP and equally pleasant both times. My wife Rani inadvertently blended in with the decor on our first day there.

This was our 4th visit to the incomparable Mr Nick's () amazing hotel, each time we have stayed for longer, this time for 2 solid weeks. As soon as we recognised the familiar surroundings we were back in our happy place. Familiar faces amongst the amazing team were warmly greeted and we settled in. The food choices, quality and service were, as ever, excellent. The dinner menu has changed since our last visit, giving more options for those staying for longer than the 5 day menu rotation. We have our menu favourites and to be able to choose these on multiple occasions made us happy. As always all food is fresh, well cooked and presented, having pre-dinner nibbles and drinks in the bar talking to other guests was nice. Both pools are immaculate, bed chairs and towels are clean and comfortable. The evening frog and toad journey through the pool, restaurant and bar kept me entertained. The rooms, we stayed in 2 due to availability, were cleaned daily, large and perfectly adequate, if you need anything just ask! There are plenty of places to walk to see the wonderful wildlife that Sri Lanka has to offer, do ask Kalpa to arrange a visit to the Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary next door, or Kalamatiya bird sanctuary both are great value. There's a reason that people return, we met several that have whilst we were there, and it's the familiarity and comfortable atmosphere that Nick has created. It's our happy place...make it yours!

What a beautiful hotel. The owner Nick is very welcoming and the entire are all fabulous! They are all very attentive and helpful. As a beauty therapist and ex massage therapist, I had the 1.5hour Aryuvedic Massage and it was the best massage I have ever had! Thank you. Even after falling ill for one day I still enjoyed my stay and was well looked after. As an Aussie, I definitely value the beach and what a beach/coast Nick's hotel sits on! A little added bonus are Nick's dogs. Bella joined us on our morning walk. Thank you all, hopefully see you again