As our first destination in Sri Lanka, we wanted to start the trip on the right foot, so we spent quite some time choosing our accommodation. For three nights, we stayed at Lion Gate Hotel, a cozy property located along Sigiriya Road and just a short distance from the area's main attractions.
Thankfully, our choice paid off. Between the comfortable room, friendly staff, and convenient location, Lion Gate Hotel ended up being one of my favorite stays in Sri Lanka. If you're wondering whether it's worth booking for your own trip to Sigiriya, keep reading as I share our experience.
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Lion Gate Hotel Location in Sigiriya:
Sitting quietly along Sigiriya Road, Lion Gate Hotel enjoys a convenient location for travelers exploring Sigiriya and the surrounding Cultural Triangle. While it is not located right in the heart of the tourist area, it is close enough to major attractions such as Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock, making it an excellent base for sightseeing.
Several cafés, local restaurants, small retail stores, a bakery, and even laundry shops are within walking distance of the hotel. For places located closer to the main town, a short tuk-tuk ride is all it takes.
Some location highlights include:
- ~5–10 minutes to Sigiriya Rock (by tuk-tuk)
- Easy access to Pidurangala Rock
- Nearby local restaurants and cafés
- Easy access to tuk-tuks and tours
During our stay, our favorite nearby spots were Brunch & Beans (which we ended up visiting twice!), Moat's Café and Sigiri Reserve Restaurant. All three were within walking distance of the hotel, making them great options for breakfast, coffee breaks, or dinner after a day of exploring.
Lion Gate Hotel Room:
For our stay, we booked a Deluxe Double Room with a small private patio.
The room was spacious, clean, and surprisingly modern, featuring a comfortable four-poster bed, air conditioning, complimentary bottled water, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a small seating area.
One of my favorite features was the private patio overlooking the garden. While we spent most of our time exploring Sigiriya, the quiet outdoor space was relaxing, especially in the morning after our sunrise hikes. It was also nice in the evening, but since the mosquitoes loved me, I couldn't stay longer.
The bathroom was equally spacious, with a walk-in shower and good water pressure. Overall, the room had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Facilities of Lion Gate Hotel in Sigiriya:
Despite being a modest 3-star property, Lion Gate Hotel offers all the essential facilities needed for a comfortable stay in Sigiriya. The hotel features a lush garden, an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, a patio area, and an all-day dining restaurant conveniently located beside the pool.
Outdoor Swimming Pool & Restaurant
While the swimming pool doesn't come with the iconic Sigiriya Rock backdrop that you usually see in Instagram, I genuinely enjoyed spending time here.
During our stay, guests seemed to naturally take turns using the outdoor pool, so it never felt overcrowded or noisy. Most of us would use the pool in the late afternoon or around sunset to unwind after our adventurous activities within the Cultural Triangle.
Adjacent to the swimming pool is the hotel's restaurant, which serves meals throughout the day. This is where we take the complimentary breakfast in the morning and even a few dinners in the evening.
One thing we particularly appreciated was the personal touch. Rather than simply serving the food and disappearing into the kitchen, the chef would often come out to greet guests and ask if everything was to our liking. It's a small detail, but one that made the experience feel more personal than what you'd typically find in larger hotels.
Daily Breakfast Included
During our stay at Lion Gate Hotel, breakfast is already included in the room rate.
While it was not a buffet breakfast, breakfast here is served individually. Each morning, we were treated to fresh fruits, bread, eggs, and a local Sri Lankan dish that changed daily. I forgot the names of all the dishes we tried (sorry!), but the variety and the thought felt a bit special to me.
What I particularly liked was that the portions were approachable. Instead of being overwhelmed by an entire buffet of unfamiliar food, we were given just enough to sample different Sri Lankan flavors each morning. As someone who is a picky eater, doesn't eat vegetables, and has a sensitive stomach, this setup was perfect for me.
Hotel Cost: What You Can Expect
We booked Lion Gate Hotel through Booking.com and paid USD 168 (AED 617 / approximately LKR 56,000++) for our 3-night stay in Sigiriya.
Unlike some accommodations that require full prepayment, we settled the bill directly at the hotel upon check-out using a credit card and paid in local currency (LKR).
While Lion Gate isn't a luxury resort, we felt it offered good value for money.
Who Is This Hotel For?
Most of the guests we saw during our stay were couples, but Lion Gate Hotel is by no means an adults-only property. Its spacious rooms, peaceful surroundings, and convenient location make it a suitable option for a variety of travelers, including:
- Couples looking for a quiet base to explore Sigiriya and the surrounding Cultural Triangle.
- Solo travelers who want a comfortable stay without splurging.
- Families seeking spacious accommodations and a swimming pool to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
- Groups of friends who prefer staying close together, as the hotel rooms are located in the main building.
Overall Experience at the Lion Gate Hotel in Sigiriya:
While our stay at the Lion Gate Hotel in Sigiriya was quite short, we felt at home and always taken care of. It was perfect for a laid-back stay with a good balance of comfort, location, and value for money.
If you're looking for an affordable and comfortable hotel near Sigiriya Rock, Lion Gate Hotel is a solid choice. While it may not offer luxury resort facilities, it provides a convenient base for exploring Sigiriya, Pidurangala Rock, and the surrounding Cultural Triangle.
