Buckingham Place

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.

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.

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