Sielen Diva Hotel in Unawatuna

I booked a cancelable room and they charged money on my card the very next day although the booking was 2 months away. Upon confronting the property, they blocked me across all channels and barred me from entering. Extremely unprofessional and rowdy staff. They claim to be family owned but are just a bunch of unprofessional, dishonest people.

After spending more than five weeks travelling Sri Lanka, this was easily the worst accommodation I encountered. Sri Lanka has been extraordinary — generous, warm, and genuinely welcoming — which makes this property stand out for all the wrong reasons. From early on, there was a clear sense of judgement and discomfort that made both myself and the registered guest (my associate) feel unwelcome. What disturbed me most was the treatment of my associate, who is Sri Lankan. Background conversations in the local language (not directed at us, but clearly about the situation) created the impression that assumptions were being made. The tone felt condescending and left him feeling diminished simply for being local. That kind of subtle discrimination is unacceptable. As a solo traveller, I enjoy meeting people and being social. However, business is business, and nothing about my behaviour or stay was inappropriate. Despite this, I was made to feel scrutinised and judged, even as though I were being viewed as soliciting — an absurd and offensive implication. I want to be fair: the daily manager was genuinely professional, polite, and respectful. Unfortunately, that was not reflected across the wider experience. Other issues included: Unreliable Wi-Fi with frequent outages Ice ordered at 9pm, delivered at midnight Poor-quality, tasteless food Visible termite damage Cheap, uncomfortable furniture Poorly chosen décor No bar fridge Younger staff who appeared overworked and undervalued The property has an oppressive, negative energy. It felt more like a prison than a place of rest. I was relieved to leave early. I attempted to cancel before arrival due to a bad feeling, but the request was denied. That instinct proved right. Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it is a shame that this place stained an otherwise remarkable journey. At least the views of the beach are goodx