The short answer
The Queen's Hotel: what visitors should know first
Choose it for location and history rather than modern polish. You can walk to the temple, lake and market, which suits families who dislike taxis. Ask for a lake-facing room, confirm lift access and check recent reviews, as an older property can feel dated.
History and context
The story behind The Queen's Hotel
The building originated as the Dullawe Walauwa, a royal residence, and became a governor's mansion after the British conquest in 1815. It was used as barracks, a hostel in 1840, and a hotel from the 1840s, and was renamed the Queen's Hotel in 1869. Kandy Hotels Company bought and enlarged it in 1895.
Useful facts
The Queen's Hotel facts at a glance
- Location
- 45 Dalada Veediya, beside Kandy Lake
- Stay style
- British-colonial heritage hotel
- Location trade-off
- Central and walkable, but busy road outside
- Best suited to
- Families and older travellers who want to walk to the sights
- Origins
- Royal residence, later governor's house and hotel
Why it matters
Why The Queen's Hotel is worth your time
The building began as the Dullawe Walauwa, a residence designed for King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha. After the British took over in 1815 it served as the governor's mansion, then barracks, a hostel in 1840 and the Stainton Hotel before being renamed the Queen's Hotel in 1869. In 1895 a hotel company bought and enlarged it.
It remains a recognisable part of Kandy's lake frontage and a symbol of the city's colonial layer, which sits beside the royal and religious ones. A stay here puts you inside that mix of eras and within walking distance of the major sights.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Lake frontage
The hotel faces Kandy Lake and the temple precinct.
- 02
Colonial interiors
The ballroom and bars retain period character.
- 03
Walkable base
Temple, museum, lake and market are all within a short walk.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Book a lake-facing room if you can, and ask the hotel to confirm which floors are served by a lift. The ballroom, lounge bars and the restaurant retain a colonial atmosphere, with high ceilings and verandas.
The hotel's real advantage is its location. You can leave on foot for the temple, the museum, the lake loop and the central market, and return for a rest in the afternoon, which is hard to do from the outer hills. Evenings can be noisy on the road side.
If you are not staying, take a coffee on the terrace for a look at the architecture. Check food options in advance if you follow a strict diet, since the menu mixes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Confirm prices and facilities directly with the hotel.
Plan with confidence
Before you book the room.
- Ask for a lake-facing room
- Confirm lift access
- Book early for July–August
- Check dietary options in advance
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- 45 Dalada Veediya, at the lakeside, central Kandy
- Time needed
- Overnight stay, or a lakeside coffee
- Best time
- Any time; book early for July and August
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Central location on level ground with short walks to the temple and lake, although the traffic outside is heavy. Ask for ground-floor or lift-served rooms. Older buildings can have steps and thick carpets.
- Tickets and access
- Hotel guests only for rooms; non-guests can usually enter the public areas for food and drink. Reserve ahead during the Esala Perahera season.
Best for
Plan it with
Book with confidence
Check rates at The Queen's Hotel
Compare room types, cancellation terms and breakfast before you book. Ask for a ground-floor or lift-access room if anyone finds stairs hard.
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Travelling with parents?
Central location on level ground with short walks to the temple and lake, although the traffic outside is heavy. Ask for ground-floor or lift-served rooms. Older buildings can have steps and thick carpets.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is it close to the temple?
Yes, within a short walk.
Is it vegetarian-friendly?
The kitchen is mixed; ask in advance. For dedicated vegetarian meals see our listed dosa and thali restaurants.
Can non-guests visit?
Public areas are usually open to diners; check on the day.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.