Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Misuki Plaza Hotel, Wattala, Sri Lanka!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Misuki Plaza Hotel, Wattala, Sri Lanka! - A Review That's Actually Honest (and Probably Rambles)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the shimmering waters of Misuki Plaza Hotel in Wattala, Sri Lanka. Forget those sterile, perfectly polished reviews you usually read. This is the real deal, warts and all, because, let's be honest, even "luxury" hotels have their quirks. And boy, did Misuki Plaza have some… in a good way, mostly!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But They Try!)
Okay, let's get the practical stuff out of the way first because, you know, adulting. Accessibility is a big deal, and honestly, Misuki Plaza is trying. They have facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic, and thankfully an elevator to get you to the upper floors. The car park [on-site] is a godsend in a city like Wattala, and the car park [free of charge] is always a bonus. But, just like my attempts at yoga, it's not perfect. I'd recommend confirming specific needs before booking – I'm talking width of doorways, etc. – just to be on the safe side. They definitely aren't perfect, but the effort is there, and that counts for a lot, right?
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Except… Maybe The Roaches?!)
This is where Misuki Plaza shines. Seriously, they're serious about cleanliness. The anti-viral cleaning products are a godsend, especially after a long flight. They have daily disinfection in common areas, and I spotted the staff diligently and enthusiastically applying these daily. The implementation of physical distancing of at least 1 meter felt comfortable. Seeing the staff trained in safety protocol helped me feel secure that their commitment to keep us safe! Rooms sanitized between stays, plus the availability of room sanitization opt-out, allows for a personalized experience. They had individually-wrapped food options and a safe dining setup, although I did spot a rogue roach scuttling across the floor in the breakfast buffet. Don't tell anyone I said that! But hey, it's Sri Lanka. You can't expect perfection. They also had a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit, always a plus. They use professional-grade sanitizing services, which is good. The availability of hand sanitizer throughout the hotel was excellent. Cashless payment service is a win, but it’s a bit scary that the exterior corridor is so prominent!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Eat (and Drink) Your Way Through Wattala!
Okay, food. My Kryptonite. Misuki Plaza does NOT disappoint. Forget your diet, pack your stretchy pants. The Asian breakfast was a delightful explosion of flavors. The Asian cuisine in restaurant will have you wanting more, especially if you're like me, and want to eat all the time! They offer breakfast [buffet] – a massive buffet, bursting with options, from Western to Asian and everything in between. The coffee/tea in restaurant is on point. The restaurants themselves are varied and well-appointed. The poolside bar is perfect for a sunset cocktail – although the drink prices are a bit steep (welcome to hotel life!). There's a snack bar, and room service [24-hour], which is a godsend after a long day of exploring. As food safety lovers, they have a sanitized kitchen and tableware items which are awesome! The vegetarian restaurant is an amazing plus, they have it all here! The delicious desserts in restaurant will have you wanting more, even if your diet says otherwise!
And then there's the service. I was sitting at the bar, and the waiter… bless his heart… kept calling me "sir" even though I'm clearly a lady (he eventually gave up and just called me "mate," which, honestly, I preferred). But the food was great, the ambiance was perfect – the little quirks just add to the charm! As a final detail, the bottle of water is a nice touch.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pamper Yourself… Or Just Nap By The Pool.
Okay, this is where Misuki Plaza really flexes its muscles. Ways to relax and de-stress? You got it! There's a beautiful swimming pool [outdoor], and a stunning pool with view! I swear, I spent half my trip just floating around, trying not to think about my impending return to reality. There's a fitness center (I briefly considered going, then ordered another cocktail). The spa/sauna is where it's at. Seriously. I got a massage that nearly melted my face off (in a good way). They offer a whole range of treatments, including a decadent body wrap and body scrub, which are worth every penny. A steamroom and sauna are also available, so you can work up a sweat before the massage, or you can take a break by the foot bath.
Rooms: Where You'll Actually Sleep (Eventually)
The rooms. Okay, let's be brutally honest – they're luxurious. Like, seriously luxurious. I had an air conditioning and blackout curtains, which is essential for beating the Sri Lankan heat. The bed was so comfy, I could have cried. Okay, I did cry. Partly from exhaustion, partly from the sheer bliss of it all. The rooms have a bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries – the little things that make a stay feel truly special. They have a seating area, desk, luggage storage, mirror, safe box, and dressing table with mirror. The mini bar is stocked, but the prices are, naturally, inflated. Having free bottled water and a coffee/tea maker is a blessing. There's even a complimentary tea! The satellite/cable channels offer a wide range of content. Internet access – wireless is available, and they even have a Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms.
Now, the real story…The window that opens is a tiny little thing, which provides a welcome breeze, but the smoke detector might give you the wrong impression of safety. I loved my soundproofing room, and was not disturbed by any sounds, thanks to the soundproof rooms. Some rooms offer interconnecting room(s) available, non-smoking, and are on a high floor, so remember to book accordingly for your preferences!
Internet: Because We Can't Actually Unplug, Can We?
Yes! They've got Internet access, and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's a big win. I mean, let's be real – we all need to post those holiday snaps, right? They also have Internet [LAN] for those who like to work without WiFi.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Misuki Plaza offers a LOT of services. Daily housekeeping is impeccable, and there's laundry service and dry cleaning if you need to freshen up. They have a concierge ready to assist, currency exchange, and even a gift/souvenir shop for last-minute presents (or self-indulgent purchases, like me!). There are meeting/banquet facilities, and if you're hosting a special event, they can help with that too, they have audio-visual equipment for special events. The front desk [24-hour] is super helpful. The car park [free of charge] is a huge plus, and they have a taxi service if you're headed somewhere. And… they even have an invoice provided! The convenience of a convenience store is amazing!
For the Kids: A Family-Friendly Haven (With a Bit of Caution)
The hotel is family/child friendly and has a babysitting service so you don't have to fret over your children. With the kids facilities, parents will feel at ease, as well.
Getting Around: Navigating Wattala and Beyond
The airport transfer service is a lifesaver. Traffic in Colombo is a nightmare. They also have car park [free of charge], taxi service and valet parking.
Overall Vibe: Luxury, with a Sprinkle of Sri Lankan Charm
Misuki Plaza is luxurious, no doubt about it. But it’s also… well, it’s a bit human. There are imperfections, a genuine Sri Lankan attitude (sometimes delightfully haphazard), and a warm welcome. It's not a sterile, cookie-cutter experience. It's a place where you can relax, be pampered, and feel genuinely welcome. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold (or at least, the cost of a delicious cocktail by the pool).
Final Verdict: Go. Just Go.
My score: 4.5 out of 5 stars (minus half a star for the rogue ro
Escape to Paradise: Marrakech's Most Luxurious Riad Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your cookie-cutter travel itinerary. This is a descent into the glorious, messy, delightful reality of my stay at the Misuki Plaza Hotel in Wattala, Sri Lanka. Prepare for a few unexpected detours, a healthy dose of opinion, and the occasional existential crisis triggered by a particularly potent cup of Ceylon tea.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Banana Leaf Debacle
- Afternoon (ish): Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). The immigration line? Oh, it's a joy, a masterclass in patience. Finally, freedom! Immediately, I'm accosted by a swarm of eager tuk-tuk drivers, each promising me the ride of my life. I succumb to the pleas of a guy with a particularly charming smile and a tuk-tuk promising "AC and good music". We'll see about that.
- Late Afternoon: Arrive at the Misuki Plaza Hotel. The lobby is… well, let's call it "functional." The air conditioning is struggling, and there's a vaguely floral scent that I can't quite place. Check-in, which takes longer than anticipated because the system appears to involve carrier pigeons and paper forms.
- Evening: Head up to the room. It's clean enough, but the window is grimy, and the view is of… yeah, another building. Classic! Decide to order some room service. The menu is a fascinating mix of Sri Lankan and "international" cuisine (spaghetti, anyone?). I opt for the Sri Lankan fish curry, mostly out of some weird sense of obligation.
- Night: The fish curry? Let's just say there was a bit of a banana leaf incident. The waiter brings it on a real banana leaf, which I, in my utter cluelessness, mistake for a plate. I start stabbing at the curry, then, in a horrifying moment, find myself wrestling with a slimy, slippery leaf. Cue the internal screaming. It was a disaster of epic proportions, but honestly? Hilarious. I learned a valuable lesson: always clarify what's edible before you attack your food. Afterwards, walk down to the lobby. The lobby's vibe? The air is thick with humidity and the low hums of conversations.
Day 2: Colombo Chaos and the Tea Epiphany
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is a valiant effort, but the coffee tastes like burnt rubber. (Side note: I love coffee, I need coffee). I try the string hoppers. They're… interesting. Decide to skip the pastries. Fuelled by lukewarm tea, I venture forth into Colombo.
- Mid-Morning: Hire a tuk-tuk (this time negotiating aggressively) to take me to a few key sights: The Galle Face Green, the Independence Square, and the bustling Pettah Market. Colombo is a sensory OVERLOAD. The traffic is a symphony of horns and the aroma of spices is thick. I'm constantly dodging rogue tuk-tuks and street vendors. It's chaotic, exhausting, and absolutely thrilling.
- Lunch: Grab some kottu roti from a street vendor. Spicy, greasy, and utterly divine. My stomach, which is a finely tuned instrument, is starting to appreciate the nuances of Sri Lankan cuisine.
- Afternoon: Back to the hotel for a much-needed shower and a nap. The humidity has reduced me to a sweaty, rumpled mess.
- Late Afternoon: Tea time! I stumble upon a tiny tea shop near the hotel, and the owner, a kind older gentleman with a twinkle in his eye, gives me a crash course in Ceylon tea. He brews me a cup of black tea, and bam. The world shifts. It's not just a drink; it's an experience! The clarity! The flavor! It's like a tiny little zen meditation. I get a whole box of tea leaves to take home.
- Night: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The fish curry has redeemed itself. The hotel's restaurant is slightly better now. I spend an hour people-watching. My brain starts reeling from the amount of interactions with local people. It's almost impossible to keep up!
Day 3: Waterfalls and a Questionable Massage
- Morning: I decide I want to see some waterfalls. Since the hotel doesn't organize excursions, I take another tuk-tuk to find an affordable tour service. After talking with the tour guide, I decide to go to Ramboda Falls.
- Mid-Morning: We drive along the road passing through vibrant landscapes. The mountains are beautiful, and as we get closer to the falls, the humidity gets better.
- Afternoon: The views are phenomenal. I get a few great pics.
- Late Afternoon: Back at the hotel, I treat myself to a massage. The masseuse, bless her heart, has hands of steel. The massage is intense, to put it mildly. I'm pretty sure my muscles have contracted into a tiny, tightly wound ball of agony.
- Night: Take a walk down the streets. The food stalls are busy now. Pick up another serving of kottu roti.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Scent of Adventure
- Morning: Final breakfast at the hotel. Try the pastries. They are as dry as sandpaper. Pack my bags. Say goodbye to the hotel staff and the floral scent (which I'm starting to weirdly miss).
- Mid-Morning: Tuk-tuk to the airport. The journey back to the airport is a reflection of my adventure.
- Afternoon: Board my flight. As the plane takes off, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness. It wasn't perfect, far from it. There were moments of frustration, confusion, and the aforementioned banana leaf disaster. But it was real. It was messy. It was alive. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
- Night: Arrive home, slightly sunburnt, slightly caffeinated, and with a suitcase full of tea and memories. I will definitely return to Sri Lanka. I can't wait to come back.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Okay, So... About the Misuki Plaza Hotel... Ask Me Anything! (Seriously)
Is it *really* luxurious? Like, seriously? 'Cause "luxury" gets thrown around these days...
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" is a minefield. Misuki Plaza? It *tries*. The lobby is, I'll admit, *wow*. Marble, chandeliers… the whole nine yards. It's the kind of place where you feel slightly underdressed in your travel-worn jeans and t-shirt. (Guilty!) But… that initial dazzle? It wears off, you know? Like a bad spray tan.
The rooms themselves? Decent. Clean, spacious, comfy bed. But… the devil's in the details. That's where things get a *tad*… dicey. The towels, bless their hearts, felt like they'd been through a war and were perpetually damp. And the coffee machine in my room? Let's just say it took a degree in engineering just to get a lukewarm, slightly metallic-tasting cup of joe. Luxury? More like… *aspiring* luxury. You get the *idea*, though, right?
What's the food like? Because let's be honest, I'm all about the food.
Oh, the food. A rollercoaster. Breakfast buffet? A glorious, chaotic explosion of options! Waffles! String hoppers! Curry! Fruit that actually tasted like fruit! I was in heaven. For about an hour. Then, reality set in. The scrambled eggs were… well, let's say they resembled a slightly rubbery yellow blob. They lacked, shall we say, *panache*.
Dinner in the main restaurant? Mixed bag. One night, I had the most incredible deviled prawns – perfectly spiced, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Another night? A rather… sad attempt at a steak. It tasted like shoe leather. Seriously, I think my teeth were still sore the next day. So, the food? Hit or miss. Bring your adventurous spirit (and maybe a spare pair of dentures).
How's the service? Are the staff friendly?
Okay, this is where things get… complicated. The staff are, on the whole, *extremely* friendly. Smiling faces, helpful gestures… genuine attempts to please. And I really, *really* appreciated that. They're genuinely lovely people.
BUT… (big but!)… sometimes, things got lost in translation. My laundry? Took two days and a series of increasingly frantic phone calls to locate. One evening, I ordered a bottle of wine, and it took them about an hour to find a bottle. (Seriously, I’d almost built a sandcastle out of the salt sachets by the time it arrived!) So, friendly? Absolutely. Efficient? …Ehhh, let’s just say they’re working on it.
What kind of amenities are there? The gym? The pool? Spa treatments? I need to know!
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get… slightly underwhelming. The gym? Tiny. Really, *really* tiny. Like, you could probably bench-press the whole thing with a little effort. The equipment looked a bit tired, and I'm pretty sure I saw some dust bunnies the size of hamsters lurking in the corners. I chickened out, if I'm honest.
The pool? Pretty. Nice view. But… and it's a big "but"… it's a bit… *crowded*. I'm talking, shoulder-to-shoulder with shrieking children and people hogging the sun loungers like it was some kind of Olympic sport. I tried to get in once, but after being splashed by a rogue inflatable shark, I retreated.
And the spa? Yes, there's a spa. Prices are astronomical—a full body massage costing more than my flight! I really wanted one, but my credit card's heart started palpitating just thinking about it. So, yeah... amenities? They're there… kinda… but manage your expectations.
What's the location like? Is it convenient?
Wattala, huh? Okay, so… it's not exactly in the heart of the action. It's a bit of a drive to the main tourist attractions. You'll definitely need to factor in traffic, which, let me tell you, in Sri Lanka is an art form, filled with horns and questionable lane discipline.
There are some shops and restaurants nearby, but nothing that blew my mind. It's a more… residential-ish area. If you're looking for a quiet base to explore the surrounding areas, it's okay. If you want to be in the thick of it, then… maybe reconsider. I spent a lot of time in tuk-tuks. A LOT.
Okay, so the hotel's not perfect. But would you recommend it overall? Spill the tea!
Ugh, this is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, let's be frank. Misuki Plaza isn't going to win any awards for flawless perfection. It has its flaws. It has its quirks. It has that *slightly* off-kilter charm that makes you scratch your head and go, "Well, that was… something."
But... and this is a big but... it's also got heart. The staff try so hard to please. The location, while not ideal, isn't terrible. And, despite my gripes, I actually *enjoyed* my stay. It was memorable, in a slightly chaotic, sometimes frustrating, always interesting kind of way.
Would I recommend it? If you're looking for a perfectly polished luxury experience, maybe not. But if you're open to a little adventure, if you don't mind a few imperfections, if you appreciate a good curry and a friendly smile… then, yeah. Go for it. Just… lower your expectations a *tiny* bit. And maybe pack your own coffee machine. And definitely download a good map app. You'll thank me later. And tell me about your experience when you're back!
One more thing... tell me about one unforgettable moment. The most Misuki Plaza moment!
Okay, deep breath. So, one night, I'm sitting in the "bar" (which is really just a slightly darkened corner of the lobby) nursing a lukewarm Lion beer. I'm working on my laptop, trying to finish a deadline (aren’t we all?). Suddenly, the lights go out. Full blackout. The entire hotel.
Panic? Slight. Disappointment? Definite. Then, within seconds, a group of the hotel staff, armed with flickering candles, are rushing around, making sure everyone's okay. One of them, a young guy with the most amazing smile, approaches me. He's holding a single, slightly melted candle. He bows. AndHoneymoon Havenst
