Avis Shikara Beach Resort

Firstly no hotel sign board, it was on the floor outside in pieces so it was hard to find the hotel. Check in experience dreadful, unkempt disinterested staff, untidy reception. We paid extra for a deluxe ocean view room. There are no ocean view rooms at this hotel since all rooms face South! Room not bad, slight uriine smell and some cobwebs. The wi-fi was virtually non existent, had to resort to 4G. Banging windows from outside the room all night (we latched them all the next morning since the staff obviously didn’t care). Breakfast very poor, breakfast room very untidy. There is no restaurant or bar at the hotel. The grounds were a disgrace and the pool full of leaves. The staff are a lazy bunch who do not seem interested in working or customer needs. Beach, shops and restaurants close by are about the only redeeming features of the hotel’s location. We left one night early (stayed 2 nights, paid for 3). We felt happy walking away rather than waste another night of our holiday. A pretty shocking experience overall.

The resort is on the river side of the main street, but only 200 metres from the ocean beach. Fine restaurants are in walking distance. There is a beautiful garden with two large swimming pools. Rooms are very clean, nicely and modern furnished. Wifi and TV are excellent. The bathroom is in good style and contains everything necessary. Staff was very helpful with information and support (eg for scooty rental). Breakfast was delivered to the room (as there were only a few guests in the resort due to low season). Quality of breakfast buffet could not be judged as it was not operational. For coffee lovers: They have a good machine and serve good coffee if desired. We would certainly stay there again.